Torrey Pines State Beach050

The four-mile long Torrey Pines State Beach is popular with both swimmers and surfers. It is banked by the high cliffs of the Torrey Pines State Reserve and adjancent to Los Penasquitos Lagoon - both of which make it a particularly beautiful and interesting beach. Prior to parking your blanket and umbrella, be sure to check which area you are in; if swimming in the surfing area, the lifeguards will most likely come by and ask you to move to the correct zone. Riptides are an issue at this beach. Be sure to keep an eye on the kids and teach them what to do if unable to get back to the shore. (Answer: swim perpendicular to the shore.) Torrey Pines State Beach offers a special show on gusty days. Look up periodically to see the aerialists taking off from Torrey Pines Gliderport located nearby.