Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Reserve open on holidays? Yes. It is open 365 days a year. Click here for parking fees.

Can I come to the Reserve before 8 AM to do photography or hiking?
The Reserve is open to pedestrians and bicycles (paved road only) from 7 AM until sunset.

What is the address and phone of the Reserve?

12500 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego CA 92037

GPS:  32.92183,  -117.2497

858-755-2063

How can I get to the Reserve using public transportation?

North County Transit Bus 101 stops at the beach level. To reach the upper Reserve, get off at the National University stop and walk in from the Reserve South Entrance.

Are there guided tours at the Reserve?
Yes. There are free, docent led, tours on Sat, Sun, and holidays at 10 AM and 2 PM. Typically they last 1 to 1-1/2 hours and can be tailored to the abilities of the participants.

I want to bring a group to the Reserve. What do I need to do?

If you are bringing a group of more than twenty-five people, you must reserve at least two weeks ahead of the requested visit.

Corporate or family gatherings, contact Special Events Coordinator, Debbie Valdez, dvaldez@parks.ca.gov.

Educational/nonprofit groups of any size, see Education/Teacher's Corner/Field trips.

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

Can I camp at Torrey Pines State Beach?
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.

Can I bring my service dog (includes guide dogs) to the Reserve?
Yes. Service dogs (working only) are allowed at TPSNR, on the beach and in the Visitor Center (Lodge). We do request that you notify the entrance station or a ranger, on the day of your visit, if you are going to be in the Reserve or on the beach. We would like the animal to be identified with a blanket or tag, so that it is easily identified as a service animal. This helps reduce the number of 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.

Is it possible to have a wedding in the Reserve?
Yes. You can contact Debbie Valdez at 619-688-3385 or dvaldez@parks.ca.gov for a special event permit. If you have questions about Torrey Pines in general you can contact the Visitor Center at 858-755-2063.

Does Torrey Pines have wheelchair access to the beach?
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.

Are there trails in the Reserve with wheelchair access?

No. Currently most trails do not meet ADA standards. However, we are currently working to bring some trails up to ADA standards.  Currently, the Discovery Trail (Sign with map just to the right as you reach the Visitor Center) has wheelchair access.  Also, the Whitaker Garden (with many plant information signs) which is at the entrance to the Parry Grove Trail, but assistance is needed to traverse a short sandy slope at the entrance.

Are there rattlesnakes in the Reserve?

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

Updated January 01, 2010

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