To understand La Jolla, start with the clubs that define it.
La Jolla’s coastline is world-famous, and for some, its private and public clubs only add to its character and enjoyment. These institutions—some with histories stretching back more than a century—have become gathering places for recreation, philanthropy, tradition, and social connection.
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La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
2000 Spindrift Dr
Established in 1927 as the La Jolla Beach & Yacht Club, this landmark was reimagined by F.W. Kellogg into a private oceanfront tennis resort with courts, a pool, and the original Beach Club Apartments. His son, William Kellogg, expanded the vision with landmark additions that cemented its status as a coastal institution. Now led by a fourth-generation Kellogg, this family heirloom remains one of the most iconic La Jolla Clubs.
- Private beach access gives members and guests exclusive entry to one of the only stretches of sand reserved for club use in San Diego.
- Championship tennis courts host daily matches, private instruction, and a long-running legacy of national tournaments and junior development.
- Pickleball courts are available and host clinics from players of varying skill levels.
- Recreational amenities include kayaking, beach volleyball, and a nine-hole pitch-and-putt course just steps from the shoreline.
- Dining and hospitality are centered around The Marine Room, The Shores Restaurant, and the club’s beachside suites.
Multi-generational families return year after year, drawn by the sense of tradition, the resort-style amenities, and the way life slows down once you’re through the gates.
La Jolla Country Club
7301 High Ave
Founded in 1901, La Jolla Country Club predates much of the town’s growth and remains one of the most respected country clubs in Southern California. It’s tucked into the hillside above the Village and has long attracted a discreet, legacy membership of civic leaders, academics, and established La Jollan families.
- The clubhouse features refined dining, spa services, and intimate lounge spaces that reflect the club’s understated elegance.
- The 18-hole championship golf course, designed by William Bell, along with the driving range and practice facilities, all offer panoramic views of the Pacific
- Additional athletic amenities include tennis courts and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
- The social calendar revolves around tournaments, mixers, and private events, with the venue also available for weddings and corporate gatherings.
With deep roots in the community, La Jolla Country Club remains a cornerstone of the local lifestyle, as well as a defining amenity should you decide to invest in La Jolla, CA real estate.
La Jolla Woman’s Club
7791 Draper Ave
The La Jolla Woman’s Club has been part of the community’s history since 1894, when it began as a small literacy group and quickly grew into a force for civic progress. From its now-iconic Irving Gill clubhouse near the Village, members helped advance public education, health initiatives, women’s rights, and environmental awareness, shaping the early identity of La Jolla in lasting ways. Today, the club remains a meaningful hub for connection, philanthropy, and community-minded living.
- Monthly luncheons, yoga sessions, and a book club offer members ways to connect and engage.
- Philanthropic programs and fundraising events support local causes aligned with the club’s enduring mission.
- Clubhouse rentals for weddings, galas, and public events provide a one-of-a-kind venue steeped in Irving Gill architecture and local heritage.
Among La Jolla clubs, few have shaped the community so profoundly. The Woman’s Club remains a symbol of sisterhood, legacy, and lasting impact.
This is just one of the spaces members of La Jolla Woman’s Club enjoy.
Coggan Family Aquatic Complex
800 Nautilus St
Some of the most lasting ripples in La Jolla start in a pool just behind the high school campus. Opened in 2002 through a grassroots campaign and a leadership gift from Bonnie Coggan, this Olympic-sized facility was built to serve La Jolla High School and the broader community. And it continues to anchor the area’s aquatic programs to this day.
- The Olympic-sized pool supports both short-course (25-yard) and long-course (50-meter) formats, making it suitable for year-round training and competition.
- It’s home to some of La Jolla’s top aquatic programs, including the Wind N Sea Swim Team, La Jolla United Water Polo Club, and a dedicated masters swim group.
- Swim lessons and recreational classes welcome all ages and skill levels, from toddlers to adult beginners.
- Memberships are available, but public access remains central, making Coggan a valued resource for both residents and visiting athletes.
One of the few La Jolla clubs open to the public, Coggan reflects the active, inclusive spirit of living in La Jolla, CA and continues to shape the next generation of athletes and community leaders.
La Jolla Cove Bridge Club
1160 Coast Blvd
In La Jolla, the best place to play your hand is located above the Cove. What started as a WPA-built Shuffleboard Club meeting hall in the late 1930s is now home to the La Jolla Cove Bridge Club. Best known for its breathtaking location and laid-back charm, this is one of those La Jolla clubs that bridge players from all over San Diego can visit and enjoy.
- Duplicate bridge games are held three times a week, using standard ACBL scoring in one of the most scenic settings on the coast.
- The historic clubhouse is available for private rentals, serving as a charming venue for weddings, lectures, and local events.
- Bridge lessons and beginner-friendly games are offered periodically, encouraging players of all skill levels to join in.
- Membership is not required to participate, encouraging friendly play and skill development.
The La Jolla Cove Bridge Club is a rare find: a coastal gem where sharp minds and kind spirits gather, all with the Pacific stretching wide just beyond the windows.
From seasoned players to curious newcomers, the table is where friendships form and local ties strengthen.
FIND YOUR PLACE IN LA JOLLA’S SOCIAL LANDSCAPE
From historic institutions to low-key local favorites, these clubs are part of what makes living in La Jolla, CA so rewarding. They reflect the values, energy, and tradition woven into every corner of this coastal community.
Thinking about your next move? Let Greg Noonan & Associates help you find a place that fits your goals and your way of life in La Jolla, CA real estate. Call 858.400.8770 or send an email to begin your search with some of the top real estate agents in La Jolla.