#21 Take a Hike at the Torrey Pines State Reserve

The Torrey Pine's State Reserve is one of my favorite places in San Diego to go for a hike or  a trail run. There are a few options for parking. My favorite is the free option. You can park your car slightly north of the reserve off the 101. If there are no obvious parking spots you can wait for 10 minutes or so and one usually opens up. If it is a particularly crowded day another free option if you don't mind a bit of a hike is to park on Carmel Valley Road (near Roberto's taco shop).

If you prefer a shorter walk and plenty of parking you can pay to park inside the actual park. There is a lot down below as well as one at the top of the hill near the lodge and visitor center.

The visitor center is quite interesting. It is an adobe structure built in 1922. It is chock full of historical information, as well as the flora and fauna of the Reserve. If you have the time you can walk an 8 minute video of the preserve loaded with stunning cinematography and historical information. The docents who volunteer are quite friendly and helpful. They will provide you with a free trail map if you ask. 


http://www.torreypine.org/

Come explore this magical place! No Food or Drink (except water) allowed in the actual reserve although you could picnic on the beach below before you enter the protected area.