From the moment you step inside The Lodge at Torrey Pines, tucked above the coastal bluffs of La Jolla, it feels like you’ve been transported to another place and time. The dark wood interior, crackling lobby fireplace (in the winter and early spring) and expansive golf course ocean view almost trick you into thinking you’re on the coast of England or Scotland. Whether you’ve come for the golf, the ocean scenery or to regale yourself in The Lodge’s indulgent rejuvenation spa options, you’ll be happily transported to a more relaxed you. 

The Lodge at Torrey Pines musts:

• Unwind at the spa with a signature massage treatment and steam room session
• Order a seafood dish at A.R. Valentien signature restaurant
• Visit nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve

Torrey Pines Golf Course is one of the most sought-after courses — and the proud site of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open Championships and the PGA TOUR’s annual Farmers Insurance Open. Visitors (such as myself) who are not golfers, will find retreat and refreshment in the many additional offerings of The Lodge at Torrey Pines. 

Almost as renowned as the golf course is the property’s spa. Here, travelers can relish in seasonal spa packages or indulgent massages and facials, including a Gua Sha Therapy Massage, incorporating a precise friction technique using a smooth jade stone to increase circulation to relieve soreness in tense areas or a Tome Brightening Facial, utilizing a diamond-tipped microdermabrasion wand to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, to reveal fresher skin. Golfers and athletes will also enjoy the spa’s steam room, sauna and jacuzzi to help alleviate muscle soreness and body tension. 

Upscale dining

One of the Lodge’s shining stars is its A.R. Valentien signature restaurant. For dinner, two-course main menu items are curated with the finest and freshest ingredients (the seasonal Sea Bass and Kampachi are delectable). The breakfast menu boasts filling day-starters such as the Spinach Poached Eggs, which include a mix of pancetta, ricotta, shallots, pine nuts and chile flakes and lighter bites such as Organic Steel Cut Oats with brown sugar, blueberries and steamed milk and Chia Almond Pudding with candied satsuma, tangerines, blackberries and mixed seeds. Weekend guests can choose from a host of hearty and rich brunch options — you must try the Braised Short Rib ‘Benedict’ with crispy Tehachapi polenta, Swiss Chard, poached eggs and hollandaise.

For more casual dining, there is The Grill at Torrey Pines, as well as options to order poolside and room service.  

In addition to its permanent provisions, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, hosts several events including its upcoming A.R. Valentien Signature Wine Series, Far Niente, featuring special guest Bruce Mooers, president of sales for the Boston Wine & Food Festival on July 18, 2024 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. These monthly dinners pair a curated multi-course meal of seasonal bounty with some of the state’s most notable wines. 

Last, but not least, located adjacent to The Lodge and the Torrey Pines Golf Course, the Torrey Pines State Reserve provides a plethora of pathways for nature observers. The reserve contains 2,000 impressive acres of protected and rare Torrey Pine trees, housing plenty of flora and fauna within. And, there are eight miles of walkable trails that wind throughout beaches, as well as a lagoon to explore.

Bonus highlight

The Lodge at Torrey Pines and The Catamaran (read our review here), are both owned by Evan’s Hotels, and it’s clear that Evan’s prioritizes its customer service training and knows how to hire the best in the business.

Check out this deal:

The Lodge at Torrey Pines has an exclusive fourth-night-free offer. For a limited time, when guests book a three-night stay directly on The Lodge’s website, they receive a complimentary fourth night.