Torrey Pines
Open sand beachbreak below the Torrey Pines bluff between Del Mar and La Jolla. A long stretch of sand with bars that shift seasonally under the state reserve cliffs.
When it’s on
Torrey Pines works best on a SSW to WNW swell. It also picks up S to SW swell. Light offshore wind from the east. Mid tide window.
When beginners can paddle out
Small clean swell under about waist high, light wind, mid tide, and surfed near a staffed lifeguard tower.
Spot intel
- Parking
- State beach day-use lot off North Torrey Pines Road with a posted fee. Free roadside parking on the coast road fills early.
- Crowd
- Light to moderate and spread along a long beach.
- Beginner-friendly?
Depends.
Open sand bottom, but the beach is long with limited lifeguard coverage outside the main tower and rip currents run on size.
- Famous for
- The state beach below the Torrey Pines reserve, the long open sand between Del Mar and the La Jolla bluffs.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave from the peak, not by lineup position.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 32.9200, -117.2600
- Shore faces
- W
- Region
- La Jolla, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Torrey Pines?
- Torrey Pines works best on a SSW to WNW swell. It also picks up S to SW swell.
- How big does Torrey Pines need to be?
- Torrey Pines is best in the 2-6ft range on a 11-18s period.
- What are the best conditions at Torrey Pines?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Torrey Pines?
- Torrey Pines is a long open state beach in La Jolla, California. The beach faces W.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Torrey Pines?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Torrey Pines with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
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