San Diego Golf Courses

Set harborside along the San Diego Bay, the Coronado Municipal Course is unique for offering some great views of the nearby Coronado Bridge, with some parts of the course letting you look underneath this historic landmark.

Of course, the golf here is nothing to sneeze at either! It’s 18 holes of gorgeous green and a par 72 that’s ideal for more laid-back golfers. It’s easy to see how it’s stood the test of time since originally opening in 1957.

Why We Love the Course

This Coronado golf course is about 15 minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter in the Downtown San Diego area. Taking a ride over the bridge right before playing is extra special, since you’ll get to see it from all angles.

Our Hotel Pairing

For an iconic course, why not stay at an iconic hotel?

The Hotel del Coronado has been frequented by celebrities and politicians across its extensive history, and its location right on Coronado Central Beach is a huge plus too.

The Balboa Park Golf Course is one of three city of San Diego courses.

This course is convenient due to being the closest golf course to Downtown San Diego at just an 8-minute drive from the Gaslamp Quarter, and is situated by the state Route 94 and Interstate 5 freeway. While you golf, you’ll get to take in the view of not only Balboa Park, but also nearby Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean.

For golfers looking for a challenge, Balboa Park Golf Course has a par 72 designed to test your skills. You have your pick of an 18-hole golf course and a nine-hole executive golf course.

This is also a favorite course among residents of San Diego like myself, since you can buy a yearly resident card to play the course at a discounted rate.

Why We Love the Course

There’s tons to do in Balboa Park alongside golfing, including the biggest attraction in San Diego and one of my personal favorites, the San Diego Zoo!

Pick up a Go City San Diego pass to get discounts on admission to the zoo, many of the other museums in the park, and other attractions around the county. Use the discount code GVSD5OFF for even more savings.

Our Hotel Pairing

You’ve got your pick of hotels by the zoo, but one of my favorites is Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection By Hilton.

It’s got a great location in Little Italy with tons of excellent surrounding restaurants, making it the perfect launching off point for many of the best things to do in Little Italy.

As the home of multiple naval bases and the current location of the USS Midway, a real aircraft carrier turned museum, San Diego has a long military tradition. This even extends to the world of golf!

The Admiral Baker golf course is part of a naval base, but you don’t have to know anybody in the military to get in and play (though there are military discounts). And that’s lucky, because I think it deserves to be enjoyed by everyone!

Admiral Baker Golf Course is split into two 18-hole courses. The north course is my favorite of the two, mostly flat with some gentle hills and bunkers to keep the game interesting.

Why We Love the Course

This is a fun course that’s not too tough but still provides a comfortable challenge. It’s only about 15 minutes from the center of Downtown, which makes it manageable even if you don’t have a car, thanks to public transit and rideshares.

Our Hotel Pairing

Stay in a cozy bungalow at the Paradise Point Resort & Spa, set in solitude on its own little island and surrounded by the beach - plus enjoy nearby access to popular attractions like SeaWorld San Diego.

It’s no surprise where Riverwalk Golf Course gets its name, as the San Diego River passes right through it! While this does mean there’s a greater risk of losing a ball into the drink, it also makes for some great scenery.

The course spans multiple wetland zones and has lots of diversity in the environments at each hole, meaning you’ll rarely see the same thing twice. It’s a bit on the harder side, but there are multiple tees so you can ease the challenge on this 18-hole 72-par course if you prefer.

Why We Love the Course

This beautiful course is right in Mission Valley, putting it just 12 minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter and not far from the San Diego International Airport (SAN) or its nearby hotels.

It’s a good pick if you want some serious golfing but don’t want to go too far out from the city center.

Our Hotel Pairing

The DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley is right next to a trolley stop, and not far from the course either.

On top of including the quality standards and amenities of the Hilton brand, it’s a convenient choice if you’re hoping to get in a round of golf, or get to attractions without renting a car.

Compared to its northern counterpart, the Admiral Baker south course is significantly more beginner-friendly. At the risk of putting myself down, that’s great news if you golf like I do, though it may be a little less of a challenge than some more experienced golfers are looking for - or so my buddy Brian tells me.

That said, there’s still lots to like for all skill levels when it comes to this 18-hole course. It’s pretty flat, with the back 9 holes bringing a bit more variety into the mix. This is a great spot to get a few comfortable rounds in, and if you’re planning to hit both, it works well as a warm-up for the northern course.

Why We Love the Course

This is another closer and cheaper course, at about 15 minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter. The forgiving layout makes it an appealing choice for newcomers and more casual golfers.

Our Hotel Pairing

If you’ve worked up a sweat at the Admiral Baker course, why not cool off at The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows?

It’s a local landmark that’s had quite a few celebrities stay since it opened in 1946. The hotel recently went through a really nice renovation, yet it still maintains a retro look and feel. An LGBTQA+ friendly property, it’s most famous for its pool!

Mission Bay Golf Course is right in my neighborhood of Pacific Beach, so it’s super convenient for me, and I’ve played there myself. This 18-hole course even opens up for night golf, so you can spend your morning at one of my favorite PB beaches and play a round in the evening.

Like the Balboa Park Golf Course, this is another of the three city of San Diego courses. Residents can play at a discounted rate by purchasing an annual resident card, but the fees aren’t too pricey for non-residents either.

Why We Love the Course

At just 13 minutes from Downtown San Diego, you won’t have to travel far to get here. I enjoy playing a few holes with my friends, but honestly, a shorter course is a perfect match for me.

With a par 58, this is an excellent short course if you’d like to try it out but don’t want to spend too much of your vacation on the fairway.

Our Hotel Pairing

At the Tower 23 Hotel, you’ll be right on the beachfront. This is a boutique spot that bills itself as a “lifestyle hotel,” emphasizing on-site activities and a restorative stay for all guests.

The course at the Loma Club is pretty short and sweet. It’s 9 holes with a 27 par, but don’t expect boring, flat stretches of rough and fairway - there’s actually a lot of variety here and quite a few big changes in elevation throughout the course.

These hills and dips make the view of the harbor and the lights of Downtown stand out all the more, especially later in the day, as the course has evening tee times available.

Why We Love the Course

The Loma Club doesn’t just have golf; they’ve also got weekly events like trivia and live music at the club’s bar and grill.

It’s a short 10-minute drive from the Gaslamp Quarter and a great spot to hang out and catch some entertainment after golfing.

Our Hotel Pairing

Enjoy a slice of luxury at the Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort which features upscale dining, massages at SpaTerre, and access to a private beachfront.

San Diego’s Tecolote Canyon is a beautiful example of the more mountainous side of the region. The Tecolote Canyon Golf Course takes full advantage of this unique locale to offer some inspired course layouts that highlight the natural beauty while also making for an exciting experience.

Alongside playing the 9 or 18 hole courses, you can also get group or private instruction here if you’re looking to polish up your skills.

Why We Love the Course

I’ve played at this course myself and can personally vouch for it, as it’s also one of my personal favorites.

At just about 15 minutes from San Diego’s center, it’s close, fun, affordable, and easy to get on without worrying about long tee times.

Our Hotel Pairing

Just off the beach along Mission Blvd, you’ll find the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, which is especially great for families thanks to its schedule of all-ages activities both on- and off-site.

San Diego’s most iconic courses are at Torrey Pines, which sits atop the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla. The course is widely known by amateur and professional golfers because of its yearly hosting of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open event.

There are two 18-hole golf courses just off the beautiful Black’s Beach. Brian prefers the southern course, as it offers a bit more of a challenge and for me, they’re both a gorgeous treat of nature, plus a real challenge!

While waiting for your buddy to take his shot, look up and you might spot a glider or paraglider coasting over the course. They’re from Torrey Pines Gliderport, which is located just south of the course.

Why We Love the Course

This course is iconic. It’s probably the most famous course in San Diego so if you love playing golf, teeing off at Torrey Pines will be a real treat!

Torrey Pines definitely falls into the more expensive bucket of courses on this list, but if you’re a big golf fan, it’s worth the 20-minute drive to play on the same course as the pros - plus you can’t beat that cliffside view!

Our Hotel Pairing

If you’re hitting the Torrey Pines golf course, stay and play at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.

As one of the only true five-star hotels in San Diego, this beautiful resort offers many high-end accommodations including a wonderful spa and views that are unmatched for golf lovers of all types.

The Torrey Pines north course shares many of the same charms as the south course. While I think the southern course is a bit better, the northern course rivals and maybe even surpasses it in terms of scenic views while you’re teeing off.

This 18-hole course is a little less difficult than what you’ll find to the south too.

In addition to playing a game of golf, visitors have the ability to take private lessons with qualified PGA and LPGA professionals.

Why We Love the Course

The northern Torrey Pines Golf Course offers the same feeling of connection to the sport as its southern counterpart.

It’s amazing to see how much the environment changes just 20 minutes from Downtown too, with the Pacific Ocean in view and the towering Torrey pine trees around the course making it feel truly unique.

Our Hotel Pairing

In addition to The Lodge, Torrey Pines has another fantastic nearby hotel, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.

The hacienda-style buildings give it a unique blend of luxury and history. The boutique hotel is one of my personal favorites in San Diego so next to staying at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, this is also a great choice as well!

Aviara Golf Club is located in Carlsbad at the beautiful Park Hyatt Aviara. This 18-hole golf course has a par of 72.

With lagoon views and native wildflowers around the course it is the perfect place to relax while playing a round of golf. The course is the only one designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer in all of San Diego, and it’s both beautiful and an enticing challenge.

The Aviara Golf Club is open to the public and it also offers Golf Memberships as well. The property also has the Aviara Racquet Club, which has tennis and pickleball courts.

Why We Love the Course

You’ll need to drive a bit further for this course, as it’s about 45 minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter. But this beautiful resort course is well worth the visit, and you can minimize your travel time if you decide to go all-out and stay overnight at the hotel.

Our Hotel Pairing

If you’re going to play at Aviara Golf Club and want to experience an equally lavish hotel stay, it only makes sense to splurge on a full night of decadence at the five-star Park Hyatt Aviara.

The rooms here boast gorgeous views of the coast and foothills, and the upscale dining and on-site spa only add to the luxury.

Characterized by cliff views and rolling green hills, Maderas Golf Club is one of the best upscale golf courses in Southern California that’s also publicly accessible. This is an 18-hole course with four tees, so even less experienced golfers can get in on the fun.

One nice touch here is that the course is exceptionally well-maintained, and the staff gets rave reviews for their friendliness and helpfulness.

Why We Love the Course

Poway is about a 45-minute drive from Downtown San Diego, so it’s a bit of a haul, but we agree that this course is worth it for dedicated golfers who want to experience its high-end course for themselves.

Our Hotel Pairing

The L'Auberge Del Mar is in Del Mar, so it’s not quite right next to the course. But if you’re okay with a drive anyway, this amazing beach hotel is one of my favorites in the area!

A bit beyond San Diego in El Cajon, you’ll find the Singing Hills Golf Club and Oak Glen Golf Course. This 18-hole course has some big names attached to its history, with redesigns by both Ted Robinson and Dave Fleming.

The Oak Glen course is one of three under the Singing Hills umbrella. We think it edges the other courses out here, but you’ll surely see the name again before the list is done!

Why We Love the Course

A day trip to El Cajon is pretty feasible from San Diego, as it’s about 35 minutes away. Its location lets it feel a little more secluded and scenic, especially with the Sweetwater River running through the property.

Our Hotel Pairing

Pop back over to La Jolla to cozy up to the fire pits or swim a few laps in the junior Olympic pool at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, all within range of La Jolla’s beaches.

The course at Steele Canyon Golf Club has three different 9-hole courses, 27 in all, making it one of the biggest courses on our list. Each one was thoughtfully designed by golf legend Gary Player to not only be fun to play, but also to preserve and highlight stunning natural features.

Choose from the Canyon, Vineyard, or Ranch nine, or play all three on a tour around the property.

Why We Love the Course

Steele Canyon is somewhat far at 40 minutes from the city center. That said, it’s really something special, with a design that takes full advantage of the landscape to create a challenging and varied course.

Our Hotel Pairing

Stay at a Mediterranean-style hotel without leaving Southern California when you book a night at La Valencia Hotel.

The four-star hotel feels fancy to me, offering a nice blend of luxury with an overall boutique ambiance.

Joining Oak Glen, Willow Glen Golf Course is another Singing Hills course that’s just as beautiful and also shares one of its designers, Ted Robinson.

This 18-hole course is a par 72, and it’s a particularly challenging one with a lot of hazards. If you’re up for the challenge, though, it’s one you won’t want to miss out on.

Why We Love the Course

The narrow greens and water hazards incorporating the Sweetwater River make this a fairly demanding course that’s well worth the 35-minute drive for dedicated golfers.

Our Hotel Pairing

The 4-star Grande Colonial La Jolla dates all the way back to 1913, and has been the boutique hotel of choice for countless vacationers for over a century.