Escape to Estancia La Jolla for your Next Getaway

Travelers tend to look for someplace sunny and warm to go on vacation.  Their favorite places lean toward somewhere picturesque, near beaches, lots of palm trees, an award-winning spa, and many more!  There’s a little bit of something for everyone when it comes to California!  Read on to see how one fabulous resort, Estancia La Jolla, fulfills all these wishes and then some!

This is a sponsored post with Estancia La Jolla where I received a complimentary stay.  I do not earn commission from any bookings or affiliate sales.  As always, my reviews remain honest, and all opinions are my own

About Estancia La Jolla

Located on 10 acres of impeccably manicured grounds, the historic Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is a seaside resort between La Jolla and Del Mar.  Secluded with charming garden views, the Estancia La Jolla boasts luscious landscapes, open-air courtyards, and adobe fireplaces.  The extensive plant life on the property has more than 600 trees (such as palms, citrus, olive, etc.) and 165 countless shrubs (like lavender), colorful ground-cover, and vines accenting the archways. You would never know you were only 15 miles from downtown San Diego! The mild California climate encourages being in the outdoors, so the courtyard is perfect for relaxing in a serene setting.  Fireplaces are located both indoors and outdoors, an ideal place to give warmth and lighting while you’re talking to friends and family or to provide an intimate setting while having that delicious dinner with your loved one. 

The history of the hotel dates to the 1880s when the affluent Black family owned the equestrian estate.  In the 1960s, the family decided to donate the land to the University of California San Diego (UCSD) while strongly suggesting having it used as a hotel for the local community.  In 2004, the hotel became open for public use.

In paying tribute to the Black family for their generous donation, the property’s architecture has been maintained to reflect the original equestrian estate design, adding to its historic charm. Three brick structures were added to the hotel and made to look like the original stables, tack room, and caretaker’s cottage. While walking the grounds, you definitely feel as though you are in a different era.

With ties to the resort’s historic Spanish Colonial architecture, the property features curves and arches found throughout hallways and doorways, light stucco exterior and walls, terracotta roof tiles, colorful Mexican Talavera tiles, ornamental wrought iron, and exposed wood Douglas Fir beams and doors. 

the room

Estancia La Jolla has 200 rooms with an open patio and ten suites with balconies.  We stayed in a Veranda room (395 sq. ft) which housed a comfortable King size bed with 100% Turkish cotton linens which was soft and perfect for a good night’s sleep, a spacious bathroom with marble counters and white-tile bath and shower combo, a 37” high-definition flat screen TV, a sturdy high-back chair with ottoman, and a desk area.

the amenities

The Spa at Estancia is an award-winning spa and has been named one of the top spas in Southern California.  One can see why it has attained such a reputation – they offer a variety of services along with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.  Don’t forget to enjoy the heated saltwater pool and hot tub, which are adjacent to the hotel and helps take the chill off when it comes to swimming during the mild southern California winters.

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Lounge in one of the many chairs available at poolside and soak in that California sun!  Want to rent a private pool cabana instead?  Make reservations early (rental fees apply) as it fills up quickly, especially during peak season!

There is a fitness center available on site, and it has all the usual gym equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and strength-training machines.

Grab a bite at one of four places to eat on site. Come in to Adobe El Restaurante and eat breakfast classics like egg dishes, smoothies, yogurt bowls – there’s something for any craving! 

Mustangs and Burros offers shareable plates and specializes in “coastal inspired cuisine with a southern California twist.”  Both dining rooms (inside and outdoors) have a brick fireplace, so you can eat while being comfortable by the fire and enjoying time with friends or family.  Enjoy a pitcher of Rose Bubbles, made with rosehips and prosecco, for a refreshing and delightful drink.

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How many times have you seen a wine tasting at a resort? Well, Trinitas Cellars Wine Bar is a family-owned winery in Napa and partners with the Meritage Collection of properties where Estancia La Jolla hosts the only Southern California tasting room! Walking into the room, with its warm wood finishes, accented with barrel table tops, gives it the feel of an authentic Napa wine tasting room.  Pair some of Trinitas’ finest with cheese and charcuterie board.  They also offer local craft beer, cocktails and the hotel’s very own private label Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s.  If interested, reserve your spot for a food and wine pairing class offered onsite.

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Want to eat something on the go?  Then head over to their mini café and gift shop, Blend.   Grab breakfast items like pastries along with a cup of joe or a quick fix for lunch like a salad.   Their gift shop features locally made gifts or crafts along with travel necessities you may need.

things to do nearby

For a location that is secluded, there sure is plenty to do for both indoor and outdoor activities not too far from the property!

For golf enthusiasts, play at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, a PGA course on the cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  This is the site where Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in a sudden-death playoff back in the 2008 US Open Championship. 

For flight fanatics, contact Torrey Pines Gliderport (just down the street from the hotel) to schedule your paragliding or hang gliding experience (tandem flights available)!  Flights are based on a first come, first serve basis and is weather-dependent, so be flexible with your schedule.

Black’s Beach (also named after the previous landowner of the resort) is only one mile away and is a favorite amongst surfers and sunbathers.  Be aware this is also a popular clothing-optional beach (or so I am told).

If hiking is more your kind of workout, then Torrey Pines State Reserve should be on your list of things to do!  Spend the day hiking the different trails, and you will be rewarded with ocean views,  sights of rare Torrey Pines trees, and beautiful prominent red cliffs. Only on the west coast can you hike to such a variety of vistas!

For theater lovers out there, attend a play on UCSD’s campus at La Jolla Playhouse nearby.  The Hollywood Reported ranked UCSD’s theatre program #6 globally. San Diego was the only city other than New York to have more than one school named in the top ten (the University of San Diego was the other). So if you want to see a talented program in action, take in the plays and musicals and prepare to be entertained at this Tony award-winning theater!

Shopping is only a few minutes away.  Hop in your car (or Uber) and drive to the Westfield UTC (an outdoor mall) for shopping and eating adventures! Not many places you can enjoy shopping at an outdoor mall year-round – oh the benefits of Southern California weather!  

For more ideas on what to do in San Diego, read more on another blog post here.

what to know

Self-parking fees cost $32/night while valet runs $39/night.  Both parking fees allow for in and out privileges.

There is a $30 resort fee/night which covers wi-fi, shuttle service within a 5-mile radius of the hotel, a bottle of wine at the beginning of your stay, daily replenishment of coffee, tea, and bottled water, access to fitness center, and use of swimming pool and hot tub.

the review

If you’re looking for total R&R or a perfect romantic getaway, Estancia La Jolla is a sanctuary!  This four-diamond resort has all the answers when it comes to a peaceful atmosphere, top-rated spa treatments, delicious food, impeccable customer service – all adding to the hotel’s charming appeal!

The resort is at 9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037.  Book your reservations by calling  (866) 451-3341 or booking online.