3 min
Overview
Given how desirable and spectacularly expensive the San Diego coastline is as real estate, it may come as a welcome surprise that several large, undeveloped parcels exist with a minimum of development. Beyond the numerous State Beaches that abut large stretches of astronomically priced residences, there are three stretches of coast where you can experience the coastline in a reasonably pristine state: San Onofre State Beach, Border Field State Park, and the magnificent sea cliffs stretching from La Jolla Shores to Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach. The third area of that triad features some of the most beautiful coastline in Southern California. Characterized by a lack of apparent development, towering sea cliffs, local color, and some fine surfing, the coastline described here is perhaps San Diego County’s most beautiful and best preserved stretch of beach. Hikers can enjoy the one-way route heading south to north any time of year, and there’s a fair amount of solitude to be found in the stretch between Scripps Pier and Flat Rock at Torrey Pines Beach. This hike is best taken as a one-way hike starting from La Jolla Shores. You could set up a shuttle by leaving one car at Torrey Pines State Beach, but you may also want to utilize Uber or Lyft to drive you back to your car in La Jolla in order to avoid the usual parking nightmare at Torrey Pines. Additionally, you will want to time your hike carefully to take advantage of low tides. There’s a rocky section just beyond the Scripps Pier that becomes impassable when the tide is up or rising. From La Jolla Shores Park, walk toward the beach and turn right when you reach the tide line. This is the only real turn on the hike as you will be following smooth sand due north for the remainder of the hike. If you are so inclined, you can kick off your hiking shoes to enjoy the pleasant sensation of firm sand and cool water beneath your bare feet. If you keep to the tide line, the sand remains firm and easy to walk on. Rest assured that there are only a handful of roc
Trail Stats
8.3 km
1 m
10 m
0 m
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