Outbound Collective logo

Beach Trail

San Diego, California

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

1.43 miles

Elevation Gain

259 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Douglas Hall

Towering cliffs and beautiful turquoise waters? Torrey Pines, particularly the Beach Trail, has that and more, from wildlife, wildflowers and a species of trees to be scarcely found. You won't be disappointed with this one!

I'm stoked for those of you to find this adventure! Torrey Pines is home to a species of tree that is one of the most rare native pines in the United States.

Below I have directions on how to get to the trailhead as well as the parking lot to park for the hike. There is a charge to get into the park, other than a few free spots just outside the park that fill up early in the morning. The fees are quite strange, Monday through Thursday is $10-$12, and Friday through Sunday is $12-$20. Major Holidays will be in the upper range, but the prices I listed are from low-high season.

Directions to the trailhead:

From the Del Mar Heights Rd exit off of the 5 freeway, you are going to head west. So that means if you are heading South on the 5 freeway take a right. If you are heading North on the 5 freeway take a left. After you are on Del Mar Heights Rd take a left onto Camino Del Mar. This road will turn into N Torrey Pines Rd, taking this road for a beautiful stretch right along the coastline make a right onto Torrey Pines Park Rd. This will dead end into the booth at which you will be paying. Take this road past the big parking lots, unless you want to hike straight up asphalt for a decent distance. You will see a parking lot on your left once get to the top of the hill, you want to pass this one and take a right at the next parking lot shortly after. Park here, the trailhead leaves from this parking lot right next to the sign I have pictured above.

Trail Description:

This trail is gorgeous, if you are trying to find that perfect San Diego-style beach with towering cliffs, good waves, and some fun rocks to go on this has to be the one you check out! Anyways, once you start on the trail make sure you use the restroom at the parking lot (just a bunch of port-o-potties) as there aren't any others. This trail is roughly 1 of a mile in one direction but it is a quick descent to the beach so bring water and some athletic shoes because on the way up there is a good amount of elevation gain! There are also many other trails to several points that don't add a ton of length to the overall distance. You are going to take the trail in the picture I have above. Once you get on that trail just stay on it all the way to the coast, there are several offshoots to other points so be sure to follow the signs to stay on the Beach Trail. The other trails that come off of the beach trail are for several points along the cliffs that are also gorgeous and only top your trail off to be about 5 miles. If you stay on the Beach Trail be sure to add about a half of a mile of exploring on the beach as it is beautiful and you don't want to miss it's beauty.

There are many surprises on this trail that are hard to find, also be aware of snakes and wildlife. In the hotter times of the year there are plenty of snakes so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the beauty that Torrey Pines has to offer. This is my favorite beach adventure in Southern California.

For a slightly longer loop, see the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop adventure. 

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Chillin
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Beach Trail Reviews

So pretty

Seeing the awesome Torrey Pines Hill or mountains or whatever meet at the beach is awesome. Many little nook and cranny canyons and rock formations meet the sandy beaches near San Diego and are must visit. Be warned, it gets very crowded here.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Razor Point Trail

Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop

Razor Point, Beach Trail, & Broken Hill Trail Loop

Guy Fleming Trail

Sunset Seat in Del Mar

Torrey Pines Gliderport