“North of La Jolla, where the sandstone bluffs give way to wetlands, Torrey Pines State Beach sits adjacent to Highway 101. The northern section of the three mile stretch of beach is ideal for sunning and swimming, sandy enough to allow room to play at all but the very highest tides. Stick around for sunset when the bluffs are aglow. Trust me, a longtime advocate of shiny and pretty” Sandbag C. Gull
In addition to the very busy parking available along 101, two pay-lots are available. Don’t be afraid to park & walk in alongside the beautiful wetland area. Extending from the Penasquitos River valley out to include the Underwater Ecological Reserve offshore, everything in the vicinity of the State Beach is protected and maintained by the state park system.
Torrey Pines State Beach Slideshow
Logistics
- Lifeguard services → if any ← varies by season, day, hours, even weather!
- Lifeguards are stationed at the north end of the beach near Penasquitos Lagoon. They do not regularly patrol the beach, so be cautious of the strong currents, particularly to the south
- Restroom & changing facilities are available on the beach level near the parking area located off Carmel Valley Road
- Restrooms are also available at the Visitor Center atop the bluff, where there is also a museum and rangers can offer information on the myriad trails and wildlife in the park. There is a fee to drive into this area of the park
- Specialized beach wheelchairs available. Call (858) 755-2063 for information
- Pets and alcohol are not permitted anywhere within the park, and food is permitted only at the beach level
- Parking is available north of the park entrance along North Torrey Pines Road, as well as in pay lots located on Carmel Valley Road (enter at McGonigle Road), and nearer the beach off North Torrey Pines Road, where parking is available at the beach level as well as at the top of the bluffs near the Visitor Center
- Entering La Jolla from the north, there is metered parking (Pay & Display) along Camino Del Mar before it becomes North Torrey Pines Road. This is a nice overlook area, but be warned that there is no beach access from this location. In fact, what appear to be trails often lead nowhere and there is no protective fencing along the bluffs, which are notoriously unstable. Use at you own risk, and know before using all your small bills to feed the meter machine!
Directions
From I-5 take Carmel Valley Road west to North Torrey Pines Road. Parking areas are south of Carmel Valley Road at McGonnigle Road and to the south on North Torrey Pines. Enjoy!
