Visiting Torrey Pines? Check out these beautiful hikes.
When people ask us out of all the cities we’ve lived in which is our favorite, it’s no doubt San Diego. Though we didn’t take advantage of being near the beach nearly as much as we should have, it was nice only being a stone’s throw away.
Of all the areas we hiked in around the city, this was easily one of our favorite spots, so you’re getting the best of the best! The Torrey Pines hiking trails are all relatively easy, short, and you get beautiful coastal views with different vantage points. Plus, you get to walk amongst one of the rarest pine trees in the world. You can also link many of the hikes together if you want to spend all day exploring the area.
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Last Updated: September 5, 2024
Easy Hikes in San DIego with Coastal Views – Torrey Pines Hike
1. The Beach Trail Hikes (0.75 Mile)
Our first hike was the Beach Trail in Torrey Pines South because Esther loves the water. Like it’s name suggests, this trail takes you 300 feet down to the beach. Once we saw the sign for the trail, we left the paved road and continued to follow the signs. Along the way, you’ll get a chance to see Red Butte, and there are also other offshoot trails. You can hike up to Razor Point or Yucca Point for additional viewpoints.
Since it was already getting dark, we headed straight down to the beach. After the descent, we followed the beach back towards the parking lot. The tide was high and there were moments when we thought we might not have any beach left to walk on, but it ended up being okay.
It was a relaxing hike and next time we can’t wait to explore some of the other trails.
Local Tip: Arrive early to ensure you get parking, especially on weekends and the holidays.
See More: 25 Free Things to Do in San Diego
2. Broken Hill Trail (2.5 Miles)
The Broken Hill trail is the longest Torrey Pines hiking trail. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
3. Guy Fleming Trail (0.8 Miles)
The Guy Fleming Trail has two scenic overlooks with panoramic views. This hike has the widest variety of wildflowers, ferns, and cacti.
See More: California Flower Fields You Can’t Miss This Spring
4. High Point Trail (0.1 Mile)
High Point Trail is a short and steep hike that takes you to a 360-degree panoramic view.
5. Parry Grove Trail (0.6 Mile Loop)
This is a nice secluded hike that has 100 stone steps at the entrance. Drought and bark beetle infestation had devastated the Torrey pines in this grove, but it is recovering.
6. Razor Point Trail (1.3 Mile)
You can see unique sandstone formations and beautiful coastal views. It also gives you access Yucca Point Overlook from this trail.
See More: 101 Things to do in San Diego
7. Saigon Trail Formerly Ho Chi Minh Trail (0.4 Mile) →
This is an unofficial trail that goes through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It’s not well maintained and used to only be trafficked by surfers going to Black’s Beach. It involves some scrambling and isn’t one of the more easy hikes in San Diego.
See More: How to Hike the Secret Ho Chi Minh Trail San Diego
Bonus: Torrey Pines State Reserve Northeast Extension
The reserve also has a Northeast extension. The difference between Torrey Pines North vs South is that the North is much less crowded and has fewer hiking trails that are less maintained. It gives it a more of an outdoorsy vibe over a tourist destination.
- Mar Scenic Trail (1 mile) – A hike that follows a seasonal creek.
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Trail (0.5 mile) -Get views across the marsh to the main reserve and ocean.
- Margaret Fleming Nature Trail (1.2 mile) – Hike through coastal sage scrub.
- Red Ridge Loop Trail (0.3 mile) – See the lagoon, the main reserve, and unique formations.
See More: Best Beginner Spots for Rock Climbing in San Diego County
About the Torrey Pine Tree
The Torrey pine tree (Pinus torreyana) is a rare and endangered pine species that only grows here at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, on Santa Rosa Island, and random coastal areas of California.
Fun Fact: The world’s largest Torrey pine tree at 126 ft tall is named Wardholme Torrey Pine. It lives in the beach town Carpinteria just 11 miles east of Santa Barbara.
Directions, Hours, & Fees
Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
We headed to the Torrey Pines in the evening to catch sunset. After parking our car, we headed up Torrey Pines Park Rd. Along this paved road, you’ll find well marked trailheads and you’ll also eventually see the Visitor Center (Lodge) to your left.
Operating Hours:
The Reserve is open from 7:15 AM to sunset, 365 days a year. Sunset is around 5PM in the winter and 8PM in the summer. The Lodge (Visitor Center) opens 9 AM year round. It closes at 6 PM during summer daylight saving time and 4 PM during winter.
Parking & Fees
There are two parking lots at the Reserve. The South Beach parking is the more popular and the fee also gives you access to the top of the mesa. Fees differ based on demand. High Season typically runs from Spring Break to the end of September, and Low Season starts in October and goes through Spring Break.
- South Beach: $12-25
- North Beach: $10-25
Essential Tips for Your Visit to Torrey Pines State Reserve
- Best Time to Visit: Year Round. In January it can get down to 45 degrees, and the hottest time of year is going to usually fall in August at around 80 degrees. In June and July, the coastal fog can last all day.
- Stop by the Visitor Center (Lodge) to check out exhibits on local wildlife, flowers, and geology. You can also grab one of the free trail maps.
- Please stay on the trails! The ecosystem is very fragile and going off trail causes unnecessary erosions and can harm the plant and wildlife.
- No food is allowed in the Reserve or on the trails. Water is okay.
- If you want to picnic, you can at the beach, but please pack out what you pack in.
- There are bathrooms and trashcans near the parking lots, but not at the Visitor Center.
- No pets are allowed in the Reserve or on the beach.
- During the summer, the busiest times are usually between 10 AM and 1 PM.
- If you’re hiking through the beach, check the times and heights of Torrey Pine tides.
La Jolla Hiking Trail Packing List
- Water (these are our favorite travel water bottles)
- Daypack
- Hiking Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Pack Towel
Where to Stay
What’s Nearby
- Salk Institute (4 mi south / 7 min, map)
- Scripps Pier (6.1 mi south / 13 min, map)
- La Jolla Shores Park (6.5 mi south / 14 min, map)
- Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields ( 15.4 mi north / 30 min, map)
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on San Diego hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a San Diego travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with Go City.
Have you been hiking in San Diego? What’s your favorite hike?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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