Best Golf Courses in San Diego, California

San Diego may offer the most enviable golf lifestyle in America. Year-round perfect weather, Pacific Ocean clifftop courses, and a laid-back Southern California vibe create a golf experience that's hard to match. Torrey Pines alone — a municipal course that has hosted U.S. Opens — makes San Diego a world-class golf destination.

Our Methodology: Courses are ranked by an expert panel evaluating design quality, conditioning, challenge, aesthetics, and overall experience. Both private and public courses are considered on merit.

Torrey Pines - South Course public

San Diego, California · William F. Bell / Rees Jones (1957) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,698 yards

Perched on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines South is one of America's most famous municipal courses and host of the Farmers Insurance Open. Tiger Woods' legendary 2008 U.S. Open victory here cemented its place in golf history.

U.S. Open and PGA Tour venuePacific Ocean cliffside settingTiger Woods' 2008 U.S. Open on one leg

Green Fee: $80–$230 Rating: 4.7/5

Maderas Golf Club public

San Diego, California · Johnny Miller & Robert Muir Graves (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,167 yards

Carved through rugged North County San Diego terrain, Maderas is consistently rated the top daily-fee course in the region. The dramatic layout features waterfall-backed greens, canyon carries, and elevation changes that create a memorable experience.

Top-rated daily-fee course in San DiegoDramatic canyon and waterfall featuresJohnny Miller design

Green Fee: $100–$180 Rating: 4.5/5

Aviara Golf Club resort

San Diego, California · Arnold Palmer (1991) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,007 yards

An Arnold Palmer design at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, this beautifully conditioned course offers ocean views, native landscaping, and a resort golf experience among the finest in Southern California.

Arnold Palmer designPark Hyatt luxury resortPacific Ocean and lagoon views

Green Fee: $150–$275 Rating: 4.4/5

Steele Canyon Golf Club public

San Diego, California · Gary Player (1991) · 27 holes · Par 72 · 6,741 yards

A Gary Player design with 27 holes offering three distinct nines through the canyons of eastern San Diego County. The course provides excellent value with varied terrain and dramatic elevation changes.

Gary Player design27 holes with three ninesCanyon and mountain setting

Green Fee: $50–$100 Rating: 4.2/5

Coronado Municipal Golf Course public

San Diego, California · Jack Daray (1957) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,633 yards

With views of downtown San Diego, the Coronado Bridge, and the Pacific, this bayside municipal course may be the most scenic affordable golf in America. While the layout is straightforward, the setting is world-class.

Downtown San Diego skyline viewsCoronado Bridge backdropMost scenic municipal course in America

Green Fee: $30–$55 Rating: 4/5

Torrey Pines North Course public

San Diego, California · William F. Bell (redesigned Tom Weiskopf) (1957) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,874 yards

The more accessible sibling to the famous South Course, Torrey Pines North was redesigned by Tom Weiskopf in 2016 to bring more strategic interest and championship character. The clifftop location overlooking the Pacific Ocean is equally stunning, with more forgiving fairways and approachable greens.

Tom Weiskopf 2016 redesignSame stunning Pacific clifftop settingMore accessible than the South Course

Green Fee: $80–$175 Rating: 4.3/5

Aviara Golf Club resort

San Diego, California · Arnold Palmer (1991) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,007 yards

Part of the Park Hyatt Aviara resort in Carlsbad, this Arnold Palmer design hosts the LPGA's Kia Classic and features stunning Pacific Ocean views, lush tropical landscaping, and some of the best-conditioned playing surfaces in Southern California.

LPGA Kia Classic hostArnold Palmer coastal designPark Hyatt Aviara resort

Green Fee: $175–$295 Rating: 4.5/5

Mount Woodson Golf Club public

San Diego, California · unknown (1971) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 5,740 yards

A hidden gem in Ramona northeast of San Diego, Mount Woodson offers one of the most dramatically scenic golf experiences in the county. The short but challenging mountain layout features boulder-framed holes, dramatic elevation changes, and panoramic views that rival any course in the state for sheer visual drama.

Most scenic course in San Diego CountyBoulder-framed mountain holesShort but dramatically challenging

Green Fee: $50–$95 Rating: 4/5

Public Courses in San Diego

Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in San Diego .

Overview

With its Mediterranean climate, coastal beauty, and diverse terrain from seaside cliffs to inland canyons, San Diego delivers golf experiences for every taste and budget. The region's crown jewel is Torrey Pines, but courses like Maderas, Aviara, and Coronado Municipal prove there's quality throughout.

Best Time to Play

San Diego's climate allows for year-round golf, but September through November offers the warmest ocean temperatures and clearest skies. "May Gray" and "June Gloom" bring morning fog that typically burns off by midday.

Travel Tips & Getting There

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is minutes from downtown and most courses. Torrey Pines is 20 minutes north in La Jolla. For the best rates at Torrey, book as a San Diego County resident or stay at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone play Torrey Pines?

Yes — Torrey Pines is a public municipal course. San Diego County residents receive discounted rates. Non-residents should book in advance, especially for the South Course (the U.S. Open layout). Staying at the Lodge at Torrey Pines also provides preferred access.

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