Torrey Pines State Beach is a long sandy beach that extends over four miles from Del Mar to La Jolla. The beach is away from development in one of San Diego’s most scenic natural areas. The closest shops and restaurants are on Carmel Valley Rd, east of N. Torrey Pines, Road, and in Del Mar Village.
Torrey Pines State Beach
At the north end from Del Mar Beach to Carmel Valley Rd, Torrey Pines State Beach is hidden below bluffs. On the bluffs is a small natural park. To the south is Los Peñasquitos Marsh inlet which separates the northern section of beach from the main stretch of beach to the south.
This main stretch is open to the coast highway with easy street parking and access along side the beach. Some rocks separate the beach from the highway. Across the highway is Los Peñasquitos Marsh, a scenic preserve, nestled in a small valley, closed to the public.
Further south, the bluffs begin again, taller than those to the north. Atop the bluffs is Torrey Pines State Reserve, which can be accessed from a road at the base of the bluffs near the highway. A large beach parking lot is located next to the park reserve entrance. Both parking and access to the reserve require a fee.
The beach below the Torrey Pines bluffs is more secluded and less crowded than the beach to the north. This southern section of beach is popular for walking, jogging, and photography. The south end of Torrey Pines State Beach is marked by Bathtub Rock, a small flat rock that protrudes above the surf several feet from the beach.
Beyond this point is Blacks Beach, San Diego’s most secluded beach, hidden by tall bluffs, and difficult to access.