We can’t think of a better way to soak in San Diego County’s greenspace than spending some time on the links. Whether you’re looking to connect outdoors with friends or you’re honing in on the perfect swing, here are 18 golf courses (see what we did there, ace?) to book a tee time around America’s Finest City.
Those views though
Torrey Pines Golf Course, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla | Dubbed one of the prettiest golf sites in America by Golf Digest, Torrey features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, the sights are so epic, the prestigious Farmers Insurance Open is played on the North and South courses every January. The US Open was played here in 2008 and 2021, too.
Catch views of San Diego Bay and the Coronado Bay Bridge from the links in Coronado.
Photo via @badandbogey.golf
Coronado Municipal Golf Course, 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado Island | Views of the Coronado Bay Bridge and San Diego Bay make for one truly gorgeous tee time at this course. Don’t miss Feast & Fareway for a post-golf meal.
A little tee sesh at Mission Bay Golf Course.
Photo via @thethumblife
Mission Bay Golf Course, 2702 N. Mission Bay Dr. | Bayfront birdie, anyone? This 46-acre course was designed by Ted Robinson, former president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects — and it’s where Tiger Woods once won a Junior World Title. Hit the beach after your round, it’s so close.
The skyline views from Balboa Park Golf Course are spectacular, too.
Photo via @el_yorsh_1123
Public courses
Balboa Park Golf Course, 2600 Golf Course Dr., San Diego | Located in the heart of the city, this challenging par-72 course boasts incredible views of downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, Point Loma, and the ocean. It’s the oldest public golf facility in SD.
Mission Trails Golf Course, 7380 Golfcrest Dr., San Carlos | This par-71 course was designed by architect William P. Bell in 1964, and the back nine holes offer pretty views of Lake Murray.
If you’re over in the East County, take a swing at Carlton Oaks Golf Course.
Photo via @carltonoaksgolf
Carlton Oaks Country Club, 9200 Inwood Dr., Santee | This longtime East County course hosted the 1974 NCAA National Championship, plus many other golf events over the decades. It’s also where links legend and San Diego native Phil Mickelson played growing up.
Colina Park Golf Course, 4085 52nd St., City Heights | Each hole at this par-3 course is less than 110 yards and includes elevated tee boxes and contoured greens. It’s maintained and operated by Pro Kids, First Tee, a local nonprofit driven to help underserved youth excel both on and off the links.
The Loma Club, 2960 Truxtun Rd., Point Loma | This site dates back to the early 1900s and was originally part of the San Diego Country Club. Today, it’s a hip hangout with a buzzy bar and grill, live music, and, of course, tee time.
Riverwalk Golf Club, 1150 Fashion Valley Rd., Mission Valley | This full-length, par-72 course is known for its palm, oak, and eucalyptus trees which frame its fairways and greens. Don’t miss its Golf Learning Center offering instructional programs for juniors and adults.
Livin’ that links + lake life at The Links at Lakehouse course, that’s for sure.
Photo via The Links at Lakehouse
The Links at Lakehouse, 1750 San Pablo Dr., San Marcos | Part of Lakehouse Hotel & Resort, this par-71 course is open to both resort guests and the public. Study the holes before teeing up, and check out The Links’ golf lessons to step up your game.
Pretty sights from The Crossings at Carlsbad.
Photo via @jiuying_sd
The Crossings at Carlsbad, 5800 The Crossings Dr. | This 6,835-yard course features terrain to challenge golfers of all skill levels and a clubhouse with views of the Pacific Ocean and Carlsbad. Fun fact: The “crossings” part of its name is a nod to the bridges in the course’s layout designed to highlight the area’s natural habitat, wildlife, and topography.
Oaks North, 12602 Oaks N. Dr., Rancho Bernardo | Boasting 27 holes, this North County course is all about variety. If you’re looking to improve your game, check out the Golf Clinics offered by PGA pros and if you’re looking to up your golfing gear, check out the on-site Golf Pro Shop.
The Tiki Town Adventure Golf course at Belmont Park is fun for the whole family.
Photo via @belmontparksd
Just putting around
Tiki Town Adventure Golf, 3114 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach | Tucked inside Belmont Park, this 18-hole mini course is perfect for putters of all ages. Pro tip: If you get a hole-in-one, you win a $5 card to play games inside the arcade.
Tappers Mini Golf, 2960 Truxtun Rd., Liberty Station | This 9-hole mini course is part of The Loma Club — and perfect for a date night or family tee time. Pro tips: Snag the $65.50 family deal that includes 18 holes of mini golf for four people (with at least one child); if you visit Monday-Thursday, 12-4 p.m., ask about the off-peak rates.
Pelly’s Mini Golf, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar | Located at the Del Mar Golf Center, this miniature course is open to all ages — but is especially fun for kids ages 12 and under. Pro tip: Gather a group of 10 or more and you can snag special group pricing.
The Grand Golf Club at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Photo via @kevinaldridge_realtor
Members only
San Diego Country Club, 88 L St., Chula Vista | Billed as the first country club in San Diego, this venue hosted the US Women’s Open in 1964 and will host the US Senior Women’s Open in 2025. It began as a 9-hole course in 1897 in what is now Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo and moved to its Chula Vista site in 1920, expanding to 18 holes.
The Grand Golf Club, 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Carmel Valley | Part of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a membership includes unlimited golf and cart, plus access to the resort’s pools, fitness center, pickleball courts, and family-friendly activities. Members will also snag invitations to special events like chef’s dinners at the three-time, Michelin-starred Addison restaurant.
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, 5827 Via De La Cumbre, Rancho Santa Fe | This historic, par-72 course opened on June 5, 1929. From 1937 to 1942, entertainer and avid golfer Bing Crosby held the star-studded, Pro-Am Clambake here. Membership is available to members of the Rancho Santa Fe Association.
