When former Top 10 player Tim Mayotte was a student at Stanford, he used to travel to the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club to play in the Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles Championships. “I don’t know if it’s nostalgia or what, but I used to always get such a kick out of playing there,” he remembers. “Obviously the setting was so great—it’s right on the beach. There was something about the courts—somebody told me that they were built way deep, that they went way down, so there was kind of a solidness about the way the ball bounced off the court. For me, it was the ultimate hardcourt experience. It sticks in my mind as one of the great places.”
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club ranks as one of Southern California’s iconic beachfront resorts. It was a beach and yacht club until 1935, when the current owner Bill Kellogg’s great grandfather bought it, added four tennis courts, and began to run tournaments that featured the likes of Bill Tilden, Bobby Riggs, and Jack Kramer. Since then it has attracted a Who’s Who of tennis legends, professional, collegiate, and nationally ranked amateurs. It’s showcase tournament, the Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles, is the second oldest in California (after the Ojai) and fifth oldest in the nation. But is its day-to-day devotion to social tennis that accounts for its popularity among avid tennis players. One key to its renown is its tennis host, schedules courts and puts together matches—singles, doubles, or mixed—drawing whenever necessary on a large and diverse stable of local players. That game matching aside, however, its clinics and round robins are clearly geared to mere tennis mortals, with activities for B and C players.
To get a sense of the atmosphere of LJBTC, it is easiest to think of it as a club that also happens to have lodging. Guests often come for a week or more at a time, frequently year after year. “Guests come back the same time every year,” notes Bill Kellogg, the fourth generation to run the club. “If they book the same room for the same week two years running they get priority.” During any given week in the summer, 60% to 70% of the guests have typically been there before. To encourage socializing, the club makes barbecues available to those who want to grill on the beach and twice a week sets up to larger shared grills for anyone to use. “People end up sharing desserts, or whatever,” says Kellogg.
Its tennis pedigree dates to 1935 when William Kellogg, a newspaperman, bought the La Jolla Beach & Yacht Club, installed four tennis courts, and began to run tournaments that featured the likes of Bill Tilden, Bobby Riggs, and Jack Kramer. There are photos on the wall outside alongside Court 2 of such tennis notables as Maureen Connelly, Dennis Ralston, Rafael Osuna, Stan Smith, Jack Kramer, Pancho Segura, and Frank Sedgman among others, and there’s a case full of tennis trophies inside near the Walnut Lounge that includes many of the hundreds of gold balls won by Dodo Cheney, a frequent competitor here. The Pacific Coast Doubles, the fifth oldest tournament in the country, takes place there every March, drawing players from such formidable tennis powerhouses as Stanford, UCLA, USC, and Pepperdine. It also hosts three USTA national hardcourt championships: the Men’s and Women’s 40s, the Father and Son, and the National Women’s 50s-80s Championships. Today there are a dozen hard courts for 90 rooms and suites, none more than a few steps from a private beach.
Tennis Staff: Tennis director Conan Lorenzo, who played Division I tennis at Washington State University, has more than a decade of professional teaching experience, including Conan Lorenzo, Tennis Director La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, La Jolla, Californiaa five-year stint as Director of Junior Programs at San Diego’s George Barnes Junior Tennis Center. After expanding La Jolla’s junior programs, he moved up to the overall directorship. He continues to enhance the already solid programming, pointing to the high quality of the teaching staff. “Half of our pros are high-performance certified,” he notes. He wants guests to feel they’re part of a family and welcome at any of the tennis activities. “Anyone who comes here is going to get a chance to play any kind of tennis they want,” he told me.
Tennis Programs: The weekly roster runs the gamut from private lessons to clinics, workouts, Cardio tennis, and adult mixers. The yearly calendar is studded with tournaments—the Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles Championships that drew Tim Mayotte here among them—both spectator and participant. Game matching has a very high priority. And there are junior academy programs over the year-end holidays and in summer.
Court Complex: 12 hard courts, 8 with lights, and 2 pickleball courts. Court fees: None.
Off Court
Beach: The resort fronts 2,200 feet of private coastline. Dolphins can often be seen swimming off shore, and there are kayaks for rent nearby. And because this is a private beach, liquor is allowed (something not true of public beaches in San Diego County).
Golf Courses: The resort has a 9-hole par-3 golf course and a golf academy, both for adults and juniors.
Spa & Fitness Center: The fitness center comprises two adjoining rooms, one with about a dozen Cybex stations plus dumbbells and balls; the other with about the same number of cardio pieces and TVs. Massage services are available next door.
A passageway from the beach leads to a Junior Olympic outdoor heated swimming pool with lap lanes, set in an inner courtyard.
Children's programs: The resort’s emphasis on tennis extends to juniors who have a wide range of programs. Those include year-round after-school and weekend group tennis clinics and junior matchmaking. For more information about these programs, contact the tennis department at 858-551-4616.
Dining: There are several dining options, all with oceanfront settings. The exclusive Club Dining, open only to members and hotel guests, serves regional cuisine that emphasizes local, artisanal, and seasonal ingredients. Immediately adjacent, The Walnut Lounge serves cocktails and light bites. They are complemented by the iconic Marine Room, a San Diego staple for the past 80 years, remarkable for its award-winning cuisine, views of sunsets over the ocean cove, and its unusual location: it protrudes so far into the beach that waves sometimes crash against its foundation.
Accommodations
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round.
Travel Instructions: By Car: From the north, head south on Interstate 5, exiting to the west on La Jolla Village Drive. Follow it to the third traffic light and turn left on Torrey Pines Road. Proceed to the fifth traffic light and turn right on La Jolla Shores Drive. Go one block to Paseo Dorado, turn left, and that takes you to the property entrance. From the south, head north on I-5, exiting to the west on La Jolla Parkway. Follow it to third traffic light and turn right on La Jolla Shores Drive. Drive one block, turn left onto Paseo Dorado, follow it to the property entrance.
It is a lovely club set on one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. It was built in the 1920s and retains the charm of a first class early California resort. The courts are asphalt and there are plenty of them. You can go for a swim in the pool after playing or you can swim in the ocean. There is nothing quite like sitting along the walkway looking out at the water while the sun goes down. It is small by modern standards. There is no building more than 2 stories high. There are no elevators. There is no parking structure. It is like going back in time.
DV
My husband and I went last September 2018. We loved the club. The setting is fantastic. We loved it so much we are going back with the whole family in august 2019. We didn’t attend any clinics, just played on our own. There were a lot of players around and we watched some very entertaining matches as well. The beach and dining room were also very good.
GS
LJBTC continues to be one of my favorite tennis resorts in the country. Fabulous setting, great hard courts, beautiful beach, fantastic staff, phenomenal players of all levels, you name it.
CK
One of the great resort areas in the US! Terrific beach front and great tennis!
RR
Great beach side resort. Suites so you can cook your own meals if you wish, step onto the beach from your room, elite tennis facility, friendly staff. BBQs on the beach in the evening setup outside your room. Just bring food, drink, and plates / utensils. Watch the sunset as you throw a ball with your kids… Not an economy destination but wonderful experience at Beach and Tennis Club.
GH
LJBTC is a historic club right on its own private beach. Gorgeous sunsets, gourmet dining in The Marine Room as well as excellent dining at reasonable prices in the other restaurant and poolside. Shops and restaurants from burger joints to fine dining are a two-block walk. My favorite tournament of the year is the second week of the year. Director of tennis, Conan, provides a full adult and junior program year-round, but runs as player-friendly a tournament as you will find; including a back draw, two great player parties and $99 a night player rates on rooms that speak of the history of the place. If you prefer rooms with a newer feel, LJBTC works conjointly with La Jolla Shores, which is adjacent to it. Downtown La Jolla offers amazing shopping sea lion watching, snorkeling. Surfing, kayaking and more can be arranged through the club, which is also a short drive from Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Lego Land, and much more.
BJ
Great relaxing vacation destination for family and adults. It’s especially nice for tennis enthusiasts. Singularly beautiful sunsets.
WA
Nice atmosphere.
JG
this is a great place to visit, even if you don’t play tennis. however, the courts are in great condition and the staff are friendly and helpful.
BB
Consistently, the most beautiful, respectful, charming and relaxing resort we look forward to visiting every year! I know it isn’t possible, but one might get the impression that the LJBT management were in control of the gorgeous weather as well. Always a perfect stay and wonderful memories.
VJ
awesome experience every time
AD
a wonderful place for swimming golf restaurants relaxation and entertainment
JS
The staff was very profession, but pleasant and approachable.
CC
LJBTC is one of our top two favorite tennis getaways! (The other is La Quinta) While exclusive, it is completely unpretentious. Because the beach is private, you can eat on the beach, enjoy a drink, watch the gorgeous sunset, all without masses of tourists or crowds. As vegetarians the menus in the various restaurants are not as veggie-friendly as they could be, though the staff and kitchen will gladly substitute or come up with something novel to your liking. Most importantly, the tennis is fantastic… Neda (We love you!) will fix you up with all your tennis heart desires. Courts are pristine, mostly wind-shielded (also depends on time of year, so call ahead and ask), the gym has everything you need, massages are phenomenal. The rooms are generally small and basic, but cozy. The ocean-facing units are super-romantic. Staff is super friendly, courteous and professional. There’s one big pool, with certain hours reserved for lap and adult swimming. It’s definitely a family-oriented environment, but still quiet and units secluded enough for adults-only enjoyment. You can easily leave the grounds and drive into town. But we found we didn’t want to leave the premises. If you have an extended stay and want a change from the two onsite restaurants and beach shack, do check out the restaurant and bar at the neighboring Shores Hotel (you can just walk over). All in all, you won’t find a better tennis resort this close to the ocean. You can’t go wrong with LJBTC. Highly, highly recommended.
CK
For many years I have visited the LaJolla Beach and Tennis Club. There probably is not a better spot in the World to spend time! You have the beach right outside your door, terrific tennis with for all levels and great choices of food either at the club or right down the beach at LaJolla Shores.
CS
Location is awesome .. easy drive from airport.. all employees super friendly.. the tennis instruction was great.. and the beach is amazing
TK
It’s a spectacular place. Great beach and fantastic tennis facilities.
KB
We loved the week we spent at La Jolla Beach & Tennis club. All members of the staff pro and otherwise was very eager to please. Court availability and lessons were very easy to book and again could not be more helpful. Very impressed with the level of the Pro’s and made you feel like you were a member of the club. The location was very accessible as it was an easy drive up from San Diego airport and is located in one of the most beautiful spots on the beach in Southern California. Highly recommend for families and even a girls weekend get away.
MV
This a great place for vacation, we go here every year.
GB
This was an awesome tennis camp, both in terms of the tennis instruction and the facility. While the rooms are not luxurious, the ocean views and the spaciousness are unbeatable and the courts are tops. The instruction was first-rate–just the right mix of seriousness and jocularity.
CN
Location on the beach in La Jolla is fantastic. Staff are extremely professional and friendly. Court 2 is the best place in the USA for tennis…intimate, and the sound of waves crashing can be heard between hits. Fitness facility is compact but thorough, locker rooms are modern and elegant, view from the restaurants of the beach and La Jolla Cove is perfect.
CE
I have been going to this resort for over 20 years and I would never go anywhere else when traveling to San Diego. The only weakness is that there is not hot tub, something I will quickly overlook for the quaint feel and personalized service that is beyond perfect every time I stay here.
MS
The LaJolla Beach and Tennis club is a unique, relaxing, charming resort located on a beautiful location right on the ocean. You can literally walk out of your room right onto the sandy beach. The management and staff work hard to make every part of your vacation enjoyable and first class. This is a regular part of our summer plans. We feel that there is no other spot as great as this for a truly beautiful southern California vacation.
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128 Reviews on “La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club”
It is a lovely club set on one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. It was built in the 1920s and retains the charm of a first class early California resort. The courts are asphalt and there are plenty of them. You can go for a swim in the pool after playing or you can swim in the ocean. There is nothing quite like sitting along the walkway looking out at the water while the sun goes down. It is small by modern standards. There is no building more than 2 stories high. There are no elevators. There is no parking structure. It is like going back in time.
My husband and I went last September 2018. We loved the club. The setting is fantastic. We loved it so much we are going back with the whole family in august 2019. We didn’t attend any clinics, just played on our own. There were a lot of players around and we watched some very entertaining matches as well. The beach and dining room were also very good.
LJBTC continues to be one of my favorite tennis resorts in the country. Fabulous setting, great hard courts, beautiful beach, fantastic staff, phenomenal players of all levels, you name it.
One of the great resort areas in the US! Terrific beach front and great tennis!
Great beach side resort. Suites so you can cook your own meals if you wish, step onto the beach from your room, elite tennis facility, friendly staff. BBQs on the beach in the evening setup outside your room. Just bring food, drink, and plates / utensils. Watch the sunset as you throw a ball with your kids… Not an economy destination but wonderful experience at Beach and Tennis Club.
LJBTC is a historic club right on its own private beach. Gorgeous sunsets, gourmet dining in The Marine Room as well as excellent dining at reasonable prices in the other restaurant and poolside. Shops and restaurants from burger joints to fine dining are a two-block walk. My favorite tournament of the year is the second week of the year. Director of tennis, Conan, provides a full adult and junior program year-round, but runs as player-friendly a tournament as you will find; including a back draw, two great player parties and $99 a night player rates on rooms that speak of the history of the place. If you prefer rooms with a newer feel, LJBTC works conjointly with La Jolla Shores, which is adjacent to it. Downtown La Jolla offers amazing shopping sea lion watching, snorkeling. Surfing, kayaking and more can be arranged through the club, which is also a short drive from Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Lego Land, and much more.
Great relaxing vacation destination for family and adults. It’s especially nice for tennis enthusiasts. Singularly beautiful sunsets.
Nice atmosphere.
this is a great place to visit, even if you don’t play tennis. however, the courts are in great condition and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Consistently, the most beautiful, respectful, charming and relaxing resort we look forward to visiting every year! I know it isn’t possible, but one might get the impression that the LJBT management were in control of the gorgeous weather as well. Always a perfect stay and wonderful memories.
awesome experience every time
a wonderful place for swimming golf restaurants relaxation and entertainment
The staff was very profession, but pleasant and approachable.
LJBTC is one of our top two favorite tennis getaways! (The other is La Quinta) While exclusive, it is completely unpretentious. Because the beach is private, you can eat on the beach, enjoy a drink, watch the gorgeous sunset, all without masses of tourists or crowds. As vegetarians the menus in the various restaurants are not as veggie-friendly as they could be, though the staff and kitchen will gladly substitute or come up with something novel to your liking.
Most importantly, the tennis is fantastic… Neda (We love you!) will fix you up with all your tennis heart desires. Courts are pristine, mostly wind-shielded (also depends on time of year, so call ahead and ask), the gym has everything you need, massages are phenomenal. The rooms are generally small and basic, but cozy. The ocean-facing units are super-romantic. Staff is super friendly, courteous and professional. There’s one big pool, with certain hours reserved for lap and adult swimming.
It’s definitely a family-oriented environment, but still quiet and units secluded enough for adults-only enjoyment. You can easily leave the grounds and drive into town. But we found we didn’t want to leave the premises. If you have an extended stay and want a change from the two onsite restaurants and beach shack, do check out the restaurant and bar at the neighboring Shores Hotel (you can just walk over). All in all, you won’t find a better tennis resort this close to the ocean. You can’t go wrong with LJBTC. Highly, highly recommended.
For many years I have visited the LaJolla Beach and Tennis Club. There probably is not a better spot in the World to spend time! You have the beach right outside your door, terrific tennis with for all levels and great choices of food either at the club or right down the beach at LaJolla Shores.
Location is awesome .. easy drive from airport.. all employees super friendly.. the tennis instruction was great.. and the beach is amazing
It’s a spectacular place. Great beach and fantastic tennis facilities.
We loved the week we spent at La Jolla Beach & Tennis club. All members of the staff pro and otherwise was very eager to please. Court availability and lessons were very easy to book and again could not be more helpful. Very impressed with the level of the Pro’s and made you feel like you were a member of the club.
The location was very accessible as it was an easy drive up from San Diego airport and is located in one of the most beautiful spots on the beach in Southern California.
Highly recommend for families and even a girls weekend get away.
This a great place for vacation, we go here every year.
This was an awesome tennis camp, both in terms of the tennis instruction and the facility. While the rooms are not luxurious, the ocean views and the spaciousness are unbeatable and the courts are tops. The instruction was first-rate–just the right mix of seriousness and jocularity.
Location on the beach in La Jolla is fantastic. Staff are extremely professional and friendly. Court 2 is the best place in the USA for tennis…intimate, and the sound of waves crashing can be heard between hits. Fitness facility is compact but thorough, locker rooms are modern and elegant, view from the restaurants of the beach and La Jolla Cove is perfect.
I have been going to this resort for over 20 years and I would never go anywhere else when traveling to San Diego. The only weakness is that there is not hot tub, something I will quickly overlook for the quaint feel and personalized service that is beyond perfect every time I stay here.
The LaJolla Beach and Tennis club is a unique, relaxing, charming resort located on a beautiful location right on the ocean. You can literally walk out of your room right onto the sandy beach. The management and staff work hard to make every part of your vacation enjoyable and first class. This is a regular part of our summer plans. We feel that there is no other spot as great as this for a truly beautiful southern California vacation.
Fantastic, warm, helpful staff. Delicious food. Outstanding service. Beautiful setting.
Strengths: service and court maintenence, proximity to hotel and availability.
amazing setting, amazing weather, amazing staff…left and wanted to go back immediately!! Heaven! Great pool too!
Most enjoyable experience
Great pros. Good value for $$. Good location.