BEST DAY HIKES Adobe Stock photo
1
TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE Spectacular hiking trails can be found at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 92037. Sandwiched between Torrey Pines Municipal Golf
Course on the south and Del Mar on the north, this coastal park offers exquisite ocean vistas and is home to the nation’s rarest pine tree, Pinus torreyana. Free guided tours are available weekends and holidays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at the Visitor Center (The Lodge). If you prefer to explore alone, the trail system offers easy to moderate routes, with more moderate trails running parallel to the coast at the lower levels of the reserve, and steeper ones that switchback their way down toward the coast. Day-use parking is $10. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset daily. torreypine.org.
Bigstock photo 16 DEL M AR V ISI TOR GUI DE 2021-2022
2 THE RIVER PATH DEL MAR The River Path Del Mar travels along the southern shore of the San Dieguito River for three quarters of a mile. The route is flat, making it great for a leisurely stroll. Hikers get an up-close look at the San Dieguito Lagoon, the river and estuary with interpretive signs about the wetland’s plants and animals. Parking for the River Path is located at the northeastern corner of Jimmy Durante Blvd. and San Dieguito Drive. Hikers can choose to walk eastward to the Grand Ave. Overlook or westward toward the ocean, ending at the train tracks. Plan to enjoy a delicious meal and beverages at the Viewpoint Brewing Co. located directly adjacent to the River Path. sdrvc.org.
