Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    North Torrey Pines State Beach

    4.7 (18 reviews)

    North Torrey Pines State Beach Photos

    You might also consider

    More like North Torrey Pines State Beach

    Recommended Reviews - North Torrey Pines State Beach

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Aaron S.

    My favorite beach right now. Maybe because it is 10 minutes form home but still. lol I like the option of free parking out on the street or the pay parking lot. I always try and get street parking and did at 7 am on Sunday. It's just nice knowing I will find parking no matter what. The beach is huge and very flat. Depends on what time you go though. The tide can come in and take some of the sand real estate but there is always sand somewhere. Nice restroom and shower. Doesn't smell like pee which is always a plus for me. LOL yeah that's my scale to judge if they are nice or not, pee smell lol Nice beach and seems a little quieter than most on the coast. Well, I guess it all depends on when you go. I have been here where seating is limited or you need to walk a milt down the beach. That's always a good thing too, because of the cliffs there isn't another entrance North for a while so there is always room North of the entrance.

    The colors of fall in San Diego
    Vicki C.

    I love Torrey Pines North Beach because it is a bit more secluded than the beaches of Del Mar and more accessible than the beaches at the reserve. This state beach has a paid parking lot accessible from the north edge of the lagoon which connects under a bridge to a sandy, safe swimming area. This location is a favorite for group get-togethers and the waves are gentle. Your group will enjoy clean restrooms with running water at the North beach. As a North County Local I have visited this beach hundreds of times and really appreciate being able to get away from the crowds of Del Mar.

    Faye L.

    I come here often to get away from gyms. This beach is unreal when it's low tide and not busy. When it is high tide, be careful as you can sprain an ankle from walking over the many rocks that wash up on shore. Walking over them takes time, diligence, and patience. Sunsets can be breathtaking (see pics). I'm not one to sit still but watching the sunsets here, alone, can be spiritual and calming. It quietly forces you to forget about the world and your worries - even if it's only for a moment. Love love love this beach. Definitely recommend visiting when you're in the area -

    Namrata J.

    Went here on a Sunday morning and it was worth waking up on a weekend! The view is so mesmerising and calming. Just didn't feel like leaving this place. Absolutely loved it, will keep coming back here for more relaxing days. :)

    Coolest dark sand!!
    Emma T.

    I love everything about this place! Great photo spot (especially engagement sessions), great hikes, unique dark sand & cliff views that are so great for sunset. Nice that free & paid parking are options (depending on how much you want to walk). Recently did an engagement session, & photos turned out great (see attached).

    Looking south along the coast
    Matthew O.

    When most people hear Torrey Pines, they think about the famous golf course where the PGA tour is being played. But what they are missing out on is one of the most beautiful and most scenic places I have ever visited. As soon as you step out of your car, you are totally blown away by how majestic everything is. From the waves of the Pacific crashing along the coast to the towering cliffs covered in various pine trees and shrubs, you feel like for a moment you are totally isolated from the world and just completely one with nature. In my mind, this place is truly a perfect location. You have endless beautiful scenery and the best weather you can ask for. Honestly, how can you say no to hiking along miles of trails that line the cliffs and seashore while hearing the powerful waves crashing on to the rocks along the coast while having slight sea breezes and 70 degree weather constantly enveloping you? This place encapsulates Southern California and it makes me never want to leave the place if I ever set foot there again. So I implore everyone, don't just think of Torrey Pines as some PGA golf course. Instead, pay this place a visit and experience the wonders and majesty of nature and all that it has to offer :)

    Twee W.

    This is a very easy hiking trail. It's great for trail running, family or to destress. There are different trails with various views of the beach and city. It has spectacular views and so relaxing. You can choose to hike or walk along the beach.

    North Torrey Pines first SaltDog Classic. Where both the young and old find salvation in an ocean view and a California burrito.

    See all

    1 month ago

    a favorite beach spot in SD, calm waters to swim in, a ramp to walk down from the parking lot to beach.... just easy and nice!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vicki C.
    1301
    838
    1509

    9 years ago

    Helpful 24
    Thanks 0
    Love this 20
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Faye L.
    724
    1734
    13968

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emma T.
    122
    3
    9

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joseph W.
    0
    194
    258

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - North Torrey Pines State Beach

    Review Highlights - North Torrey Pines State Beach

    I'm not one to sit still but watching the sunsets here, alone, can be spiritual and calming.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Beaches 10,166 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Balboa Park - Outside the Botanical Garden

    Balboa Park

    4.8(2.9k reviews)
    19.3 kmBalboa Park

    My wife wanted to stopped by here the moment we arrived to San Diego. We been here before like five…read moreyears ago when we first started dating. There different parking lot you can park at but I chose the parking lot near the Organ Pavilion area. Since we came before lunch time, I was able to find a good spot and you'll have to pay for parking here. My wife wanted to check out the Botanical Garden building first and then we went to the Art Center so my wife can shop over there. We also saw a long line of people looking to buy plants at Casa Del Prado. We didn't stay long because the sun was starting to come out and our daughter was getting fussy.

    Balboa Park is one of my favorite places to visit in San Diego. Every time I come down here to…read morevisit my daughter who is studying in San Diego, I try to stop by if I have some free time just to walk around and relax. This place is more than just a park. I really enjoy the beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and unique Spanish style architecture. The area around the California Tower is especially beautiful. Walking around here and taking in the peaceful atmosphere is always a nice experience. I usually park in one of the parking lots inside the park (around $10). If you are lucky, you may find free parking in the surrounding areas, but honestly, parking can be difficult, especially on busy days. What I like most about Balboa Park is that you don't need to visit all the museums to enjoy this place. You can simply walk around, enjoy the gardens, take pictures, and relax. One thing to keep in mind is that the park is very large. If you don't plan ahead, you may end up walking more than expected. But that is also what makes this place special , every visit gives you a chance to see something different.

    Photos
    Balboa Park - Wedding at Balboa Park

    Wedding at Balboa Park

    Balboa Park - Nativity Display

    Nativity Display

    Balboa Park - PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)

    See all

    PostSecrets (artist invited people to write secrets on post cards, you could submit yours at the end too!)

    La Jolla Shores - Thanksgiving '25

    La Jolla Shores

    4.4(572 reviews)
    7.1 kmLa Jolla Shores, La Jolla

    This beach along with the adjacent Kellogg Park made for a lovely stop during our recent visit to…read moreSan Diego and La Jolla. The parking lot did not have space available on a Monday afternoon, but we found free street parking in the neighborhood a couple blocks away. Restrooms and wash stations were located near the playground and grassy field, and lifeguards were on duty with the beach crowd stretching for miles on this warm summer afternoon. We walked toward the sand castle house and settled where it was a little more secluded from all the loud families with kids near the main park. And the water was nice and warm with gentle waves as we swam and waded along the shore to cool off from the humidity and heat of the sun. We also relaxed and napped on our beach mat while picnicking in the sand under the shade of an umbrella we brought, a life saver with the sunshine beaming from above. The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve are cool features to this beach area as well, though snorkeling gear is helpful for exploring in more depth. They seem to offer kayak rentals on site too, with plenty of visitors enjoying watersports while we were there. The place was more congested than we had hoped on a weekday, but all in all, we still had a good time.

    Had to squeeze one last beach trip in before heading to the airport! I was visiting early August…read moreand read that this time of year friendly leopard sharks come up to shallow water for breeding season so I had to check it out! I heard a good spot was near the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club near The Marine Room and this turned out to be true! Took my snorkel gear and saw a ton of leopard sharks and stingrays so close to the beach! There was plenty of people around and lots of groups trying to catch a glimpse of the leopard sharks as well. The beach had a ton of people but it was very safe. There was a long wall where people were leaving some belongings while they were in the water so I also left my towel, shoes, etc there and I had no issues with my stuff even though I was by myself so I didn't have anyone to watch it. I also lucked out and got a parking spot right in front of the beach even though cars were circling quite a bit to find spots. I actually was going straight from the beach to the airport so I had my suitcase and all my belongings in the trunk of my car and it was safe while I was at the beach all day (a miracle for someone coming from the Bay Area LOL). The beach also had lots of rinse of stations so I was able to rinse off, get dry, change, and head to the airport!

    Photos
    La Jolla Shores - La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores - La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores

    La Jolla Shores - La Jolla Shores

    See all

    La Jolla Shores

    Black's Beach - Cliffs down to the beach

    Black's Beach

    4.4(491 reviews)
    4.9 kmLa Jolla Shores

    TikTok took me to Blacks Beach for a hike and I had no idea what I signed up for…read more The hike itself was actually scary but so fun. We took the route that involved a little rock climbing, super slippery paths, and at one point we literally crossed a narrow plank with ropes and I was questioning my life choices lol. But once we finally got down to the beach... wow. I was SO excited. All that hard work actually paid off. The beach was beautiful and it felt so rewarding getting there. Then we started walking further down and suddenly... I realized there were a bunch of completely naked people everywhere. I had NO idea Blacks Beach was a nude beach. I was shocked for like 2 seconds and then started laughing because out of all the things I expected after surviving that hike... that was not one of them. 10/10 experience. Scary, fun, unexpected, and definitely memorable.

    A great place to be on a sunny day. The hike down the cliff is a bit of a hike but well worth it…read moreand actually its a fantastic leg workout. The beach is really clean with most beach goers carrying there picnic trash back up. Volley ball games usually take place in the summer. The views are not to be missed. The sun reflecting on the water in the late afternoons is mesmerizing so bring your best sun glasses & suntan lotions. For the shy person the RIGHT side as you climb down the cliff facing the water is for those who prefer bathing suits, Speedos & bikinis. To the LEFT side of the beach facing the water is clothing optional. Usually its a bit farther. Great that nobody bothers you & its a safe space for that all over tan. Sometimes beverages are sold on the beach discreetly, however, I'd recommend bringing your own & lots of water. Its a good idea toto bring food, snacks, fruit and sandwiches... insect repellant if needed. *True, sometimes it is a bit overcast so its best to check the weather report before leaving. *Free parking is available above the beach. Please be considerate while parking in an organized fashion in consideration of others. Thanks. Enjoy the beach & surf!!

    Photos
    Black's Beach - Gliders over the beach

    Gliders over the beach

    Black's Beach - Cliffs overlooking the beach

    Cliffs overlooking the beach

    Black's Beach

    See all

    North Torrey Pines State Beach - beaches - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...