Life is More than Just a Beach.....At Torrey Pines

Life is more than just a beach.....

North Overlook @ Guy Fleming Trail, Torrey Pines State Reserve

at Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach.

Family Enjoying the Sea and the Sand, North Torrey Pines State Beach

Torrey Pines is actually my favorite place in San Diego. Though San Diego has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor activities and nature parks, and there may be more beautiful beaches San Diego has than here, but to me, what is beautiful about Torrey Pines is that it is more than just a beach. Torrey Pines State Reserve is actually one of my favorite hikes in San Diego. I hike in this natural park several times a year but never get tired of. Here at Torrey Pines, the activities are as diverse as the sights you will see, and the list of activities includes:

1. Surfing, Boogie Boarding or Body Surfing

What is good with Torrey Pines is that there is plenty of space for everyone to spread out. There is always a quieter place even at the height of summer crowd. For kids who may still be intimidated by pounding surf, there is a peaceful lagoon for them to swim, snorkel and have fun. It may look shallow, but I’ve observed kids getting excited swimming there especially when they tell each other how big is the fish they saw, or how plenty they were. I am no longer a kid, but I do swim in this lagoon sometimes and enjoy myself watching the fishes :)

2. Wildlife Viewing

Torrey Pines has a salt marsh where the birds are having their peaceful rest and their moments with the sand. This is a very nice spot for birdwatching, different species of birds can be seen here. The majority are the sea gulls, some California brown pelicans, egrets, and blue herons. It’s lovely to see the sea gulls swim. Of course, on your lucky day, you can get surprised with pods of dolphins playing not very far.

3. Hiking, Trail Running and Biking

What is more rewarding than listenting to the powerful sound of the waves making music in my ears while I take a walk and feel the ocean breeze in my skin? Torrey Pines State Reserve

has 8 miles of branching trails on top of the ocean bluff.

Sea Dahlias and Torrey Pine Trees, Guy Fleming Trail

During spring, the phantasmagoric display of wildflowers is inspiring, and provides the local San Diegans there little inspiration of a slice of paradise on Earth.

California Poppies, Torrey Pines State Reserve

Mix of Wildflowers on top of the Bluff

Walking and running is not only limited at the top of the bluffs. It is also as wodnerful to be walking just on the beach, especially at low tides, where the cliffs make reflections on the sand.

Torrey Pine Cliffs

Torrey Pine Cliffs

4. Hangliding and Paragliding

Paragliders and Wildflowers, Torrey Pines State Reserve

5. Golf

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Torrey Pines is home of Buick International and the 2008 US Open. The golf course sits atop the coastal bluff and overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Life is really more than a beach, here at Torrey Pines. Though I love to boggie board in the ocean, I actually also love just walking on top of the bluffs, or on the shore, or just sitting down to enjoy the scenery, to smell and to feel the ocean breeze, and to listen to the music the splashing of the waves bring. It is pretty quiet here, despite it is still within the limits of San Diego City, 8th largest US city, yet you won't feel the city life here, especially at the top of the bluff which has a wilderness feel of centuries ago.