Scripps Coastal Reserve  

The Scripps Coastal Reserve can be visited in several ways.

General public

• The intertidal and submarine portion of the Reserve are open to the public at all times although potential users should check tide conditions in advance to ensure it is possible to access this area safely.  We ask that anyone conducting research or organized educational activities go through the NRS Reserve Application Management System (RAMS) to help us track all the ways that our reserves support research and education.
• The mesa-top of the Reserve ("knoll") can be visited by the public during one of our docent-led tours or weekly weeding events (check our calendar of events for the latest schedule). The Reserve is surrounded by developed areas, so environmental awareness is essential for protecting the rare and sensitive habitats and species.
• Please note, there is no access to the beach from the mesa-top of the Scripps Coastal Reserve.  Local beach pedestrian access is available via Blacks Beach Way (0.5 mi north of the mesa), the Coastal Meander Trail on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and trails at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Researchers, Instructors, or other formal research/educational use

• Researchers and University-level instructors interested in using the Reserve for education, research, or outreach can submit a visit request through the NRS Reserve Application Management System (RAMS). The Reserve is not limited to use by UC San Diego affiliates and may also be used to support research and education activities by K-12 classes, community groups, and qualified non-profit organizations.

To view the amenities and rates available for reservation at Scripps Coastal Reserve, please visit our RAMS amenities page.

The upland area, commonly referred to as the "Mesa" or “Knoll,” includes a mesa 400 feet above the beach, and Black’s Canyon, with a paved, gated road with pedestrian access to Black’s Beach, and Sumner Canyon, which is privately owned.   

Scripps Coastal Reserve Map 

Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area Map

• Birch Aquarium 
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography 
• Marine Protected Areas (CA Fish & Wildlife)
• Species List
• Scripps Coastal Reserve iNaturalist Project
• Scripps Coastal Reserve Biodiversity Trail