Perched on the cliffs above Black’s Beach, the Torrey Pines Gliderport has one of the best views in San Diego, if not the best. It’s a place that should be on the itineraries of those visiting San Diego and probably one that residents like me don’t visit enough.
Why? Here are nine good reasons to visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Have feedback? I’ll certainly be adding to this list.
1. The View Is Spectacular

The photo above looks nice, doesn’t it? Well, the Torrey Pines Gliderport view is much better than that. The Pacific Ocean fills much of the view, while to the left, you can see down the coast to La Jolla and beyond; the right reveals the north coast. Parachutes add pops of color to the big blue sky throughout.
2. It’s Relaxing
I find my shoulders dropping a little each time I go there. There is something mesmerizing about watching these gliders take off and float around in the sky, and you might be surprised by how long they can hold your attention. Or, maybe it’s the sunshine and ocean breezes.
3. It’s Free
It is absolutely free to park. (Spaces are ample but can fill during peak times in good weather.) It’s also entirely free to enjoy the fantastic panoramic cliffside ocean views, as well as to watch the people with their gliders. (Check out other free things to do in La Jolla.)
Note that the parking lot is spacious, but it is a dirt lot and can get dusty. You may also track some dirt back into your car.
4. The Food Is Good

The Cliffhanger Cafe is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, except for Christmas.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of my first Cliffhanger sandwich, the Tuscany (sun-dried tomato, pepperoncini, provolone, Balsamic dressing, lettuce, and tomato), and I have had multiple others since.
The Roast Beef La Jolla (with barbeque sauce) was also very good. The sandwiches are made fresh to order and take just a few minutes to prepare. The prices vary slightly but are around $11-$12, which I think is good value for the experience. A bottled, unsweetened iced tea was just over $2.
This viewing area now features a separate, full bar as well. So, if you’d like a beer or a glass of wine (or a cocktail) to compliment your experience, that’s also readily available. Ice cream sandwiches, salads, chips, and candy are also available for purchase. The Cafe also has a pizza oven and offers freshly made pizzas, but only on Saturdays and Sundays.
It’s also a nice stop before or after hiking nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
5. There Is Live Music on Saturdays
Every Saturday from April to September, the Torrey Pines Gliderport hosts live music from up-and-coming bands and independent artists. Check the calendar of scheduled events online.
6. You Can Learn to Fly
You can also learn how to fly here, with lessons from instructors. Start with an instructional tandem flight to learn the basics of how it’s done.
Then, you may decide if you’d like to pursue it further. Yes, experienced enthusiasts are also launching their own gear here.

7. Dogs Fly, Too
There’s usually a dog or two hanging at the Gliderport but if you’re lucky, you may just be able to catch a glimpse of one of the many dogs who join their owners in flight. It’s super cute.
8. It’s Great for Kids
The Gliderport asks people to keep off the grass for the safety of the gliders and guests, but there is a deck viewing area and plenty of space on the Cliffhanger Cafe patio.
We recently took our friends visiting from out of state, and the four kids were under 10. I was surprised by how much they enjoyed being outside and watching the gliders do their thing.

9. You Can Walk to the Beach
Some paths lead down to Black’s Beach, but some will likely find them steep, narrow, and maybe even difficult, despite many people using them daily.
You should also know that, though nudity is prohibited, Black’s Beach has had a reputation for decades for being a ‘nude beach’, and it is practiced here (mostly by men). If you surf, it’s awesome here—to the left is where the surfers typically park their gear, and to the right is where the nudists hang.
There’s a narrow dirt path, which I’d recommend you avoid. Take the main trail, which actually has a sign that says “no beach access,” which people generally ignore (at your own risk).
10. It’s Walkable From Estancia La Jolla
One of the few places (other than UC San Diego) that you can walk to from Estancia La Jolla, one of the La Jolla hotels we have VIP perks at, is Torrey Pines Glider Port. It will take just over 10 minutes.
The hotel has recently renovated to include most lifestyle amenities like a pool bar, a coffee bar, and thoughtful touches like pool access from some nearby rooms. We’re increasingly booking it for families and people who want convenient freeway access or have things to do at UCSD.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive
La Jolla, California 92037
(858) 452-9858
Directions: Navigate yourself to Torrey Pines Road. Turn west on Torrey Pines Scenic Drive toward the ocean. Go to basically the end of the road and make a right into a dirt driveway and parking lot. Park and walk up to the gliderport.
Why do you like to visit Torrey Pines Gliderport?
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