5 Best Hotels in La Jolla

La Jolla, an oceanfront village just north of San Diego's downtown area, is a top beach destination. The 'Jewel of San Diego' is a great place for couples and families alike. If you want an active beach holiday, you can go scuba diving or surfing on California’s famous coastline. Nature lovers can admire the seal colonies, spot Grey Whales, or watch pelicans take to the air. You can picnic in Scripps Park with the family; stroll with your loved one through the village and check out the award-winning restaurants; take in a concert beneath the stars. It’s fun, intimate, and relaxing. The best hotels in La Jolla are all near the beach and have stunning ocean views. They also reflect California’s diverse heritage: think hacienda-style spas, renovated colonial hotels, Balinese-inspired boutique properties, and so much more.

For a spa break

• Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a hacienda-style hotel with an old world feel. Centred around a lush green garden, the Spanish-style rooms boast spacious balconies. It’s also one of the best hotels in La Jolla for a spa break: unwind in the heated saltwater pool, lounge in the day-bed cabanas or indulge with a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure at the spa.

For a boutique beach break

• Scripps Inn is a more intimate affair, a 14-room boutique hotel offering light, airy nautical-style rooms affording stunning views of the bright blue Pacific Ocean. Just steps from some of the best bars and restaurants in La Jolla, and the beach is right across the road.
• Another great option for a beach break in California, boutique Pantai Inn offers spacious contemporary rooms with a twist: Balinese artwork, fireplaces, and handcrafted wood furnishings. The well-equipped kitchens make it ideal for a more independent stay, whether as a family or couple. And the views of the Pacific Ocean from the roomy private balconies are to-die-for.

For old world glamour

• Although stylishly renovated, the Grande Colonial Hotel retains its original glamour. The spacious, luxurious rooms have marble bathrooms and guests get a clear view of the Pacific Ocean from their large sash windows. It’s the best eco-friendly hotel in La Jolla for those who can afford it, embodied by its famous farm-to-table restaurant, a favourite haunt of locals.
• If you want old world charm, look no further than La Valencia. This Mediterranean-inspired hotel, nestled amidst palm tree-lined gardens, has everything you need for a holiday by the beach. Light and elegant rooms and suites, sophisticated coastal dining at The Med or Café la Rue, and a spa and outdoor pool — all just a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean… A dreamy, seafront idyll!

Still not sure?

• You could browse by location, consulting our list of the best beach hotels in California
• Consider our recommendations for the 14 Most Romantic Hotels in San Francisco or the 20 Best Luxury Hotels in California
• You could expand your search to include ALL the best places to stay in California
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa San Diego (La Jolla) 210 rooms from £218

    
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    Spa breaks  -  The Spa Estancia offers a wide range of treatments and is recognised as one of the best spas in the region

    Local exploring  -  La Jolla and Del Mar are on the doorstep

    Spa  -  Spa Estancia is recognized as one of Southern California’s top spa retreats

    Restaurant  -  Three restaurants serving an array of authentic West Coast cuisine

    

    Large hacienda-style hotel nestled in a garden oasis between La Jolla and Del Mar, offering neutral-toned modern Spanish decor in the rooms with sit-out balconies or terraces. A heated saltwater pool, a spa and day-bed cabanas are a bonus. An excellent base for exploring Southern California. See More

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  • Pantai Inn San Diego (La Jolla) 30 rooms from £290

    
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    Local exploring  -  Situated in the heart of La Jolla, Pantai Inn is the ideal spot for discovering the area and cultural attractions

    Restrictions on children  -  Not suitable for infants and young children, however, children from 6 - 17 stay for free!

    Spa  -  Book an in-room spa treatment and look forward to a relaxing massage

    Kayaking  -  Kayak the caves of La Jolla cove (only 5 minutes from the hotel)

    

    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels , Small Luxury Hotels

    A Balinese-inspired hotel set directly on the coast. Rooms are comfortable with wood-carved furnishings, Indonesian artwork, fireplaces and expansive balconies overlooking the Pacific. The hotel offers a delicious fresh breakfast and rooms have well-equipped kitchens. An idyllic beach break. See More

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  • Scripps Inn San Diego (La Jolla) 14 rooms from £163

    
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    Local exploring  -  The hotel is perfectly located on the beachfront of La Jolla, making most restaurants, shops and sites easy to walk to

    Sights nearby  -  The Children’s Pool Beach and Boomer’s Beach are just steps away from the Inn

    Surfing  -  Catch fantastic waves at the nearby beaches in La Jolla

    Kayaking  -  Kayak your way through La Jollas beautiful coves

    

    An intimate 14-room boutique hotel just steps from La Jolla’s world-renowned museums, galleries, bars, beaches and restaurants. Rooms are spacious and stylish with nautically inspired decor. Enjoy the stunning views of the pacific ocean, Relax on the terrace and spot the Grey Whale migration. See More

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  • The Grande Colonial San Diego (La Jolla) 93 rooms from £181

    
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    Local exploring  -  Set in one of San Diego's smartest neighbourhoods (right on the seafront), surrounded by chic boutiques and high-end restaurants

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    Traditional

    Sea Views  -  From some rooms.

    

    An historic building that's been beautifully renovated keeping the hotel's original grandeur but now with modern luxuries. Spacious rooms feature large sash windows (most have sea views) and marble bathrooms. The farm-to-table Californian restaurant is a destination in its own right. A smart stay. See More

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  • La Valencia Hotel San Diego (La Jolla) 112 rooms from £258

    
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    Great walks  -  Windansea Beach offers a great place to take off your shoes and walk in the shallows.

    Sights nearby  -  La Jolla Cove is a stones throw from the hotel and a great spot to catch sunset.

    Surfing  -  Underwater reefs make the surf break on Windansea Beach ideal.

    Diving  -  Diving and swimming at La Jolla Cove is utter paradise.

    

    Old world charm resting in manicured gardens overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean. Rooms & suites are naturally light and exude comfort. Coastal dining at The Med, European cuisine at the Café la Rue is reason enough to stay. Spa and pool could mean you never want to leave. Idyllic! See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Tuesday, 2nd July 2024