the iconic pink lady

100 years

For nearly 100 years, La Valencia Hotel has been woven into the story of La Jolla, where ocean air, pink walls, and unforgettable moments have drawn guests back generation after generation. As The Pink Lady approaches her centennial year, we invite you to celebrate with us through a collection of curated experiences and nostalgic moments inspired by a century by the sea.

Throughout the year, guests and locals alike can experience everything from jazz-filled evenings at the 1926 Social Club to historical walking tours, anniversary celebrations, and thoughtfully reimagined nods to the eras that shaped us. Whether you’ve been visiting for decades or are discovering The Pink Lady for the first time, this is an invitation to celebrate the history and spirit of La Valencia Hotel with us.

1926 Social Club

Celebrate the spirit of the Roaring Twenties at La Valencia’s 1926 Social Club, debuting on the lively Med Patio every Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live jazz, Prohibition-era-inspired cocktails, and a specialty $100 menu for two along Prospect Street.

Inspired by the golden age of La Jolla nightlife, the weekly series brings jazz back to Prospect Street with a rotating lineup of local musicians and a touch of old Hollywood glamour.

Seating is first come, first served on the Med Patio.

Historic Property Tour

Led by La Valencia’s beloved Les Clefs d'Or concierge, Mark Schoenberg, this property stroll invites guests to step into the story of La Jolla and the iconic Pink Lady. Along the way, discover the charm, characters, and coastal moments that shaped the village into what it is today. Guests are invited to enjoy a glass of champagne or cider while strolling through this relaxed and story-filled seaside experience.

Saturdays | 10:00 AM | La Valencia Lobby

Open to guests and locals beginning in June.

Murder Mystery Dinner Series

A glamorous evening at La Valencia Hotel has taken a deadly turn... and someone in the room knows more than they’re letting on. This September, the Mediterranean Room will host an immersive murder mystery dinner series set in the golden age of Hollywood, when movie stars, socialites, and scandal seekers escaped to The Pink Lady for seaside glamour and unforgettable nights on Prospect Street.

Tickets + Menu Forthcoming

Centennial Soiree

Celebrate a century of seaside glamour at La Valencia Hotel’s Centennial Soirée, a spectacular all-inclusive evening marking 100 years since the Pink Lady first opened her doors. This ticketed, once-in-a-lifetime celebration will transform the hotel into a living tribute to its storied past, with live entertainment throughout the property, immersive activations, flowing cocktails, exceptional culinary experiences, and surprises around every corner.

Tickets + Details Forthcoming

Journey Through 100 YearsOf Rich History

Birth Of A Legend

1926

La Valencia opened as an apartment hotel on December 15, 1926. While its first name, Los Apartmentos de Sevilla, was not widely used, the new apartment hotel in La Jolla was designed to integrate the finest elements of various styles of the Spanish school of architecture. The architect, Reginald Johnson, was a local known for his integrity and knowledge of classic Spanish architecture.
Great Depression Era

1930s

Officially named La Valencia in 1928, the late twenties and early thirties proved to be bleak years as the country's depression deepened. In 1930 McArthur hired Gethin Williams as La Valencia's General Manager - the second of what would be only seven General Managers in La Valencia's 90 year history to date, including MacArthur Gorton himself.
World War II Era

1940s

During World War II, because of La Jolla's proximity to San Diego, La Valencia Hotel and her guests were very much a part of the war effort. Locals spent long hours perched in the windswept tower scanning the skies and seas for enemy planes or ships. The hotel also became the temporary home to hundreds of young officers, often milling about in the lobby, either waiting to go overseas or enjoying leave.
Enhanced Hotel Amenities

1950

La Valencia's iconic ocean-view pool was built in 1950. The hotel's gym, sauna, putting green, and shuffleboard court were built shortly afterward.

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