When to Go
Torrey Pines State Beach is open 365 days a year, and it’s worth a visit on any one of them. This is one of the most popular beaches in the San Diego area, so parking spots fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive before 10 am or after 3 pm for the best chance of finding a prime parking spot. For the best beach experience, visit during low tide, when there is more sand between the water and the cliffs. Check the La Jolla area tide calendar prior to your visit.
Know Before You Go
- Parking is available in the South Beach and North Beach lots, where a per-vehicle, day-use fee applies. Torrey Pines Beach can also be reached via hiking trails from the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
- Restrooms are available at the South Beach and North Beach lots. Showers are only at the North Beach Lot.
- The Torrey sandstone bluffs are constantly eroding. Keep a minimum distance of 10 feet away to be safe, as rockslides can occur without notice.
- Due to the sensitive ecological nature of the area, dogs are not permitted at the Torrey Pines State Beach—not even inside vehicles.
Torrey Pines State Beach
One of Southern California’s most wild and scenic stretches of coastline.
Just north of San Diego along the historic Pacific Coastal Highway, Torrey Pines State Beach is a scenic, 4.5-mile stretch of sand popular with swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers. Large sandstone cliffs run along much of the length of the beach with trails leading into the neighboring Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where you can see one of the rarest pine species in the US: the Torrey Pine. Although camping is not permitted at Torrey Pines State Beach, several state campgrounds and private RV parks sit nearby, including San Elijo State Beach.
Just north of San Diego along the historic Pacific Coastal Highway, Torrey Pines State Beach is a scenic, 4.5-mile stretch of sand popular with swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers. Large sandstone cliffs run along much of the length of the beach with trails leading into the neighboring Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where you can see one of the rarest pine species in the US: the Torrey Pine. Although camping is not permitted at Torrey Pines State Beach, several state campgrounds and private RV parks sit nearby, including San Elijo State Beach.
When to Go
Torrey Pines State Beach is open 365 days a year, and it’s worth a visit on any one of them. This is one of the most popular beaches in the San Diego area, so parking spots fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive before 10 am or after 3 pm for the best chance of finding a prime parking spot. For the best beach experience, visit during low tide, when there
Read more...When to Go
Torrey Pines State Beach is open 365 days a year, and it’s worth a visit on any one of them. This is one of the most popular beaches in the San Diego area, so parking spots fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive before 10 am or after 3 pm for the best chance of finding a prime parking spot. For the best beach experience, visit during low tide, when there is more sand between the water and the cliffs. Check the La Jolla area tide calendar prior to your visit.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —