'''Torrey Pines State Reserve'''[http://www.torreypine.org] is a park, just north of San Diego in California.
Understand
Torrey Pines City Park Beach is a part of the world-famous Torrey Pines State Reserve. In addition to miles of beaches, the more than 2000-acre reserve also includes wildlife, trails, and lagoons, and it is home to the nations rarest pine tree -- the Torrey Pine. The Torrey Pine is also one of the rarest pine trees in the world.
Flora and fauna
Throughout the reserve, visitors will see plenty of Torrey Pines, of course, and wide variety of animals. Rabbits, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, hawks, hummingbirds, and owls are all a part of the landscape, so sightings are common -- especially as sunset approaches. From agave and freesia, to sage and strand, visitors will also see plenty of wildflowers and plant life along the way.
Climate
The climate here is typical of coastal San Diego temperatures.
Get in
Torrey Pines City Park Beach is located north of San Diego between La Jolla and Del Mar, California. The address is: 12600 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA. 92037. For more information about Torrey Pines City Park Beach, call: 858-755-2063, or visit:
Fees/Permits
If you walk into the park, it_fs free. Otherwise, parking fees are: General: $8 (everyday);
Senior (62+): $5 weekdays, $7 weekends & holidays; Disabled:$4 (with qualified Dept Parks Recreation pass)
There are a few rules to keep in mind while touring Torrey Pines. There are no bikes or dogs allowed in the reserve -- this means all areas, including the beach, trails, etc. Picking wildflowers is also prohibited, and again, food and beverages are not allowed in any areas of the reserve -- only bottled water is allowed.
See
Before heading out to the beach or on a hiking trail, stop by the reserve_fs attractive museum and visitor center to pick up a map, check out a few exhibits, and gather any information that you may need about the reserve for reference. Next, prepare for a hike down to the beach.
Do
Hiking
The hike starts at the top of Torrey Pines State Park (the visitor center), and descends down to the beach.
The beach is approximately 4.5-miles long and is said to be one of the country_fs best beaches for swimming. Because it is considered the least crowded beach in San Diego County, Torrey Pines City Park Beach is also great for picnics, walking, and relaxing.
The visitor center, built in 1923, is a popular place to start the hike to the beach, as it offers excellent views of the ocean from high above (around 300 feet). But there are several other trails such as the Broken Hill Trail, leading to the beach. These trails may also offer views of the ocean and may include everything from Gray Whales in the winter, to bottlenose dolphins, year-around.
Once on the beach, visitors will enjoy mild temperatures, surf fishing, sunning, and scenery. Individuals planning to spend a full day at the beach should note that gates open at 8 a.m. and close at sunset. The visitor center opens at 9 a.m. For hikers and half-day beachgoers, the visitor center offers interpretive nature walks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Sleep
Lodging
Camping
There is no camping in the park, in fact, it closes at sunset.