Parking & Directions
Torrey Pines has two pay lots, both run by California State Parks: the South Beach lot at 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road ($15 to $25), at the bottom of the Torrey Pines grade, and the North Beach lot off Carmel Valley Road at McGonigle Road ($10 to $25). The two upper lots inside the reserve are closed until about March 1, 2027. Parking on road shoulders is not allowed.
Parking at a Glance
South Beach Lot
The South Beach lot is the main entrance. It sits on the ocean side of North Torrey Pines Road at the bottom of the grade, just before the road starts to climb toward La Jolla, and it is where the reserve road starts. It has beach access, restrooms and a picnic area near the entrance.
From I-5 northbound: exit Genesee Avenue and turn left, then bear right onto North Torrey Pines Road and follow it about 4.5 miles down the grade. Turn left into the park at the bottom.
From I-5 southbound: exit Carmel Valley Road, drive west about 1.5 miles to the coast road, turn left and follow the beach about a mile. The entrance is on the right just before the road climbs.
When South Beach fills, staff close the entrance and send cars to North Beach. A flashing light on top of the kiosk shows when the gate is closed; State Parks says you can spot it from the High Bridge or Carmel Valley Road and head straight north instead of making a U-turn.
North Beach Lot
The North Beach lot is off Carmel Valley Road: from I-5, exit Carmel Valley Road, drive west about 1.5 miles and turn left on McGonigle Road. Pay at the machine near the entrance. It is the only lot that takes RVs longer than a standard space, and they must use the marked spots. The free beach wheelchair is stored here.
From North Beach the infosheet gives two ways to reach the south end: walk the path under the highway and over the bridge to South Beach (about 15 minutes), or drive out, turn left on Carmel Valley Road and left again on Camino del Mar to the South Beach lot (about 5 minutes). The lots charge separately.
Upper Lots (Closed)
When the reserve is open, the park road climbs from South Beach to two upper lots near the Lodge and the trailheads. Both are closed during the 2026–27 closure. Bikes may ride the paved road uphill only, never downhill.
Reserve Extension Parking
For the trails in the Reserve Extension, State Parks says free public parking is allowed near the trailheads. The trail map lists entrances from Del Mar Scenic Parkway via Carmel Valley Road, and from Mar Scenic Drive or Mira Montana Drive via Del Mar Heights Road.
Rideshare and Transit
State Parks says the safest place to meet an Uber or Lyft is the south entrance near the golf course maintenance area; on busy days, being dropped off or picked up outside the South Beach lot is unsafe. The State Parks trail guide shows the Sorrento Valley Coaster station about 3.5 miles away.
Tips
- The reserve may limit visitor and vehicle numbers. If it is full, you may be asked to come back later.
- Come early, or on a weekday, when the rate is usually lower (fees). Before the kiosk opens at 9 a.m., use the pay machine.
- Do not stop on the shoulders of North Torrey Pines Road or the park road.
Parking & Directions FAQ
Where do you park for Torrey Pines?
In the State Parks South Beach lot at 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road or the North Beach lot off Carmel Valley Road at McGonigle Road. Road-shoulder parking is not allowed.
How much is parking at Torrey Pines State Beach?
$15 to $25 per vehicle at South Beach and $10 to $25 at North Beach, depending on demand. Each lot charges separately.
Is there free parking at Torrey Pines?
Not at the beach lots. State Parks allows free street parking near the Reserve Extension trailheads in Del Mar.
How do I get from North Beach to South Beach?
Walk the path under the highway and over the bridge, about 15 minutes, or drive via Carmel Valley Road and Camino del Mar, about 5 minutes.
Can RVs park at Torrey Pines?
Only in the North Beach lot, in designated spaces. Camping is not allowed anywhere at Torrey Pines.