What You Want to Know About Torrey Pines with Kids

The moment you arrive at Torrey Pines State Reserve it is pretty obvious why this hike makes it onto so many Best San Diego Hikes for Kids and Best San Diego Attractions for Kids lists.

It is gorgeous! And this isn’t even close to the best view.

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Now I aim to be completely honest here – so I’m just going to say it – the first part of this hike kind of sucks.

You start down here – either park in the lot or on the street just before the park entrance – and then you hike up a hill. You can park at the top but then you’re going to end with the hard part so I don’t recommend that.

So, once you park, you head up a hill. A big hill. Like a super big hill. Not steep for the most part but a long, slow climb up.

Now to be fair, ever since I had that huge part of my lung taken out hills have been hard for me. Part of why I like to hike so much and love California so much, is that forcing myself to walk up these things, while hard, is super helpful for strengthening what is left of my sad lungs.

Even still, those of us that didn’t have a partial lobectomy were also struggling up that hill.

Hang in there through that climb, it is worth it.

The views from the top are spectacular. On a clear day you can see ocean for miles.

I am fascinated by the west coast landscape right now so I loved every bit of this hike. The ocean. The rocks. The foliage…

At the top there is a small nature center and there was also a Ranger outside the bathroom (port-a-potty) area. My kids immediately started asking him questions about the different things on his table.

They walked away (many many many minutes later) with new knowledge about the animals in the hills of San Diego. Learning thru adventure for the win!

We also got our handy bird guide that has since been used on several hikes at the nature center.

So bird guide, new knowledge and rested legs (and lung) in hand we headed down the mountain.

All the way down the views were spectacular. I’ll spare you the hundreds of pictures I took but it was amazing.

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The hike down is definitely doable for little legs. My kids are good hikers at this point (my twins are 6) but I think most kids about 4 and up could handle the walk down. I would probably have attempted it with my kids when they were three but especially the uphill part would have been a struggle.

At the bottom you are rewarded with a stunning beach.

also read: rock field trip to Torrey Pines and activity ideas

The hills, the rocks, the water, the beach. This was pretty much my version of heaven. A busy heaven – because this is a super popular park, but it was amazing.

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We walked along the beach back in the general direction of the car taking our time the whole way.

My kids loved hopping on rocks and wading into the little pools of water.

I took more pictures and just marveled. Truly. What a beautiful place we get to call home for a while.

We ended at the beach in front of the entrance. My kids couldn’t resist a splash in the (freezing cold) Pacific. And really after all that hiking they had earned it.

Good Things to Know about Torrey Pines

In conclusion, here is what you need to know before you hike at Torrey Pines.

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Be prepared to go uphill.
• Bring water for going uphill and for the sun.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Stop at the bathroom at the top.
• The top is also a good place to stop and have a snack.
• Be prepared for kids to want to get wet at the bottom.
• It is awesome 🙂

If you’re looking for a hike in San Diego I definitely recommend this one. It is one we will do again.

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