There’s no wonder why Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is such a highly-rated place to visit in San Diego. The spectacular ocean views and relatively flat trails make for the perfect place to take guests or spend an afternoon hiking with friends. You can find free street parking if you get there early enough, otherwise a parking lot is available for $10 to 15 per day. When I took my brother there, we chose to trek up the steep hill to get to the trails, but there is a paved road with a parking lot at the top should you choose to drive up. The trails are all well-marked and closely intertwined, giving visitors the ability to easily jump from one trail to the next. We explored three of the eight trails with breathtaking views overlooking the ocean cliffs, ending with the least-scenic Beach Trail, which led us straight to the sand. There, we found a large flat rock and a few tide pools to hang out by. After spending an hour relaxing and enjoying a snack, we walked back to the parking lot by way of the beach. Consider Torrey Pines the next time you’re looking to hike, check out some new sights, exercise outdoors, or do a full day beach trip.
If you don’t feel like you’ve fulfilled your adventure quota for the day, head south to the Ho Chi Minh beach trail for the perfect mix of spectacular scenery and a challenging mini-hike that leads to the Pacific Ocean. Ho Chi Minh is a secluded beach trail commonly used by surfers to get down to the beach. When I visited this trail with friends, we took an inconspicuous path on a residential street to get there. The rocky trail downhill quickly turned to a path of crumbling sand. At a small crossroad, we veered off to the right across a narrow footbridge and made our way to the top overlook. There were plenty of hang-gliders flying above us in the sky, waving and even striking up conversation. We then headed back down the trail to follow it to the beach. With slippery sand and steep drop-offs, I found more traction in maneuvering through the trail barefoot than in my worn-down sneakers. Although quite dangerous in certain areas, the beach cliffs and eventual ocean access are incredible. Once we got to the beach with the support of a rope, we swam among a group of surfers catching waves in the ocean. With a high-risk, high-reward experience, Ho Chi Minh may only be a trail for the brave adventure-seekers.
Helene Gerasimchuk is a freelance writer and group fitness instructor. Contact her at [email protected]. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Where:12600 N. Torrey Pines Rosd, La Jolla.
Hours: 9 a.m. to sunset
Parking: Street parking or parking lots available with day or annual pass.
Cost: $12 Mondays through Thursdays, $15 Fridays through Sundays.
Ho Chi Minh Trail: 9883 La Jolla Farms Road, La Jolla.
