Ensure your family vacation is brimming with quality time, recreation and rest with our complete guide to the best family-friendly hotels in La Jolla.
Family vacations can deepen bonds with togetherness and remarkable memories that last for generations, and La Jolla is a superb place for all of that. With the best hotels in La Jolla for families, including suggested activities to keep everyone engaged and happy, our complete guide will help you ensure your La Jolla vacation stays at the top of the memory banks. These family-friendly hotels in La Jolla each offer something different, from beachfront ease to village convenience.
Once you’ve booked your family vacation, read through our playbook of the best things to do with kids in La Jolla.
Beachfront quality time
There’s oceanview hotels in La Jolla, and then there’s oceanfront: Both make the shortlist of family-friendly hotels in La Jolla for effortless beach access.
1. La Jolla Shores Hotel
Image courtesy of La Jolla Shores Hotel
La Jolla Shores Hotel is set on the sand, which makes planning your family vacation so easy. Walk a few steps out of your hotel room to La Jolla Shores Beach, set your things down and let the ocean do the rest. Bounce from the beach to lunch at The Shores Restaurant to the pool at La Jolla Shores Hotel for an unforgettable trip.
- Family vibe: La Jolla Shores Hotel is best for families with kids of all ages and is dog-friendly too!
- Nearby activities: Book your La Jolla kayaking tour, which begins adjacent to the hotel, stroll the shops and restaurants on Avenida de la Playa or play at neighboring Kellogg Park.
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2. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Image courtesy of La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Steeped in tradition, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s international reputation means this stretch of private sand will keep your family entertained for days. This luxury La Jolla resort offers tennis and other sport courts, playgrounds and an expansive pool, with upgrades and recent renovations keeping this among the premium family hotels in San Diego.
- Family vibe: The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is for active families looking for an exclusive feel.
- Nearby activities: The resort can set up a beach barbecue for you, or head to The Village for a sunset dinner at Duke’s La Jolla after the kids take a surf lesson from Surf Diva.
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Roomy relative retreats
If your family tree needs to branch out, these are the best family-friendly hotels in La Jolla with spacious amenities.
3. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Image courtesy of Estancia La Jolla
For a sweeping resort experience with a massive pool, try Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, where the kids can roam the gardens or splash in the pool while the adults take in a poolside drink or massage. There’s something for everyone at this sanctuary on the bluffs, making it a superb hotel choice for the family.
- Family vibe: Estancia La Jolla is best for families without small children for maximum relaxation.
- Nearby activities: Picnic while watching the gliders at Torrey Pines Gliderport or spend a day at Birch Aquarium, immersed in hands-on exhibits.
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4. Lodge at Torrey Pines
Image courtesy of Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a luxury La Jolla hotel with a heart for family. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the endless grounds, cozy fireplace seating and welcoming menus at The Grill at Torrey Pines. The pool – and its breathtaking view – is just the icing on this legendary La Jolla vacation spot.
- Family vibe: With year-round activities and a wide array of amenities, The Lodge at Torrey Pines beckons families of all ages.
- Nearby activities: Adults and older kids can try their clubs at the adjacent Torrey Pines Golf Course, or head just yards away to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to hike La Jolla’s well-marked trails and view wildlife.
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Village basecamps for older kids
Some of the best family-friendly hotels in La Jolla are in The Village, and this is where you’ll want to book if the kids are older. Send them off for an ice cream cone or to explore Warwick’s bookstore while you peruse the boutiques or set out together for a coastal stroll for endless dinner conversation topics.
5. La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites
Image courtesy of La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites
Taking advantage of all the family-friendly fun at La Jolla Cove by staying at La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites, where extended family trips find a home base in roomy suites with a variety of layouts. Watch the kids – and the famous sea lions – from the balcony or cross the street for sunset play at Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
- Family vibe: Great for all, but older kids will enjoy the rooftop and multiple spaces at La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites.
- Nearby activities: Stroll Coast Walk Trail, a short out-and-back jaunt along the La Jolla bluffs steeped in over 9,000 years of heritage after visiting Sunny Jim’s, the only one of La Jolla’s sea caves accessible by foot through The Cave Store.
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6. Inn by the Sea
Image courtesy of Inn by the Sea
If the poolside laughs don’t get you, the central location will: Inn by the Sea is a budget-friendly La Jolla hotel that families love. With Village institutions like The Cottage and Brick & Bell a short block away, this La Jolla hotel has you relaxing right in the heart of the action.
- Family vibe: Inn by the Sea is best for families with older kids who enjoy feeling an urban vibe while being a block from the beach.
- Nearby activities: Visit the renowned Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego for an array of kids’ activities in La Jolla before visiting the tide pools at low tide, the small pools and pockets of water in the rocks ripe for exploring.
Ready to book? Click here
Family ties are strengthened in La Jolla, where the best family hotels offer the best ways to bring the family together, make memories and explore the best of La Jolla. Select your favorite family hotel and book your La Jolla vacation today.
