School Groups
Virtual PORTS Programs are available!
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers virtual education programs through the PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) Program. If you are interested, you can sign up through the following link:
For other PORTS programs throughout the State, check out our wide variety of virtual on-demand programs at https://ports.parks.ca.gov/.
PORTScasts Calendar: Tune in for Earth Week 2025
School Group Reservation requests:
Reservations are required for all groups visiting the Reserve. Reservation requests must be made at least 15 days in advance to allow for preparation and scheduling by park personnel. Groups without a reservation will not be allowed entrance.
Educators interested in scheduling a school group visit at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve can sign up for either the Docent-led Children’s Program (grades 2-5) or the Self-Guided School Program (K-12):
The Docent-led Children’s Program is facilitated by docents from the Torrey Pines Docent Society, who will greet the students, provide a 20–30-minute talk on one of five available topics, and split the class into groups of 9 or fewer to hike the trails. This program is about 2 hours long and is only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Group size is limited to 70 students. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Educators can make online reservations by visiting our booking website.
**Please note this program is currently fully booked for the 2024-2025 school year.**
Self-Guided Programs are facilitated independently by K-12th grade teachers and/or homeschool educators without the support of California State Park Staff. This program is available Mondays, Wednesdays, plus the 3rd and 4th Fridays of each month. Once booked, educators will have access to free resources aligned to K-12 standards to enhance your visit. Group size is limited to 70 students. Reservations are required; Educators can make online reservations by visiting our booking website.
**Please note that we are not currently offering topic-based naturalist talks before the hike**
College Visits:
Like our school programs, in-advance reservations are required to visit the park at least 15 days before the proposed date. These groups hike independently under the direction of their instructors and are expected to acquaint themselves with the Reserve’s rules before the trip. The length of this program is open-ended, Monday-Friday only, with a preferred start time in the afternoon to avoid conflict with the younger school groups.
Reservation requests can be made through the TPSNR Group Reservation Request form and sent to the Torrey Pines email address: torrey.pines@parks.ca.gov
The $25 fee can be paid by check or through PayPal listed on the request form. The fee covers administration costs and, as a courtesy, includes parking. Approved groups will receive parking pass(es) at the entrance kiosk. If the kiosk is not staffed, you must contact staff at the Lodge/Ranger HQ, located in the Visitor Center, to receive a vehicle pass for your dashboard. No photocopied passes will be accepted.
For more information about school programs, please contact torrey.pines@parks.ca.gov, or call (619)-346-3701.