The reserve of rare pines on the board of the ocean. Torrey Pines Park

Walking along a cliff among one of the rarest plants is a great addition to the trip to San Diego, California. The Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve has about 3,000 of America’s rarest pines, Pinus Torreyana. You can see them only here and on the island of Santa Rosa on the coast of Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only trees but also the largest number of waterbirds in Southern California.

Almost everything is protected in Torrey Pines, from the Peñaskitos River Valley on the east side of the highway to the lands in the west and the underwater ecological reserve in the ocean. The world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course saves the southern cliffs from zoning. 

You can choose one of several paths to walk in the reserve.

The first one is the Guy Fleming Trail. It is the easiest trail in the park, overlooking the ocean. Its length is about one and a half thousand meters. On the North Observation Deck, you can see Torrey Pines and Peñaskitos Swamp. On the South – La Jolla, San Clemente, and the islands of Santa Catalina in the north. In summer, you can get lost in wildflowers, and in winter – look at gray whales.

Trail Razor Point is another one. It is about three thousand meters long. Though it does not show so much Torrey Pines, it commands impressive views of ravines and wastelands. The path ends with a view of the ocean. The trail crosses other tracks along the way, so you can come from one route to another.

Beach Trail is the third one. According to the name, this path about a thousand meters long leads to the state beach of Torrey Pines. Though this beach is steep and less picturesque, there are fewer people. So, you can do a workout or make a picnic, or sunbathe on the beach.

Guided tours start from the Visitor Center on weekends and holidays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. They last about 1 hour and are held in groups of 10 people.