Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Reviews

Went to the golf course and enjoyed the scenery. Then went to hanglider park to watch the priceless sunset.

It started out as a foggy morning and it did clear up for us. The view from the top was just gorgeous. We did the extension due to the constructions and lots of the trails were closed. The trails were well-maintained and it was not crowded. We enjoyed the quiet and serene hike. It was definitely worth visiting. We parked outside for free.

Some of the best views you'll find anywhere near San Diego. The dramatic pines and rock formations are gorgeous.

The sand wasn't great here and had to climb over rocks to get to the beach. $15 to park for the day. Facilities near parking lot and lifeguards on duty. Pretty views.

Was in town for a week and wanted to do some hiking with a 3 and 6 year old. Did the Guy Fleming walk and it was perfect for our family. Spent about 2 hours there, parked on top, checked out the visitor center and gift shop, and enjoyed the scenery, beautiful!

Our favorite place to hike- many trails have scenic ocean views. Easy to hard hikes. Best part is after a good hike you can sit on the rocks at the beach and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves!!

Probably one of the most beautiful parks to hike! We thoroughly enjoyed hiking alongside the ocean, on the cliffs/hills overlooking the Pacific.

very nice place to walk, plenty of uphill walks with great view. We had a great time there, it was definitely worth doing!

Every time we are in town we hit this park. Hard to believe how convenient it is with such a dramatic landscape. Incredible views.

I have been hiking here for years. The views are incredible. CA State Parks does their best to keep the trails maintained. I would say it is fine for beginners, especially if you are hiking downhill to the beach. A note about that...check daily to see when high tide is. Avoid going then if you plan to hike up from or down to the beach unless you want to get wet. There will be very little beach to walk on and you will be forced against the bluffs. You should try to walk at least 20 ft away as the bluffs can collapse, although rare. Time of year matters with more sandy beach below in the summer and more straight rocks in the winter months. There is a charge for parking in the lot but there is some beachfront parking for free if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot. You will also want to check the hours as they are seasonal.

Cool beach, great hikes and beautiful views! Park at sea level and walk up or drive up, park and walk out to the point. $20 flat fee to drive in. Highly recommend!

Either you choose to drive up the mountain and start the walk there or to choose the slightly more difficult variant to walk all the way up.Exciting nature and a fantastic opportunity to see the horizon.

We took an Uber from Pacific beach about $25 and he dropped us at the bottom of the hill at the start of the trails. To start the trails and get to the visitor centre you walk up the hill you can’t miss it and arrive past a couple of look out points the visitors centre. The look out points have great views at the VC they like to hear their own voices. The trails are simple and short not very difficult. We took the beach trial and went via a couple of the smaller paths. All is well sign posted. At the beach we went souls and walked towards La Jolla shore which took about 2.5 hours or so and we stopped for a swim. To do this walk on the beach tied needs to be going out by around 2 hours. We had a great day but thought the trails would be longer and harder.

This place was incredible! About 45 mins from San Diego, the preserve has some awesome trails that go along the cliffs and down to the ocean. We parked along the highway (free) instead of the State Preserve lot which costed money, and walked up the road to the visitor center. From here, all the trails are accessible and you can eventually make your way down to the ocean and walk along the sand! We spent 4 hours here and it could’ve been more. Bring lots of water and sunscreen

We spent a big part of the day hiking around the preserve. The flowers and trees were beautiful. We walked down to the beach. It was a bit steep but it was a good trail. The views were amazing.

Well worth your time. Beautiful views of the landscape and ocean. We had heard that the parking lots can fill up early. We visited during the week. Got to the parking lot around 10am and saw many available parking spots. However we decided to drive up the road and park in the lot near their visitor center (which wasn't open due to the virus). Be prepared if you decide to hike in the area. Even in September the sun was hot. Take water, dress accordingly, wear appropriate footwear. After exploring many of the trails we drove back down to the lower parking lot. Ate lunch on the beach. We appreciate all the folks who made certain this Torrey Pines area was saved from development. It is one of a kind.

The state manages to cram a lot of people on the southern end, all to take advantage of the perfect weather and the oceanfront beaches and such .... Its nice that such a piece of valuable real estate has been set aside to actually bask in the beauty of nature that the area can hold .... Totally worthy of a visit

Bring water, a comfortable pair of shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and binoculars. You will need all these. It can get a little breezy and can be scorching hot during the hike. Preferred to start asking the beach then work up the path then back down the path along the road. No matter which direction you choose, it's a lovely way to view the coastline and get some exercise while doing it. Don't pass this up!!

Very beautiful hikes in a protected natural area on the ocean shore. a couple of things:
- If you want to hike, do not park in the north beach parking lot (where google maps took us) - drive uphill past the toll gate, preferably in one of the small lots near the lodge - they fill up but turn over. If it's busy, the south beach lot is OK, but you will have to climb a bit to get to the trailheads.
- There is a significant uphill climb (about 350 vertical feet) from the end of the beach trail. Fine for most people, even older people, who are reasonably fit, but not for everyone.

Go parasailing! What an experience! I can't express it in words. A memory of a lifetime. Don't miss this unique opportunity.

Every site seems to rate Torrey Pines as a must see location. It was fine but in reality I enjoyed walking along the beaches and cliffs in LaJolla much more.

We really enjoyed our walk in Torrey Pines state park, there is lo of parking, I love walking on the beach

I enjoyed exploring the entire reserve. There were lots of trails to explore. I enjoyed the curated signposts. Would highly recommend taking a day and going for a hike. The ocean views were awesome!

When I visited San Diego for a weekend, I was most excited for a hike at Torrey Pines. The views look great, and going on a nice hike is always great to break up an otherwise indulgent vacation!

There is a small price to get into the reserve, keep that in mind. When I visited on a Sunday morning, it was pretty busy. But not so busy that I didn't enjoy my time.

When you arrive at the parking lot, you then need to hike up a hill to get to the start of the actual hike. I 100% recommend wearing proper footwear. We saw some people in sandals and they were struggling a bit. That being said, people of varying fitness levels could do it, as long as you're willing to take your time.

I went with 4 people in our 30s, and we were able to hike many of the different routes. Most of the route is uncovered, so wear sunscreen. You take the routes out to different views jutting out over the ocean. All around you is shrubbery and red dirt, and the hiking trails are very clearly marked.

The hike is fun an relaxing, and the views are really wonderful. We saw many people out there with families (though I definitely don't recommend bringing a stroller).

This was one of my favorite activities of my weekend in San Diego!

Had to make a stop at the beach before leaving San Diego. Sat in the sun, collected rocks, put toes in the water and remembered why I like the Atlantic and Gulf beaches!! And why the surfers all wear wet suits!

There are several hiking Trails, a beach and a learning center with many displays. There are many knowledgeable docents willing and anxious to answer your questions.

Great place to spend a few hours or the whole day. Trails are easy enough for anyone to enjoy, but there are also enough options that those seeking a nice outdoor workout can get in a good one. The natural beauty of the overlooks and the ocean are exceptional! From hiking the trails to walking the beach it's all good!

Steep climb into the park from the larger parking lots. Arrive early, before 9:00. Park on the street north of the north lot to pay $1.50/hr instead of $20 in the park itself. Access to the south parking lot may not be available from the northbound roadway.

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!

Nice place to go for a walk along the ridge with spectacular views of the ocean & beaches...near the adjacent beach dog park. Good fun!

This was amazing and deserves almost a full day to walk on the beach and walk the trails inland. Pack a lunch in backpack and plan to stay all day. So fun and beautiful, and breathtaking views.

This place was really beautiful. I enjoyed the hike down to the ocean and back, but I don't think it was worth the $25 entry fee. We came around noon of Friday and were charged the weekend rate. I didn't realize Friday wasn't a weekday. Everyone I know has to work Monday-Friday. Maybe Californians have 4 day work weeks. Who knew? I would have liked to walk along the beach, but access was closed due to removal of the stairs.

This place is beautiful -the cliffs, the beaches, the views, the ocean, all are just amazing. There are many trails and they sometimes intersect and intertwine -you could start in one and end up in another. There are maps posted everywhere but as windy as it seems, you can't really get lost. Make sure to check out the hidden beach and don't stay there after dark -it gets spooky -trust me on that.

Gorgeous conservation area just outside San Diego.
In addition to the large car park located at the entrance, there are a couple of small pitches inside which avoid having to face the climb on foot that leads above the high cliff.
They fill up quickly and if you don't get there early, it's difficult to find a seat.
The Guy Fleming Trail is interesting (1.3 km, 16 meter difference in altitude) to be tackled in an anti-clockwise direction: you arrive near the cliff with a fantastic view of the ocean

If you are in San Diego and enjoy scenic hiking then Torrey Pines state park is a must see and do!
Parking can be hard to find and expensive $20.
But if you come weekdays early enough you can usually find parking on the street.

There are many things to do here. It has both great beaches and miles of walking trails. The bathrooms were clean and there is a picnic area

Plenty of hiking trails to choose from. If you like hiking and in good shape, nothing too hard, more average. But if not in shape these could be challenging. After we paid the $15 to get in, we found out others park 50 yards away and then walk up. but it's a long walk uphill. Small visitor center up top, then we hiked, then we left. Nice views of the ocean from the trails though

This is a good location if you enjoy hiking that is still close to the city and has good scenery. The reserve is home to the Torrey Pine, which is a species that is only found near the San Diego coast.

My daughter suggested this because she loves to walk and hike. The views were great and because it was low tide, we were able to explore the beach. I gave it 4/5 stars because it was billed on a lot of sites as “easy”. I work out 3 days a week and have an athletic build. The trip back up to the perimeter to me was moderate. This could also be because my daughter chose a brisk pace. LOL

Great place! You can hike on an easy to moderate trail for the most part. Can be slippery with sand but there are steps straight down to the ocean. Amazing views and overall a great little adventure. We stopped on our way down to San Diego to get some exercise in for the day. Our under 10 year old did the hike just fine.

This area would be hard with a stroller or for people who aren’t steady on their feet.

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!

If you are not much of a hiker, you can park near top. There is a short, easy 10 minute walk to the perfect view. Highly recommend a stop here.

It is very good place for hiking. During the hiking, you get beautiful ocean view, geological formations, get a glimpse of the world-famous golf course. Of cause you will see Torrey Pines which is the rarest pine tree in the United States and is an endangered species. When you get sweated, the ocean breeze will cool you down.

It’s worth the money to pay to park at the top. You also can park at the base but if you do that be prepared for a hike! The trails are sandy so I don’t recommend open sandals. Depending on what kind of weather you are used to I would also recommend a light pull over or layer you can tie around your waist. The gentlemen working in the visitor center seemed very helpful if you have questions. You could drive to the top and do a quick lookout. If you want to walk or hike, you can choose which routes you have time for.

This was a great way to spend a free summer evening. The hiking is very enjoyable, including the trip down to the beach.

This state park is arguably one of the best attractions in San Diego. If you like hiking, the many trails won't disappoint. The park offers the rugged beauty of coastal California at its best. It's a must see, but allow several hours to explore the trails and the beach.

You can hike up the hill to the park or drive up and hike the many trails of various lengths. Views of the ocean from the top of the cliffs are spectacular. Saw some dolphins. Lots of birds. Nice beach at the bottom of the hill. Ample parking. $15.00 day fee. Wear good walking/hiking shoes.

This is a peaceful, beautiful trail for visitors to enjoy in a clean, natural environment, and stunning landscapes and views. This is a reserve. This reserve is a targeted area protected for conservation and also has other restrictions different than a park. My parents and I had a lovely day hiking this trail; enjoyed seeing the birds fly over, the trail, then onto the beach. This place is gorgeous! Full of nature and beauty!

We visited Torrey Pines on the drive back from Anaheim to San Diego. It was such a lovely stop. I had done some research when I was trip planning, but after 2 days where we spent 14+ hours in the Disney parks, we were beat. I did not think our original trail was going to work. We asked some volunteers for the park for their recommendation and they sent us to the Guy Fleming Trail, which they said was probably the easiest one. It is a ⅔ mile loop with 2 scenic overlooks with panoramic views and the greatest variety of wildflowers, cacti, and ferns. It was perfect. The trail was easy, not too elevated, and gave us fantastic views. We were there in time for wildflower full bloom so we saw a lot of beautiful flowers. If you have more time - and more stamina, their other trails are fantastic as well.

Pro tip: You do pay for parking in the park when you enter, so ignore all the signs that tell you that you need to pay to park again!

This was our first time here and we'll be back to experience more trails. The views were awesome and worth the climb. We hiked back along the beach which was fun as the tide was just going out.

This is a great hike, with the sea on sight at almost all points. I spent a little bit more than 3 hours, and it was an amazing experience. Great places to take photos.
I went on a Sunday and it was busy but not crowded. I parked little far away. Make sure you visit the restroom in advance because there's no way to go once you start the trail. Wear sunscreen!

We visited Torrey Pines on a Thursday afternoon, which was great, because it wasn’t very busy. We found parking easily, and didn’t need to pay. Gorgeous walk along the beach with giant cliffs that look like they belong on another planet. There were people using gliders off a cliff which was cool to watch. Also, if you walk far enough you come upon a nude beach.

Spent a good few hours hiking Torrey Pines. Fairly easy trails, many to choose from, beautiful views of the ocean as well as various vegetation along the way. Wound up on a beach and had a pleasant walk back to the parking lot. Glad we added this to our SD itinerary

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.

We wanted to take a short hike while visiting Torrey Pines. I highly recommend paying the fee to park near the visitor center. Why hike up a hill to get to the trails and exhaust yourself before you start. I believe I would not pay, only if we wanted to go to the beach below. Parking is also scarce before you enter. At the visitor center they recommended a trail, as we wanted to spend only an hour or two. The center is informative as well; try to watch the short video. The views are spectacular, but be warned that it is very open and desert-like, with very few trees for shade. We thought pines would be all over, but Torrey pines like to be “alone” perse.

Wow, what a great place to hike! The views are fantastic along the cliffs of the seashore. And, you can even hike down to the beach where we saw many crabs running around. It was a bit misty that day which kept the temps down. All 8 of us had a great morning! If interested in hiking near San Diego, this is a must stop.

Very dry yet visually stunning venue to explore. We only had time for the north grove trail, but we enjoyed the view over the cliffs. I’d like to go back and explore more.

I took the trails running through the park, up and down hillsides, by ravines, along the beach. In the springtime, when the weather is sunny and temperate, the walks are exhilarating! The exercise is moderate and revivifying, the scenery is uniquely southern California before it got built over by houses and high-rises. Torrey pines, unique to the area, dot the cliffs. In the spring, count the different species of wildflowers you see on a hike. Last time I tallied over forty species. This is a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Since we were early for a meeting at Scripps, we followed the sidewalk to Torrey Pines State Park. It is a nice respite from the cars along Torrey Pines Road. It is near the golf course and the contrast between the tailored landscaping of the golf area vs the natural untainted plants was striking. Most of the shrubs are short and so one can see the horizon and ocean. We walked to Broken Hill Outlook which had beautiful jagged, creased and eroded hillsides.

We enjoyed hiking Torrey Pines. While it was easy on the way down to the beach, back up was tiring. There are a couple of benches along the way to rest. Very beautiful coast.

If you want to see what brought people to southern California over 100 years ago, you have to visit Torrey Pines. Even though many of the pine trees were devastated by the bark beetles, you can still get a good idea what the natural environment was like in the past. We parked in the lot near the entrance gate and walked up the hill. It was the right decision. The money helps to preserve the Reserve and the hike up the hill was best in the morning before the clouds burned off. It never did get very hot later but the rest of the hiking trails were less intense than the one from the parking lot to the visitor's center. One thing to be aware of, there is no food allowed in the park, not even snacks that you bring in yourselves. Fair enough, we ate our lunch in our car, then made sure we took time to walk along the shore before departing. It's wonderful to know that some people had the foresight to make sure future generations could enjoy nature as it should be.

Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve was the highlight of our trip to the San Diego area on a family vacation. The trails were excellent and took you to stunning views of the coast line. Razor point and Parry Grove trails provide great views and the beach trail is definitely a favorite. Highly recommend a visit when your in the area for an unforgettable experience.

Amazing beach with ample FREE car parking just by the road side. This was my second visit to San Diego Torrey Pines beach and I have always enjoyed the view of Pacific ocean and a sunset on a clear day. I couldn't spend much time but, it has been a wonderful experience whenever we go with family with kids. If we have time, we can trek / hike and get down on the other side of the hill to walk on the beach.
A must visit place when you are in San Diego.

I was there on a day with a lot of fog. So, I was debating just leaving. I parked along the beach at a free spot just as the fog started to move out. I decided to walk into part of the park without realizing what I was signing up for. I hiked up to the visitor's center and then walked out to one of the outlooks. It was definitely worth it since it was near sunset and the views were good. You can park for free just outside the park and walk in without being charged. The downside is that you are hiking up to the top. So, you need to be in decent shape to take this option.

Had a very nice time walking around the reserve, not really a hike although there are a fair number of steps down to the beach. I was concerned about parking, which I have found to be tough around San Diego. At 10am on a Saturday there was no free public parking on the main road, and a few spaces in the reserve parking lots, which were obviously paid for in the entrance fee. However, by the time we left around 2pm many people had left already and there was plenty of parking available inside the reserve. So advice is - go in the afternoon and there should be room available.

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.

We had so much fun walking the trails that we came back another day to do more! If you drive up the hillside to park in the lot at the lodge, you can spend more time on the trails and avoid the big climb up the road to get there. We walked four of the five trails there and will come back to do the beach trail next time. The views are spectacular, especially on a clear day. We saw a pod of dolphins off the coast frolicking along too.

Pay to park. Walk the flat beach. Walk (or drive) up the hill for grand views and an interesting adobe building. Good for several hours.

I highly recommend the climb down the cliffs to the beach. I was scared at first but once you make it all the way down it’s a totally rewarding experience. The climb up is tough on the knees but much easier than going down. For the conservatives, just be aware there are nudists on the beach.

We stopped by here as we were sight seeing and the beach is very beautiful and calming to walk down. There are alot of rocks along the shoreline.

A very pleasant half day. The trails are well identified and easy to access. The different viewpoints are superb. I recommend it to all walkers.

Winding trails lead to California coast below. Interesting vegetation in addition to actual Torrey pines but mostly an exposed windblown experience. Can be quite busy. Views are worth the effort.

Beautiful hike from the Hilton down to the beach. BRING WATER, and be ready for stunning views of the ocean, coast, and Torrey Pines Golf Course. Best views and perfect places to whale watch! If I lived there, I would take advantage of this beautiful reserve and hike it each day if I could!

We didn't have enough time on our trip to hike it, but you can park at the top and just take in the views!

I came down to visit a friend for the weekend. I decided to hike the reserve. I parked in the South Beach lot. It was 20 dollars for all day parking. Worth the cost and the long trek up the hill to the many trails. I spoke with the docents regarding the best trails to take. I took the Razor's Edge, Yucca Point, and the loop of the original old growth Torrey Pines. I did 5 miles of trails. It was a great morning.

Our group enjoyed hiking and exploring the visitor center. The Rangers are friendly and knowledgeable.

Beautiful views and trails! We parked at the lower level lot for $20/car and walked up the hill to the visitor section. Our family took the beach trail down. I wish we ventured off to see some other views but the teenagers were racing ahead. A great day and beautiful scenery regardless. The beach is gorgeous!

In the Winter, this beach is generally rocky. Parking will cost you about $15. The cliffs and November sunsets are stunning.

Beautiful place to go for a short hike to see the stunning views of the Southern Californian coastline. Vegetation so variable and the Torrey Pines (although currently endangered by a native beetle) are spectacular trees.

In awe of the natural beauty of this place. Take a walk on the expansive rocky beach down the stairs once you exit the parking lot. Or hike one of the several marked trails up the hill to get a view of the ocean and rugged coast line that is truly stunning and unforgettable.

Parking all day pass was $20.

$15 to get a car into the park. We went mid-day on Wednesday. Some of the lots were close to full, but we hung out and got a spot. If we didn't, we could park near the entrance, but that would have been a long walk to the visitor center trails.

Nice, quick, and easy trails, we'll maintained. Very nice and helpful staff to help us out.

Even after several decades here, I am continually awed by the natural beauty that abounds in San Diego County. Torrey Pines State Reserve is a fantastic example of that beauty and it is easily accessible. There are hiking trails, both paved and not, with varying degrees of difficulty and length. There are spectacular overlooks with views up and down the gorgeous coastline as well as myriad native plants, trees and grasses, many identified by placards. Helpful volunteer docents are available to answer questions and if you time your visit right, complimentary ranger-led nature walks are on offer. Note, there is a parking fee if you choose to park in the State Beach lot, but if you can find street parking and walk in, there's no charge. Hiking Torrey Pines is one of my favorite outdoor activities alone or with friends. It's a magical place.

This is a not to be missed place if you enjoy the outdoors. The view from the cliffs are beautiful-can’t get a bad pic even if you wanted to! Trails are easy, though not wheelchair accessible. No rock scrambles, just great views and interesting vegetation. Park at the top of the cliffs after paying for entry to the preserve, hike around , and the drive back down for a more beach experience (free parking on the road along the beach gets filled quickly).

There's really no hike quite like Torrey Pines. You can hike here any time of year and the views are breathtaking. It's a great workout, but not too difficult or steep if you're looking for something easy. I love that you can make your hike as long or as short as you'd like. Even when it's busy and filled with many hikers, it's still enjoyable. Depending on the time of year, you can see whales from atop the cliffs.

Wonderful place for short or long hikes with family. Spectacular views of the sea. Need to pay 20$ per car for parking. Parking is at 3 levels. The top most level fills up fast.

My husband and I love this area because it is so expansive...you can walk on the beach for hours or on the cliffs through grass and around rock formations and trees taking different paths for hours.The panoramic view from above the beach is wonderful. However, you do have to be cautious. The last time we were there we did see a baby rattlesnake slithering across our path. They are the most venomous.I always wear boots and long pants when walking through the grass there and wear flip flops on the beach, since there are small bees, ticks, jelly fish parts and other stinging things in the sand.That said, it can still be a relaxing, wonderful adventure if you are prepared for everything.Don't forget to wear sunscreen and a hat if you have fair skin and hair.

The views are spectacular, the hike is easy to moderate and the trail to the beach is worth every step.
My wife and i spent about 3 1/2 hours hiking the various trails and were treated to beautiful views on every one of them, but the beach was truly the highlight.
There were hikers of all ages and shapes enjoying a sunny La Jolla morning.

After a visit to our favorite Roberto’s, it seemed like a great day to walk along the coast. Torrey Pines is always a lovely stop.

It was super foggy during our visit and therefore not very crowded. I'm sure it was a nice area if only the weather would have cooperated

I convinced my family of 6 to go take the Guy Flemming Trail in the Torrey Pines nature preserve and it was worth every minute!! Our family is not typically the "hiking family" type or the "camping family" type, but we really had a great time walking the Guy Flemming Trail here. It was a beautiful day, and the views were fantastic. Our kids range in age of 9, 7, 4, and 2 and honestly, our younger two did better than our older two (our oldest is becoming a pre-teen so wasn't overly thrilled with our idea of a hike, and maybe that's because we had just done Legoland the day before and he wanted to go back, LOL). The road up the hill to the trail was closed to cars, so we all had to walk up it, that was probably the worst part of the "experience" as the younger kids got tired easily on the hill. Understandable. Next time we would consider using a carry-pack for the younger one and strap her on one of us as we didn't bring a stroller (and it really wasn't feasible). But once we got to the start of the trail, she did great walking the pathway for part and riding on one of our backs for the other part. Afterwards, we got back to our car (paid for parking), and regrouped and then explored the beautiful beach at the bottom. It was truly an amazing day for our family.

The hike up was a bit rough but the views from on top are just breath taking. We took the beach access trail which I highly recommend.

A great park in a natural setting close to urban area.

A great place to go hiking in close proximity to San Diego and other beach front towns. The views and natural vegetation added to the experience. We managed to hike about 6 miles with about 650 feet of elevation gain, nice relaxing workout.

No charge to visit the park but $15 if you park inside the park.

The Torrey Pines trails take you along the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The trails are clearly marked and the views are unbeatable. Would return daily if i lived in this area!

If you like to hike, you have to hike at Torrey Pines! Go on a clear day when you can see the beautiful ocean from the top of the cliffs. I once even saw a beached whale. It gets busy on weekends, so if possible, go during the week.

This area was so beautiful and a break from restaurants and shopping. There were so many trails to keep distancing from others. Could have done more but it was getting warm and we forgot water. A last minute decision, excellent choice.

We enjoyed the hikes, but one can get the benefits of incredible views without having to hike a lot to get there.

Beautiful views and nice hilly hiking area. Best hike is to park at bottom of hill then walk up to the top where the Visitors Center is located. You can do two quick side trails on the way up. Once at the top you have restrooms before you hike down to the beach. Once at the beach you can walk the shoreline back to the starting point. Great hike for older kids, especially teenagers and active seniors.

Hike to the most beautiful vista ever. My husband and I parked on the Del Mar side and encountered so much beauty, Spring flowers, surf and surfers, and rock formations. What we also noticed was a certain lightness in our fellow hikers.Around each turn the scenery changed. Allow plenty of time, but you could limit yourselves and return another day.

Wrong address? With this address Apple Maps took us to the driveway of a golf course’s cart storage lot. Did not see any trail or public parking.

This park had a lot of nice trails with unforgetable views. There are even some wheelchair accessible trails. This is one of may favorite places in San Diego. The park is only open during the day. Purchase a parking ticket at the bottom and drive up the hill to park. Pack water.

Awesome hiking, beautiful cliffs, clean beaches, and stunning views. Oh and lifeguards are present which comforting when playing in the frigid and furious Pacific

There are no bad views at this park whether at the top or down at the bottom on the beach. Great hiking area

Fantastic place, views were wonderful with a lot of gorgeous rock outcrops to see. Wish I had seen a rattlesnake! Would visit again

Stop at the visitors center, it is very rustic and historic and worth browsing. There are dozens of trails to pick for your adventure. You can take some shorter ones or spend hours hiking along and above the coast line. It is just beautiful and worth spending a few hours or the whole day. Not a lot of amenities available, so bring snacks, lunches, and drinks!

If you are looking for a zen experience or even just a quiet hike, avoid prime time. Sunday at
10am (spring break?) was heaving.
Even with crowds, this is gorgeous. Do not miss.

Excellent area to hike and just wonder! Easy location right off the beach! Great upward climb but easy to do.

We didn't do any of the hikes but it is a great place to get some stunning views and some classic California nature. If you are into hiking this is a good place to do that too.

This was a beautiful hike. At the recommendation of the Park Ranger in the Visitor Center, we did the Guy Fleming Trail which was short but had amazing sunset views of the ocean. The only downside was finding it. If you have your own car, I’m guessing there’s no issue, but if you’re Ubering like us, the Uber App takes you to a golf cart garage area connected to Torrey Pines golf course, about two miles away from the entrance to the park. We pulled it up on our own maps app and after some convincing, we got our driver to take us to the correct spot. There’s a gat at the entrance and vehicles have to pay to go in, so he dropped us off at the entrance. From there it was about a mile uphill to the visitor center. At the end of the hike we went back out to the main road where there was a “Rideshare Pickup/Dropoff” designated spot, so that made the trip back much easier. Good luck!

Accessible, beautiful, less crowded, and with both great beaches and hikes. We're blessed that folk had the sense to set this area aside as a reserve.

This place is spectacular! Make sure you bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and water with you. There are many paths to walk along that are clearly marked, but, not an easy trek. You have to watch your step as the paths are not even. It's too bad though because you're too busy watching your step to be able to take in the incredible views without stopping. If you're planning on covering all the paths to all the lookout points be prepared to walk for hours. There is no shade to hide under. The views are spectacular! Everytime we got to a lookout point we could see the next one and wanted to go there. So, we did and it was worth it!

stunning seaside park with a hike down to the beach. windswept torrey pines are like the photos in calendars. it's a long hike down to the beach and up again... elevation gain is at least 700 to 1000 feet. It's worth it to hike down to the beach and up. scenery is spectacular

Our 1. NP on our journey. We had already bought the annual pass in Germany. Very nice and worth seeing. Nature is simply beautiful in America.

Great reserve with trails with beautiful scenery, there are a lot of hills that may feel rigorous to some so definitely bring water

A great, beautiful place to take a hike! If you are planning to walk down to the beach, be prepared for the walk back up the hill.

Strict trash regulations (pack in-pack out) makes for a cleaner than usual beach. Lots of fun trails with gorgeous ocean views. Get there before 11 a.m. if you want to park in the South lot. It fills quickly. Bring a picnic basket or take advantage of the food truck that was parked just inside the entrance.

It is beautiful, scenery is so pretty. it is a must see stop if you can.
Several different hikes to take.

Took a chance on this one, heading a bit north and loved the small loop hikes to see the unique flora and fauna, see the beaches from the cliffs and enjoy the overall views and natural beauty. Some of the park was closed, and we got there late so we couldn't enjoy as many of the trails, but we got a really good taste for it. My only complaint is a $20 admission. As we didn't get to spend as much time there, I might have thought differently if we'd seen more of the reserve before sunset. Just seems like a lot to pay for a state park. Having said that, I'll likely pay it again if I'm out there and have more time.

This is a jewel of natural beauty in a city blessed with many such treasures. The golf course just to the south is probably more well-known, but Torrey Pines Natural Reserve is definitely worth a full day’s visit.

The nature preserve's primary purpose is to protect and preserve the largest stand of the rarest pine tree in the US, the eponymous Torrey Pine. It evolved to thrive on the coastline in sandy slopes. It is drought-tolerant, and depends on daily, morning fog for much of its water; it has perhaps the longest needles of all pine trees which allows it to capture dew and moisture from the fog and channel it to the roots. They are also wind-tolerant and in exposed areas the trees are shaped and stunted by the battering of the wind. The nature preserve also features salt marshes and is a stopover for migrating waterfowl. We visited for both the dramatic vistas as well as for bird watching. The spring wildflower growth was also eye-catching, even though it had been a fairly dry winter. We hiked through the forests, the chaparral, the open grasslands, took in the views from the top of the cliff looking down onto the wide beaches exposed by the low tide. The wildflowers we identified included sea dahlia, red Bush monkey flower, purple Wild hyacinth, yellow California poppy, California brittlebush, purple Sand verbena, coastal deerweed, red Indian paintbrush, and yellow bladderpod. There were mats of pretty white and purple-yellow flowers that we identified as ice plants; native to South Africa this hardy groundcover is considered an invasive species competing with native vegetation. Pear and cholla cacti dotted the area, too, along with aloe vera and yucca.

The sandstone cliffs drop 300 feet to sea level sloping down then plunging almost vertically. Even before one got to the overlooks multiple rain-carved ravines with steep grooved walls and even a few hoodoos. We a little late in the whale migration season so it was not too surprising that we did not spot any passing cetaceans from our elevated perspective.

When we weren’t distracted by the vista and flora we kept an eye out for birds. We spotted California towhee, Spotted towhee, and Anna’s hummingbirds. There were snowy egrets fishing in the shallow waters off the cliff’s edge. A park ranged informed us that there were peregrine falcons nesting on the cliff and that we might be able to spot them. Of course we had to wait for the tide to go out completely before we did. We couldn’t see them from the top of the cliffs. We did not take the Beach Trail down; we had parked at the visitors’ center parking lot earlier in the morning and did not feel like hiking back up. We drove down instead to the Torrey Pines Beach parking lot once the tide was out and got to the beach from there. We scanned the sky and were thrilled to see a pair of peregrine falcons in action; they feed on other birds, using their famed “stoop,” a steep dive during which they can reach a speed of over 200 mph. One struck down a sea gull and we were privileged to witness a “food pass” between a male falcon and the significantly larger female. She then perched high on the edge of the cliff to feed on the gull, later flying off still clutching the remnants of her meal. Offshore, small flocks of Brown pelicans flew back and forth, sometimes just skimming the tops of the waves. Several squirrels had joined the humans in enjoying the beach, sunning themselves on rocks while surveying the beach.

We had seen the marsh below us from elevated viewpoint of the visitors’ center; we parked next at the North Beach parking lot to the east of North Torrey Pines Road. This coastal estuary is known as the Los Penaquitos Lagoon. In the parking lot we were already serenaded by a Northern mockingbird and song sparrow. We spotted a flock of tern which, on closer inspection, turned out to be a mix of Caspian and Royal tern. We watched a lone Long-billed curlew burrowing for food in the mud and, later on, a whimbrel (which features a shorter bill) do the same.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has a lot to offer visitors and I definitely recommend a visit.

We are not seasoned hikers, but the trails are manageable for all ages and abilities. The gentleman at the welcome center explained the trails to us and made recommendations based on difficulty. This was very helpful to us. The views on the trails are simply breathtaking. About the only less than stellar comment was that occasionally at trail forks we were confused as to which way to go, but eventually many of them blend so we ended up fine.

In San Diego for business and decided to burn some energy walking through the hills of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. We parked by the ocean and started to walk about 1 mile uphill but not to steep. Once we made it to the top it was fairly easy walking. There is parking at the top as well. We had trails going in many directions and just
Started walking. The views were beautiful and all the flowers were in full bloom. This is a beautiful and well maintained park.

Just got back from a trip to San Diego and our visit to Torrey Pines State Reserve was a highlight. We paid $15 for parking, drove up to the visitor centre, then explored both lookout points, and did the big walk down to the beach. The views are stunning, beautiful everywhere you look! The park is focused on preserving the environment so they are rightfully big on enforcing rules of staying on the trails and leaving no garbage behind (what you bring in you take out). Loved our day here!

We visited this reserve as it was above San Diego it didn’t dissapoint us, there are some lovely walks, the views across San Diego are amazing.

$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.

Pay the $15 to drive up to the hiking areas. Most of the hikes seemed to just be short walks to some beautiful views. Some people had parked along the road to walk in, but it's worth the $15 just for the views. We were only in the park for a few hours (2-3).

This is a beautiful park and there are docents who can answer your questions and advise on hikes. Be sure to spend some time looking at the interesting plants. There is a small, but nice gift shop.

We visited between Christmas and New Years and I guess others had the same idea. Due to earlier rainy weather, several of the trails were closed. It was a beautiful hike, though, along the ocean. "The Lodge" was built in 1922 as a restaurant for tour buses and travelers. Today "The Lodge" offers a viewing room that shows videos on wildlife and the history of Torrey Pines. There are various examples of taxidermy wildlife on display to show what animals can be seen in the wild.

Great place very close to La Jolla.
It worths the visit.
Along the afternoon you can enjoy jet fighters flying over.

Beautiful walk inside Torrey Pines. The rangers recommend the best route as soon as you arrive near the parking lot in the center of the reserve. Very nice beach trail, with really interesting views, to get to the beautiful beach surrounded by the rocks that distinguish Torrey Pines.

I had read so much about the Guy Fleming Trail that it became a "must" for us. No disappointments there. Great views while strolling through a number of different habitats: scrub, chaparral, and woodland.

After, we walked the beach and enjoyed looking at the sculpted cliffs. The beach rocks wee interesting, as we do not have them on the east coast, at least at the many beaches that I've been to.

Highly recommend hiking La Jolla trail. VERY unique. Started in a neighborhood and go through water created canyons and end on the beach. On the beach, you can see paragliders diving off cliffs from the company that resides there.

My family and I are always looking for hiking places. Torrey pines was an amazing place to do it. The views of the ocean are beautiful and you breath pure clean air. Highly recommend it!

Great place for photo shoots and family picnics, or reading a book and taking in the fresh air. I go here often.

As a locall who lives in La Jolla, I take out of town visitors here often as it is a wonderful area to enjoy the ocean, trails of all levels of ability and nature at its' best.
A favorite to go alone or with a friend to enjoy walking and heading to Del Mar or La Jolla for lunch after.

In particular, I enjoy the Beach Trail down---and walking back up. The museum is currently closed as are the rest rooms, but, port-a-potties are available. A majority park by the ocean for free, and walk up the road to the trails--then back along the shore to their cars.

I was disdappointed to see in January, 2021, with our ICU units full, that approximately 50% of visitors were ignoring the mask mandate. Signs are posted clearly to please adhere to the current guidelines for 'others' safety.

Bring water, a sun hat and good trail shoes.

Each time we visit San Diego we go to Torrey Pines. There is a trail that is 2/3 mile long (I.e. doable) with beautiful views of the ocean. Lots of benches and it is great to be able to hike. $20 for car access and parking near the visitors center and the trails.

This is a state reserve, not a park, although I am unsure of the difference. Kumeyaay Indians, hunters and gathers lived in this area thousands of years ago. Best news here, apart from the scenic views, are that dogs are not allowed. Not only to protect rare plants and wildlife but to ensure no altercations occur with visitors on the narrow and rocky trails. I would recommend the Guy Fleming Trail for outstanding views of cliffs and ocean, plus an abundance of wild flowers in the spring. Probably won't see much wildlife as this reserve is poular with tourists and locals alike. Expect to see ground squirrels, lizards and rabbits. Years ago I saw birds including peregrine falcons and greater roadrunner. This place is a photographer's paradise but if you want to avoid the fee for entering this reserve, park at the beach and walk up the very steep hill. Don't forget to observe the rare torrey pine trees on the Guy Fleming Trail. Stop by historic Visitor Center if you have time. Bring no food or drinks except water.

Its fifteen dollars for parking but worth it. There are a few hiking trails with great ocean views from most of them. The hiking is relatively easy if you are in pretty good shape

You can make this hike short and easy or go miles and take it uphill and on the beach. Easy to park for free right on street outside state park and walk in while we visited. Otherwise it is $15 at the bottom or $20 to drive up. Bring water and comfy shoes, awesome at sunset!

One of the most beautiful panoramic views of coastal San Diego. if you can't walk too much be sure to park up top or have someone drop you off. There's a lot of walking if you park down on the 101. If it's sunny, then you will be warm and bring water. Lots of trails and some are easier than others.

Not much of a state park in terms of state parks. However there are some gorgeous views. Hang glides places for sure. Many people there taking to the sky. There is also a trail to walk down to the beach. It is not for everyone. It’s very steep and a heck of a journey. I passed but my 2 adult daughter did it… It was also very windy and much cooler up there… a nice way to spend and hour or 2

I’m happy to support the parks but I have to say I was surprised the parking was $20. Torrey Pines is fantastic. Great little museum, amazing views, just beautiful. Just try to get parking on the street.

This preserve has several very nice trails of short to moderate length. If you go to the beach and back there is some climbing involved, but not too difficult.

We did two hikes over different days - EB Scripps and also Broken Hill/beach trail. Enjoyed both - both end along the beach - but our favorite was definitely EB Scripps. Our family brought beach and swim gear to stay at the beach the second hike. Def do this! You always paid for parking and it’s the perfect way to end a hike. Unlike other La Jolla beaches, this one is WAY less crowded in the summer.

This park offers a great variety of trails that offer a multitude of amazing views. Be aware that there is parking available at the top of the park as it is a rather long, up-hill walk from the entrance parking lot. This is a must-see when vacationing in San Diego!

Torrey State Reserve is really a special place allowing you to climb down from the cliffs, bluffs which makes you feel like you are playing on giant sand dunes, to the miles of sand and pebbles, and rolling waves when you get to the bottom of the cliff. I would start at the top where the visitors center, where the person will help with what trail to take. There are a couple of outlooks. I would just do the one more to the right and then make it down to beach. The view of the waves going for miles was a great feeling. I felt a kid wanting explore everywhere but be careful of the sun and heat. Definitely have sunglasses and water. When I made it to the beach it was great walking sand, there are orange yellow cliffs behind the beach with a falcon nest high up in one place. Akso as my 50 year old friend prove it is great for making sandcastles too. Much better than la Jolla if you are lookng for great nature and beaches.

On a good day, visit this park. It is a must. Clean and good views. Parking can be a problem and costly but if you like to walk long distances, try parking far away on side streets closer to the lodge/golf club near the main street and keep walking until the trail takes you in the park. Can make a quick stop for restrooms up there (currently closed but there were few portable restrooms and not so clean but that is all you get). Then walk to the Information center lodge (no restrooms there) but at least there is a water fountain outside to refill. Then continue down the road all the way down to the beach where the main park kiosk is. Of course there are side trails for even better views. Warning, to go back, you will have to hike up the road again to get back to your car. Worth the effort.

Spent the afternoon at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Admission was $15 for the car. Upon entering the reserve, we drove up the hill and stopped at the Visitor Center. The docent at the Visitor Center gave us information about the trails and reserve. We then proceeded to the trailhead area directly across from the visitor center and discussed with another docent the trails that we were considering. We hiked the 2.3 miles Beach Trail Loop, the 0.66 miles Guy Fleming Trail, and half of the Razor Point trail (1.3 miles)
From the Visitor Center the Beach Trail Loop descends steadily to the beach The trail was well marked and easy to follow. At the beach we turned right and walked along the ocean for perhaps 0.50 miles. Our timing coincided with low tide which according to the docents is an important consideration when doing this trail as a loop. The final section of the trail was uphill and much of the trail is adjacent to the road that we drove on earlier to reach the Visitor Center, so we knew what to expect. On the hike to the Visitor Center, we passed the trailhead of the Guy Fleming Trail and opted to do this trail as well.
We would have liked to completed the Razon Point Trail but simply ran out of time as we had commitments for that evening.
We completed these hikes on May 8th. The weather was perfect and the cacti and wildflowers were blooming.
We are not local to the area and really enjoyed our time in the park.

Chose to park at South Lot during our visit to access black beach. This is easiest spot to park and access beach. Love this area.

Fabulous place to hike; love the variety of trails. Parking is expensive though. Great views of dolphins, at times.

What a gorgeous area for hiking. Went during the weekend during spring break so it was fairly crowded. We accidentally parked in the wrong area. If you hike, make sure to park in the lot next to the start of the trails. We had already paid ($15/day) so did not move our car. So it added a little ways to our walk but we didn’t mind.

Took an Uber out there from Gas Lamp. There’s a parking fee if you drive. Uber was about $20 one way. About 30 minute trip. When you arrive, you can either walk the beach route or start walking up. I’d recommend walking up and hiking throughout the trails up top with views and then work your way down to the beach and back. Makes a nice loop. Wasn’t the nicest of days, but it was absolutely incredible. There was a strong breeze from the coast, so maybe bring a light jacket. Must hike spot!

Tranquil. A reflective stroll along the shoreline. Although free parking can be challenging, there is a parking lot that charges a fee. Worth every moment.

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.

LOVED this reserve. We parked in the lot below and walked up the hill. We went on a few different trails. The final trail was the beach trail, which took us down on the beach where we walked back to our car.

Pay attention to the tide. We went when the tide was going out, which was easy to walk along the rocky beach back. but if the tide is coming in, be mindful so you don't get stuck. We also went when the park opened, so no issues with traffic. The views were so pretty.

Amazing views of the Pacific and worth the trip. Bring your camera and your hiking shoes, you'll need them both. If you have trouble hiking on uneven ground, consider driving to the top of the reserve and taking in the view from there.

Great for hikes or long walks on the beach! One of my favorite places in San Diego. Busy on weekends

Fantastic hiking and great scenery so take a camera and lots of bottled water! One of my favorite day hikes!

It a beautiful place for a family walk, there are two parking lots one at the top of the hill and one at the bottom, the restroom s are at the bottom parking lot
There are lot of trails
Beautiful beach to walk on, be careful on the steps going down to the beach

We drove up the hill and hiked down to the beach and back again. The view is breathtaking and the hike itself is easy and doable by everybody.

We parked near the Gliderport and enjoyed an hour or so of the beautiful scenery and watching the gliders taking off and landing. Highly recommended if you have some time!

Great waves, sand, rock collecting. Clean. Because of CoVid the parking lot is closed but clean well maintained port-a-potties very handy. There is parking along the road but get there really early to get a space. We got there at 7am

We’re from the East Coast and while we’ve hiked other places we feel that Torrey Pines is just so unique. It is so beautiful and provides such amazing views. Cannot be missed if you’re in the area.

Absolutely beautiful hike with breath taking views! We also enjoyed watching the hang gliders on our hike.

Great views of the coast and cliffs in the area. Active beach area with lots of surfers. Drive out of the reserve area and check out Torrey Pines golf course. That is one beautiful course. I can see why its host to a major tournament.

This is a good way to see many wonderful views while getting in a few steps! There are steep and longer hiking options but signage will let you know what you’re getting into. Even the walk up the hill wasn’t bad and I’m not a small person (working on that though!). There are benches to stop and rest if you want/need to and the views are definitely worth it.

When your San Diego visit seems too noisy, drive up here to get away from it all and get aerobic exercise. On a week day we found easy parking at the top.

Wow. Wonderful views of the pacific with sandy beach and cliffs. Hikes for all levels with most being relatively easy and as short as a .10th of a mile.

Parking is $15 and well worth it if you drive up to the top. The walk is steep otherwise and will take you at least an hour. Do not pay to park in the bottom lot as you can park for free at the beach parking which is very close.

This is fun for all ages and the trails are well marked and maintained.

Tip: do not use the bathroom up to as they are porta potties and are beyond disgusting. Better using actual bathrooms at the bottom.

Amazing stop and must see. Gorgeous views and great area to hike. But the beach below is a must stop. Mostly smooth rock you can walk down the shores to the cliffs. $15 if you choose park down at the beach. We were able to see whales as well!

I've lived in SD for more than 30 years and I still love this place. Park along the ocean and walk up through the park. Stop at any of the trails along the way and take in the views. Continue on to the top and use the facilities and then start down the trails that lead toward the ocean. Don't go directly there, take your time and meander. Eventually get on the Flat Rock Trail and head all the way down to the ocean. Walk back to your car with the beautiful and colorful cliffs on your right hand side, and if it's warm enough dip your toes in the water.

We had a bit of difficulty finding this - sat nav ! - but it was definitely worth it. Walked a short trail with wonderful views.

A natural reserve with spectacular views and wide variety of natural growth. Well-marked trails, access to beach and views of pines and (in spring) flowering plants and shrubs.

It is a perfect spot for a weekend afternoon. You can go for a short hike up the mountain, and then hike back on the beach. Cool cliffs to take pictures.

Great place to get in some hiking / exercise with beautiful water views! Can spend an hour or four, depending on how much of it you want to visit.

Beautiful views from the trails of the ocean, city of San Diego. A few benches to relax on and enjoy the view.

$ 20 to park/ enter the preserve. We felt it was steep but then so was the walk up to the preserve/ trails if you don’t park at the top.

We enjoyed the walk to Razor point and Yucca point. Both close together, all in we spent about two hours in the park including visiting the visitors centre.

Be aware to use the toilets at the base car park as the ones at the top are portable loos and pretty disgusting.

There are many trails so each one isn't crowded. Easy walking, not too strenuous. Drive up to the visitors center and see the displays then cross the road to the trail head.

Torrey Pines is a best place for walk with a spectacular view. The possibility of reaching various observation points and paths suitable for everyone from children and the elderly (I mean not climbing steep and disconnected terrain) makes this place a destination for families and for those who want to keep fit.

Multiple Trails with great views of the ocean. You can hike down or just park in the main parking area to get beach walking access. Small Fee. Rangers are onsite. Multiple Restroom Facilities. Well Taken care of trails.

Want to feel like South of France too? there it is, the splendid Torrey Pine State natural reserve. Fantastic views of the Pacific, ideal for bird watcher, runners, hikers or simply nature lovers.

i hiked in the torrey pines state natural reserve and posted a video that includes a vlog, tips and suggestions for all hiking levels, so future visitors can be prepared. you can find a link to my youtube on my profile or you can look me up by name “nikko gandia”.

fee was $25 on a sunday. free parking before the entrance but that’ll add another 2-3 miles and some elevation to your hike.

i hiked the guy fleming trail loop, which had beautiful overhead views of the cliffs, ocean and the san diego coast. easy trail with minimal elevation.

i also hiked to the red butte and down to the beach. easy trail with about 300 ft of elevation gain.

it’s a pretty big park, made up of 2 trail loops and 5+ shorter trails. i saw a lot of families hiking, great for beginners. check the distance/elevation gain to make sure you’re prepared.

We did this hike on Sunday last week.

Torrey Pines, a natural reserve located on the Southern California Coast, is picturesque. It offers dessert landscapes, ocean views, and rugged cliffs on a trail that is relatively easy when going down but can make one breathe hard when ascending.

We did a number of trails (I think it was Razor Point to the Beach trail) together and did a little over two hours of walking over about 5kms. Going down was comparatively flat and easy-going and provided stunning ocean views. There are two overlooks, one facing north, the other south. We sighted dolphins when ascending and some hikers reported having sighted whales in the past.

The dreamy beach views are as endless as the sea. The cliffs cut into the coast are a dramatic backdrop to the sea, offering nice photograph opportunities when on the beach. Be careful to study the tides when on the the beach and climb out on Flat Rock to feel the sprays of the ocean.

The climb up is more difficult than the climb down but to make this easy take moments of rest and ascend at a gradual pace. Hydrate yourself throughout the hike and keep a small spare towel to wipe out sweat or sunscreen from your forehead.

A question often asked is whether elders over 70 years can do this walk. The answer is ‘yes’ as long as they have no serious medical conditions. During our hike we did come across a number of mid 70s couples.

Great way to spend a Sunday morning or afternoon. Enjoyed the hike thoroughly

Munir D.

This is a gorgeous place to hike and walk. In the morning fog rolls in and stays for a few hours, so go after 10a-12pm to get the best views.

A beautiful state park, certainly worth a visit if you are touring San Diego. Changing stations, restrooms, lifeguards, moderately challenging hiking trails, some paved for ADA. Lovely nature center and gift shop but no food on sight.
Fee paid at entry. Parking here can be challenging and the park has been closed on rare occasions when maximum capacity is reached to protect the ecology. Frequent sightings of seals and dolphins. Go early.

Torrey Pines was the highlight of our trip! We just cannot get over the VIEWS that lie around every corner. We love to hike, particularly in the Adirondacks where one usually has to commit to a long and rigorous day for views to payoff- not so at Torrey!! We easily hiked all of the trails in a few hours with plenty of stops along the way. Plenty of wildlife, including so many wonderful birds...we were lucky enough to spot multiple California Quails in our first 15 minutes! Take plenty of water, wear your sunscreen and enjoy one of the most beautiful parks in SoCal!!

Small charge to enter and park at the top of the reserve, this is where the toilets are but bear in mind they're pretty grim - go beforehand and then hold it in! Plenty of trails to choose from, all of them are well manageable for even the occasional walker and all give good views of the ocean... you might even see the dolphins! That said, it's a bit samey and unless you're a serious naturalist, spending the whole day might be a stretch

Visited with a friend, we walked up and the views were pretty cool and beautiful. Some nice photo opportunities and a water fountain if you need a drink. It’s not too tough on your legs so definitely do this if you have the chance.

Wonderful Christmas morning activity. 3-5 miles, easy paths w breathtaking views , some elevation for some calorie burn. Gorgeous

As you climb up or down, the views are amazing. It was definitely a workout but worth every second. If I am back in the area again, I would definitely do again.

Other reviews noted the same thing, we were confused after you paid $20 whether to park at the bottom or drive up. We saw others set it some walking up the road.

We drove up the hill and hiked Guy Fleming- easy circular trail. Then we drove up to the top and talked to a ranger who suggested the beach trail. Amazing scenery. You have to be able to walk up and down some sandy steps, a little slippery but worth it.

We really love these trails with views of the ocean. It may be a steep hill for some that start the climb to the top, but the trail is mainly paved to make it easier for those with less mobility. You can also park on the North end of the beach to make it a longer round trip walk.

If you're in the area and like hiking, check this place out. The trails aren't super strenuous, but there are a lot of hills and stairs so it can get tiring. You can park near the bottom or drive up the hill and park at the top. Grab a trail map and explore all of the off-shoot trails. Stop to look at the wildlife and soak in incredible ocean views. I loved this hike!

I’ve always wanted to visit this state park while in San Diego and finally made it. Trails are well-marked and maintained. Ocean views are fantastic, and the local flora and fauna are lovely and unique. The trails get busy as the day goes on, so plan to arrive early.

Truly a lovely place. Sweeping coastline, endless sky, white sand beaches, and lovely flowers and vegetation. It was cloudy when we went but still a great time nonetheless. Wish we had more time to explore!

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.

The park is small and beautiful but 1) sadly, cars can drive through it, 2) it's very crowded, 3) the pines are disappearing (drought, climate change, bark beetles...) and 4) the trails are really fragile and overused.
We didn't stay too long up there and went down to enjoy the beach after!

Bench appointed trails were very doable for older or disabled nature lovers. Short walks revealed spectacular ocean views. Stay quiet and patient, then an array of birds will appear.

This nature reserve is located on the outskirts of San Diego. The coastline is somewhat desolate, but many wild birds live in the lagoon. It's a good place to feel the majesty of nature, but it's not necessarily scenic. It's difficult to access without a car.

We were staying in La Jolla and almost didn't go to Torrey Pines. What a mistake that would've been! It was a weekday in January, which was great. Weather was in the low 60s and it was not crowded (though parking lots up above were full). We loved all the trail options. None of them are very long, it's just terrain and elevation that varies considerably. There are so many great lookouts and photo ops. Some cool history, as it was the main road from SD to LA at one time. Just sit and take it all in.

Torrey Pines offers great views of the Pacific with a reasonable walk/hike on groomed trails. Easy parking ($15.00 fee for the day). If you time the tides, you can walk back along the beach.

Lots of scenery and views of the ocean. The hikes range from easy walking to some difficult terrain. Come prepared with good boots and water bottles. You will be glad you did.

There is a lot of hiking to do, all of them offered something different, you will see a lot of vegetation and birds with great views. Definitely a must do, if you like to hike around places while doing some exercise. Parking is $15 for the whole day (till 7:30 pm)

The views when you drive to Torrey Pines and when you are hiking Torrey Pines are spectacular! I especially liked the ocean views. The hiking trails are not difficult or dangerous. As long as you can walk up an incline you will be fine. We saw people paragliding and saw several military planes overhead. It was a very enjoyable afternoon!

Highly recommend for a run, walk or hike if you're in the area. I was starting at the Hilton and did a 4 mile loop before meetings in the morning.

We visited here on a Sunday afternoon in March, and it was a little busy. It cost $20 to enter the day use parking lot, and from there I was confused about whether you had the option to drive up the hill to park farther up or not. We parked at the bottom of the hill, and so part of our hike was walking up the hill to get to the start of the Guy Fleming loop Trail. Once we were at the top of the hill, which took us about 20 minutes, it was a beautiful 20 minute hike around the loop trail with gorgeous views of the ocean. Some cars were driving up and down the hill, and there was limited parking at the top of the hill, and so maybe it would make more sense to drive up the hill to get closer to the trailhead for the Guy Fleming Loop Trail since the hill itself was not particularly beautiful.

This is an interesting park, with great views of the Pacific Ocean. If you can drive to the top and park at the top, most of the network of hiking trails are easy. The geological formations were more interesting to me than the flora and fauna. If you like the outdoors and enjoy hiking, this is worth a visit. Kids may be a little bored with it.

The park has a rugged, natural look with beautiful views of the pacific. I visited on a very cloudy day unfortunately but it was still enjoyable. You will need good walking/hiking shoes to really explore the trails.
Try to visit on a clear day, you will not be disappointed. I will definitely visit again when I'm on the west coast.

Lots of choices of well maintained trails that lead down towards the water. Views and photo opportunities abound. Please stay on the trails as the erosion is visible. Moderate difficulty in places. 60-90 minutes round trip.

I'm not a hiker, but I loved the Guy Fleming Trail. It was the highlight of the trip. The views can't be beat!

Great place to hike, take pictures, enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Great for those that like to hike as well as for those that don't! You have to love it.

What a great place to come and stretch the legs. I had 10000 steps done for the day when we finished this hike down to the water and back. This is a very popular hiking area with bathrooms and water filling station. Bring water it does get hot when your halfway down to the ocean

stayed at Hilton Torrey Pines. we walked to Torrey Pines reserve. we went on a Saturday at 9am. it was super busy. it was pretty but trails were busy and during covid, some people wore masks others didn't. we were a little unconfortable bc there were so many people on the small trails. however, it was good exercise and refreshing hike. trails to the overlook or beaches can be moderate to strenuous. hard if you have a bad back like me.

Hands down, one of the most wonderful places in San Diego. Cool ocean breezes with views for miles. I love parking on the road, hiking down the beach then up the cliffs. But it's also nice to park up top and enjoy the trails and views from there.

Lots of trails. Map holders were empty. Toilets were absolutely disgusting. Beautiful views. Not impressed with the price of parking!

We hiked several trails at the suggestion of the ranger at the visitor center. Beautiful scenery, clearly marked trails, very doable even with our 1 year old granddaughter in a backpack carrier. Unfortunately the beach trail was under construction when we were there. There is a parking fee for the upper lot. But if you are debating whether or not to put this on your list of things to do in San Diego, just do it!

A must see while in the San Diego area. Beautiful vistas and trails overlooking the Pacific. Beach access at the southern end. Spectacular photo ops.

All the trails are well marked and fairly easy. Be sure to go at low tide so you can walk down from the cliffs and have lots of time to walk along the shore. There was a very proud sea lion entertaining us with his little lion shark catch (see photo) on the day we were there. It was just lovely!

This was my second visit to this spot. The first was in August nearly six years ago, and though the views were (and still are) spectacular as you walk the trails, it was brown and dusty, which I understand is typical in late summer. But this time, after a rainy winter, the vegetation was green or bursting with color! The succulents were blooming and it was breath taking! Some of the trails were closed, but there was access to enough to provide great overlooks and access to the beach at low tide. The Ikat pattern in the sandy section of the beach walk was unusual. Not a difficult walk, and the breeze was lovely.

This is a well-kept and taken-care trail with beautiful views of the coast and coastal flora. A must see if you only have a day in San Diego and want to experience SD-La Jolla at their best.

As a teenager, I lived not far from here and enjoyed visits there often. I moved away but have had the chance to go back and its always a great visit.

Just pull over and walk for a while!

Our family enjoyed panoramic views of the cliffs and ocean. We especially enjoyed the small museum/store with books and exhibits as well as souvenirs. We will be coming back to hike and enjoy more of the trails and beach. It was relaxing and fun to enjoy nature. We will have to take more time to experience it all.

Great place for a morning walk on the beach or short hike up the cliffs. Parking can be a challenge.

Looking for a good place to hike near the ocean, we settled on this place. We had stopped in the previous day (rainy) and found the road and many trails closed. We opted not to pay the $15/car fee and vowed to return the following day. It was open this time and the $20/car fee reflected that the trails were also open. We parked at the top and stopped into the info center for trail map. There is a small museum there as well. We agreed on hiking the Beach Trail, with offshoots to Yucca and Razor Points. The day was sunny with a bit of a breeze. Not too hot and not too cold. The flowers were brilliant, the lizards were scurrying and the coastal views were spectacular. Very enjoyable day.

Easy hike - the entire family could enjoy! Lots of people out walking, but most had masks. Free parking is available, but you can also pay $20 for the closest lot.

There's more to Torrey Pines than the golf course. The beach coastline is beautiful, but you can see it from the ground or the top of the reserve (a challenging walk or pleasant drive). Hikes are varied in length and atmosphere, easily accessible along the Reserve cliffs. In all, this is a worthwhile outdoor part of a SD visit. Thanks for noting if this was helpful. I hope so.

The only drawback to the reserve was the $15 parking fee. Driving to the top of the reserve is recommended, with several trailheads along the way. Each trail was short, but enjoyable. The walk along the beach was fun, as there were seashells galore (many still housing live animals).

We hiked several of the trails in the park today. The scenery is beautiful and great viewing of the ocean. The docents in the park are very helpful.

The uphill hike to get to trails is a bit tiring, but worth the upward trek. We did the Guy Fleming trail. It’s an easy hike (once you’re there) with BEAUTIFUL views.

It is said that the rare Torrey pine trees growing here are only found in Japan and here. Beautiful scenery, awesome overlooks, and nicely laid out walking trails.

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.

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!

Great quick hikes that can be completed by people of all ages. We saw preschool to senior citizens on the trails. I would recommend completing trails to Razor and Yucca points to obtain great views of the oceans. Guy Fleming is a short hike that has less elevation changes.
The beach trail has stairs to the Torrey Pines beach where you can access the flat rock in low tide.
You can park by the beach to avoid $15 entrance fee. I would recommend paying the fee which will allow you to drive to the top and support the preserve.
Don't forget to check out the small gift shop.

Gorgeous area to hike - walk up the path and wander around lots of places to view the magnificent pacific- walk back down to the beach - takes about an hour without stops - parking available - free if you park on the street or can get a space on the front - a must visit if you are in the area

You do have to pay a few bucks to park the car near the State Beach, but the trails around Torrey Pines are completely worth it. You can walk as much as you fancy-a couple of hours or all day, & the views you are rewarded with are breathtaking. Orange rocks, cacti & the turquoise Pacific….heavenly.

Come on any weekday afternoon or weekend morning and the reserve will be bustling with locals taking their hikes. There are some beautiful views and relaxing nature here. I definitely suggest anyone visiting to go. If you are not good for an uphill hike, make sure to take your car all the way to the top parking lot and then walk around. Year round this place is really enjoyable!

We spent an afternoon hiking the trails at the park. There were not any formal education programs going on while we were there, so there was not much of interest for children. The reserve is clean, trails well maintained and it was not crowded.

This is such a good place to spend a few hours. There are 5 different trails that you can take. We did all 5 and it took us about 3h with stops for photos and even spending some time at the beach. There is a lot of walking involved so take some water and snacks with you. If you like nature and beautiful scenery then this is a must do. You can park for free on Carmel Valley Road but then you still have to walk and climb for about 20 minutes to get to the first trail (Guy Fleming trail).

Nice pack with great views. Only did a short walk up and through late one afternoon. Hoping to have more time one day to go again. I think you need to pay to park, not sure the cost as my friend had a pass.

Lots of trails and places to see along the ocean, absolutely beautiful! There were many different trails to walk on to find a great overlook of the ocean

There's nothing like a hike through Torrey Pines to clear your head and get a grip on life and work and what you're doing. I'm glad I live close enough to get here a few times a month.

It was such a refreshing experience! The views from the trails are absolutely stunning, and I loved the mix of coastal and inland scenery. The hike was manageable and the fresh air felt amazing. It’s a perfect spot if you’re looking to escape the city and enjoy some beautiful nature in California.

This park includes a beach and the cliffs behind the beach. There are several nice hiking paths on the hills and down to the water. This park tends to be crowded so parking is limited and the trails are crowded. There is a nice little museum on top of the cliffs. There are good views from the hiking trails.

we took the scenic route from Oceanside back to San Diego, stopping at parks along the coast. Torrey Pines was the first. most folks try to park along the highway, with good reason, the fee to park in the park itself is stiff. the walk to the top of the cliff isn't particularly strenuous, but it's not easy either. however, you will be rewarded with scenic views of the coastline. plenty of beautiful native flora abounds along the trail. worth the effort. Recommended

Beautiful and breathtaking! The perfect day! Excellent hiking, nature, scenic views! Definitely take the trail to the beach - lots of gorgeous stops and when you get to the bottom it's absolutely beautiful. Do some hikes and enjoy and then head to Del Mar for a great lunch!

This park will take your breath away - and not just from the hiking and climbing of the many trails. The views are utterly amazing to see. Makes it all worthwhile. Definitely a highlight of our visit to San Diego.

This was a very nice walk/hike. There are many trails and lots to look at as you go along. The sound of the waves is everything, very peaceful. There is a cost to park in the lot; however, there is parking just outside the gate. Go and take several pictures!

We took our friends from Colorado on a beautiful hike along the coastline and spent the rest of the day at the beach. It was beautiful.

Beautiful views well worth going to the lookouts to see all around the beach and bay. Incredible sunset views. Had an Achilles Tendon injury but found walk to lookouts comfortable. Super friendly and helpful park rangers.

It was great to get out in sunny SD. Overlooking the beach, catch a few peaks of the golf course. My kind of day. There are a lot of trails here so you can spend all day hiking or just a few hours.

Friends took me here, prior to patronizing the Lodge (separate review) and I liked it. Sort of. The admission to drive to the top was stiff. The volunteers in the lodge were friendly and helpful. The trails to the Outlook were steep. The advertised osprey, bald eagle, red tail hawk and falcon failed to show. Maybe they were still working on the Thanksgiving Turkey… Don’t go out of the way to go there, but if it’s on the way, you might give it a thought.
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Walked on the trails through the Reserve. Enjoyed the views of the ocean and beach from the overlooks and watching the hang gliders soaring.

Breathtaking views of the ocean. We did the Razor point trail with our 2 and 4 year old girls, they got tired at some point in the way back and we carry them but it’s definitely easy enough for little children. I wish I would have brought a baby carrier.

This is a special place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s truly peaceful and very scenic. We did walk every single trail and there is not one bad one. The visitor centre has tons of interesting information on the flora and fauna and history of this place. It took us several hours to walk all trails and take in the beauty. The trails all differ in views and length, some have stairs you need to climb and some have healthy inclines. Most trails are sandy so they may become slippery when wet. This is an amazing spot if you want to enjoy some nature.

You'll need to pull into the south end of the beach...I parked at the top ($20 to park). The trails were well marked and reminded me in parts of Bryce Canyon; rugged, sharp, red. I would definitely go again.

Torrey Pines is a lovely area for hiking or running along the trails. The rugged cliffs above the beach show visible evidence of erosion, but the views are sublime! Torrey Pines State Beach is a popular spot for surfing so I enjoyed watching the surfers catching waves.

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.

Torry pine national park is one of the most amazing places in San Diego! We try and go every Sunday for some hiking/walking the beach and going up the hills to view the most spectacular beaches and views. Parking could be a challenge but get there early and you should be good. We always get a great workout with friends and family and everyone enjoys the park and it's wonderful trails.

It’s pretty hard to find a place that combines geology, native plants and a breathtaking coastline in quite the way that Torrey Pines does. There are almost always lots of people but the layout makes that not so bad as people spread out. There are great trails and a fantastic docent program if you want to learn about the ecology. Parking can be rough, especially on weekends and in the summer.

Came to this beach with toddlers. The parking lot is very close to the beach for easy access to belongings and packing up. Beach was very family friendly and low key (no big groups of partiers or loud music). The current was too strong for swimming but kids had a nice time playing in the sand and collecting rocks.

We spent time at this beach with a large group, ranging in age from 5 to 70+. Everyone enjoyed the beach. The waves were good for boogie boarding. Parking was close to the beach and a short walk to the sand. Lifeguards were very attentive and kept a close eye on the rip currents.

The upper lot is currently closed. All the trails are closed for 24 hours after it rains so we couldn’t go out on them. No one old us that. Nice views

Although not a hard hike, this treasure has been ignored b the city when it comes to upkeep. It could be spectacular if properly maintained.

We decided that we would park in the parking lots at the top instead of the bottom. Two of the beach trails were closed so we decided to do a few of the shorter hikes and do the beach hike closest to the visitor center. The trail was not bad going down. It got steeper when you got to the beach but still fairly easy. The beach was very serene and quiet. We spent a good amount of time there then headed back. We had a nice day and will go back next time we are in the area.

We enjoyed our hike in January as it was not too hot. The views were spectacular! We spent a couple hours hiking on well maintained trails. We paid 10 to park and found a spot by the visitor center which was perfect.

Nice place to relax and enjoy the scenery and distant scenic views. The ocean side outer rim is mostly rugged, other than a fairly nice beach. Nice fresh air coming of the ocean waters. Nice trails for walking through the park.

Torrey Pines Reserve is an oasis of nature within the increasingly urbanized land. The reserve protects the Torrey Pine, which is the rarest pine tree in North America, but there is so much else to see here - the beach, the cliffs, the trails through coastal sage and chaparral. A walk through Torrey Pines takes you back to the time before Europeans arrived. Pacific overlooks provide ocean views up and down the coast, sometimes including dolphins and whales.

Torrey Pines State Reserve is a beautiful place to escape from the city and breathe in the pines and ocean. Several trails wind around above the Pacific between the ancient Torrey Pines, and the Nature Center offers specimens of birds, rocks, mammals and insects. Take the self-guided walks or join a small group field trip to learn about the history of the area. (Schedule at least 3 weeks ahead.) Go from here down to the stunning Torrey Pines State Beach and experience one of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches in the area.

Amazing views. Good variety of paths in terms of difficulty and length. We saw blue whales’ water spouts as we looked over the ocean and 2 peregrine falcons in the trees! Gorgeous place enjoyed by many ages and abilities. So glad we took time to check it out.

Hiked this from the top down. (Last time we hiked from bottom up.). Very easy hike and a lot of fun for our group. We went early before it got hot and before the tide came in so we were able to walk along the beach.

Sunday morning was VERY busy, parking in the lot at the bottom of the hill is $20 if there’s room, but there was no room by noon. We parked about a mile away since there was no room near the coast so with that, the hike up the hill, then the long loop to get to the beach, it was a few hours, almost 8 miles total, lots of stairs (not good for bad knees and hips). The plan was to get down to the beach but the high tide was in so couldn’t get to the beach safely. Wear sunscreen! Bring water! You’ll probably need a bottle refill from the water stations before walking back down and it’s warm-ish water. If you want cold water you’re out of luck unless you bring your own. Great views, great scenery from the trails. Grab a map so you know if you want to turn around or get back to the road!

We spent 2 hours and walked through every open trail in the reserve. They don't allow dogs, and there is a $15 parking fee, but it's worth it. Each trail offers something different and the ocean breeze keeps it cool even on a hot summer day. Start at the bottom, walk your way up, check out the Guy Fleming trail (and the rest) along the way to the top. Then walk down the beach trail, and walk back to your car along the beach. Perfect morning of hiking.

WOW what a magnificent hike!!! So many different trail off shoots with varying views. Just gorgeous!!! The Fleming trail was STUNNING. We hiked all the way down to the ocean and all the way up to top. Would love to hike every day!!!

There are several hiking trails to choose from. If you want flat, this is not your place. But at least a couple of trails feature only moderate inclines. Trails lead to beautiful views of the Pacific with waves splashing just below. We snagged a parking spot at the top but most people had to park at ocean level and hike up. I've done that-- when I was younger-- and I remember thinking it was quite a hike. There is a nice though small museum near the top parking area. We go to Torrey Pines most times when we visit San Diego.

I would recommend parking at the bottom of the hill near the entrance, walking up the roadway, taking all hikes at the top of the hill and then walking the beach back to where your car is parked. You will get to do all of the hikes and your car will be right where you end your day of hiking. $20.00 entrance fee is well worth it.

Walking through this was so relaxing and enjoyable, I would recommend that anyone who visits San Diego takes a few minutes to enjoy this reserve.

This was a wonderful place to spend a few relaxing hours. There were easy to moderate hiking paths up the hill with fabulous views, beautiful scenery everywhere we looked, and a very rocky beach where we sat to enjoy the fabulous sunset.

We drove all the way up to the last parking lot and paid $20 to park. There were plenty of spaces when we visited, and we were just a few steps away from the start of the trails.

If you are in the area, check out this highly recommended Park. Wear sunscreen and carry water. Most of all, wear comfortable walking shoes because the trails and paths are uneven, sandy and rocky.

If you love walking the beach and cliff walks, this is for you. We weren't so lucky to find free parking, but our ticket did give us access to drive up the big hill to the other part of the park. They have nice clean washrooms here, which is a real plus.

Beautiful nature reserve with lots of trails, beautiful sandstone cliffs, and gorgeous sunset. There are numerous trails in the reserve, well maintained and pretty easy. Trails are not crowded. The cliffs turn amazingly beautiful golden color at sunset.

If your plans to visit San Diego are limited to the general area, this is probably the best way to see a quintessential Pacific Coast beach up close. If you're inclined, there are other areas in the reserve where one can do some hiking as well to get great views of the area.

We went on a day when it was windy and cloudy. Loved every moment of it. Great views and very refreshing. Option to paraglide or hang glide close by. You can hike down to the water. There are paths, but we didn't try it. The walk back up would have been a challenge for us.

Customize your hike at the gate with the map by the parking lot. We had a dozen of us hike the park on a Friday morning from our destination wedding guests. It was truly beautiful, peaceful and fun for everyone in our group. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds or later in the day for the sun set. This was certainly one of our favorite part of our trip.

Torrey Pines State Park is just a perfect place to visit and hike. Trails are not that difficult and the views of the ocean, cliffs and scenery are just amazing. We could have hiked all day with numerous trail options to take you to peaks or all the way down to the beach. We watched the dolphins swim by as well as pelicans gliding along the waves. Beautiful.

This is very pretty with many great views to be had here, and well worth a visit. I highly recommend it

This was the highlight of our trip to SD. We spent a day hiking all the trails. So many beautiful spots to stop and take in the sights. I wish we had more time as we were table to see everything.

Hiked here with my wife and we both thought it was the the most scenic area in all of San Diego. Pristine and fragile, so dogs not allowed. If low tide then recommend taking the Beach Trail and walking back along the beach. Entrance fee is $15 but worth it. Long uphill trek from main lot to trails but there is a small lot at the top if not filled.

Spend just an hour or so — a beautiful ocean view from the top hill. If you inclined to do so, you may walk over a narrow steep path toward a sandy beach.

Get ready to hike! Enter the nature reserve on the north side when the gates open, and then drive up the roadway to the parking lots located near the starting points for most of the trails. The lots are fairly small so if you don’t get there early enough you won’t get a parking spot. When the hiking is done, continue south and stop at the GliderPort before continuing on to La Jolla. It makes for a nice full day!

I always enjoy every experience here. My first time at this place was back at 2014, and I've been going here every single year after that! Expect to put in a lot of step miles as the hike up towards the main hiking trails would already cause your heart rate to increase. It's best to wear comfortable shoes and clothes as it could get really hot or really cold depending on the time of day.

I especially love the view, each angle is just breathtaking most especially when you have sight of the sea. This is definitely a place worth going to!

A great park for hiking, amazing views, and a bit of learning about the local flora. Guy Fleming path is the instant favorite.

Nice easy hike in the nature preserve and down to the beach. Pretty busy place for a weekend day morning. Fifteen dollars to park seems a bit high, but you are in California. Very easy paths to follow. Well marked. Took about 2 hours to see most everything.

I went with my best friend and her kids when her son had to go for a school project. It was fascinating to hear about how the Torrey Pine got its name, and how it reproduces (hint-fire is involved). We walked one of the trails, and the vista of the ocean and the beach from the bluff was just stunning!

We did the Beach Trail and Razor Point trail. The trail is sand and well marked with lots of signs. The foliage is less than waist high so you can see all around the park and the other trails and people. Not crowded but not isolated either. Benches available for resting. Visitors center is very nice. Restrooms are portolets. Great views!

Torrey Pines State Park is a unique nature reserve including a large portion of coastline that is constantly changing. The sand stone cliffs are layered with millions of years of deposits that you can follow when you look at the cliffs from the beach. If you climb up to the trails then you can learn about the unique vegetation of the this part of the coast that includes the Torrey Pines that only grow in this area. Tip: you can drive up to the top to avoid the steep uphill hike.

In short, Torrey Pines is beautiful, and the hikes that come out to lookouts (I definitely recommend the Guy Fleming Trail) are well worth it.

The cautionary tale I want to share is if you need to Uber/Lyft your way there and back. Our trip TO the reserve had us dropped off just south of the reserve near a golf cart garage area. We were a bit confused, but the ride share driver was insistent. So we ended up walking about two miles up a paved pathway to the main visitor center where the heart of the reserve is located. When we were ready to leave, we called a ride share hoping to be picked up at the visitor center. No such luck. This drive messaged and helped us understand the issue: no ride share or taxi can come inside the reserve itself, as there's a fee to get in past the main gate, so the driver waited at the front gate for us. We then had to walk a rather long downhill path north of the center and trails to get to the driver. All of this was inconvenient, of course, and won't matter if you drive yourself there, but just be advised if you plan to be dropped off and picked up.

The visitor center had friendly staff and some things worth checking out (including some small taxidermied wildlife) but does NOT have a public restroom. If you need to go, there are port-a-potties in a parking lot across the street; no indoor plumbing options.

Torrey Pines State Beach Park is an amazing place to spend a beautiful, sunny Spring afternoon in San Diego. There is a $15 parking fee if you drive in, but we parked on nearby Torrey Pines Road and enjoyed the area at no cost. Though the sun was bright, the cool ocean breezes made it perfect for an afternoon adventure.The hiking trails are heavily trafficked, moderate hikes with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Seaside Cliffs, and surrounding foliage. After taking numerous gorgeous photos, there are beach stairs to access the beach and a pleasant beach stroll back to the parking area. During these crazy COVID-19 times, we can regain our sanity enjoying the beauties of this glorious world we live in!

This is a State park $ 15 to enter. Once inside there are a number of trails to take easiest to difficult but most lead down to the bluffs overlooking the ocean. Beautiful views!! We spent several hours here walking & picture taking.

The views are incredible and worth the hike! We saw dolphins, lizards, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. The Guy Fleming Trail was great to do with kids. We took advantage of every scenic outlook we could. It cost $15 to enter with a car, but worth every penny!

Lovely beach, but the hike up the hill will reward you with stunning views of the Pacific and the beautiful beach below. Parking is $15, rest rooms on site. There is parking at the trailhead if you don't want to climb the hill. The pines are in danger from a beetle so they aren't very pretty, but the slope is full of flowering plants and the views are worth the trip!

This spectacular and unique state park is dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree and other indigenous wildlife in its native environment. The Torrey Pine is very rare, and is only found here at in Santa Rosa Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park offshore from Ventura, California. It offers a series easy yet well-kept trails that wind along the cliffs offering great views of the Pacific Ocean. Many trails close during and after rain.

There are two paid lots near the beach (fee varies, but can be as high as $25), and there is also some limited parking inside of the reserve (you can drive up the hill). I always park on the street--either on the 101 on the north side of the preserve, or Callan Road on the south side of the preserve--and walk in. Open sunrise to sunset.

My son and I enjoyed a short hike and it was beautiful! Highly recommend! There were 2 overlooks and several areas that had benches to sit and take in the view.

Went to Torrey Pines in early afternoon. A great place to see the views of the sea cliffs. Spent an hour watching the paragliders. Beautiful afternoon.

You're see the unique California coastline scenery first handed in this reserve. It's among the top 3 places I have to take my friends to when they visit San Diego. Lots of locals come over the weekend as well.

Beautiful trails, , easy to moderate skill level. We were with two 13 year olds who did the hike with ease. Stunning views of the cost and really cool rock formations and desert type landscape. We spent 2 hours there which was plenty of time. I do recommend arriving early as it does get busy, but so worth it!!! We had no trouble with parking in October.