Popularly known as the Jewel ofSan Diego, La Jolla is a scenic coastal village with stunning beaches of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills and the Soledad Mountain.
Travelers flock to La Jolla to embark on nautical adventures, explore the breathtaking expanse of the Torrey Pines State Reserve and indulge in their love for golfing.
From beautiful boutique hotels to trendy and modern, here are a collection of cool and unusual hotels in La Jolla, California (in no particular order)…
1. Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton – a unique, urban and chic hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs to experience local popular attractions
Hotel La Jolla is the ultimate spot for a rejuvenating California vacation by the ocean, boasting a central location to divide one’s time between the beach and exploring San Diego’s most popular attractions on foot.
Travelers can end their sightseeing adventures with a splash in the onsite tropical pool oasis or watch magical sunsets from their private balconies overlooking the ocean. The guest rooms and suites offer a wealth of contemporary comforts, featuring Serta Suite Dreams bedding, ergonomic workstations, and furnished balconies.
Hotel La Jolla is quite popular for its top-floor restaurant, Cusp, offering an extensive menu of pasta, flatbreads, seafood and rare wines with panoramic ocean views.
2. La Valencia Hotel – a stylish, hip and award-winning hotel steps away from the beach
A dreamy getaway famous for its panoramic views of the Southern California coastline and Pacific Ocean, La Valenciahas been serving La Jolla’s tourist community since 1926. This historic hotel is fondly dubbed the Pink Lady of La Jolla, given its pink-themed Spanish colonial-style architecture.
La Valencia offers 114 pet-friendly accommodations, including Vintage Rooms, Classic Rooms, Icon Suites and luxury villas. The interiors exude old-world charm with intricate vintage details, spacious boudoirs, and European-style bathrooms. All accommodations feature high-end amenities, in-room appliances and designer furnishings.
Nature lovers craving the most spectacular views must consider the Sky Suite or the Pacific Suite, while families and large groups will prefer the upgraded comforts and square footage of the villas.
3. Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines – an upscale, pet-friendly and spacious hotel providing guests with breathtaking views overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean
Located on the 18th hole of the award-winning Torrey Pines Golf Course, Hilton La Jolla offers a magical setting to immerse in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Travelers can explore a wealth of hiking trails near the hotel, many of which wind up on the Torrey Pines State Beach nearby.
Guests can start the day with a swim in the heated outdoor pool, take golfing lessons from certified instructors, and stay committed to their fitness routine at the onsite gym. The guest rooms and suites are well-appointed with modern amenities, and vacationers can explore a limited selection of pet-friendly rooms.
4. Sheraton La Jolla – a pet-friendly, vibrant and quiet hotel where guests can enjoy on-site entertainment, mouth-watering cuisine and refreshing cocktails
Sheratonoffers a centrally located base to discover the beachside and cosmopolitan attractions of La Jolla, offering proximity to popular sites like Balboa Park, LEGOLAND, San Diego Zoo, and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Guests enjoy easy access to the local beaches and water sports sites.
The hotel boasts a tranquil setting lined with palm trees, lush gardens, koi ponds and waterfalls, offering abundant spots to relax and soak up the Californian sunshine. The guest rooms and suites are decked with an array of amenities, while the Club-Level units offer luxurious upgrades, including access to the exclusive Club Lounge.
The highlight of my stay at the Sheraton was indeed feasting on delicious seafood and continental fares at the onsite Humphreys Grill.
5. The Lodge at Torrey Pines – an award-winning, upscale and unique boutique resort featuring a spa and wellness center
Inspired by the Gamble House of Pasadena, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a luxurious 170-room resort perched elegantly on the cliffside. The Craftsman-style interiors are rich and dark, designed with high-vaulted wooden beams and rustic brick and stone accents.
Sprawling over 6 acres, this destination resort features 2 restaurants, multiple lounging areas, a world-class spa, a fitness studio, an outdoor pool and innumerable business-friendly amenities. The guest rooms are lavishly appointed with marble-clad bathrooms, hardwood flooring and Egyptian cotton bedding.
The suites are much more extravagant and spacious, with high-end amenities and walk-on access to the Torrey Pines Golf Course. I had the pleasure of dining at the onsite A.R. Valentien Restaurant, and my taste buds fell in love with their 28-day aged rib-eye steak.
6. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – a romantic, bright and charming hotel located in the heart of Torrey Pines
An authentic Californian getaway tucked between the seaside villages of Del Mar and La Jolla, Estancia is a prized architectural gem blending hacienda-style buildings with rancho-themed construction. This AAA Four Diamond hotel features 10 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, courtyards, a world-class spa, multiple onsite dining venues and 210 accommodations.
The guest rooms and suites are spread across the vibrant estate, featuring private balconies or patios to soak up the Californian sun. The onsite spa offers 9 nine treatment rooms, a meditation garden, a saltwater pool with daybeds, and a couple’s bungalow.
Breakfast is served at the open-air Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar, and guests can grab snacks and beverages from the Trading Post. The onsite Mustangs & Burros is one of my favorite restaurants in Southern California, incredibly famous for its Baja-Mexican cuisine.
7. Pantai Inn – a classic, charming and contemporary accommodation offering guests a delicious continental breakfast each morning
The Pantai Innoffers a fabulous location to enjoy the best of La Jolla within walking distance, offering proximity to the ocean, popular dining venues and retail spots. Pantai Inn is located in one of La Jolla’s most peaceful and sought-after neighborhoods, only 20 minutes away from the cosmopolitan luxuries of San Diego.
This intimate guest house is a traditional Californian getaway designed with quirky Polynesian-inspired interiors. Serenity seekers can explore stylish accommodations in multiple categories, including Classic Suites, Partial Ocean View Suites, Ocean View Suites, and Ocean View Studios.
All accommodations offer fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas, living rooms and spacious bedrooms, while the upgraded units feature furnished balconies.
To book, check prices or availability for Pantai Inn
8. Inn by the Sea, La Jolla – a spacious, modern and eco-friendly accommodation perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway
One of the most romantic honeymoon getaways in La Jolla, the Inn by the Sea pampers its guests with highly personalized services, modern amenities and breakfast in bed – delivered from the famous Cottage Restaurant.
This boutique hotel is home to 131 rooms and suites, categorized as King Rooms, Queen Rooms, ADA Accessible Rooms and the Sand Dollar Suite. All accommodations feature plush bedding, in-room appliances, air conditioning, high-speed WiFi and private balconies/patios overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Guests enjoy lounging by the outdoor heated pool while sipping on complimentary coffee from the poolside lounge. This neighborhood is home to some of the best dining and hangout spots in La Jolla, and the variety of cuisines is incredible.
9. Orli La Jolla – a trendy, modern and petite boutique accommodation in a location perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Established in a 1910 heritage building, Orli combines the upscale comforts of a boutique hotel with the homely warmth of an intimate inn. This charming hotel has a vibrant legacy, and the lovingly restored interiors retain their original Art Deco elements alongside modern upgrades.
Orli offers 13 themed guest rooms and suites, including the Conservatory, the Wing, the Bunk Room, the Sunset Suite and the Penthouse. The glamorous Irving Gill Penthouse is indeed the crown jewel of Orli’s impressive lineup, styled with dark colors, black stone countertops, and a private patio overlooking the ocean.
The onsite Brew Bar is quite popular for its wide variety of beverages, especially the kombucha and nitro cold brew.
To book, check prices or availability for Orli La Jolla
10. Sonder Bonair – a chic, trendy and Bohemian-style accommodation ideal for a group vacation
Families and friends seeking independently owned and luxuriously furnished vacation rentals will find their match in Sonder Bonair– an open-concept bohemian beach house. This upscale beach house is a popular spot for family reunions and romantic getaways, offering a wide host of self-catering amenities, much like a home away from home.
The rentals offer spacious bedrooms with comfortable furniture, in-suite laundry facilities, private terraces and a fully-equipped kitchen featuring high-end cookware and smart appliances.
The location is perfect for immersing in La Jolla’s scenic beaches and embarking on exciting adventures. For instance, adventurers can take windsurfing lessons at the nearby Windansea Beach or unravel nautical mysteries at La Jolla Cove.
To book, check prices or availability for Sonder Bonair
11. Sonder Bonair Way – a bright, cool and stylish accommodation well equipped for a memorable coastal trip
Nestled 600 meters from Windansea Beach and La Jolla Strand Beach, Sonder Bonair Way is a beach lover’s paradise, offering proximity to La Jolla’s most popular and lesser-known waterfronts. This apart-style venue offers privately-owned apartments, ranging from one to two-bedroom units.
The apartments are brightly-lit with rich wooden interiors and minimalist décor. All units offer spacious queen or king bedrooms, private balconies, state-of-the-art kitchens, in-suite laundry, and living areas. Guests enjoy access to innumerable smart appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioning, and TVs with streaming devices.
Families prefer Bonair Way for its close proximity to the Children’s Pool Beach and popular attractions, including La Jolla Village and the Sea Caves.
12. Sea and Palms 2 – a vibrant, contemporary and hip accommodation within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shopping boutiques
Situated one block away from Windansea Beach, Sea and Palms 2is a modern vacation rental near La Jolla Village and its vibrant boutiques, cafes and restaurants. This location is ideal for sightseers, foodies, cultural enthusiasts and beach lovers, with much to explore within walking distance.
The king-size master bedroom features an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower and flat-screen TV, while the queen bedroom also offers an ensuite bathroom and modern appliances. Guests can have breakfast or dinner on the patio, featuring stylish furniture with a fire pit and BBQ facilities.
The floor plan includes a fully-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, a dining area and a living room. This condo is ideal for groups of 6 or more, with extra bedding and a sleeper sofa in the living room.
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.
