Torrey Pines State Beach – South Beach

South Beach at Torrey Pines State Beach is just south of the creek mouth that flows from Los Penasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve in north La Jolla. There is a large parking lot just off North Torrey Pines Road right next to the beach. Just above the beach is a high bluff with hiking trails that look over the ocean (whale watching January-March) and the saltwater marsh.

The Torrey Pines Park Road ascends from this parking area up to the visitor center and trailheads for the trails in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The beach at South Beach is rockier than those at nearby Black’s Beach and Flat Rock Beach but South Beach has much easier access. For that reason it will be busier than those other beaches. Torrey Pines North Beach is just across the marsh entrance channel and has a similar beach feel to South Beach.

Be sure to heed the cliff warning signs as the bluff can drop rocks, or even worse, collapse at any time. Early in 2021 a large section collapsed (video) and fortunately no one was injured.

Address

N Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037

Park Name

Torrey Pines State Beach, Los Penasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Ellen Browning Scripps Natural Preserve

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Fee for parking

Activities

Hiking, Birdwatching, Swimming, Fishing, Surfing, Sunbathing, Beach Walking, Whale Watching

Amenities

Lifeguard, Restrooms, Picnic Tables

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart