Bike to Torrey Pines
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced
Distance: 45 miles
Ride Type: Paved
Topography: Flat / Rolling / Single Climb to Torrey Pines State Park
Start Location: Oceanside Pier
Route Description
The Bike to Torrey Pines route includes elements from both the Bike to Carlsbad Village and the Bike to Encinitas routes; extending your coastal exploration to the beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla.
Enjoy the majestic ride from Oceanside to Torrey Pines through the individually unique communities along the North County San Diego shoreline. Riders that travel this route will enjoy gorgeous coastal views, locally owned and operated shops and restaurants and famous landmarks including the Oceanside Pier, “Top Gun House,” the Self-Realization Fellowship Center, Swami’s Beach tide pools, the “Cardiff Kook” and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
The adventure only gets better as you arrive at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach. The 2,000 acre natural reserve features colorful bluffs, views of the shoreline and rare plant life. Torrey Pines has 8 miles of hiking trails, a visitors center and guided nature walks on weekends and holidays. Please note that there is a steep, but short climb as you reach the State Beach.
If you don’t feel like peddling back to Oceanside after your ride to Torrey Pines, you can always hop on the Coaster (commuter rail) at the Solana Beach Station and ride the train back to the Oceanside Transit Center.
The difficulty level is ranked at intermediate / advanced due to the distance from Oceanside, the rolling hills that are included along this route and the steep, but short, climb as you reach the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Step-by-Step Bike Route Directions
- From the Oceanside Pier, go south on N. Pacific Street
- Turn left on Cassidy and go over the railroad tracks
- Turn right on Broadway
- Continue on Broadway and turn left on Eaton
- Turn right onto Carlsbad Boulevard (Highway 101) and continue on Highway 101 to Torrey Pines State Beach
- Once you arrive at the Torrey Pines State Beach, merge right and enter the park. Go through the attendant kiosk (no charge to cyclists)
- Continue up Torrey Pines Park Road to the top of the hill next to the Torrey Pines Golf Course (North Course) where Torrey Pines Park Road meets Coast Highway
- Return to the Oceanside Pier by retracing your route OR by taking the Coaster commuter train from Solana Beach back to the Oceanside Transit Center
Interest Points Along the Route
Top Gun House
Located along Pacific Street, just one block south of the pier, is the historical home used in filming the movie Top Gun (1986) starring Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. Make sure to stop and take a photo with our piece of local Hollywood history.
Buena Vista Lagoon and Nature Center
As you cross over from Oceanside to Carlsbad, you will pass through the Buena Vista Lagoon. The Lagoon is known as one of the “birdiest” locations in the country, so take a moment to stop and see if you can spot any birds. Visitors are also invited to stop in and explore the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center. The Nature Center hosts guided nature walks and educational programs.
Pannikin Coffee and Tea
A wonderful bike-friendly coffee shop located along the route in Leucadia is Pannikin Coffee and Tea. This local favorite is a family owned business and they pride themselves on roasting fresh coffee daily. Don’t worry about riding past it, it is the big historic yellow house that was once the Santa Fe Railroad Station.
Downtown Encinitas
Just a couple of short blocks away from Moonlight Beach is where you will find Downtown Encinitas. This neighborhood runs along Highway 101 and has a host of dining and shopping options for you to choose from. Downtown Encinitas does host a farmers market every Wednesday evening from 5-8pm.
Self-Realization Fellowship Temple
The Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas is a branch of the Self-Realization Fellowship that teaches scientific techniques of meditation. the temple hosts a variety of services open to all.
The Cardiff Kook
Installed in 2007, the infamous sculpture sits just outside of the San Elijo State Beach campground along Highway 101. The statue has taken much criticism over the years for its poor surf form. Regardless, The Cardiff Kook is a staple in this beach community.
