Park Information

Rules of the Reserve

Torrey Pines is visited by travelers from all over the world and by local residents who come daily to rest at the stunning overlooks, walk a peaceful trail, or exercise in a clean, beautiful environment. Come spend some time at beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

While you do, please keep in mind that a reserve is not a park. A natural reserve status is assigned to an area of importance, and typically is one that contains threatened plants, animals, habitats, or unique geological formations. As such, a reserve is a protected area targeted for conservation and carries with it restrictions that are not found in parks. Of the 280 units in the California State Park system, only 14 have reserve status and Torrey Pines is one of them.

Please take special care to preserve the Reserve and keep it for now and forever. Please take note that in this Reserve:

• NO DOGS OR OTHER PETS IN THE RESERVE OR STATE BEACH
• Stay on trail – Walking off trail causes erosion, tramples plants and frightens wildlife.
• No pets – Dogs frighten wildlife and their waste causes nesting animals to abandon their young.
• No food in the reserve – Help keep our animals wild and healthy by picnicking only at the beach.
• No alcohol
• No drones – To prevent possible resource damage from accidents and to avoid frightening animals.
• No picking/collecting natural features – Pinecones and flowers must be left to produce seeds to grow new plants. It also allows fellow visitors to enjoy the fauna.
• No smoking/open flames – Torrey Pines has a high fire danger. The plants found here are dry and flammable.
• No amplified music – Respect your fellow hikers and enjoy the sounds of nature while in the reserve.
• All groups over 20 people require a permit - Please contact torrey.pines@parks.ca.gov to obtain guided hike permits, or visit our Special Events page for weddings, photoshoots, etc.

 

Stay away from the bottom of the cliffs.

Rockslides and cliff collapses occur without notice. To increase safety, time your beach visit for low tide, when there is more sand available between the cliffs and the waves, which should help ensure you can keep a minimum distance of 10 feet from the bluffs.

Trails

Please check the Park Updates postings on the main page on trail accessibility. Trails, particularly the steeper Broken Hill, Razor Point, and Beach Trails, are generally closed in the event of rain to prevent soil erosion. The steps at the Parry Grove Trail can be slippery and dangerous. The closure time varies, depending on the amount and duration of the rainfall. Please help us protect the Reserve by observing posted trail closures.  Click here to see a SD County video explaining trail closures after a rain.

 

Current Conditions:

• TPSNR Main Trails OPEN. 
• TPSNR Extension - Margaret Fleming Trail CLOSED - est. reopening Summer 2025

 

Parking

 South Beach Lot

_{(12600 North Torrey Pines Rd., access to upper lots and beach)}

General Admission Day Use fee is $12-$25 per vehicle (demand based pricing) or a valid annual California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass.  Recreational vehicles longer than a standard parking spot are allowed only in the North Beach lot. Camping is not permitted at Torrey Pines

If there is no staff person in the kiosk at the park entrance, the parking fee must be paid at the Automated Pay Machine located in the South Beach parking lot.

North Beach Lot

(from Carmel Valley Rd, access to beach, remote parking for trails)

 General Admission Day Use fee is $10-$25 per vehicle (demand based pricing) or a valid annual California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass.  Camping is not permitted at Torrey Pines

Pay at the Automated Pay Machine located near the entrance of the parking lot if no staff person is in the kiosk.

Note: Recreational vehicles longer than a standard parking spot are allowed only in the North Beach lot and must use designated spots.

All groups need a permit.

One of the more common complaints in the summer time at Torrey Pines is the parking. When the South Beach lot fills up, we close the entrance and visitors need to head to North Beach for parking. There is now a flashing light on the top of the kiosk to alert visitors when the gate is closed. This early alert system will enable visitors to go directly to the North Beach parking lot and avoid having to make a u-turn at the closed entrance to the South Beach lot. Once you know exactly where to look, you can even see the light from the top of High Bridge or Carmel Valley Rd. See map below for some locations to look for the flashing light.

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Frequently Asked Questions

State of California Passes

1. Can I buy the Annual Parking Pass at Torrey Pines?
   1. Yes, passes are sold at our entrance kiosk. They are $195.
2. I am a distinguished Veteran; can I apply for my pass at Torrey Pines?
   1. Veteran passes can be applied for and purchased online at ReserveCalifornia.com, or in person at our North Sector Office in Carlsbad: 2680 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, CA 92008
3. Can I use the CA Adventure Pass to park at Torrey Pines?
   1. CA Adventure Passes are not acceptable at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The closest park that accepts them is Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado.

General Park information:

1. How can I get to the beach?
   1. 3 ways: Broken Hill Trail – North or South (less crowded)
   2. Beach trail (most crowded)
2. What is the entrance/parking fee?
   1. Day use parking fee varies depending on the day. Weekdays are $15, and weekends/holidays are $25
3. There was no one at the kiosk when I entered, where do I pay for parking?
   1. A QR code is available at the West lot by the trailheads.
4. What time does the park close? How late can I hike the trails?
   1. The Reserve closes at sunset:

                             i.      Summertime it closes at 7:30/8 p.m.

                             ii.      Fall/Winter closing time is 5 p.m.

5. Can I ride my e-bike on the beach?
   1. No, bikes are only allowed on the paved park road. For safety reasons, riding downhill is not allowed.
6. Where are the restrooms?
   1. We have porta-potties across the road by the trailheads, and flush toilets are available at the beach entrance.
7. Does my disabled/ADA placard get me free parking?
   1. It does not get you free parking, but you do get 50% off.
8. Best place for Uber/Lyft pickup?
   1. The best place to meet your driver is at the South Beach parking lot. Sometimes when they put in the directions, it will want to take them to the Torrey Pines Golf Course.
9. Are dogs allowed? Where can I hike with my dog?
   1. No, dogs are not allowed at the Reserve. You can take your furry friend to one of these spots:

                         i.      Carmel Mountain: Parking at Ocean Air Recreation Center

                         ii.      Crest Canyon – Del Mar: Multiple access points

                         iii.      Gonzales Canyon: Street Parking at North End of Sword Way

                         iv.      Penasquitos Canyon: Parking in Lot off Sorrento Valley Blvd

                         v.      San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

                        vi.      Del Mar Dog Beach

1. Can I bring my service dog?
   1. Yes. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, working service dogs are allowed at TPSNR, but please take note that Emotional Support Animals are not service dogs, and are not allowed in the Reserve.
   2. For service dogs, we prefer that the animal be identified with a vest or tag so that it is easily seen as a service dog. This helps reduce the number of irate calls to the rangers and will reduce the number of visitors who may tell you “dogs are not allowed.”
2. Are fires allowed on the beach?
   1. Propane fires are allowed if they are contained and raised at least 6 inches above the ground.The use of nail-filled pallets, wood logs, kerosene, oil, charcoal briquettes, fire logs, newspapers or trees is prohibited.
3. What are the most handicap/wheelchair/stroller accessible trails?
   1. West Overlook
   2. Whitaker Garden/Scripps Overlook
   3. Discovery Trail
   4. Broken Hill – North Fork
4. There is an injured animal at the beach, who can I call?
   1. Stranded or injured animals report to SeaWorld. Call 1-800-541-7325 and leave a detailed message. Include the: date and time the animal was last seen, approximate size, location (landmark), is the animal entangled in anything. Also take pictures if possible.

5. Who to call for a dead animal on the beach?
   1. Dead sea mammals can be reported to NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. Call 858-546-7162 and leave a detailed message. Include the: date and time, approximate length of mammal, location (landmark) and take some pictures. 

6. I received a parking ticket even though I had my parking pass on my dashboard, what can I do?
   1. You will have to call the number or visit the website on the back of the ticket to dispute it. Since our parking is run by a third-party company, there is nothing that can be done through us.