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.
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Book Your Stay at La Jolla Shores Hotel
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WHAT I LOVE
- Rooms and suites that are as close to the beach as you can get in San Diego
- Private beach with seasonal food and drink service
- No resort or parking fees
- Beach cookoutsJunior tennis and junior golf programs
- Expansive home away from home-style accommodations
- Children’s playground and bocce ball court
- Summer Kids’ Club
- High Tide Dinners/Breakfasts at The Marine Room
- Laid back vibe
GOOD TO KNOW
- Rooms are basic in nature; some could use some TLC
- First-floor beachfront rooms can have foot traffic noise (but families like the easy beach access)
- You will hear the ocean at night
- Children’s wading pool is open seasonally
- No on-site spa, but spa services can be arranged with the front desk.
- Nearby Avenida de la Playa has many local water sports businesses with diving, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and surfing tours and rentals.
- Location and experience command premium pricing during peak season
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Rooms and Suites
Accommodations at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club feature a classic coastal décor. Gentle hues of ocean blue and sea foam green highlight each space from the fabric of the furniture to the artwork adorning the walls.
This is complemented by handcrafted wood furniture in varied tones and textures, ocean-inspired decorative pieces, and modern amenities.
Room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with 60+ channels, iHome docking station, telephone with data port, DVD player with movie lending library, and coffee maker with Starbucks coffees and teas.
Each accommodation also includes an iron/ironing board, in-room safe, complimentary turndown service (upon request), and well-appointed en suites with a hairdryer and spa-style bathrobes.
Complimentary safety boxes and local newspapers are available at the Front Desk. You can choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, studios and guestrooms.
Deluxe Beachfront Suite (Top Pick)
The most sought-after accommodation is the Deluxe Beachfront Suite. It features 270-degree views of the ocean, direct beach access, a separate living room with sleeper sofa, two bedrooms, and a dine-in kitchen.
Beachfront Suites
The most versatile of the accommodations, Beachfront Suites provide you with the choice of one, two, or three bedrooms, a separate living room with sleeper sofa, a full kitchen, and sweeping picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.
Beachfront Studios
Conveniently located just steps from the beach, Beachfront Studios offer direct access to the beach and incredible 360-degree views of La Jolla Shores. Studios feature one king bed, a comfortable sitting area, and a charming in-room kitchenette.
Beachfront Guestrooms
Beachfront Guestrooms are the most basic accommodation at the resort with one queen bed, a well-appointed en suite, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Shores. This is the ideal accommodation for single travelers and couples on a budget.
Spindrift One-Bedroom Suite
Situated south of the main pool, Spindrift One-Bedroom Suites have a more residential feel with views of the property and resort grounds. They include a separate living area with sleeper sofa, a private bedroom, and a full kitchen. This would be a good pick for a family who prefers a quieter environment away from the beach action.
Club Guestroom
Another basic accommodation, Club Guestrooms do not feature ocean views but are only a short stroll to the beach. They provide the choice of one king bed or one double bed and a twin bed making them the perfect accommodation choice for a solo-traveler or two friends.
Club Guestrooms with Kitchenettes
A more budget-friendly option for families, Club Guestrooms with Kitchenettes provide you with comfortable accommodations and the ability to cook simple meals. You can choose accommodations with one king bed or two double beds. The location is just a short stroll from the beach.
Note: Some travelers choose Club Guestrooms if they are very sensitive sleepers. You can hear the ocean in beachfront rooms (which most people love), and beach barbecue smoke can waft into beachfront rooms depending on which direction the wind is blowing.
Cottages
Situated along the resort’s private golf course, there are two cottages that offer a tranquil getaway apart from the active beach. Each cottage features two suites — one with a king or queen bed, and one with two twin beds. They also include an expansive living room, kitchen with dining area, in-room washer and dryer, a lavish private backyard, and an outdoor patio with cozy lounges and a Weber grill. Cottages also include designated parking spaces for the ultimate home-away-from-home experience.
Accessible Beachfront One-Bedroom Suite
Accessible Beachfront One-Bedroom suites feature a private bedroom, full kitchen, separate living room with sleeper sofa, and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. They also include either a roll-in shower or sit-in tub with shower bench, grab bars, and modified height levels for other accessible features.
Extended Stay
One of the unique aspects of La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is their long-term stay program — Extended Stay. From September through May, guests who book a stay for more than seven days qualify for the program, which includes special rate considerations, preferred reservation status for specific dates, and favorite room location.
Special rates and rules apply, contact the hotel to learn more.
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. The epitome of seaside sophistication, the restaurant has been the recipient of countless accolades with its privileged setting on La Jolla’s most extraordinary beach and the culinary artistry of Bernard Guillas, the resort’s renowned Executive Chef.
Situated right on the beach, steps from your accommodations at LJBTC, you’ll experience the thrill of crashing waves pounding the windows (High Tide Dinners and Breakfasts) of the classically decorated dining room boasting white-clothed tables, regal patterned furniture, and romantic lighting.
The main dining room, only open for dinner, begins seating at 5:30 p.m., and serves a menu of appetizers, soups and salads, main courses, carefully selected sides, and tempting desserts. You can expect menu items like Cashew Coriander Coated Blue Crab Cake, Sake Poached Maine Diver Scallops, and Red Walnut Roasted Rack of Lamb.
Adjacent to the main dining area is an equally beautiful lounge that opens at 4 p.m. daily for small plates and Happy Hour. Offerings include appetizers such as Maine Lobster Bisque, and shareable selections like Ahi Tuna Tiger Eye, as well as refreshing signature cocktails.
Marine Room Dress Code: The dress code is business casual, jackets and ties are not mandatory, but appropriate. There is no admittance if you are in beach or active wear, this includes shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flop sandals.
The Shores Restaurant
An oceanfront lounge and patio, The Shores Restaurant (located next door at La Jolla Shores Hotel) offers a delicious coastal California-inspired menu with a focus on sustainability and fresh seafood. You can dine outdoors overlooking the water on their gorgeous open-air patio, or indoors with the beautiful Pacific Ocean serving as your backdrop.
Design features include classic arched windows, dark wood flooring, crafted wood tables, and plush furniture indoors, plus a hacienda-style cobblestone patio with, charming dark brown wicker-mesh style, glass-topped tables covered by large striped parasols for al fresco dining.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour menus at The Shores Restaurant utilize only the freshest ingredients from the best local providers in La Jolla and the greater San Diego area. You can expect a range of selections, including the Blue Crab Tower appetizer, Lemon Lime Mahi Mahi Cabo Tacos, or Almond Butterfish with lobster cream.
Kids get their choice of eight mains like grilled salmon or grilled cheese paired with a variety of sides like French fries and steamed veggies. And for dessert, they get to choose from sweet treats like ice cream sundaes and fudge brownies.
Club Dining
Boasting elegant décor, Club Dining is an exclusive member’s only dining room offering fresh, innovative American cuisine and sweeping ocean views. Award-winning Executive Chef, Bernard Guillas creates incredible menus using only the best-quality seasonal, artisan, and local ingredients.
With breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and happy hour menu’s Club Dining covers every time of day. You have the choice of dining in the formal restaurant, at the bar, poolside, and even at the beach. Expect gourmet menu selections that include Pacific Blue Crab Cakes, or a fabulous Angus Filet Mignon with Cabernet reduction.
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 the use of up to two barbecues and three tables with chairs, as well as 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.
Spa Treatments at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
While the resort doesn’t have a spa, they do offer a small assortment of in-room spa services, including massages by their highly-skilled and professional massage therapists. You can choose from 30-, 60-, and 90-minute signature massages like their Pregnancy or Sports massages. Specialized treatments include 30-minute deep conditioning foot, face, and scalp massages. You can add extra enhancements like aromatherapy, or cupping treatments.
Heated Swimming Pool
Situated in the center of the resort, the 75-foot by 30-foot Junior Olympic-size private swimming pool is open from 6 a.m. to sunset daily. Heated to a warm 80-degrees year-round, it doubles as an exercise pool from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. when it’s partially laned for lap swimming, and from noon to 1:30 p.m. when it’s fully laned. Swim lanes are available to guests 18 and older.
Adjacent to the main pool, you’ll find a kids’ wading pool open to small children during the summer months. Kids can also take swim lessons through Lori Kilmer, a club-approved swim instructor who specializes in children overcoming their fear of water. During summer, the resort also offers fun and exciting swim meets through their Kids Club — a great way for your kids to make new friends while on vacation.
Private Beach
La Jolla Beach & Tennis club has one of the only private beaches in Southern California. With exclusive access to this pristine beach at the southern end of La Jolla Shores Beach, you and your family will enjoy an intimate and peaceful beach experience every time.
The sand is groomed and raked daily, and then furnished with complimentary lounge chairs, tables, sand chairs, and oversized umbrellas, as well as fresh towels. Guests are tended to by the helpful and friendly Beach Services staff who provide food and beverage service, plus set-up service for beach parties, beach fireplaces, and seasonal cabanas.
Don’t miss out on the Beach Hut. This casual food shack on the sand serves up seasonal favorites like the Roasted Chicken Quesadilla, Beach Burger, ice cream treats, and signature creative cocktails. It’s open during Spring Break and the weekends that follow when the weather permits, before opening full-time in the summer.
Fitness Center
Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the fitness center at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club features state-of-the-art equipment with completely adjustable individual viewing systems. This includes stationary cycles, treadmills, and elliptical machines, as well as a wide selection of free weights.
A wide range of exercise classes are offered at an extra cost, including Pilates and Yoga. The latter takes place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. You must pre-register for classes at the front desk, and you’ll need to bring your own yoga mat or hotel towel.
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; it includes a fitness assessment to create a personalized program.
Twelve Championship Tennis Courts
Consistently rated a premier tennis resort by Tennis Resorts Online and Tennis Magazine, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is home to 12 championship hard courts, qualified staff of USTPA professionals, and a full-service Pro shop.
There are several tennis lessons and programs available for all skill levels, from beginner to professional. They also host weekly tennis mixers, game-matching, clinics, and popular Cardio Tennis workouts. Kids can also join in the fun with Junior Academy tennis lessons and camps catering to all ages and levels.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Golf
Spindrift Golf Course is a one-of-a-kind, nine-hole, par-three golf course designed for everyone from new golfers to seasoned players. With its unique layout, the average length of each hole is roughly 65 yards, but its longest hole stretches 85 yards. Open each day from 9 a.m. to sunset, green fees include complimentary use of golf clubs and balls, driving nets, a practice pitching/chipping area, and a practice putting green.
The resort also offers a variety of Junior Golf Camps. Dynamic camps cover several important aspects of the sport including etiquette, rules, course management, club fitting, full swing, pitching, chipping, sand shots, and putting. Golf lessons are available to junior players age four and above regardless of skill level.
The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club golf course is only available to registered hotel guests and Club Members. Golfers under age 12 need to 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 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
During summer, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club hosts Kids’ Club where children ages three to ten years can make new friends and create fun memories. Activities include a rotating spectrum of arts and crafts, games, treasure hunts, movies, beach time, and much more.
Registration opens every June and is available on a first-come-first-served basis. The daily cost varies as it is determined by which activities you select for your children. For example, Junior Tennis Camp would cost more than arts and crafts. Every child who participates must be fully potty trained and must be a child or grandchild of a registered hotel guest or Club Member.
(Note that children who wear pull-up diapers do not meet participation requirements. Additional rules and fees apply to grandchildren of Club Members and registered hotel guests.)
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.
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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.
