Rules & Regulations

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has stricter rules than most parks because it is a protected natural reserve. Dogs, drones, smoking, alcohol and collecting plants or pinecones are all prohibited. Food is allowed only on the beach and in the parking lots, and bikes may ride only uphill on the paved park road. These rules come from California State Parks, which enforces them.

In the Reserve

• Stay on the trail. Cutting switchbacks, entering closed areas and climbing cliffs damage the reserve, are illegal and are dangerous.
• No food or drink except water above the beach.
• No dogs or other pets anywhere in the reserve or on the beach, even inside vehicles. Working service dogs are allowed (dogs).
• No drones or remote-control devices of any kind.
• No picking or collecting pinecones, flowers, plants, rocks or animals.
• No smoking or open flames. The plants are dry and burn easily.
• No alcohol.
• No amplified music.
• Pack it in, pack it out. There are no trash cans in the upper reserve; bins are in the beach lots.
• Closes at sunset. Everyone must be out.

Bikes, E-Bikes and Scooters

No bikes or vehicles on any trail; strollers and wheelchairs are the exception. On the historic park road, bikes may only go uphill, from the beach to the upper lots. State Parks counts e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, skateboards and skates as bikes for this rule. Bikes are not allowed on the beach either.

On the Beach

• Picnics are fine on the beach and in the lots.
• Fires only as contained propane fires raised at least 6 inches off the sand; no wood, charcoal or pallets.
• No camping anywhere at Torrey Pines.
• No alcohol, no dogs.
• Stay off the cliff tops and away from the cliff base.

Parking

Park only in marked spaces in the State Parks lots. Stopping or parking on road shoulders is not allowed. RVs longer than a standard space must use the North Beach lot.

Groups and Permits

Groups of more than 25 people need a permit. State Parks asks groups to arrange it four weeks ahead with its special events coordinator. Weddings, commercial photography and events need a special event permit.

Children

Keep small children with an adult at all times. The cliffs and canyons are dangerous for kids.