10 Top-Rated Resorts in La Jolla

The exclusive San Diego suburb of La Jolla is home to some of the area’s best resorts that cater to a range of travelers from couples on a romantic getaway to families with kids.

Almost all of the resorts listed here are pet friendly, so there is no need to leave your dog home if he or she enjoys vacationing with you.

La Jolla is a seaside neighborhood, and La Jolla Cove Beach is known for its sheltered setting with good swimming and even snorkeling. A number of the resorts listed here are either next to the beach or on the cliffs above it.

The area is also famous for its golf courses, and if you want to hit the fairway, some of the best resorts are set around the Torrey Pines Golf Course, of PGA tour fame.

From a five-star boutique craftsman-style lodge to a legendary pink palace, book your next vacation at one of our favorite resorts in San Diego’s La Jolla.

1. The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Accommodation: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Home to the famed PGA tour Torrey Pines Golf Course, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is the most luxurious resort in La Jolla.

This 5-star property boasts elegant, early 20th-century craftsman-style architecture and décor throughout. Expect lots of dark polished wood, rocking chairs, stained glass doors, hanging yellow lanterns, and vaulted ceilings in the public spaces.

Rooms and suites are spacious and have a rustic, elegant vibe, with more polished wood furnishings, bedside Tiffany lamps, and fireplaces in some rooms. Bathrooms are quite large, and most rooms have balconies. The best come with ocean and golf course views. The property is family-friendly.

Set atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort’s location is gorgeous.

There are a number of outdoor adventure experiences in the area thanks to the location near Torrey Pines State Reserve, which protects some 2,000 acres of forest and shoreline and is home to miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails.

Amenities are plentiful. Besides the golf course, you can take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool that has an underwater sound system. There is also a hot tub for chilly evenings.

Should you need a bit of pampering, pay a visit to the spa. Two restaurants are also on-site. One is casual, the other focuses on fine dining.

Address: 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California

2. La Valencia Hotel

Accommodation: La Valencia Hotel

The “Pink Lady,” as locals fondly refer to La Valencia Hotel, has been hosting Hollywood’s A-List for nearly a century now.

This landmark property with its signature pink façade and iconic tower commands a fabulous location on Prospect Street, and boasts panoramic Pacific coast views throughout. It is just steps away from the beach at La Jolla Cove.

The boutique resort has 114 rooms, suites, and villas that come in a number of shapes and sizes. The look is Mediterranean-inspired, vintage luxury with designer furnishings and Euro-style bathrooms with free-standing showers that feature dual showerheads.

The property is family-friendly and also welcomes pets.

The villas here are in a league of their own. Set in their own area next to the hotel’s ocean-facing pool, they are light and bright, and have Jacuzzi tubs in the bathrooms. Ranging in size from 400 to 1200 square feet, some of the villas feature sleeper sofas for the kids; all come with king beds.

Amenities include beach access, a gorgeous saltwater swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, a fitness center, and a few different dining options.

The Mediterranean Room is La Valencia’s signature ocean-facing restaurant. It has a terrace with sensational sea views and serves seasonal California coastal-meets-Mediterranean fare.

Address: 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, San Diego, California

3. Grande Colonial La Jolla

Accommodation: Grande Colonial La Jolla

In operation for nearly 110 years now, Grand Colonial La Jolla is European-style, with a location facing the Pacific Ocean.

Although not directly on the beach, this boutique resort in the heart of La Jolla Village is just a few minutes’ walk from the sea.

It’s also perfectly positioned for walkers, with dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Shell Beach Tide Pools, Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove less than a 10-minute walk away.

The hotel has just under 100 rooms and suites in a number of configurations. All have elegant décor and many have direct ocean views. Some of the suites have full kitchens and fireplaces. If you are traveling with kids, family rooms are available, as is babysitting.

There is a small round-shaped swimming pool on the grounds. There is also a fine-dining restaurant called Nine-Ten. It showcases seasonal, farm-to-table fare and has received a “Plate Distinction” in the California Michelin Guide.

Address: 910 Prospect Street, La Jolla, San Diego, California

4. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Accommodation: Estancia La Jolla Hoel & Spa

Adjacent to the Torrey Pines Golf Course, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is another luxury option.

This 4-star property sits on 10 acres of well-manicured grounds, and is done-up in hacienda-style with white stucco walls, dark wood accents, and red clay roof tiles.

The 210 rooms and suites at this resort are spread across the lush garden spaces, accessed by meandering pathways. All have casual elegant décor and come with furnished balconies or patios with garden views.

There is a saltwater swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas. You’ll also find a full-service spa for relaxing. The outdoor games library is another fun touch, and weekly aroma flow yoga sessions are also offered.

If your dog is family, the resort is pet-friendly, with extra touches designed with pups in mind.

When it comes time to eat, there are three restaurants on-site. Signature restaurant Mustangs & Burros serves Baja coastal fare and has a great al fresco dining space.

Address: 9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California

5. Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine

Newly renovated, the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine features a sunset color palette and a sunny coastal ambience throughout, with artwork and décor inspired by the area.

The resort is located near the University of California San Diego campus and Scripps Research Institute, and Torrey Pines Golf Course and is about a 10-minute drive from the beach.

The rooms here are spacious, and boast contemporary décor and neutral colors. The bathrooms are fun, with mosaic tile details.

There is also a selection of suites; the VIP suites are the top room class here and feature a bedroom separate from the living and dining space. These suites have a dining area that can accommodate up to six people, and amenities like Jacuzzi tubs in the bathrooms.

The Hyatt has a number of on-site amenities. We love the junior Olympic-sized swimming pool with cabanas and sun loungers around it.

There are also board games and puzzles for guests to borrow. You can work out in the fitness center, sit by a cozy outdoor fire pit at night, or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant.

If you are traveling with a pet, the hotel welcomes dogs for a fee.

Address: 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, California

6. Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Accommodation: Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Located on the 18th hole of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines is a top choice for anyone wanting to play the famous course.

There are views of the Pacific Ocean from many of its rooms and suites. These are modern affairs with southern California style. They come in a number of configurations to accommodate families, couples, and traveling friends alike.

Besides direct access to the golf course, this Hilton has a number of other attractive amenities. You can play a game of tennis, basketball, or pickle ball on one of their courts. There is also a heated, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.

All-day dining is offered at the Torreyana Grille, and there also is a coffee shop on-site for a morning caffeine wake-me-up. Pet-friendly rooms are available.

Address: 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California

7. San Diego Marriott La Jolla

Accommodation: San Diego Marriott La Jolla

About a 10-minute drive from La Jolla Cove, the San Diego Marriott La Jolla has a relatively central location across the street from the Westfield UTC shopping mall.

The rooms and suites come in a number of sizes. While décor is minimalist, the rooms are comfy, with pillow-top mattresses, duvets, and crisp white sheets.

There are flat-panel TVs with premium channels, and work stations with ergonomic chairs. Corner rooms have balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Families can book the executive suite that comes with a sofa bed.

Amenities include a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and bike rentals. American food is served at Amuse Lounge and Patio. There are also multiple restaurants within a short walk of the hotel.

Address: 4240 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, California

8. Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton

Accommodation: Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Hotel La Jolla is a boutique property in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood. It is convenient to accessing downtown San Diego (just a 15-minute drive away), as well as within walking distance to the beaches, shops and restaurants of La Jolla.

Although not directly on the beach, many of the rooms still have ocean-views from their balconies.

All rooms and suites are done-up in California-chic and have a creative, modern vibe. They feature large windows with either ocean or garden views. Sitting areas and ergonomic work stations also come standard.

There is a restaurant on the 11th floor serving California coastal fare.

Other resort-style amenities include a saltwater swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, an outdoor fireplace, and a well-equipped fitness center. If you are traveling with the family, kids stay free.

Address: 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, California

9. Pantai Inn

Accommodation: Pantai Inn

The Pantai Inn has a fabulous location across from the boardwalk in La Jolla Cove.

As such, this Balinese-themed hotel is a top choice if you want to stay oceanfront. The small property has a mix of apartment-style rooms, some with full kitchens, and cottages with large, furnished, ocean-facing balconies.

No two rooms are the same when it comes to décor. All are eccentric with carved headboards, bamboo chairs, and bright floral couches. Some have four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting.

Amenities here include a quality hot breakfast, laundry service, and BBQ grills. Kids stay free, and the concierge can make reservations for you at one of the nearby restaurants.

There is no swimming pool, but the beach is just out front. Massages can also be arranged.

Address: 1003 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, San Diego, California

10. Empress Hotel La Jolla

Accommodation: Empress Hotel La Jolla

Within walking distance from La Jolla Cove, Empress Hotel La Jolla is a good choice for more budget-conscious travelers.

This 3-star property caters to families by offering kids free stays with an adult in the room. If your family includes a dog, the Empress is also pet-friendly.

In the heart of La Jolla Village, it is a great choice if you enjoy walking. There are numerous attractions and restaurants within a five-minute walk from the property.

Rooms and suites here are colorful and comfy. Families will like the newly-renovated superior two-queen rooms, or for more space, the empress suite with a queen-sized sleeper sofa.

The on-site restaurant, Manhattan of La Jolla, offers a large menu of Italian fare including Caesar salads mixed tableside, lots of pasta dishes, and a variety of meat choices. Room service is available for dinner.

Address: 7766 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, San Diego, California

Map of Resorts in La Jolla

La Jolla, CA – Climate Chart