Gone for a decade, plans have been announced for the return of the historic La Jolla Whaling Bar to La Valencia Hotel by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

“We are thrilled to introduce a re-imagined Whaling Bar to the La Jolla community while honoring its illustrious past,” said Summer Shoemaker, general manager of the hotel. “This reopening symbolizes our commitment to preserving the legacy of La Valencia and creating new, unforgettable experiences for our guests. We look forward to sharing the magic that made the original Whaling Bar iconic while ushering in a new era of timeless elegance and legendary hospitality that defines La Valencia.”

The La Valencia is a Spanish-style hotel perched above La Jolla Cove at 1132 Prospect St. Nicknamed “The Pink Lady,” the hotel has been a landmark for the coastal neighborhood for nearly a century, after opening in December 1926.

An iconic nautical-themed cocktail lounge, the Whaling Bar opened in the “Pink Lady” about 20 years after its inception in 1949. It quickly became one of the most prominent spots in the county for star-studded events and notable regulars.

The Whaling Bar, however, closed in 2013 after new ownership took over, with Café la Rue replacing the lounge during a major renovation of the property.

During its nearly 64-year run, the Whaling Bar welcomed famous San Diegans from Dr. Seuss, Theodore Geisel, to novelist Raymond Chandler, and the founder of the La Jolla Playhouse, actor Gregory Peck.

The new iteration of the Whaling Bar, which is once again taking over the Prospect Street-facing spot in the hotel, will pay homage to the lounge’s storied history, with a design driven by the La Valencia team.

Final design choices for the new re-imagined Whaling Bar will be decided based on feedback obtained from a survey launched by the hotel, specifically asking San Diegans to provide input on what they think made the original Whaling Bar iconic. The survey, which can be found here, will remain open through the end of the summer.

The new Whaling Bar’s day-to-day operations will be handled by operating partner, SDCM. The restaurant group also runs San Diego spots like Kettner Exchange, Grass Skirt, The Waverly, and Captain’s Quarters.

The hospitality group will also lead the development of a cocktail menu and complimentary bar menu by its award-winning team, including bar director Eric Johnson and executive chef Brian Rezikowski.

An opening date has not yet been set.

THE PINK LADY

La Valencia Hotel and Spa, opened in 1926 at 1132 Prospect St., has 112 rooms and offers a range of recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. La Sala is one of the hotel’s two restaurants, or relax with a drink from the poolside bar.