Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
4.5
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7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Although this park is located within San Diego's city limits, it remains one of the wildest landscapes along the Southern California coast, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, elegant Torrey Pine trees and a lagoon vital to many species of migrating birds.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Best nearby
Restaurants
152 within 3 miles
Attractions
88 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,786 reviews
Excellent
2,946
Very good
696
Average
117
Poor
15
Terrible
12
Behrcat
Vancouver, Canada55 contributions
Dec 2022
If someone had not recommended me this hike as a memorable experience while visiting San Diego, I’d never have looked for it. It was a far longer hike than expected, but once there, totally worth the effort. The views from the different vistas were amazing. The Torrey Pines Lodge Museum (nearly at the top) was small but just right in its offerings. They had an educational video playing in a small room that was very interesting and the people working there were friendly and kind. You could tell they enjoy their jobs and that makes the visit even better. There were real washrooms at the base, I’d recommend making good use of them before making the climb. Once up at the top there are portable potties only. There are also two spots along the way where you can drink from a fountain and/or top up your water bottle. That was a blessing!
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary G
Ashland, WI13 contributions
Aug 2021
Torrey Pines has beautiful trails and is very cool. We just had too little time to explore. San Diego area has so much to offer it is hard to get enough time at any one place if you want to see everything. We went on a Saturday and we had plenty of space--it did not feel crowded. If you want views, space, and hiking, this is a good place to go.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
645lisa
San Diego, CA21 contributions
Nov 2022
I love this park and have been to it hundreds of times. The views of the ocean and cliffs are outstanding. Unfortunately, the years of drought have been devastating to the iconic Torrey Pines trees and it pains me to see how many have died. It is particularly wonderful to see in Spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and the beach walk along the cliffs is the most beautiful in the area. They are slow to fix the eroded trails and at $15-$20 a day, the parking is way too expensive unless you have a California Parks Pass.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mynonnie
New Jersey305 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
The trails are easy and the views are amazing. We loved this place and were fortunate enough to have easy access from our hotel as we were staying at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. We did the trails on 2 different days during our stay. Our first time was on Labor Day in the late morning and it was pretty busy. We avoided one of the lookouts because it was too crowded, but it was still a great time. The second time we hiked the trails was on a Thursday in the late afternoon and it was a lot less crowded and really fantastic to have some of the trails to yourself. Probably the most opportune time to hike there would be early morning on a weekday. The trails are nicely maintained and certainly easy enough for beginner hikers.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GNGator
Sarasota, FL154 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Torrey Pines has trails and beach access for the rugged North County beach in San Diego. We wanted to go to Blacks Beach and chose the Torrey Pines trails as best option. There is some free parking along the highway near entrance, but it is always full. It’s worth the $15 parking fee to drive in and park at the upper parking lot, near the beach trail. Lower lot near entrance is too far from trail! We enjoyed the hike down to the beach—-amazing scenery and relatively easy trail with steps and rope rails. Much safer than the dangerous climb down the cliffs near the Gliderport. Once down on beach level it’s a beautiful, unspoiled Pacific beach scene. You can walk south to Blacks Beach, which is clothing optional, but really has few people around. A peaceful, wonderful place to relax!
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Atn619
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Jul 2021
Beware of their paid parking to enter the park. They charged my credit card twice for a total amount of $50 and will not refund me. I tried disputing it with my credit card company. Their response was they "assumed" I paid for the person behind me, but they have NO PROOF! I was by myself in the car! Wouldn't it make sense for me to carpool to avoid the additional $25 fee?! This experience has really made this spot a sour one.
Beware of their parking scam!
Beware of their parking scam!
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NYTravelerBD
Westchester County, NY1,216 contributions
Feb 2020
Our group of 4 adults and 4 children aged 8 and under had a wonderful time at this beautiful seaside park, with the "beach" trail leading to the ocean below. The hike was reasonable for kids of all ages and had a nice pay off, with the kids having a blast in the ocean water at the end. It is also a photogenic spot with gorgeous sea cliffs, and made for a lovely and inexpensive day in the San Diego area.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rick D
Jupiter, FL439 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
$10 entry if you park in the lot, well worth the price for what you get in return. Rather than hike up the hill, we drove to the top and walked the very manageable trails. All were easily done but would recommend sneakers rather than sandals or Birkenstock’s. Saw some people with both and I imagine their dogs were barking after all that walking. We walked down to a flatter trail that led to another fantastic view of the beach.
When the skies are clear like today, you can see all the way down to LaJolla. The exercise is a bonus.
When the skies are clear like today, you can see all the way down to LaJolla. The exercise is a bonus.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daryl H
Eugene, OR112 contributions
Feb 2020
An easy hike in the cliffs of Torrey Pines and along the beach. A little tricky coming down the trail to the beach... just take your time. NIce hike so close to a large city. Be prepared to pay...$20 to park or drive around for awhile until you are lucky to see someone leave along the road.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WiseTravelsUSA
Mahwah, NJ150 contributions
Aug 2019
The drive itself if very scenic so even getting there is fun. There was also lots of parking so no problem parking - you have to pay. There is a mini-museum full of interesting information about the fauna and flora. So it made our hike even more interesting. Both the 11 year old and the 6 year old in the group loved it as did the 4 adults.
There were several trails to follow and they were all well marked and safe. It was a fun and healthy activity for everyone to engage in.
We will be sure to return.
There were several trails to follow and they were all well marked and safe. It was a fun and healthy activity for everyone to engage in.
We will be sure to return.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Keyur D
101 contributions
Hi we want to know more about hiking time. How much time should we spare to visit Torrey Pines and how long the hiking trails are? We have a 7 years old.
Kyle B
6 contributions
With a 7 year old I would pay for the parking at the top of the hill. We were there on a weekday and paid $10 and then we went on a holiday and the fee went up to $20. But if you park in the free parking by the time you hike up to the trails your 7 year old will be exhausted. The interpretive center has some fun hands on exhibits that I would recommend checking out too. Plan for at least a couple of hours to explore.
paulineandgary
Charlotte, NC17 contributions
Where should we ask UBER driver to drop us off if we want to hike?
Minh V
Loudoun County, VA36 contributions
I would ask the Uber to drop off nearby where you enter and pay to park. From there you can hike the trails or just go for a stroll on the beach
Ekh886
Harrington Park, NJ125 contributions
Hi! Is this a nice place to bring a one and a half year old? We have a jogging stroller that has all terrain wheels. Thanks!
Ekh886
Harrington Park, NJ125 contributions
Hi! I wanted to follow up about this post. I ended up going with my husband and daughter - it was beautiful! We lucked out with a parking spot at the top and did the Razor Point Trail then Guy Fleming. Pushing the stroller around especially backup hill after Guy Fleming was tough but well worth it! I’d recommend it for anyone with a jogging stroller, lots of sun screen, and the strength to carry a stroller up and down a couple stairs!
yfbili2018
Vista, CA
what are fees for picnic?
docholiday174
132 contributions
I think it’s 10-15$ to get a car into the state park. No fee to picnic.
That being said it’s not much of an easy walk to the beach with picnic gear. The park is up high altitude wise where you walk down to the beach.
I would recommend you arrive on a week day and go for a lunch picnic just outside of the park. Same beautiful views, parking is free and the walk is 20-30 yds vs almost a mile.
beachlily2
Brick, NJ3 contributions
Are dogs permitted in park?
Dave B
Lynn, MA147 contributions
San Diego Coast District 619-688-3260
Leashed dogs are not permitted on beaches and trails. Dogs are not permitted at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to protect the sensitive resources there. Leashed dogs ARE permitted in campgrounds and campsites and on the beach at Cardiff State Beach. Call the District Office for further information.
SassyGRL
Los Angeles, CA45 contributions
Are there restrooms available?
2beans2000
San Diego, CA3,094 contributions
YES, at the ranger lodge at the top of the trail heads and also at the ranger station at the entry to the park
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (San Diego) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:15 AM - 7:00 PM
- We recommend booking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve:
- (0.20 mi) Fun & Relaxing Townhouse just steps from Torrey Pines State Beach, Del Mar
- (0.22 mi) Coastal ocean views, volleyball court, pool and spa! Sail the World
- (0.27 mi) Del Mar Beach Getaway - Truly Outstanding
- (0.32 mi) Adventure the ocean view trails of Torrey Pines and take advantage of the pool
- (0.33 mi) A Beautiful, Custom, Private Home Located In South Del Mar-Beach Walk-5 Minutes
- Restaurants near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve:
- (0.29 mi) Roberto's Mexican Food
- (0.39 mi) Seasalt
- (0.30 mi) Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
- (0.45 mi) Trattoria Ponte Vecchio
- (0.34 mi) China Cafe
- Attractions near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve:
- (0.05 mi) Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop
- (5.88 mi) La Jolla Cove
- (1.99 mi) Torrey Pines State Beach
- (1.89 mi) Del Mar City Beach
- (5.58 mi) La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks