NOTE: This post was originally published on my previous blog, Recovering Shopaholic.
I hope you enjoyed my first “photography interlude” last week. As promised, I will be posting a few of these during my “modified break” and then periodically after that. Today I would like to share one of my favorite beaches with you, Torrey Pines. This beach area is about a half-hour drive north from where I live and is absolutely gorgeous! In the six months or so that I’ve been taking photographs (read about how and why I started that hobby here), I have been there five times and intend to go back regularly as I improve my skills.
Overlooking Torrey Pines Beach, May 2015
The photo of me above was taken by a cyclist who had stopped to take in the view around the same time I was snapping pictures on my phone back in May. It was an overcast evening, but the view was still beautiful. The photos below were taken from the same vantage point, in both directions. Trains travel right along the beach, as you can see in the second photo. I have ridden trains on those tracks several times, including to visit Disneyland and to have dinner with my dad when he still lived in the North County of San Diego. There are lots of picturesque views to take in on those train rides for sure!
A glimpse of Torrey Pines Beach through the trees.
Looking north from Torrey Pines Beach along the railroad tracks.
The long and gorgeous stretch of Torrey Pines Beach.
“Sunset Seat”
On the hill overlooking Torrey Pines Beach, a local artist carved an eagle sculpture called “Sunset Seat” into a dead torrey pine tree. Below are two photos of that sculpture, including one that my husband took of me sitting on it two weekends ago. The other photo was taken by me last month, when I saw a young man reading a book there. What a wonderful place to enjoy some restful reading time!
Sitting on the “Sunset Seat” above Torrey Pines Beach.
The “Sunset Seat” is a great place for some afternoon reading…
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Just past the beach shown above is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a 2000 acre park that I explored for a few hours back in May (I plan to go back soon…). I took a short hike down to the beach and snapped some more photos along the way:
Hiking down to the beach at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
All of the beaches at Torrey Pines are beautiful!
Black’s Beach
Just around the corner of the rocks in the first photo below is Black’s Beach, a clothing optional beach that I inadvertently stumbled upon back when I was a kid and was on one of my famous long walks. Imagine my surprise when I happened upon a bunch of naked people out of the blue! This time, I did take a walk around the corner for a few photos of the beach, but I only saw one naked man (who actually came up to talk to me, at which point I quickly made an excuse and headed back up the hill). Isn’t it a spectacular beach?
Just around that corner is “clothing optional” Black’s Beach.
A view of the almost deserted Black’s Beach.
A Few Final Views…
Before I left Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, I stopped to take the photo below from a look-out overlooking Torrey Pines Beach. Then I snapped one more before I went home (the second photo below). The famous La Jolla can be seen in the distance. One day when I am feeling better, I would like to go for a long walk along that beach like the people in the photo and see if I might be able to reach La Jolla. There’s nothing like a long walk on the beach to calm one’s soul and quiet the mind. It’s one of my favorite things to do…
A panoramic view of Torrey Pines Beach from above.
Going for a walk along Torrey Pines Beach – a great way to spend an afternoon!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this look at Torrey Pines. If you ever find yourself in the San Diego area, I highly recommend that you include this lovely spot in your plans. I don’t think you’ll be sorry! If you liked these photos, you can see more of them on the blog HERE or on my Instagram page (I have gradually been adding more there and plan to get more regular about it).
My Wardrobe, Myself 
Another great photo journal, Debbie! That sculpture is ***totally amazing***. And what an interesting nugget about the nude beach (although I’m giving the side-eye to the dude who approached you). I like to think that creating these entries are giving you a second boost to add to the pleasure of taking the photos. Keep it up and sending you good thoughts and wishes for your health and happiness. xo
Thanks for your kind words and wishes, Claire. Yes, I love the sculpture, too! I didn’t know the story of it until I Googled it to put the link in this post. I definitely get a lot of pleasure out of taking the photos and it’s fun to put these posts together, too. My modified break has given me the perfect opportunity to share some of my photographs with readers who are interested. I will keep the feature going periodically even after I am officially back.
You look absolutely stunning!
Thanks so much, Saltbox! I wasn’t even trying to look good there, but I was happy with what I was doing, so that probably had me look better 🙂
Beautiful, beautiful smile!
Thank you, Susan!
Lovely. Thank you for sharing. Happy weekend. 🙂
Thank you, Cornelia. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too!
I would be walking along the edge of the beach barefoot. I love the feeling of the water lapping up over my feet. I don’t know what the water temperature is like, but I would still like it if it was cold.
You look great!
Thanks, Deby. I’m sure the water was cold most of the days when the photos were taken. It usually doesn’t get that warm here, but has been warmer later with the heatwaves we’ve been having. I like to wade in the water on warmer days 🙂
Thank you for your stunning photos! I grew up near a beach, and have had the good fortune to live near one once or twice since then… Unfortunately, no more! I, too, find beach walking to be one of the most therapeutic ways to spend time, no matter the season.