Hours & Fees
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve's gates open at 7:15 a.m. and close at sunset, and parking costs $15 to $25 per vehicle in the South Beach lot or $10 to $25 in the North Beach lot, depending on demand. Right now the reserve itself is closed for construction until about March 1, 2027, but the beach lots keep these hours and fees.
Hours & Fees at a Glance
Reserve Hours
State Parks lists the gates as open from 7:15 a.m. to sunset. The reserve closes at sunset, and everyone, on foot or in a car, has to be out by then. In practice State Parks says that means about 7:30 to 8 p.m. in summer and around 5 p.m. in fall and winter.
The reserve is closed until about March 1, 2027, so for now these hours apply to the state beach and its parking lots only.
Parking Fees
Parking prices change with demand.
- South Beach lot, 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road: $15 to $25 per vehicle. This is the main lot and the entrance to the reserve road.
- North Beach lot, off Carmel Valley Road at McGonigle Road: $10 to $25 per vehicle. It is the only lot for RVs longer than a standard space.
The State Parks FAQ puts the usual rate at $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays. The two lots charge separately, so parking at North Beach and then moving to South Beach means paying twice. See Parking & Directions for which lot to pick.
Paying
The South Beach kiosk is staffed from 9 a.m. to sunset every day. When no one is in the kiosk, pay at the automated pay machine in the South Beach lot. State Parks also posts QR codes for self-pay near the upper trailheads (closed until March 2027); if one will not scan, text the number printed below it. North Beach has an automated pay machine near its entrance.
Parking is run by a contractor, LAZ Parking. If you get a ticket, even with a valid pass, you have to dispute it with the phone number or website on the back of the ticket; State Parks cannot cancel it.
Passes
Torrey Pines accepts these California State Parks passes: the California Explorer annual vehicle pass, the Disabled Discount Pass, the Distinguished Veteran Pass, the Golden Bear and Senior Golden Bear passes, and the California State Library Parks Pass. The kiosk sells the annual vehicle day-use pass for $195. Golden Bear and veteran passes are not sold here; apply online at ReserveCalifornia or at the State Parks North Sector office in Carlsbad.
Two things that do not count: a disabled parking placard does not get free parking, and the fourth-grade California Adventure Pass is not accepted at Torrey Pines.
Visitor Center Hours
State Parks lists the Lodge as closed until March 2027 because of the construction. See Visitor Center (the Lodge).
Hours & Fees FAQ
What time does Torrey Pines open?
The gates open at 7:15 a.m. and close at sunset. The reserve itself is closed for construction until about March 1, 2027; the beach lots keep these hours.
How much is parking at Torrey Pines?
$15 to $25 per vehicle at the South Beach lot and $10 to $25 at the North Beach lot, depending on demand. State Parks says weekdays are usually $15 and weekends and holidays $25.
What time does Torrey Pines close?
At sunset. State Parks says that is about 7:30 to 8 p.m. in summer and about 5 p.m. in fall and winter.
Is there a fee to walk into Torrey Pines?
The fees State Parks lists are per vehicle for its lots. The reserve is closed to walkers too until about March 1, 2027.
Can I use a California State Parks pass at Torrey Pines?
Yes. Explorer, Golden Bear, Senior Golden Bear, Disabled Discount, Distinguished Veteran and State Library passes are accepted. The fourth-grade Adventure Pass is not.