California's Vintage Hotel In La Jolla Is A Coastal Gem With Dreamy Vibes And Luxurious Amenities

Since the late 19th century, the picturesque enclave of La Jolla (considered the jewel of San Diego) has lured discerning travelers to its scenic and rugged shores. Its dramatic coastline has always been the major draw, which is why La Jolla Cove is one of California's most photographed beaches. Hollywood's top stars headed south in the mid-20th century to the La Jolla Playhouse, which was co-founded by actor Gregory Peck. The Playhouse became a flourishing theater, establishing La Jolla as a pioneer for the arts, with plays that originated there going on to Broadway. Yet in La Jolla, few landmarks are as renowned as La Valencia Hotel.

Occupying a prime oceanfront perch, the pale coral-hued La Valencia — known as the "Pink Lady" — has been a legendary California escape for nearly a century. Built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style in 1926, the gorgeous resort rises from downtown La Jolla, marked by its gold-domed tower. Famous faces, such as John Lennon, Ginger Rogers, and Clark Gable flocked to this luxe hideaway renowned for its opulent interiors, intimate service, delicious dining, and 1950s-style swimming pool lined with cabanas. Today, this timeless retreat is a well-preserved piece of California history, while still promising contemporary luxury.

A visit to La Valencia Hotel transports guests to vacation mode immediately, but the hotel is easy to access. It's just a 30-minute drive from San Diego International Airport, which has edgy public art and street food from a Top Chef alum. La Valencia is also a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Los Angeles. La Jolla is beautiful to visit year-round thanks to its mild, sunny weather hovering between 66 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for prime beach weather, plan your trip for July, August, or September for the warmest temperatures.

While there are many hotels in the San Diego area for every budget, travelers seeking to splurge won't be disappointed at La Valencia. The 114 rooms, suites, and villas are luxe sanctuaries that reflect the hotel's rich history, with Spanish-inspired tile patterns and Art Deco interiors. Travelers desiring more space should opt for one of the refined villas, which offer amenities like furnished balconies, cozy fireplaces, and jacuzzi tubs. For the ultimate in oceanview panoramas, book the sprawling Sky Suite or the coastal-chic La Valencia Suite, which maximizes outdoor living with a generous balcony. "I love the nostalgic vibe of this hotel," raved a Tripadvisor reviewer. "The decor and ambiance is [a] mixture of classic Hollywood while still being very modern and well maintained."

The centerpiece of the hotel is La Sala, an elegant vaulted great room overlooking the Pacific. Drinks and light bites are served daily, often accompanied by live music on weekend evenings. For more substantial fare, retreat to the oceanview Mediterranean Room, anchored by a massive and beautifully tiled fireplace. Dinners here are a sophisticated affair with a range of global flavors. Begin with the Oaxacan Spanish octopus or the burrata panzanella before main plates such as coffee-crusted lamb or shrimp rosetta pasta. The Whaling Bar has been the iconic watering hole of the hotel since its opening in 1949, drawing the actors of the La Jolla Playhouse. Though the original Whaling Bar closed in 2013, the concept was resurrected in 2024 and the new Whaling Bar is a chic and buzzy spot for creative cocktails and indulgent dinners with caviar and lobster rolls on the menu.

As one of California's most iconic and historic resorts, La Valencia is well-versed in the art of leisure. At the heart of the property is the outdoor 1950s swimming pool,boasting picture-perfect Pacific Ocean vistas and surrounded by towering palms. This sun-kissed spot invites reclining in one of the patterned loungers and enjoying drinks and lunch by the pool. Even if you're not a hotel guest, La Valencia offers day passes for a relaxing pool day. For further serenity, escape to the Spa at La Valencia, a pampering oasis where you can receive a range of signature wellness treatments. Active travelers can keep up with their gym routine at the well-equipped, 24-hour fitness center.

Though it may be hard to pry oneself away from La Valencia's cosseting charms, the hotel is ideally located amidst all of La Jolla's treasures. Just a five-minute walk from the hotel is La Jolla Cove, a tiny sandy crescent lapped by azure waters and flanked by rocks. This popular beach is part of the protected South La Jolla State Marine Reserve and draws locals and visitors alike for swimming, snorkeling, and sea lion spotting. However, know that while the sea lion pups are adorable, tourists should stop petting them for the sea lions' safety. Continuing north along the bluffs, you can head out on the 2.3-mile La Jolla Beach Trail for breathtaking views of the California coastline buffeted by the Pacific. The hotel is also within a short stroll of La Jolla's best shopping, dining, and arts institutions. Walk down Girard Avenue to peruse the stylish boutiques, and don't miss the latest exhibits at the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.