Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego
My husband and I both love being outdoors, so much so that for our honeymoon we skied, hiked, and camped down the central California coast.
Now we have a four- and a two-year-old, though, and sometimes just making it to the beach and back is enough outdoors adventure for us!
Recently, however, we had guests in town, and I was looking for an outdoor activity beyond Coronado. After listening to a few recommendations from friends, we drove north to La Jolla and checked out Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
As soon as we pulled off the highway and headed into La Jolla, I was glad we’d come. The streets are lined with old, established trees, and the sweeping expanse of Torrey Pines Road down to the ocean took my breath away.
We realized we could park for free at the bottom of the hill on the beach, but we opted to pay the $10 to park inside the state reserve. I recommend this with kids because all the trails start at the top of a steep hill 3/4 of a mile from the parking lot. Even with a sturdy stroller, that looked like a rough start to a hike!
That quiet weekday we found ample parking in the lot, and we headed inside to the ranger station to get the lay of the land. Sweet septuagenarian volunteers suggested trails for us to take with our kids. We didn’t want much elevation change, since our little ones would be walking the whole time. The volunteers’ top recommendation was the Guy Fleming Trail, a half-mile loop that included a path through the woods and along the top of the cliffs by the ocean.
The Guy Fleming Trail was perfect. We loved the wide, sandy path, broad enough for a stroller, and the lookouts over the ocean. A stiff breeze whipped the trees overhead and formed whitecaps over the water. A fellow hiker pointed out migrating gray whales spouting off the shore! We took the trail at a leisurely pace, appreciating the rolling path, the diverse plant life, and the spicy scent of pine in the air.
Later, I took our guests to La Jolla Cove for lunch and a chance to see the sea lions. The surf beat the cliffs of the cove, shooting spray high into the air. The sea lions had climbed the rocks to escape the waves and were snuggled in a heavy pile right next to the fence.
A few weeks later, I returned with my husband, wanting him to experience the beauty the pine trees on the cliffs. We came on a Saturday, though, and the beach and park were packed with bikers, runners, hikers, and surfers. We waited for a free parking spot along the road outside the park and happened upon a spot just as someone was backing out. Score!
Now, though, we were parked half a mile down the beach from Torrey Pines State Reserve entrance, and even once we got inside, the steep hill stood between us and the hiking trails on the cliffs. We looked at our two little kids and decided to stick to the beach this time.
Although the scenery was less diverse, this walk ended up being even more fun for our kids, who were endlessly fascinated by the rocks, shells, seaweed, and small pools of water. We eventually stopped by one pool along the pebbly beach and spent the rest of the morning there, watching our children get progressively wetter and wetter in their clothes.
Later, my husband and I rolled our eyes about driving 40 minutes and stressing out about parking at a beach when we live within walking distance of a great beach in Coronado.
But sometimes you have to get away to appreciate what you have just down the street, right?
We’ll be back, Torrey Pines!
——–
“Coronado Living” is a weekly column written by one of eCoronado.com’s staff writers, Becca Garber. She writes about choosing simplicity and practicing hospitality with her family at home in Coronado. You can read more of her writing on her blog, BeccaGarber.com.
——–
Becca Garber
Staff Writer
Have a story you want to share? Contact us.
