Mark SkinnerI love being on the golf course—fresh air, scenic views, and lighthearted banter with friends. It’s also a great way to stay active and maybe even seal a deal or two.
That’s why, as a proud San Diegan, I find myself lucky that my city has several amazing golf courses. No wonder San Diego golf legends like Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele managed to excel in the sport.
So, if you’re planning to pick up a golf club for the first time, or you’re already teeing up from time to time, this list is for you. I rounded up the best golf courses in San Diego to help you tee off in style, every time.
- Torrey Pines Golf Course
- Maderas Golf Club
- Aviara Golf Club
- The Crossings at Carlsbad
- Balboa Park Golf Course
- Coronado Municipal Golf Course
- Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan
- Steele Canyon Golf Club
- Mission Bay Golf Course
- Riverwalk Golf Course
- The Grand Golf Club at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
- Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort
Torrey Pines Golf Course
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Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/torrey-pines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torreypinesgolf/
Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
Contact: +1 858-552-1662
Torrey Pines Golf Course is an iconic golf course that sits high on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean—a perfect spot if you want jaw-dropping views and world-class play. It has two stunning 18-hole courses: the South and the North.
The South is the tougher of the two, famously hosting the US Open and the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open. It weaves coastal canyons and deep ravines into your game, especially on tough holes like the par-3 third.
Now, the North is more forgiving but just as scenic. This is great if you’re looking to ease into the game while still soaking up Pacific views.
Green fees vary, depending on when you play and whether you’re a San Diego resident, but we think it’s worth every penny. Just be sure to plan ahead—tee times book up months in advance.
| Pro Tip: At Torrey Pines, aim for a weekday morning tee time on the South Course. You’ll beat the crowds and catch the coastal fog lifting off the ocean—so gorgeous! |
Maderas Golf Club
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Website: https://www.maderasgolf.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maderasgolfclub/
Address: 17750 Old Coach Rd, Poway
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 858-451-8100
Tucked away in San Diego’s inland hills, Maderas Golf Club is pristine and packed with natural beauty. In fact, it’s just one of two San Diego courses that made Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses in the US.
The par-72 course demands smart play, especially with its elevation changes and tight shot angles. We like that each hole has its own personality, so club selection and course management matter.
Green fees run on dynamic pricing (roughly $159 to $229), but you can score a great deal with twilight rates if you’re flexible with your tee time.
We love the amenities here, too. You can grab a bite or a cold local brew at the restaurant after your round, chill on the terrace, or check out their pro shop.
| Pro Tip: Before you tee off at Maderas, we suggest taking a few minutes at the practice green to get a feel for the speed (if you’re new to the game). Due to the course’s elevation changes and tricky slopes, having a solid short game first would really help. |
Aviara Golf Club
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Website: https://parkhyattaviara.com/golf/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkhyattaviara/
Address: 7447 Batiquitos Dr, Carlsbad
Hours: Monday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Tue – Sun: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Contact: +1 760-603-6900
Aviara Golf Club is situated on the grounds of the Park Hyatt Aviara resort. So, I’m not surprised that it has 5-star landscaping, complete with colorful flowers, rolling hills, and glistening water features.
This 18-hole, par-72 layout is known for its smooth fairways, coastal breezes, and water hazards. And the fairways are generous but subtly tricky, with elevation changes and well-placed bunkers—definitely playable for all skill levels.
Sure, the green fees are not cheap ($250 – $275), but remember, you’re paying for one of the most polished rounds in SoCal.
After your game, you can dine at the resort’s restaurant or relax at the full-service spa.
| Pro Tip: If you want to splurge, make it a weekend golf trip by staying at the Park Hyatt Aviara resort. That way, you can easily book morning rounds, which offer cool air and the best playing conditions. |
The Crossings at Carlsbad
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Website: https://www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrossingsatcarlsbad
Address: 5800 The Crossings Dr, Carlsbad
Hours: Mon – Wed: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thurs – Sun: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact: +1 760-444-1800
The Crossings at Carlsbad is perched between the Pacific Ocean and rolling foothills, and it’s only a 30-minute drive from the city. Carved into over 400 acres of coastal terrain, we love that its layout also preserves natural habitat.
Its front nine gives you classic Cali ocean views, while the back nine dips into canyon land for tight lies, sneaky slopes, and some cool shot-making opportunities. There could also be pin placements and wind shifts, especially on hilltop holes.
You’ll love the clubhouse’s amenities—it has a pro shop, indoor and outdoor dining, and an ocean-view deck where we usually have post-round drinks.
Yep, green fees are pretty competitive, but residents get a discount. There are also special rates and group packages if you’re booking with a crew.
| Pro Tip: If you’re playing The Crossings in the afternoon, watch out for the coastal breeze. It tends to pick up later in the day and can really mess with club selection. |
Balboa Park Golf Course
Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/golf/bpgolf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balboaparkgolfcourse/
Address: 2600 Golf Course Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: +1 619-235-1184
Just minutes from downtown and Balboa Park itself, Balboa Park Golf Course has been serving up laid-back rounds and skyline views since forever. In fact, pro golfer Sam Snead even holds the course record here.
We love the course’s layout features, such as rolling fairways and enough elevation to keep your heart pumping. The 18-hole, par-72 course has several tee options with postcard-worthy views of Point Loma.
Keep in mind that this place has several hills, so grab a cart and stick to the paths if you don’t want an impromptu cardio workout. Plus, early morning tee times are the best for lighter winds.
There’s even a driving range, practice greens, a pro shop with gear and rentals, and a cozy little cafe. Golf lessons are available, too.
| Pro Tip: The front nine is deceptively tricky with elevation changes and narrow landing areas. We recommend clubbing down off the tee where needed, and you’ll have a smoother round—and maybe even bragging rights. |
Coronado Municipal Golf Course
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Website: https://www.golfcoronado.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coronado_golf_course/
Address: 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5:30 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 619-522-6590
Coronado Municipal Golf Course is positioned right on the bay, just a short hop from downtown San Diego. It has great views of the Coronado Bridge, the city skyline, and even Hotel Del Coronado.
This spot has a par-72 layout measuring 6.590 yards from the blues. It’s straightforward, well-kept, and just the right amount of challenging without being too punishing.
We also love the coastal calm here, which includes wide fairways and lovely kikuyu grass. Four of the holes play right along Glorietta Bay, so you’ll also get soothing water views while lining up your shots.
The facilities here are solid, too. There’s a pro shop, a driving range, a practice area, and a restaurant with outdoor seating.
| Pro Tip: Tee times here are seriously in high demand. Book as early as possible (they open up 14 days in advance), and aim for an early morning slot for smooth greens. |
Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan
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Website: https://www.singinghillsgolfclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singinghillsgolfclub/
Address: 3007 Dehesa Rd, El Cajon
Hours: Mon, Thurs: 6 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM – 6 PM
Wed, Sat – Sun: 6 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 800-457-5568
Only about 20 minutes from downtown, Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan has a whopping 54 holes, spread across three unique courses. It has two championship courses—Willow Glen and Oak Glen.
Willow Glen leans more on the challenging side with tighter fairways, mature trees lining your shots, and serious elevation changes. It’s the kind of course that rewards smart plays and punishes errant tee shots.
Meanwhile, Oak Glen is a bit more forgiving but still delivers a quality round. And don’t forget about the par-3 Pine Glen course—it’s perfect for sharpening your short game.
After your round, go to the Red Tail Grill or Echo’s Lounge for great food and drinks. You can also try your luck at Sycuan Casino, only a few minutes away via a free shuttle.
| Pro Tip: If you choose Willow Glen, prepare yourself for holes 11 to 15. These are the areas where the course really tests your skills, with tricky doglegs, water hazards, and strategic shot placements. |
Steele Canyon Golf Club
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Website: https://www.steelecanyon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelecanyongc/
Address: 3199 Stonefield Dr, Jamul
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 619-441-6900
Steele Canyon Golf Club is only 20 minutes east of downtown San Diego, nestled inside the scenic hills of Jamul, Steele. This 27-hole layout is made up of three nines: Canyon, Ranch, and Vineyard, each with its own personality and challenges.
The Canyon’s front nine has dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views, while the nine at the Ranch offers a quieter, more secluded vibe, winding through natural terrain. Then, there’s the Vineyard’s nine, which plays through residential areas.
Plus, this spot is known for having some of the purest putting surfaces in SoCal. These greens are lightning-fast and true-rolling, making every putt a challenge.
Note that this course is open to the public, with green fees typically ranging from $129 to $149 for non-residents.
| Pro Tip: We suggest requesting the Canyon-Ranch combo when booking your tee time. This pairing offers the most exciting mix of elevation changes and seclusion. |
Mission Bay Golf Course
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Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/golf/mbgolf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionbaygolf/
Address: 2702 N Mission Bay Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6:45 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: +1 858-581-7880
Mission Bay Golf Course is an executive-style, 18-hole course, which is compact at 2.719 yards. It has a mix of 14 par-3s and four par-4s—a great place for beginners and experts alike.
We love the vibe here, which is super laid-back and beachy; it’s probably because it’s located in the Pacific Beach neighborhood. It also has everything—a driving range (with grass and mat options), putting greens, sand traps, and chipping areas.
Fun fact: It’s the only golf course in San Diego with night lighting, which is ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and the heat. You can tee up after work, after dinner, or even with a date.
Another fun fact? This is where Tiger Woods won a Junior World title back in the day!
| Pro Tip: Booking at Mission Bay Golf Course is easy. Just hop online or give them a call to snag a tee time from as early as 6:45 AM all the way through the evening. |
Riverwalk Golf Course
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Website: https://riverwalkgc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverwalkgc/
Address: 1150 Fashion Valley Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Contact: +1 619-296-4653
Riverwalk Golf Course is located in the middle of San Diego’s Mission Valley, offering 27 holes of beautifully maintained golf. It’s a convenient spot if you’re staying at Hotel Circle or looking for a quick round in the city.
The course is split into three nine-hole layouts, and the design really makes the most of the natural terrain. It has mature palm, oak, and eucalyptus trees that line the fairways (with nearly 100 bunkers and greens), and there’s also water in play.
We like that the multiple tee boxes make it easy to find the right level of difficulty, and the course conditions are good throughout the year.
And if you’re trying to improve your game, there’s a large practice facility and learning center. Also, there’s a full-service pro shop and a tasty on-site dining option.
| Pro Tip: If you’re new to Riverwalk, try playing the Presidio and Mission nines—they tend to be the most scenic and enjoyable combo. |
The Grand Golf Club at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
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Website: https://granddelmar.com/resort/golf/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrandgolfclub/
Address: Villas At Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Way
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 858-314-1930
The Grand Golf Club at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is situated in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, only five miles from the Pacific coastline.
It has tight fairways, beautifully contoured greens, and elevation changes, so if you’re up for a challenge, this is your spot. It’s no surprise that gold legends like Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele are known to play here.
The club is reserved for Fairmont guests, members, or those on partner packages, keeping it exclusive and uncrowded. And a round here includes a forecaddie.
If you get hungry, make sure to drop by Addison, their onsite restaurant. It’s the only Five-Star/Five-Diamond restaurant in Southern California.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to let your experienced forecaddie help you read the Grand Golf Club’s greens. They roll true but can be tricky to figure out on your own. |
Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort
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Website: https://www.ranchobernardoinn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranchobernardoinn/
Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 855-574-5356
Located in North County San Diego, Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort offers a Championship course that’s beautifully integrated into the resort’s 265 acres.
You’ll find a nice mix of wide fairways and tighter spots where water features and well-placed bunkers keep you on your toes. Plus, the pace of the play tends to be relaxed—you won’t feel rushed here.
After your game, you can sip cocktails by the outdoor fireplaces, indulge in s’mores, or be pampered at the spa, complete with open-air bungalows.
If you want to splurge, you can book a stay at the resort. Imagine slowing down and soaking in the sunshine in between rounds of classic golf.
| Pro Tip: Book a morning tee time so you can take advantage of the soft light, and you can grab a table on the patio afterward. Great food and great views translate to a perfectly lovely breakfast. |
