7 Best & Most Beautiful La Jolla Hotels – Recommended by a Local

by Noreen Kompanik

With 17 miles of stunning, rugged, and picturesque coastline curving into a myriad of natural coves, La Jolla is a natural treasure trove – San Diego’s Jewel by the Sea. And La Jolla Hotels are just as stunning, I promise.

Explore La Jolla

The vibrant upscale community of San Diego has always attracted surfers, beach-goers, and nature lovers, along with the rich and famous. Everyone falls in love with La Jolla, even the local San Diegans. As a resident of America’s finest city, I can definitely say that every family member or friend who comes visiting has La Jolla on their to-do list. And for good reason.

Pantai Inn La Jolla sign in front of stone wall and yellow luxury hotel in the background

🥇Top Rated Hotel in La Jolla

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this beachfront boutique hotel with 230 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Reviews on Booking!

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Also read:
La Jolla, California – Ultimate Guide by a Local
Best Beach Houses for Rent in San Diego
Best Vacation Rentals in La Jolla – Best Deals for Every Budget
Best La Jolla Brunch Spots
Best Spots to Watch the La Jolla Seals & Sea Lions
8 Adventurous Kayaking Tours in La Jolla

View of La Jolla Beach with a concrete fortification and cliffs surrounding a small sand beach with sea lions — Children’s Pool – La Jolla, California

The town celebrates a rich history steeped in the whimsical tales of Dr. Seuss and classic Hollywood. Its picture-perfect weather, awe-inspiring vistas, stunning beach houses, fascinating tide pools, and churning azure waters are forever a draw. Mix in a charming walkable village with delightful shops, and delectable places to brunch and dine, and it’s no wonder La Jolla provides a unique magical experience.

For those planning a trip here, or for locals longing for a perfect staycation getaway, La Jolla is the place to be. But to get the true experience for all the amazing things to see and do in this beachside resort town, staying at one of these magnificent La Jolla Hotels is a must.

Best La Jolla Hotels – Where to Stay in La Jolla

Pantai Inn

1003 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037
5-Star Hotel|$$$$|Complimentary WiFi, On-Site Breakfast & Parking
+1 (858) 224-7600
Book here

Pantai Inn, a 30-room seaside boutique hotel is one of La Jolla’s best oceanfront resorts. Its relaxed, warm atmosphere, attention to detail, and top-notch service are hallmarks of Pantai providing guests a royal experience.

Accommodations and grounds of the historic early 1900s property reflect the beauty and culture of Indonesia with impeccable intricate detail. Statues, tumbling waterfalls, tropical plants, and teak wood furnishings transport guests to exotic Bali in Southeast Asia.

The inn is considered the perfect romantic getaway. Honeymoon and romance packages are available, and the inn is a popular venue for destination weddings. But this enchanted property is also family-friendly and the ideal place for girls’ getaways.

Lush garden beds with flowers and palm trees in front of yellow luxury hotel in La Jolla Pantai Inn — Pantai Inn La Jolla – Photo courtesy of Pantai Inn

Pantai Inn’s amenities and services include complimentary lobby drinks and snacks, an impressive deluxe continental breakfast, and outdoor seating with ocean view fire pits.

Each room has unique custom furnishings, all hand selected and imported from Bali. Room types offer a kitchenette or full-kitchen, and a fireplace. Bathrooms are equipped with plush robes, rainfall showers, luxury towels, and high-end bath products. Guests in oceanfront rooms are lulled to sleep by the nearby crashing waves. Compare Prices Here>>

Scripps Inn La Jolla Cove

555 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037
4-Star Hotel|$$$|Complimentary WiFi|
+1 (888) 387-9907
Book here

Hotel Suite at the Scripps Inn La Jolla. It features a large couch, a white table with chairs and a blue and tan colored ocean inspired color scheme and decor. — Suite at the Scripps Inn La Jolla Cove

Another boutique property just steps from La Jolla’s world-renowned beaches is the Scripps Inn La Jolla Cove. This warm and charming inn with its colorful bougainvillea represents quintessential Southern California charm in a laid-back, intimate setting. It’s so easy to fall in love with this inn—one of La Jolla’s best-kept secrets.

The 14-room, two-floor property features one and two-bedroom deluxe rooms and suites with quaint seating areas, some with kitchenettes and fireplaces. Each is well-appointed with beach-inspired décor. An outdoor terrace is the perfect place to share a bottle of wine or champagne and toast a Pacific sunset.

View from Suite at Scripps Inn La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Palm trees — View from Suite at Scripps Inn La Jolla

Rooms are not air-conditioned but do have ceiling fans and additional pedestal fans if needed. However, due to the Scripps Inn’s prime location directly across from the ocean, Pacific breezes are enough, and sounds of the ocean waves will lull you into a peaceful slumber.

Paid parking is available on site, though guests may choose to park in nearby street areas at no charge. The top benefit of this property is its ideal location for some of the area’s best tide-pooling. Compare Prices Here>>

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 453-4420
Website

Luxury hotel room with leather sitting area and large outdoor balcony with wicker furniture, balcony overlooks golf course and distant ocean on sunny day. The Lodge at Torrey Pines. — Photo Credit: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

A much-loved San Diego 5 star hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a top-tier stay. But Golfers aren’t the only ones who’ll find the Lodge to their liking!

Set alongside the immaculate Torrey Pines Golf Course, spend your mornings practicing your swing before catching a quick 10-minute ride to Torrey Pines Nature Preserve. If you wish to explore a little more of San Diego during your vacation, reach La Jolla in just 15 minutes by car, or head a bit further south to the downtown area.

The Lodge manages to strike a balance between luxe and homely, with a warm ambiance. With plenty of large rooms on offer, families will have their pick of comfortable and spacious suites.

As one of the most sought-after wedding venues in San Diego, the Lodge is also well accustomed to catering to couples in search of an intimate getaway.

Bounce between fine dining and casual eats at the two on-site restaurants. Choose to dine indoors or enjoy your meal al fresco on the patio, where you’ll be treated to enviable views of the Pacific Ocean each evening.

The full-service spa offers seasonal packages that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, or opt to spend your days lounging poolside. Coordinated fitness classes, a modern gym, and bike rentals are available for guests looking to stay active during their visit.

Couples or small families will love the signature rooms here. Rooms are kitted out with hardwood furnishings, chic marble bathrooms, and the finest Egyptian cotton bed linen on the market. Most feature a spacious balcony or a terrace overlooking the golf course or the courtyard.

Elevate your visit with a stay in one of the Lodge’s expansive suites. These feature everything you could possibly ask for, from fully stocked kitchens with the latest appliances and toasty fireplaces to roomy living areas and Jacuzzi bathtubs!

Additionally, those traveling with pets will be happy to know The Lodge at Torrey Pines is pet-friendly. Compare prices here>>

Grande Colonial Hotel

Luxurious hotel room with bed, and two windows looking out over the pacific ocean — Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla – Photos courtesy of Grande Colonial

A 97-room boutique hotel, La Jolla’s Grande Colonial is the seaside town’s oldest original lodging. Opened in 1913, the classic European-designed inn was a temporary home to many of Hollywood’s up-and-coming stars performing at the La Jolla Playhouse. Famous actors like Charlton Heston, Dorothy McGuire, Jane Wyatt, and Groucho Marks graced this historic hotel situated just steps from the ocean.

It’s delightful yellow-painted building set on a corner with blue and white striped awnings remains an iconic landmark in the heart of La Jolla village. The casual, elegant hotel lobby is stunning with its perfectly appointed furnishings, warm ambiance, and magnificent fireplace.

Accommodations at the hotel include village, garden, and ocean view rooms and suites, studio and suite vacation rentals with all the amenities of a private residence. Soft goose-down comforters sit atop Serta iComfort Eurotop mattresses, guaranteeing guests a comfortable night’s rest. Bathrooms provide plush bathrobes and high-end Gilchrist & Soames bath and beauty products.

Exterior Photo of Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla - a 4 story yellow corner building surrounded by palm trees — Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla – Photos courtesy of Grande Colonial

Grande Colonial also sports the award-winning restaurant NINE-TEN with farm-to-table seasonal California cuisine now served al fresco on the patio.

A $20 per night hospitality charge covers high-speed internet, poolside towel and water service, beach gear (towels, chairs, and umbrellas), use of hotel bicycles, guest pass to the nearby La Jolla Sports Club, and 10% discount on food and beverages at NINE-TEN. Compare prices here>>

La Jolla Shores Hotel

Unlike the above-mentioned La Jolla hotels, which are all located within La Jolla Village, La Jolla Shores Hotel is nestled on one of the most beautiful beaches on the San Diego coast. This means surfing, kayaking, or boogie-boarding are just a few sand-covered footsteps away. The hotel is ideal for a perfect throwback Americana beach vacation, and it’s extremely family-friendly to boot. This makes it quite popular for family and friend reunions. It’s no surprise that guests vacationing here return again and again.

128 casual beach-themed guestrooms are infused with the laid-back spirit of California, offering lush gardens, a pool, and scenic coastal or beachfront views with a private patio or balcony. 19 rooms include kitchenettes. A relaxing heated outdoor courtyard pool and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, ping-pong tables, and a fitness center are on-site.

Beachfront Balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the La Jolla Shores hotel — La Jolla Shores Hotel from the Air – Photo courtesy of La Jolla Shores Hotel

Beach crews are available to set up umbrellas, chairs, and towels for guests at the La Jolla Shores Hotel. Unlimited WiFi, shuttle service around the local area, seasonal games and activities, and free DVD rentals are available with an amenity fee of $20 per night.

Beachside views meet the perfect bites at the resort’s spectacular The Shores Restaurant. This oceanfront hacienda-style eatery with indoor and open-air dining serves fresh, sustainable, seasonal California-coastal inspired entrees and beachy-themed libations. Compare Prices here>>

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

One of the region’s most timeless beach resorts, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is a landmark oceanfront hotel. Despite serving guests for over 80 years, it remains one of La Jolla’s treasures and best-kept secrets.

The casually elegant, relaxing, well-appointed beach-themed hotel features guestrooms, studio suites, and cottages with a picturesque interior, golf course, or sweeping ocean views. Room amenities include complimentary WiFi, Starbucks coffee products, and spa-style soft cotton bathrobes.

Guests have access to a private beach complete with beach loungers and umbrellas, a tennis shop, 12 championship tennis courts, a par-3 nine-hole golf course, bocce ball court, and ping-pong tables. An outdoor heated swimming pool, children’s pool, and playground, and fitness center round out the resort’s impressive amenities. Lastly, it’s important to note there is no resort fee here.

Beach with colorful beach umbrellas at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club — Beach at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club – Photo courtesy of La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

One of the best aspects of staying at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is dining at the Marine Room, one of San Diego’s most beloved restaurants. Dining at high tide lets guests watch waves crash against its panoramic window while enjoying ocean, cove, and sunset views. Resort guests can also have oceanfront patio dining at their sister eatery, The Shores Restaurant. Compare prices here>>

La Valencia Hotel

1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA, 92037
4-Star|$$$$|Restaurant and Lounge, Pool, Poolside Bar|Pet-Friendly|Accessible
(855) 476-6870
Book here

You can’t miss this beautiful, iconic pink lady in the heart of La Jolla village. The historic La Valencia Hotel, built in 1926 has housed many Hollywood elite over the years providing the perfect escape getaway.

View of La Valencia Hotel La Jolla overlooking the Ocean

Perched high on the magnificent cliffs of overlooking scenic Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the 114-room hotel touts awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean views from many of its rooms, restaurants, and bars. With its classic Spanish old-world ambiance and magnificent legacy of restoration, it’s of no surprise this elegant lady is a charter member of the Historic Hotels of America. Walking into its enchanting lobby is like entering an enchanting European Mediterranean inn.

La Valencia offers four elegantly distinctive room types. Vintage features lovely Euro-style bathrooms, and the Classic provides luxury bathrooms with chic bath amenities. The luxurious and spacious Villas sport Jacuzzi tubs. The Icon Suites are the height of luxury with sweeping ocean vistas. Soft luxury bedding in every room makes sleeping a dream.

Swaying palms and colorful bougainvillea surround the ocean-view pool. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner outdoor dining is currently available on the Ocean View Terrace featuring rich Mediterranean influences with re-imagined California coastal cuisine. A $39 per night resort fee includes parking, beach towels, a fitness center, a daily newspaper, high-speed internet, and business services. Compare prices here>>

A sign in one of La Jolla’s quaint boutiques reads “There is a little bit of paradise built into every day. You just have to find it.” And find it you will in the enchanting town of La Jolla.