Some clubs are more than just gathering spots—they’re woven into the fabric of the community, carrying the weight of legacy, tradition, and shared memory. In La Jolla, where old-world charm meets coastal ease, the town’s most established clubs offer more than amenities—they offer belonging. The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and the La Jolla Country Club aren’t just places you go—they’re places you grow up in, grow into, and pass down. 
Photo Retrieved by Trip Advisior
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Tucked just beyond the tides of La Jolla Shores is the iconic La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club—where tradition meets the sea. From morning matches on the court to evenings gathered by the grill, life at the Club has followed the same laid-back rhythm for generations. It’s the ultimate staycation, kids roam free between the playground and pickleball courts while parents settle in for a leisurely lunch or find some shade under a striped umbrella on the sand. It has remained one of California’s few private beachfront clubs—anchored by familiar faces, and the same beloved patch of sand.
Photo Retrieved by San Diego Magazine & San Diego History Center
The History
The Club’s story starts in 1927, when it opened as the La Jolla Beach & Yacht Club—a seaside escape for those who came to sail, swim, and soak in the coast. But it was F.W. Kellogg, a devoted La Jolla vacationer, who saw something more. He transformed the property into a private tennis resort, adding courts, a pool, and the Beach Club Apartments—planting the roots of the Club we know today. His son, W.S. Kellogg, helped it grow with the additions of the North Wing, Playa Del Oro Apartments, and The Marine Room.
Nearly a century later, that legacy still holds strong. Bill Kellogg, F.W.’s great-grandson, now leads the Club—welcoming new generations into a place that feels more like a family tradition than a resort.
What Members Enjoy:
With 13 tennis courts, 5 pickleball courts, a fitness center, and a heated pool, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active. Beach concierge service sets up your chairs, towels, and umbrellas—just show up and relax. During peak season, you can even order food and drinks straight to your beach setup through the Club’s dining app.
Evenings are for beach barbecues and gathering by the firepits, while dining options range from the private Club Dining Room to the iconic Marine Room just next door. The Walnut Lounge, once a little-used space tucked away in the clubhouse, recently got a thoughtful refresh—and it’s become a go-to for parents looking to enjoy a cocktail and catch the green flash.
And here’s a little-known perk: you don’t have to be a member to stay. The Club also functions as a beachfront hotel, with suites—some with kitchens—available to book. Guests enjoy access to the amenities, and many return summer after summer to the same unit, turning their vacation into a tradition of its own.
We spoke to Helena Roseman, a third-generation member about what this club means to her,
“The coolest part of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is the legacy. My grandpa was a member, my dad’s a member, and I’ve been coming here my whole life. There’s so much classic La Jolla history tied into it—it’s been such a big part of the community for so long. You don’t find places like this anymore, with a private beach and old-school traditions that have grown with the town. It’s just really special to be part of that.”
Becoming a Member:
There is a waitlist to get the process started—applicants pay a $1,000 non-refundable application fee, followed by a $100 annual renewal to stay active on the list. Once your name reaches the top, you’ll need three letters of recommendation from current members.
As of early 2025, initiation fees are $160,000 for a family membership and $150,000 for a single membership, with annual dues around $13,255 and $9,960, respectively. All fees are subject to change.
While the Beach & Tennis Club offers a front-row seat to ocean sunsets and sandy traditions, the La Jolla Country Club plays to a different beat. There’s no pool or pickleball there—but for golf purists, the focus shifts to the fairways.
La Jolla Country Club
Perched in the hills above La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Country Club feels worlds away—yet just minutes from the heart of the village. With sweeping views of the Pacific and a history that stretches back more than a century, this private, member-owned club offers a quiet kind of prestige that’s become increasingly rare.
Photo Retrieved from Fore Magazine
The History
La Jolla Country Club was incorporated in 1927, its original layout crafted by William Bell to follow the natural curves of narrow coastal canyons, complete with small, sloping greens(Fore Magazine). The Great Depression arrived just two years later, and the Club weathered a decade of financial hardship before quietly becoming a haven during World War II for golf legends stationed nearby.
In the years since, the course has attracted some of the sport’s most notable figures—players whose early rounds here still echo through club lore. Through careful renovations, it has retained its classic charm while evolving with the game. Today, it’s known for its Kikuyugrass fairways, Poa annua greens, and sweeping ocean views from nearly every hole.
What Members Enjoy
The Club’s 18-hole, par-72 golf course is both scenic and challenging, offering panoramic ocean views and lush Kikuyugrass fairways. Walking is allowed, and players can warm up at the full driving range or practice short game skills on the chipping and putting greens. A fitness center, locker rooms, and elegant dining areas round out the experience.
As for the atmosphere—etiquette matters here. Cell phone calls aren’t permitted on the course or in the clubhouse, and attire is expected to reflect the Club’s classic style: collared shirts for men, tailored outfits for women, and no denim or athletic wear in the formal dining rooms.
Beyond the fairways, members enjoy social events like wine tastings, book clubs, couples tournaments, and holiday dinners—many of which take place against the backdrop of the Pacific.
We asked a member about their experience:
“Love the people. Course is kept in immaculate shape year round and you can always find a game to play in. Membership wasn’t easy. You need 6 letters of recommendation.”
Becoming a Member
The La Jolla Country Club doesn’t advertise itself—and it doesn’t have to. You won’t find membership details listed on its website, and that’s by design. Membership is by invitation only and the process is intentionally relationship-driven—designed to preserve the close-knit culture that defines the Club.
As of early 2025, Golf Life Navigators estimates initiation fees to start around $150,000, with annual dues ranging between $10,000–$15,000. All figures are subject to change and should be verified directly with the Club.
Wrapping Up
In a town that values tradition as much as innovation, these two clubs continue to anchor La Jolla’s identity. Whether your roots run deep or you’re just starting to grow them, the Beach & Tennis Club and the Country Club each offer a timeless invitation: to slow down, stay awhile, and find your place in a living legacy.