You don’t have to be a golfer to fall in love with one of Southern California’s classiest and most iconic resorts. The only thing you need is an appreciation for sweeping ocean views and sunsets that seem to melt into the horizon. Such is life at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, where the family and I recently spent three wonderful days and two blissful nights.
Overlooking the world‑renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, this AAA Five Diamond resort blends world‑class dining, a full‑service spa, and warm, attentive service into a luxurious and exciting getaway. It is the kind of place that instantly slows your pulse and puts you in vacation mode.
Our family’s stay at the resort began in the lobby, where grand wooden beams, handcrafted furniture, and a massive stone fireplace welcomed us with cozy charm. We then checked into a gorgeous suite, overlooking the ocean.
Spacious and serene, the room featured two large queen beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linens and quilted duvets, a giant TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. The granite and marble bathroom—with its oversized bathtub and warm Craftsman accents—felt like a private spa. But the real showstopper was the balcony. Huge, furnished, and overlooking the Pacific, it became our favorite place for morning coffee and sunset wine.
Since we were traveling with our two young kids, the staff surprised us with a small teepee set up right in the middle of the room. This instantly became their hideaway—perfect for watching TV, snacking, or just giggling together. It was a thoughtful touch that made the stay more special.
Outside the room, we explored the lush and beautiful grounds, with winding paths, native plants, and glimpses of the ocean peeking through the trees. Tucked in the middle of the property is the pool area, where we spent much of our time. Here, the kids made instant friends and spent hours splashing around while we enjoyed a leisurely lunch under the warm sun. It quickly became our daytime home base.
Besides luxurious accommodations, the lodge is also known for exceptional dining. The Grill at Torrey Pines, with panoramic views of the golf course and a custom wood‑burning rotisserie, became a go‑to spot. For breakfast we savored bacon and eggs, along with a big, delicious breakfast burrito, with eggs, sausage, potatoes and beans. The kids devoured fluffy buttermilk pancakes, a Belgian waffle with honey pecan butter, and more maple syrup than I care to admit.
After breakfast my son and I played a round of golf at the resort and then the whole family drove a couple miles to La Jolla Shores Beach. This beautiful, sandy beach is approximately 1 mile long, features a playground on the sand, and it is adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Many novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores. The previous time we were at the beach, we saw scores of harmless leopard sharks swimming through the waves.
After playing at the beach, we headed back to The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a lunch of burgers and fried calamari at The Grill. We then relaxed by the pool until dinner.
For supper we shared seared albacore tuna with asparagus and Meyer lemon relish, followed by a rich red wine braised lamb shank served with carrot risotto and fresh spring vegetables. The kids stuck to the classics—chicken tenders and a big, juicy hamburger. For dessert, we all split homemade ice cream and warm cookies.
After dinner, we wandered along the resort’s lush pathways, watching the sky fade from gold to deep purple and listening to the waves crashing on the rocks below.
The next morning I worked out in the state-of-the-art fitness center and relaxed in the sauna at the resort’s world‑class Spa at Torrey Pines. From here, I joined the kids for a game of croquet on the lawn. This big green space also doubles as an unforgettable spot for weddings, as it overlooks the oceans and the bluffs of La Jolla.
We then explored more of the property. What makes The Lodge especially captivating is its sense of history and craftsmanship. Modeled after the iconic Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, the resort is a tribute to early 1900s Craftsman architecture. Everywhere you look, there are thoughtful details: handcrafted woodwork, stained glass, stonework, and warm earth tones that echo the natural beauty outside.
Even the trees surrounding the property have a story. Torrey pines are among the rarest pine species in the world, growing only in La Jolla and on Santa Rosa Island. They survive in desert conditions by drawing moisture from coastal fog, and their five‑needle fascicles help them pull water from the air. Walking among them feels like stepping into a living museum of California’s natural history.
And then, of course, there’s the golf. Torrey Pines Golf Course is legendary—a 36‑hole municipal course originally designed by William F. Bell and later updated by Rees Jones for the 2008 U.S. Open. The South Course stretches 7,698 yards, while the North Course spans 7,258 yards, both offering jaw‑dropping ocean views. Even if you’re not a golfer, watching players tee off against the backdrop of the Pacific is mesmerizing.
For more information on staying at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, visit www.lodgetorreypines.com or call (858) 453-4420.
