The short answer
Play the South if you want the U.S. Open test and are willing to pay and plan for it. Play the North if you want the same bluff-top setting with a slightly gentler round and, often, a slightly easier tee time.
Many locals treat the North as the everyday Torrey and the South as the occasion.
The South Course: the championship test
The South Course hosted the U.S. Open in 2008 and 2021 and anchors the annual PGA Tour stop.
It is the longer, sterner test, and demand for tee times reflects that.
The North Course: views and playability
The North was renovated in 2016 and gives up nothing in scenery - several of the best ocean views on the property are on the North.
It plays shorter and friendlier, which makes it the better pick for mixed groups or a first Torrey round.
How availability differs - and how to search both
Both courses book through the same official City of San Diego system, but their openings do not move identically.
Searching both at once on Play Golf SD shows recently checked times side by side, so you can let real openings settle the debate. Whichever you choose, the result links you to the official portal to book.
Check recently available tee times
Search supported San Diego courses, compare freshness, then book through the official course website.
Search Torrey Pines tee times