Torrey Pines Lodge and its hiking trails will close for construction starting Monday, Sept. 21.

SAN DIEGO — California State Parks announced that Torrey Pines Lodge and its hiking trails will close for construction starting Monday, Sept. 21. The reserve, which attracts about four million visitors annually, is undergoing significant upgrades.

The first phase of the project began last November and concluded in February, involving the upgrade of underground water, sewer, electrical, and telecommunication lines, as well as the demolition of the old restroom. Phase two is set to start on Monday and is expected to be completed by early 2027.



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Tom Brotherton, a longtime hiker from Laguna Beach who frequents Torrey Pines two to three times a week, expressed his support for the upgrades. 

“I just love this place. I’ve been coming here for 40 plus 45 years,” he said. 

Brotherton acknowledged the necessity of the changes, even if they impact his routine. 

“I’m bummed, but they gotta put in the bathrooms. They’ve been trying to do that for the last 30 years, 20 years,” he said.

Across from the lodge, the trailhead features several portable toilets. However, California State Parks stated that part of the project will include a new bathroom connected to the sewage and water lines, eliminating the need for portable restrooms.

Trish Hess, who lives in Poway and visits Torrey Pines a few times each month, shares her thoughts on the construction. 

“I think it’s a great trade-off—shut it down for a bit, get the work done, make it look more beautiful, especially for visitors coming to San Diego,” she said.

Despite the construction, there is some good news for beachgoers: the South Beach and North Beach parking lots will remain open, and Torrey Pines State Beach will also stay accessible to the public during the upgrades.