Lodge at Torrey Pines

With a design that reflects the redwood forests of northern California rather than the sun-kissed beaches of the south, the Lodge at Torrey Pines offers sprawling grounds, hiking trails and a world-class golf course.

• The dining patio, with large heaters and warm blankets so you can still enjoy the view, even during the mild San Diego winter
• The Royal Terrace, where guests can enjoy yoga, Pilates, croquet and bocce
• The acclaimed golf course, which hosts several professional tournaments each year

The Lodge at Torrey Pines, set on a bluff-side golf course just north of La Jolla, is a cozy departure from the beachy aesthetic typical of Southern California: paintings are hung from leather straps, images of bears, deer and the Yosemite Valley are spread throughout and many rooms have large stone fireplaces. Most mornings, clouds float in from the Pacific, giving an ethereal glow to the rich redwood and reclaimed brick and stone that were used to build the resort. As the cloud layer burns off around noon, guests are left with picturesque views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

The top accommodations are the Palisade Rooms, which have large double bathrooms, beautiful fireplaces and direct (if at times distant) views of the ocean. The design of the larger suites is based on the Blacker and Gamble houses of Pasadena, and some of the balconies have their own fireplaces—perfect for sipping a cocktail outside and watching the sun set over the Pacific. A.R. Valentien is the hotel’s fine-dining option, while The Grill has a large, wood-fired oven so guests can watch their food being cooked just a few feet away from the putting green. There are numerous activities available both on property and in the immediate area, including hiking trails, a glider port and an enormous spa.

Families and couples alike can find entertainment at the lodge and nearby. Golfers, in particular, will appreciate the two championship 18-hole courses. The lodge has very little availability during larger tournaments, and Indagare may have limited access to rooms during these times.