FAQ

It is open 365 days a year, from 7:15 AM to sunset.

The Reserve is open to cars, pedestrians, and bicycles (paved road only) from 7:15 AM until sunset.

Torrey Pines operates under demand-based pricing. Parking information is posted on the main TPSNR website.

Go to the Lodge (the Visitor Center) during its open hours. On weekends, many visitors turn in lost items to the information kiosk at the Beach Trail head. If they are still there at the end of the day, the lost items will be taken over to the Lodge (858-755-2063).

Yes. There are free, docent led walks for individuals and small families on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 10 AM (and Friday 10 AM). Typically they last 1 to 1-1/2 hours and can be tailored to the abilities of the participants.

For group hikes and special event tours or hikes, please see the next item.

For a customized fee-based docent-guided special walk or tour, please contact park staff by email at torrey.pines@parks.ca.gov. Note that all organized groups over 25 people need a permit.  The fee is waived for many types of groups.

Yes. You can email the State Parks Special Event Office at sd.specialevents@parks.ca.gov  Form is available at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26888 . If you have questions about Torrey Pines in general you can contact the Visitor Center at 858-755-2063.

No. Food is not allowed because we don’t want to accidentally introduce foreign material into the ecology. You can picnic on the beach, just not in the Reserve. Hikers are advised to bring and carry drinking water on the trails – especially in the summertime.

No. Camping is not allowed at TPSNR. The nearest beach camping areas are San Elijo State Beach (760-753-5091) or Carlsbad State Beach (760-438-3143). Or call the California State Parks reservations 1-800-444-7275.

Only if the fire/coals are contained and more then 6 inches off the ground, such as a barbecue.  Receptacles are available to dump hot coals. No wood fires.

No. Bicycles are not permitted on the trails, only on the paved road and, for safety reasons, no downhill riding is allowed.

No. TPSNR is not a park. TPSNR is a reserve with fragile habitats that require extra protection. There are also rattlesnakes.

Yes. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, working service dogs are allowed at TPSNR, but please take note that Emotional Support Animals are not service dogs, and are not allowed in the Reserve.

For service dogs, we prefer that the animal be identified with a blanket or tag so that it is easily seen as a service dog. This helps reduce the number of irate calls to the rangers and will reduce the number of visitors who may tell you “dogs are not allowed.” To help eliminate the potential of exotic plant seeds being brought in from the dog, we ask that the dog be freshly brushed. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call the Visitor Center at 858-755-2063.

No. However, a beach (balloon tire) wheelchair is available at both the North and South parking lot kiosks. If the kiosk is closed call the Visitor Center at 858-755-2063 and make arrangements to use the beach chair.

Most trails do not meet ADA standards. However, we have designated trails to comply with ADA requirements. Trails that are up to ADA standards include the Discovery Trail and the Broken Hill South Fork Trail.  Accessible trail page here.

Yes! Torrey Pines has rattlesnakes as well as gopher snakes and racers. Snakes often bask on sunny trails. Please do not go off trail. Please be alert and keep children with you. A snake will not bite unless provoked.

12600 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego CA 92037
GPS: 32.92183, -117.2497
858-755-2063

North County Transit Bus 101 route runs through the Reserve and stops both up at the upper Reserve and down at the beach level. To reach the upper Reserve, get off at the National University stop, and walk in from the Reserve South Entrance. At the beach level, the bus stop is a few hundred yards north of the entrance.