Best
Golf Courses in San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends some of the best golf courses in San Diego and nearby, in places like Carlsbad, Coronado, and La Jolla.
San Diego, nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline, is a golfer's paradise boasting an array of world-class golf courses. From lush greens with stunning ocean views to challenging layouts that cater to all skill levels, the San Diego region offers a golfing experience like no other with almost 100 courses altogether.
Oh yes, the almost perfect San Diego climate helps too, with on average 146 sunny days and 117 partly cloudy days a year.
Our Pick of San Diego Guides
Here are just some of the best golf courses in San Diego, and within a 30-minute drive Whether you're a seasoned golfer or only beginning your golfing journey, you'll find something to suit your preferences in this golfing paradise.
Best Golf Courses in San Diego
Torrey Pines Golf Course
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 - (858) 452-3226 - https://www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com
Torrey Pines is a world-renowned municipal course located along the California coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It has two 36-hole courses, and both are used in the annual PGA Farmers Insurance Open (originally the San Diego Open). The course has also hosted the US Open in 2008 and 2021, and holds the Junior World Golf Championships every July.
This is definitely one of the best golf courses in San Diego, and if you only play one, make it this one. And La Jolla is only a 20-minute drive from the center of San Diego.
Aviara Golf Club
7447 Batiquitos Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92011 - (760) 603-6900 - https://parkhyattaviara.com/golf
The Aviara Golf Club is located at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and offers a challenging course with beautiful views of the Batiquitos Lagoon. It was named the #1 golf resort in Southern California by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, and is the only one in the San Diego area to have been designed by Arnold Palmer. Carlsbad is a 30-minute drive from downtown San Diego.
The Grand Golf Club
5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130 - (858) 314-1930 - https://www.fairmont.com/san-diego/golf/the-grand-golf-club
The Grand Golf Club is located at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar resort and offers a scenic course designed by legendary golfer Tom Fazio and inspired by Los Peñasquitos Canyon. Even the practice areas cover seven acres!
La Costa Resort and Spa
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009 - (760) 438-9111 - https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa/golf
The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa features two 18-hole championship courses, The Champions Course and The Legends Course, designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee.Kids 15 and under can enjoy a round for free with one paying adult. The resort is a 30-minute drive from San Diego.
Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128 - (844) 228-0125 - https://www.ranchobernardoinn.com/rancho-bernardo-inn-golf
The Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course offers a beautiful course, designed by William F. Bell and surrounded by hills and valleys. It’s hosted both PGA and LPGA events and the undulating 18th is one of the most popular holes. The inn is a 30-minute drive north of San Diego.
Maderas Golf Club
17750 Old Coach Rd, Poway, CA 92064 - (858) 451-8100 - https://www.maderasgolf.com
Maderas Golf Club is a challenging course designed by Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves and set in the hills of Poway, a 30-minute drive north of downtown San Diego. The course covers 40 acres and incorporates lakes and waterfalls.
Carlton Oaks Golf Club
9200 Inwood Dr, Santee, CA 92071 - (619) 448-4242 - https://www.carltonoaksgolf.com
The Carlton Oaks Golf Club has a championship course with tree-lined fairways and challenging water hazards. The 18-hole course has six sets of tees, ranging from 5,039 yards to 7,410 yards. There’s also a chipping green, a putting green and an all grass driving range with private instructional areas. The course is a 20-minute drive north-east from San Diego.
Coronado Municipal Golf Course
2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA 92118 - (619) 522-6590 - https://www.golfcoronado.com
The Coronado Municipal Golf Course is a historic course located on the island of Coronado, offering stunning views of the San Diego skyline. The course has been rated one of the best municipal courses in the USA. It’s a 25-minute drive from downtown San Diego but only about ten minutes to get back, thanks to the road layouts and depending on traffic.
Riverwalk Golf Club
1150 Fashion Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92108 - (619) 296-4653 - https://www.riverwalkgc.com
Riverwalk Golf Club has an 18-hole par 72 course, with views of the San Diego River and Mission Valley. The course has three lakes as well as the San Diego River, plus several wetlands areas. It’s a 10-minute drive north of downtown, just off I-8, near the junction with I-5.
The Vineyard at Escondido Golf Course
925 San Pasqual Rd, Escondido, CA 92025 - (760) 735-9545 - https://www.vineyardatescondido.com
The Vineyard at Escondido Golf Course offers a challenging course with stunning views of the San Pasqual Valley, and is located next to a vineyard. It’s a 30-minute drive north of downtown San Diego, just off I-15.
Other golf pages
Best Golf Courses in Monterey
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends the best golf courses in Monterey, and nearby, including Carmel and Pacific Grove.
Best Golf Courses in Santa Barbara
Pacific Coast Highway Travel lists some of the best golf courses in Santa Barbara, if you plan to stop off in Santa Barbara and play on these scenic courses.
Pacific Coast Highway Golf Courses
The Pacific Coast Highway’s gold courses is one reason the PCH drive along the California Coast is popular, as it has some of the top golf courses in the USA.
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