Golf Trip to San Diego

Where to Play Golf:

Torrey Pines North and South (La Jolla): Host of the PGA’s annual Farmers Insurance Open and the 2021 U.S. Open. Arguably one of the best settings in the country for a public course, perched atop the iconic golden cliffs with panoramic ocean views and those famous windswept pine trees. It really is ALL THAT. South Course is a true US Open championship course, originally designed in 1957, by William Bell Sr. and renovated/redesigned by Rees Jones in 2001, and again in 2019. The spectacular vistas often feature the addition of paragliders sailing by as the Torrey Pines Glider Port is just down the road. North Course, renovated in 2016 by Tom Weiskopf, could be viewed as the more playable and friendly course for non-champion level golfers, although equally difficult in some stretches. It is shorter, less expensive and some would say more picturesque. I’ve been told that playing #15 at sunset is an experience of a lifetime. You can book tee times up to 90 days in advance.

Champions and Legends Courses (Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad): Champions has been undergoing a complete renovation in preparation to host three NCAA Div 1 Women’s and Men’s Championships beginning in May 2024, and will reopen after the first event, in June 2024. The renovation, by famed architect Gil Hanse, is said to be legendary and is highly anticipated by members and visitors alike. Tee times will be available for members as well as resort guests. Legends is open to members and resort guests and tee times can be booked 60 days in advance.

Aviara Golf Course (Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad): Tucked away in a pretty residential area, Aviara Golf Course is the only San Diego course designed by Arnold Palmer. Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in San Diego as well as greater California and host to the LPGA Kia Classic. It is beautifully maintained with stunning landscaping and a championship layout. A challenging course that crescendos in difficulty as you reach the finish, with the last five holes being particularly difficult. It’s been said that #18 is Palmer’s favorite finishing hole he's ever designed. Tee times are available to players of all ages and abilities.

The Grand Golf Club (Fairmont Grand Del Mar): Located on the stunning grounds of the Grand Del Mar Resort, this is much more than a golf course. A fabulous place for a group or family trip, the resort offers a plethora of activities on property as well as a three-star Michelin restaurant. Designed by Tom Fazio, The Grand is known for its natural beauty, rolling hills and the feeling of being tucked away from the crowds in your own little golf haven. It is not open to the public, but guests of the resort get priority access to tee times. With six sets of tees on each hole, every level of golfer can enjoy this course. Additionally, with its state-of-the-art, Top 50 practice facility, The Grand regularly draws tour pros to practice and play.

Maderas Golf Club (Poway): Consistently rated one of the best courses in San Diego (especially for its course conditions) and ranked by Golf Digest as one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses, this is a bit of a hidden gem. Located slightly inland and north of downtown San Diego, it’s only about a 25-30 minute drive from The Grand and Torrey Pines. With rolling hills and desert views, this Jonny Miller and Robert Muir Graves course is challenging but fun, with narrow fairways, complex greens and lots of elevation changes. Five tee boxes on every hole allow for any level of golfer to enjoy a round here. Open to the public with tee times available online.

Coronado Municipal Golf Course (Coronado): Maybe not the most challenging, but it’s hard not to give this one an honorable mention as it’s a neighborhood favorite in a gorgeous setting. Beneath the Coronado Bridge and overlooking the harbor and downtown San Diego, this is a decent course for the recreational golfer, and it won’t break the bank. Ranked #5 nationally by Golf Digest for best value. Tee times can be booked online, by phone or in-person and walk-ons are welcome.

In addition, there are more than 40 public access courses in San Diego, so if you’re thirsty for more, there is plenty to be had!

Day Trips:

Recognizing that golf trips don’t revolve fully and completely around golf, and there may be families with children involved, it’s important to highlight some other attractions in the area.

Things to do:

• Catch a Padres Game during baseball season.

• Check out the local brewery scene (San Diego is known for its microbreweries and a lot of them have great tasting rooms, some with restaurants).

• Go wine tasting (I can help arrange for a group van driver).

• Visit the USS Midway aircraft carrier.

• Visit the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park (two different locations).

• Check out Balboa Park, home of the San Diego Zoo and many other attractions.

• Enjoy Sea World, Legoland or Birch Aquarium.

• Attend the County Fair (June or early July) for horse racing (mid July through early September) at Del Mar Fairgrounds.

• Or take part in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as surfing, tennis, pickleball, paddle, hiking, horseback riding, biking, sailing, kayaking, SUP, jet skis, fishing or exploring tide pools. The possibilities are endless!

• Click here for my guide on San Diego Beach Towns of North County and learn more about what to see and where to eat and drink.

Places to Eat & Drink:

• Addison: Southern California’s first and only three-star Michelin restaurant.

• Marine Room: Fine dining in La Jolla with panoramic ocean views right on the beach.

• Nine-Ten: Consistently one of the best restaurants in San Diego, farm to table with a 2023 Michelin Guide distinction.

• Mister A’s: Fine dining atop downtown San Diego with spectacular views.

See my guide for more options in North County.