3,825 votes

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

North Torrey Pines Roa, San Diego, California 92037 USA

6
Photos

Free

Free to Visit

Open Now

Fri 9a-5:30a

Independent
Not Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms
Outdoor
Seating

“A wilderness island in an urban sea”

State Natural Reserves have outstanding or unusual natural or scenic values. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a wilderness island in an urban sea. This fragile environment is the home of our nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus torreyana. Once this tree covered a larger area. It now grows only here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines. A picturesque, pueblo-style structure that served as a restaurant when it was built in 1923 houses the visitor center, featuring interpretive displays. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve. The reserve's rich plant community features wildflowers in the spring and visitors can see the California quail gathered in coveys in the early mornings of fall and winter.

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Reviewed by
big_john

58 Reviews
51 Helpful

October 12, 2014

Rated 5.0

This is the perfect combination of sea and mountains!! You can hike on the rocky environment, having the beauty of the sea beneath your feet!

Nature surrounds you and everything seems like its driven out from a fairy tale.

Truly, this place looks different from any you have seen by now.

We all loved hiking there and the trees are beautiful to see from close.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Lesli Peterson

Blogger
1,149 Reviews
44 Helpful

May 24, 2022

Rated 5.0

The endangered Torrey pine tree doesn’t grow everywhere. With San Diego County being one of the only places in the world to see them, these wind-bent trees are a spectacle to see at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Torrey Pines State Reserve. Lace up your hiking boots for a series of moderate hikes, like the Broken Hill Trail, Razor Point Trail, and Yucca Point Trail. Wind through the California sagebrush and chaparral on the pine-scented trails to reach viewpoints atop coastal bluffs, where you’ll see expansive views of the shoreline’s beaches.

We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in La Jolla!

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