Torrey Pines State Beach and Park
San Diego's best-selling cliffhanger
At Torrey Pines you've got two ways to go. The low road will take you to a popular beach right off the highway, with bathrooms, showers, lifeguards and a safe spot for kids to play by the lagoon. The high road leads to a coastal wilderness of pine forests, sandstone canyons and a network of dirt hiking trails on the bluffs overlooking the sea. Virtually everything in Torrey Pines is protected, from the Penasquitos river valley on the east side of the highway, to the State Park lands on the west, to the Underwater Ecological Reserve offshore. The world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course helps to safeguard the southern end of the bluffs from development, while the rugged cliffs do their part to discourage access (and crowds).
Torrey Pines State Beach runs for three miles between Carmel Valley Road and the Gliderport at Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. The north section where the highway runs adjacent to the beach is the choice for swimming and other traditional activities, while non-traditionalists who prefer to dress down for the beach (nudists), will find the southern section more to their liking. The beach here is well covered by sand, with few exposed rocks, readily passable at all but the highest tides. There is also access from above via two challenging hiking trails - one in the State Park and another beginning at the Gliderport.
Torrey Pines State Park is a 1,750-acre reserve dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree (which grows only here), and other indigenous wildlife in its native environment. It's not your typical beach outing, but certainly a memorable one.
Directions
From INTERSTATE 5 exit Carmel Valley Road west to Torrey Pines Road south (aka Pacific Coast Highway). There are four parking options. The first is the large-capacity lot on the left side of Carmel Valley just before reaching the coast. Option two is the roadside parking along the southbound shoulder of PCH. Options three and four are both within the State Park at the south end of the beach. An entrance fee ($10.00 per vehicle) is collected at the gate which is open from 8 a.m. until sunset daily. The lower, beach level lot is directly beyond the gate, with additional parking around the park headquarters and trailheads at the top end of the road.
Offerings
Torrey Pines State Park and Beach are both administrated by the park system. Bathroom facilities and lifeguard headquarters are found at the north end of the beach near the Penasquitos Lagoon. There are additional facilities at the park entrance and headquarters, with additional lifeguard supervision along the beach in the summer. Guided nature tours are offered in the park on Saturdays and Sundays. For info call: 858-755-2063.
Considerations
Some of the park trails are long and strenuous, others short and easy. Fitness-minded runners love the workout but not all visitors do. Ask the rangers for advice. No alcohol or pets are allowed in the park and food may be consumed only at the beach - not on any trails.
Warning
There is no permanent lifeguard supervision anywhere below the bluffs at Torrey Pines. Lifeguards and park rangers sporadically patrol the beaches, but it is a swim-at-your-own-risk zone and a zone that can be risky indeed, especially toward
Blacks Beach with its notoriously powerful surf and strong currents. The sea cliffs from Torrey Pines State Park southward to Blacks rise precipitously from the beach to heights of 300 feet and have been the site of countless accidents and rescues. The Beach Trail in the State Park, and The Glider Port Trail at the Torrey Pines Flight Park are the ONLY maintained routes (even these are difficult and dangerous); DO NOT attempt to follow any unmarked trails or pioneer new ones.
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