Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Beach is a 4½-mile sandy beach run by California State Parks that stretches from Del Mar past Los Peñasquitos Lagoon to the foot of the Torrey Pines cliffs. It has two pay lots, North Beach ($10 to $25) and South Beach ($15 to $25), and is popular for swimming, surfing, fishing and low-tide walks under red-hued bluffs. The beach stays open while the reserve above it is closed until about March 2027.
The State Beach at a Glance
The Beach and the Reserve
The state beach and the reserve are two State Parks units side by side. The reserve is the protected bluff-top wilderness with the trails and the rare pines; the beach is the strip of sand below and to the north. Both lots, and the sand, are open during the 2026–27 reserve closure.
Parking
- South Beach lot, 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road: $15 to $25 per vehicle, demand-based. Restrooms, picnic area and the main kiosk.
- North Beach lot, off Carmel Valley Road at McGonigle Road: $10 to $25 per vehicle. RVs longer than a standard space park here only.
Details and directions: Parking.
Swimming, Surfing and Fishing
State Parks lists swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkeling and windsurfing at the beach. Before you swim, check with a lifeguard, watch for rip currents, and shuffle your feet in the sand to warn off stingrays. Surfline runs a live camera of the beach, linked from the State Parks page. Del Mar Surf Rentals is the State Parks concession for beach equipment, and a mobile food truck operates at the beach.
Low Tide and the Cliffs
State Parks calls low tide the best time to walk the beach, when the wet sand mirrors the red bluffs. It is also the safe time: plan to stay at least 10 feet from the base of the cliffs, which collapse without notice. South of the reserve's cliffs the sand continues to Black's Beach.
Picnics and Fires
Picnicking is allowed on the beach and in the parking lots, not on reserve trails. Fires must be contained propane fires raised at least 6 inches off the ground; wood, charcoal, pallets and the like are banned. Alcohol and smoking are not allowed, and glass is not allowed on the City-run beach to the south.
Dogs
No dogs anywhere on the beach or in the reserve, State Parks says, not even inside a vehicle. Working service dogs are the exception. For a dog-friendly beach, State Parks suggests Del Mar Dog Beach (more options).
Accessibility
A free beach wheelchair is available from 9 a.m., first come, first served, and must be back an hour before sunset. Check it out at the South Beach kiosk; it is used from the North Beach ramp, north of the lagoon. The North and South Beach restrooms and parking are accessible, though the path from the South Beach lot is sloped.
Wildlife
Report a stranded or injured marine animal to SeaWorld at 1-800-541-7325, State Parks says, with the time, location, size and a photo if you can.
Torrey Pines State Beach FAQ
Is Torrey Pines State Beach open?
Yes. The beach and its North Beach and South Beach lots stay open while the reserve above is closed until about March 2027.
How much does it cost to park at Torrey Pines State Beach?
$15 to $25 per vehicle at South Beach and $10 to $25 at North Beach, depending on demand.
Can you swim at Torrey Pines State Beach?
Yes. Check with a lifeguard first, watch for rip currents, and shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays.
Are dogs allowed at Torrey Pines State Beach?
No. Dogs are banned on the beach and in the reserve, even inside vehicles. Service dogs are allowed.
Can you have a fire at Torrey Pines State Beach?
Only a contained propane fire raised at least 6 inches above the sand. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited.