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La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has been a treasured San Diego destination for over 80 years. This landmark oceanfront resort with 99 rooms and suites is situated along the sandy shores of La Jolla Shores Beach.
The resort, part of an exclusive members-only club, merges historical charm with modern-day amenities from its waterfront guestrooms to its 12 championship tennis courts. There is also a private beach, a golf club, and a Junior Olympic size pool.
Family-friendly La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers a quintessential San Diego beach vacation and is a place that generations of families return to every year. Here is what you need to know before you book in.
Book Your Stay at La Jolla Shores Hotel
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La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Rooms and Suites
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club rooms range from 250-square-foot Club Guestrooms to sprawling three-bedroom beachfront suites with full kitchens. The décor is classic California coastal—think ocean blues and sea foam greens, wood furniture, and beach-inspired touches—with in-room amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, Starbucks coffee, and Molton Brown bath products.
A note on style: Rooms are comfortable and well-maintained but not cutting-edge modern. Recent guests describe them as “a bit dated” but “extremely clean” with “spacious” layouts. Think vintage California beach resort charm rather than boutique hotel polish.
Extended stays: If you book seven nights or longer you can request your exact room location.
Beachfront Suites (Top Pick)
Who they’re for: Families or groups who want maximum space, full kitchens, and the most dramatic ocean views on property.
The most versatile accommodations at LJBTC, Beachfront Suites come in one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations (up to 1,300 square feet). All include a separate living room with sleeper sofa, full kitchen with gas burners and all the essentials (guests rave about the wine openers and wine glasses), and private patios or balconies just steps from the sand.
The Deluxe Beachfront Suite is the property’s signature accommodation with 270-degree ocean views.
Good to know: Ground-floor beachfront rooms offer the easiest beach access (major win with kids), but they also come with trade-offs. You’ll hear the ocean—which most people find soothing, but sensitive sleepers have noted it can be loud. You may also catch occasional BBQ smoke when the wind shifts, and during peak times (weekends, summer) the beach area gets busy with club members using the barbecues and facilities. If foot traffic or early morning beach activity bothers you, request an upstairs room. There are no elevators, so factor that in.
Beachfront Studios
Who they’re for: Couples who want direct beach access and stellar views without needing a full suite.
These 250-square-foot studios feature one king bed, a sitting area, in-room kitchenette, and 360-degree La Jolla Shores views. Guests mention they’re “smaller than expected” but appreciate being “literally only slept there” given how much time they spent on the beach.
Beachfront Guestrooms
Who they’re for: Solo travelers or couples on a budget who still want oceanfront real estate.
The most affordable beachfront option. One queen bed, full bathroom, sweeping Pacific views. Basic but clean, and you’re still steps from the sand.
Spindrift One-Bedroom Suites
Who they’re for: Families who prefer a quieter vibe away from the beach hustle, or longer-stay guests who want more residential comfort.
Located south of the main pool with 560 square feet of space, Spindrift Suites offer a separate living area with sleeper sofa, private bedroom, and full kitchen. Views are of the property and grounds rather than the ocean. These feel more home-like and secluded—perfect if you’re staying for a while or want to avoid the beachfront action.
Good to know: It’s a solid walk to the beach from here, so not ideal if you’re planning to pop back and forth frequently.
Club Guestrooms
Who they’re for: Budget-conscious travelers, light sleepers, or anyone who doesn’t need ocean views but wants easy beach access.
These 250- to 325-square-foot rooms don’t have ocean views but are only a short walk to the beach. You can choose one king bed or one double bed and one twin bed. Some guests specifically book these to avoid the ocean noise that carries into beachfront rooms.
Club Guestrooms With Kitchenettes
Who they’re for: Families on a budget who want the flexibility to cook simple meals.
Same setup as regular Club Guestrooms but with the addition of an in-room kitchenette. Choose one king bed or two double beds. Great value for families who want to save on dining costs.
Good to know: If ocean noise bothers you or you’re sensitive to BBQ smoke drifting in, these non-beachfront rooms are your best bet. I was just in one and it’s still pretty great.
Private Cottages
Who they’re for: Extended stays, families who need serious space, or anyone traveling with pets.
LJBTC’s two cottages (one 1,100 square feet, one 900 square feet) sit on the east end of the property near the front entrance. Both are two-bedroom with full kitchens, private patio with BBQ and firepit, and golf course views. The big differentiator: these are the only pet-friendly accommodations on property.
Good to know: Cottages aren’t beachfront—they’re a short walk from the sand. Some guests note the street nearby gets delivery truck traffic, so it’s not as quiet as you might expect from a residential-feeling cottage. But if you’re staying longer-term or bringing Fido, this is your only option.
Accessible Beachfront One-Bedroom Suites
Who they’re for: Guests needing ADA-accessible features who still want beachfront location.
These 650-square-foot suites include one king bed, pullout couch (sleeps up to four), full kitchen, separate living room, and Pacific Ocean views. Features include either a roll-in shower or sit-in tub with shower bench, grab bars, and modified-height accessible features throughout.
Dining at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
The Marine Room
Open since 1941, the Marine Room at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has been a San Diego icon for nearly 80 years.
Situated right on the beach, steps from your accommodations at LJBTC, you’ll experience the thrill of crashing waves pounding the windows during seasonal High Tide Dinners and Breakfasts.
This is where to go for refined coastal cuisine, impeccable service, and some of the best sunset views in San Diego. The menu features fresh local seafood and seasonal ingredients with presentations that match the setting.
Unlike the resort’s other dining venues, The Marine Room is open to the public, so reservations are essential even for hotel guests. It’s one of my favorite places for happy hour, which happens in The Lounge. Because of its upscale lean and pricing, it’s a special-occasion restaurant for many San Diegans though jackets are no longer required.
The Shores Restaurant
Walk next door to La Jolla Shores Hotel, the resort’s laid-back sister property, and you’ll find The Shores Restaurant with an oceanfront patio that feels like someone’s very casual beach house front yard.
This is coastal California dining without fuss and includes fresh seafood, farm-to-table ingredients, and a menu that works whether you’re in a beach cover-up at breakfast or dressed for sunset dinner.
Choose to dine on the hacienda-style cobblestone patio. Inside, arched windows and dark wood create an elegant California mission vibe and showcase stunning sunsets. The menu runs from blue crab towers and almond-crusted butterfish to simple grilled salmon, plus a solid kids’ menu lineup.
Unlike The Marine Room’s formality, The Shores is where you go for good food and ocean views without needing to book weeks in advance. It’s open to the public.
Club Dining
The heart of the resort’s dining scene, Club Dining overlooks the Pacific from its oceanfront perch. Start your day with buttermilk pancakes or avocado toast, grab a poolside lunch of fish tacos or a Cobb salad, then settle in for dinner as the sun sets over the water.
The menu leans coastal California—think fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and cocktails designed for sipping while you watch for the green flash. It’s members and guests only, which means you’ll never fight for a table.
The Walnut Lounge
The Walnut Lounge is a 1,400-square-foot oceanfront bar and lounge with open-air seating and mid-century modern decor, featuring the original walnut wood paneling that gives it its name. The two-sided bar faces the ocean and serves handcrafted cocktails and light bites. It’s open to both hotel guests and club members. Footwear and cover-ups are required.
Beach Dining
A unique experience, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club offers you the opportunity to dine on their private beach. You can choose to order your meal from Club Dining to be served at the beach, or you can plan your own beach experience through their website for parties of no more than 19 people.
The request form includes up to two barbecues, three tables with chairs, and a shopping list of items needed for the ultimate beach cookout. Make your selections, and they’ll be delivered and set up at your reserved section of the beach. Parties of 20 or more will need to contact the catering department directly for assistance.
Heated Swimming Pool
The junior Olympic-sized swimming pool is heated to a comfortable temperature year-round and sits just steps from the sand. In 2025, the entire pool deck was redesigned as part of a $60 million property-wide renovation.
The upgraded layout features private cabanas, family lounges, sleek chaise lounges, and cozy teak banquettes. A wood-fired Marra Forni pizza oven is the centerpiece of the new pool deck, where chefs prepare artisanal pizzas in an open-air setting. I can vouch for the pizza—it’s excellent.
Private Beach
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has one of the only private beaches in Southern California. Guests have exclusive access to this stretch of sand at the southern end of La Jolla Shores Beach.
Beach amenities are complimentary, including lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas, and fresh towels. Beach Services staff handle setup and provide food and beverage service throughout the day.
Beach barbecues and fire pits can be rented through Beach Services. Community grills are also available seasonally.
The Beach Hut operates seasonally on the sand, serving casual food and drinks. Year-round food and beverage service is also available from Club Dining and the Walnut Lounge.
Fitness Center & Spa Treatments
The resort also features outdoor fitness stations nestled near the picturesque Duck Pond, plus a quarter-mile jogging path. The fitness center is open to ages 18 and older, but the outdoor fitness stations are available to all ages. Personal training is also available as are yoga classes.
Massage services can be arranged, including signature, sports, and pregnancy massages. There’s no full-service spa, but they do have a small treatment room.
Championship Tennis Courts + Pickleball
Home to 13 championship tennis courts, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has earned recognition as one of America’s Top 50 Tennis Resorts by Tennis Magazine and a Gold Medal Resort by TennisResortsOnline.
The resort’s USPTA-certified professionals offer lessons, clinics, and programs for all ages and skill levels. Weekly mixers, game matching, and Cardio Tennis workouts are available. The Junior Academy provides tennis lessons and camps for kids.
The resort also features five dedicated pickleball courts at the Spindrift Pavilion, with additional tennis courts available for pickleball play. Pickleball lessons and clinics are offered for all skill levels. Tennis racquets and pickleball paddles are available for rent.
All courts are lighted for evening play and exclusive to registered hotel guests and club members.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Golf
The nine-hole, par-3 Spindrift Golf Course is ideal for beginners learning the game and experienced players working on their short game. Holes range from 57 to 84 yards with tree-lined fairways, slanted greens, and sand bunkers.
The course is open daily and includes practice greens and driving nets. Private and group golf lessons are available for all ages and skill levels. Contact the resort for lesson details and current hours.
The golf course is exclusive to registered hotel guests and club members. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children’s Playground
Situated to the right of the golf course driving nets, The Children’s Playground at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers everything you need to enjoy an afternoon with the family. The little ones can let their imaginations run wild at the expansive outdoor playground equipped with a fun play center with a slide, sandbox, swing set, and ping pong tables.
Surrounded by manicured lawns and lush grassy areas, the playground also features a variety of picnic tables and four-person wood tables shaded by elegant parasols so that you can dine in the sunshine or the shade. Next to the picnic area is a beautifully maintained, fully-equipped bocce ball court for older children and parents to enjoy.
Summer Kids’ Club
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers a summer Kids’ Club program for children, featuring activities like beach time, playground play, arts and crafts, games, and movie nights. The program runs during the summer months with rotating activities throughout the week.
Contact the resort for current schedules, age requirements, registration details, and pricing.
The La Jolla Shores Neighborhood
A hilly, seaside neighborhood, La Jolla is an affluent community that curves seven miles along the Pacific coastline. Surrounded by beaches and ocean bluffs on three sides, La Jolla Shores is one of the most popular destinations for water sports and activities. In fact, the 600-acre La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve is located just a few yards from the resort.
Several nearby adventure companies offer guided kayaking tours of the Ecological Reserve, which also explore the seven caves of La Jolla Cove. Scuba diving, snorkeling tours, surfing, boogie-boarding, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons and tours are also available.
Exclusive Everyday California Discount
Use code LJMOM20 for a 20% discount on kayak and snorkeling tours, lessons, and rentals.
The neighborhood is also popular for land activities like hiking and biking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, paragliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, and golfing at the renowned PGA championship Torrey Pines Golf Course.
When you want to get out of the sun for a while, La Jolla offers you art, culture, science, and fashion entertainment. Go shopping in the Village of La Jolla, Westfield Mall, Prospect Street, or the La Jolla Farmers Market. Explore ocean life at family-friendly Birch Aquarium. You can get your fill of culture and the arts at La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (temporarily closed for renovation), among other notable La Jolla attractions.
Katie Dillon
