Torrey Pines State Beach

One of my favorite beaches in San Diego! Clean, family friendly, clean bathrooms, clean beach, lifeguards are nice. You do have to pay to park unless you can find street parking (very few spots) and with that paying to park you also only have people who really respect the beach being there. You can hike down the hills and or walk along the beach to local restaurants as well. Supporting the wildlife and preservation around the area is one reason I don't mind paying to park. Always a wonderful experience and adventure at Torrey Pines.

This is one of the quieter, more secluded beaches/cliff areas in San Diego — and like most places along the coast here, it’s absolutely beautiful. The beach below is peaceful, not crowded at all, with just a few surfers and scattered visitors. I didn’t go all the way down to the sand; instead, I viewed everything from the gliderport area, which sits high on a cliff and gives you an incredible panoramic view of the ocean. There is a path/stair-like trail that goes down to the beach, but it’s a steep climb and takes time, so I skipped it. Even just staying at the top was worth it — the breeze, the crashing waves, and the open view felt calm and refreshing. The area is also used for paragliding, so you’ll often see people launching from the cliff, which makes the spot even more interesting to watch. Parking is available, but the lot can be full, and the ground is uneven, dusty, and a bit rugged — not ideal if you don’t have a car with good clearance. I parked anyway, but my regular car struggled a bit, so it’s something to be aware of, especially after rain. It was slightly cloudy when I visited, but I can easily imagine this being a stunning sunset spot on a clear day. If you’re exploring San Diego, definitely add this place to your list — quiet, scenic, and perfect for just standing still and taking it all in.

Amazing place to spend time exercising or exploring all day! Loved this place so much❤️ About $20 for parking in their lot. Paved walking/hiking path showcasing beautiful vistas of the city,brackish waterways, forested hills to rocky shores & ocean. Great information center w helpful & knowledgeable park staff.

Beautiful beautiful cliff. I went all the way around to the golf course and then came down to explore the cliff/beach. Took around 2.5 h. Make sure you bring water. There is really no escape from the sun. And do check the tides before going to access the beautiful walk on the beach.

Great variety of hiking trails with fantastic views. The trails are easy to do (I finished everything in about 2.5 hours). It’s not overcrowded and easy to reach by car. Definitely worth a visit