Hello, This is one of the best view photos of the famous Torrey Pines cliff area rising from the flat beach and inside of the highway swamp area. Highway 1 going South to the San Diego Metropolitan area, was the main route to get to Baja, Mexico. We drove this highway every time we went to La Jolla, CA surf spots and farther South to the less crowded, Baja surf spots. We surfed the beach break below the large cliff many times and always had a driving problem coming back North toward our Long Beach home. The surf was good and we always had fun. But the only way for us to get back on the major highway 1, was to turn right and head uphill. For the underpowered Flathead 40 Ford Sedan Delivery, we might as well give ourselves the slowest ride ever in our teenage driving experiences. Early on, we could have crossed the flow of traffic, but from a standing start, the Flathead powered sedan delivery just did not have enough juice to get across 3 lanes of traffic and settle into the slow lane headed North. So, there was the steepest hill grade going up to the top of the plateau headed south and that was how we had to drive. We had to head South uphill in first gear, hope that we had enough space to shift to second. But, usually, we just stayed in 2nd or in traffic, shift back to 1st to the turn around area at the top. All of the dangers of a heavily used 4 lanes of traffic, just so we could head downhill, again and head North along the coast for Long Beach. At least, we got to see the waves once again as we headed north toward Del Mar and the rest of the coastline to our area in So Cal. Jnaki Specifically, Torrey Pines Headlands Cliffs and Torrey Pines Beach below was always a hoot from the previous city/surf spot in Del Mar. As we left Del Mar, the road gave us the view of the waves. So, if they were ok, not fantastic and consistent, we looked ahead at the steep hill climb and put the pedal to the floor. If they were empty and consistent, we stopped for a good morning session. It was the anticipation of this view that gave us a spark if the waves were not so good. We knew it was a very slow grind if we got caught in any slow traffic. (Like us…Ha) So, the running start gave us some what of a push, but still had to downshift to 2nd pretty quickly and by a 3rd of the way up, now, we were in first gear for the slowest part of our whole road trip coming South to surf. But, the long drive to/from, the new surf areas, and the rewards were always great!!! YRMV Note: So, on a specific road trip, do we take the South/North Amtrak Coast Liner train to the inland portion of the San Diego cities to see some old places next to the tracks, like Solana Beach? Or, do we drive down the coast to get to see the above view as we drop down into the sea level beach from Del Mar?
Thank you for the great history. I have spent a lot of time in Del Mar and Torrey Pines, I love the area. I wish I could have seen it in the 50 and 60s, I bet it was an amazing place.
Hey 65, It was and still is a wonderful place. There are miles of coastline that is not packed, due to the walkability to those places. The waves are well known along this coastal area over the years. There is even a rumor and a big push like other coastal cities, to move the Amtrak coastal express train from San Diego to Los Angeles long time track routes inland a mile of two. mainly to help save the coastal beaches and cliffs. When the big waves constantly hit the coastal cliffs and Amtrak tracks, it causes lots of beach erosion and cliff damages. So, by moving it inland, it would solve that problem, but miss some of the mystique of the fast coastal train that runs from downtown San Diego to Los Angeles’ union station. The highway has always been there and gets busier as the coastal communities continue to grow. But, the drive down to San Diego and back up, if timed right is a wonderful experience through those numerous small towns and cities. They are resort towns with plenty of places to stay and that attracts thousands of travelers from all over. Jnaki It is a big part of what makes So Cal so attractive, the ocean, the white sand, the miles of coastline combining both to create some kind of mystique for all who visit. Note: For those that need that extra self realization, there is a cool spot on the cliff that was aptly named Swami’s. Today it would not be named that. The waves below are outstanding and are very popular. Primarily, since they can be seen from the highway above and the parking area, people stop quite often. So goes for most of the beaches along this portion of the coastline, starting from Camp Pendleton in Oceanside down to the worst polluted beach in all of the USA at Imperial Beach Jetties. YRMV
The Jalopy Journal
