Torrey Pines State Beach, California

Torrey Pines Beach forms part of the Torrey Pines State reserve which is located between La Jolla and Del Mar. The midlle section of the beach (around Flat Rock) is the most scenic, inaccessible and undeveloped beach in all Southern California, yet still falls within San Diego city limits.

There are two major access points to the beach. At the northern end, near where the railroad passes under the highway, you’ll find the main South Beach Parking Lot, with a flat and easy walk to the sands . Make sure you take everything you need with you, as there are no concessions on the beach. The more adventurous can park at the Visitors Center (on the road southwards by about 2 miles), and take the ½ mile Beach trail down to Flat Rock. The latter option has 2 advantages – firstly the trail takes you to one of the best sections of the beach, and secondly you can incorporate a short detour around the magnificent ¾ mile Razor Point Trail - this winds its away around the buffs above the beach, rewarding you with dramatic views of the ‘mini badlands’.

In summer the water is easily warm enough for swimming and surfing. The beach near the main parking lot is patrolled by lifeguards. At low tide it’s possible to walk for miles along the beach, under the magnificent sandstone cliffs, which reach a height of over 300ft. The hardy will complete the (about) 4 miles all the way to the bizarrely shaped ‘Mushroom House’, a privately owned beach house serviced by (a now nonworking) furnicular. Make sure you save some energy for the return journey!