Remember, this reserve hosts the "Nation's Rarest Pine". That alone means a lot, right? But wait, this reserve offers so much more.
Located close to some of the best beaches in SoCal (La Jolla shores to the south, Del Mar beach and Solana Beach to the north, and the nude Black Beach in the vicinity), the park has lots of great view points to the vast ocean.
Because the sandy texture of the cliffs, the cliffs aren't the safest places on earth. Accidents happened. But surprisingly, the eroded cliffs look a lot like the Badlands! With the warm sunlight in the late afternoon, the cliffs look reddish and very beautiful.
There are many short hikes to choose from, and usually very easy with mild slopes.
Come in the afternoon, take a great walk, and enjoy a breath-taking sunset!
The reserve itself is free to enter. But there is a day-use fee if you want to park your car in its parking lot. I usually park along the Del Mar beach, and walk there.

This is fantastic! Your choice is to either pay the $15.00 admittance fee per car to the park or walk in from a distance with chance encounter parking. If you're including beach time, paying to park your car nearby is well worth it.

We have done this hike three times and totally enjoyed it all three times. It takes about 1 1/2 hrs. to complete, assuming you are taking in the scenery and photographing. Walking shoes are advisable, since you are on tar on the hill, you do climb some rocks and the sand is hot.

You can hike one of two ways. Most folks walk up the hill and end up walking the beach in the end; but you can do the reverse. Just make sure you go up the long staircase in the rocks to continue your hike in the preserve. Do bring water.

Whether or not you park in the state park, you will have access to the restrooms. They are filthy, but flush toilets nonetheless. Torrey Pines State Natural Preserves is a great family place to enjoy!!