Mark SkinnerI find golf to be a chore. From all the walking and looking for the ball, I simply couldn’t stand it. I almost gave up on the sport entirely until a friend introduced me to the simple, magical world of miniature golf.
It had all the best parts of golf without the tiring and annoying part of driving from one hole to the next. Aside from that, each miniature golf course is wacky, with fantastical hole concepts. I’ve even seen one inside a crocodile’s mouth (you get it!).
Interested? Come with me and let’s explore the top miniature golf courses in San Diego. I’m sure that they’ll contain all sorts of fun.
1. Belmont Park
Media credit: Belmont Park Instagram
Website: https://www.belmontpark.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TikiAdventureGolf
Address: 3114 Mission Blvd, CA 92109
Contact Details: +1 858-488-1971
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $
Belmont Park has been a staple for San Diego’s citizens for almost 100 years. Their beloved miniature golf course has been a top attraction since it opened. Tiki Town Mini Golf has some fun surprises and challenges for both kids and adults.
The course is heavily inspired by tropical islands, with heavy Polynesian inspirations. The classic windmills are turned into giant pineapples, while some other parts of the course have large tiki masks that are so cool to look at.
The entire course is 18 holes long, which is about the average when compared to others in the city. My favorite part of the course has to be the plane that’s split in half. While it may look fake, children love it for its somewhat accurate depiction.
| Pro Tip: For those who want to explore the entire park freely, I’d suggest getting a park pass. Access to the miniature golf course can be purchased with either the Ride & Play or the Season Pass. Just choose whichever is cheaper. |
2. Boomers Vista
Media credit: Boomers Vista Instagram
Website: https://boomersvista.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boomers.vista
Address: 1525 W Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083
Contact Details: +1 760-457-4737
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: $
While Boomers Vista has some of the fastest and coolest go-karting tracks in San Diego, their miniature golf course is where you head to when you want to slow down. Each hole here presents a new adventure and is perfect for the entire family.
Even as a self-considered pro at mini golf, I still found their holes to be quite challenging. Additionally, the course can handle a good few people at a time, so there’s little waiting.
Other attractions at the park include its futuristic arcade. Aside from that, team up with a loved one and race against others at their tag-team go-karting track. Then test your skills at their rock climbing gym and see who can reach the top first.
| Pro Tip: The best pass to buy when heading here is the unlimited attractions pass. While it has a 2-hour time limit, it’s more than enough to experience most of the park, if not the entire park. There’s also a 4-hour pass if you’re looking to stay for longer. |
3. Del Mar Golf Center
Media credit: Del Mar Golf Center Instagram
Website: https://delmargolfcenter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelMarGolfCenter
Address: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Contact Details: +1 858-509-5130
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Pricing: $
Yes, Del Mar Golf Center isn’t just for serious golf. There’s a wonderful miniature golf course here called Pelly’s Mini Golf that is so cute and charming. While other courses may rely on designs to attract people, this course uses the number of holes instead.
Rather than having 18 holes, Pelly’s has 36. Despite this increase in numbers, the course is fairly cheap. An adult pass costs $19.50, while a children’s pass costs $15.00.
There are even discounts for military personnel and groups of 10 or more.
| Pro Tip: Some parents have even used this course as a venue for a birthday party. I’d suggest going for the whale package since it’s just $22 per person. Each child receives 2 rounds at the miniature golf course, with some shaved ice after. |
4. The Loma Club
Media credit: Tappers Golf Instagram
Website: https://thelomaclub.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tappersgolf
Address: 2960 Truxtun Rd, CA 92106
Contact Details: +1 619-222-4653
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Loma Club isn’t just the premier location to enjoy golf, since it has a great miniature golf course. Tappers Mini Golf is one of their newest additions to the club. There are two sets of 9 holes available here, either the gopher or the gator, whichever you prefer.
The rates here are quite cheap, with $14.00 for adults and $12.00 for kids. There’s also an option to try all 18 holes for around $21.00 for adults and $18.00 for kids. Group rates are also available, with $50.00 for a single course and $75.00 for both.
Personally, after a nice round of mini golf, I’d find myself going to the Loma Club Bar and Grill for an assortment of burgers and sandwiches. Don’t worry, the adults can also have some fun as there’s wine and beer available, as well as a variety of cocktails.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a cheaper price, I’d suggest visiting before 4:00 PM on a weekday, specifically Monday through Thursday. While the off-peak rates apply only to kids, it’s quite cheap at $10.00 for either course. |
5. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Media credit: Sky Zone Trampoline Park Instagram
Website: https://www.skyzone.com/san-diego-miramar-ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyZoneSanDiegoMiramarCA
Address: 8190 Miralani Dr, CA 92126
Contact Details: +1 858-693-5867
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Jumping around isn’t the only thing you can do at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. There’s a wonderful miniature golf course here that’s great for those who’ve had their fill of the trampolines. My favorite part about it is that the miniature golf pass has no time limit.
There are 18 holes to choose from, and each is designed to be solved creatively rather than tackled head-on. The course has many twists and turns, and while it isn’t as stylish as other tracks, it makes up for it with the skill needed to beat each hole.
Aside from the miniature golf course, I also tend to frequent the Ninja Warrior Course. While I love myself some good mini-golf, this is another highlight of Sky Zone Trampoline Park that keeps me coming back for more.
| Pro Tip: Always get the special passes when heading here. While it may be tempting for those who just want to play miniature golf to get regular admission, the special passes grant access to the entire facility rather than just the course. |
6. SD Pop Up Mini Golf
Media credit: SD Pop Up Mini Golf Instagram
Website: https://www.sdpopupminigolf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDPopUpMiniGolf
Address: 12674 Parish Road, CA 92128
Contact Details: +1 310-989-9418
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
SD Pop Up Mini Golf is one of the few dedicated miniature golf courses in San Diego. Amazingly, they have over 80 different custom-crafted obstacles to choose from. This is definitely the place to be when you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Sadly, they’re not a dedicated course, but they are a rental. I’ve often seen them at small events, and they easily become the stars of the show. Apparently, people love the idea of transportable, smaller-scale versions of mini golf.
I also love that they’re customer-friendly and can work with any budget.
| Pro Tip: For a smaller-scale party, I’d still go for the 18-Hole Rental. This includes everything that you and your guests may need, including pencils and scorecards. There’s a 3-hour minimum, but it shouldn’t matter at a party. |
7. Putters Paradise Mini Golf
Media credit: sdminiaturegolf Instagram
Website: https://sdminigolf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Putters-Paradise-Miniature-Golf-61568210436171
Address: 8190 Miralani Dr, CA 92126
Contact Details: +1 858-693-5867
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Putters Paradise is best for those looking for miniature golf courses to rent or for parties. While their courses are simple, they can easily accommodate a good number of guests with the 18 different holes available across the entire course.
I love this place because it’s perfect for beginners who want to enjoy a relaxing round of mini golf. Unlike other tracks, theirs aren’t decorated with colorful designs. They keep things simple and neat, and sometimes that’s all you really want when playing this sport.
After a few rounds, I’d suggest heading to their snack bar. There are some delicious snacks here, like some pizza to enjoy during or after beating your friends at golf.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a party (birthday, corporate), booking early in the day can help you secure better slots and maybe more flexibility. |
8. City Fun Center
Media credit: northcounty_sd Instagram
Website: https://www.cityfuncenter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/City-Fun-Center-100063703953708
Address: 12900 Gregg Ct, Poway, CA 92064
Contact Details: +1 858-675-9700
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: $
You can play a wackier round of miniature golf at City Fun Center. Here, you’ll step into a blacklight wonderland of pirates. I love the vibrant colors that remind me of old arcade games, and the mind-bending 3D effects make my head spin a bit.
The 9-hole course is great for kids who want to play mini golf in an enclosed space. I find that this is best for beginners, since they don’t have to worry about the ball flying towards the opposite hole.
Other fun activities here include the Highway 66 Mini Bowling, which features shorter lanes and smaller balls.
| Pro Tip: When dealing with a large number of kids, the best option is their party packages. This gives them access to most of the arcade and can easily be customized. The best part is that all options come with a pizza good for 12. |
9. Swing Social
Media credit: Swing Social Instagram
Website: https://swingsocialsd.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swingsocialsd
Address: 527 Fifth Ave, CA 92101
Contact Details: +1 619-642-2652
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday: 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: $
For a unique twist to the sport, heading to Swing Social is one of the best things you can do. While they don’t have a miniature golf course here, they offer something cooler: virtual golf. You get to enjoy all the best parts of mini golf just by staying in one place.
Thanks to the uniqueness of their offer, guests can easily experience all 18 holes of mini golf across multiple venues. Personally, I love the idea of mini golf with some nice cocktails and a few snacks while chatting with strangers who also love the sport.
Aside from being a great place to hang out when looking for mini golf enthusiasts, the place is also a great bar. They often host other events, like The Big Game, that let everyone watch a great football match using their 20 TVs across the entire venue.
| Pro Tip: They have some amazing golf events here, like their Gaslamp Mini Golf, which typically happens on Sundays. This is a small mini golf tournament that’s best for mingling with locals, while enjoying good food and drinks. |
10. Turf Activity
Media credit: Turf Activity Instagram
Website: https://turfactivity.com
Contact Details: +1 619-259-0322
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Turf Activity is another great mini golf rental, though less well-known than SD Pop Up. What makes them stand out is that they’re cheaper and easily customizable. Aside from that, they’re better for beginners and don’t require much setup.
Their rentals range from 2 to 18-hole courses. I like that these designs mirror those of actual golf, using astro turf and wooden beams to provide a more natural experience. Additionally, rentals are paid every 3 hours, with an additional fee for an extra 4 hours.
| Pro Tip: The premium mini golf holes should always be the ones that you rent here. It’s a great way to introduce others to the sport, even if it’s the easiest one. Guests use their critical thinking to get better at the sport in just a few hours. |
