Torrey Pines State Beach is a coastal beach located in the San Diego, California community of La Jolla, California south of Del Mar and north of Black's Beach. Coastal erosion from the adjacent Torrey Pines State Reserve makes for a picturesque landscape.

It is a local favorite among surfers and remains a quintessential Southern California beach. The beach is at the bottom of 300 foot sandstone cliffs of white and golden stone, with a greenish layer sometimes visible at the very bottom.

At the north end of the beach the cliffs ends and Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, a salt marsh, empties into the ocean. A county highway crosses the entrance, with limited free parking along the beach.

The hike from the top of Torrey Pines State Park (starting at the visitor’s center) to the beach below is one of the most rewarding in all of southern California. Bring your bathing suit so you can take a swim!

Torrey Pines State Park and beach offer a glimpse of the natural environment found along the southern California coast. The plant life and ecosystem are incredibly unique and diverse. Take advantage of the wonderful interpretive exhibits found at the visitor’s center.

If you hike down the trail from the upper parking lot, your reward will be the least crowded beach anywhere in San Diego County! We give Torrey Pines State Beach our highest recommendation.