13 Best Golf Courses in California
California is a golfer’s dream, home to some of the most stunning courses in the world. From the iconic Pebble Beach, perched along the rugged Pacific coastline, to premier clubs like the Los Angeles Country Club and the Olympic Club, there’s something for every golf lover. Whether you prefer exclusive private courses or more affordable public ones, California offers plenty of options, with green fees ranging from under $100 to over $600. Many venues go beyond the game with resort-style amenities like world-class spas, fine dining, and tennis courts.
With its variety of landscapes and top-tier facilities, California provides an unforgettable experience for golfers at every level. Ready to hit the greens? This article dives into the 13 best golf courses in the Golden State!
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links, located in Pebble Beach off of the famed 17-Mile Drive, is one of the world’s most iconic golf courses. Overlooking Monterey Bay, its breathtaking layout features challenging holes along the rugged coastline. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant in 1919, the course has a rating of 75.9 and a slope of 148.
Easily accessible, Pebble Beach is about a 2-hour drive from San Jose International Airport and just 15 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport. Green fees start at over $600, but the incredible views and world-class design make it a worthwhile investment. The course includes a luxurious clubhouse with fabulous restaurants (The Bench and The Tap Room are favorites), pro shops, and practice facilities. Public tee times are available but fill quickly, so early reservations are encouraged.
Pebble Beach Golf Links is part of Pebble Beach Resorts, which includes exceptional accommodations like The Lodge at Pebble Beach and Casa Palmero. Spa services, tennis courts, and other recreational activities are available, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. The best time to visit is late spring or early fall when the weather is mild, as the area can be foggy and chilly.
Cypress Point Club
Along the rugged coast of Pebble Beach lies Cypress Point Club, considered one of the most exclusive and picturesque golf courses in the country. Designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1928 with input from Robert Hunter and Marion Hollins, the course is celebrated for its dramatic coastal cliffs and impeccable design. It holds a prestigious rating of 72.1 and a slope of 140.
Cypress Point is located just minutes from Monterey Regional Airport and about a 2-hour drive from San Jose International Airport. This private course is accessible only to members and their guests, making it a true bucket-list destination for golf enthusiasts. The clubhouse includes traditional amenities and is, like the course, reserved for members and a select few guests.
While Cypress Point does not offer accommodations, nearby top-of-the-line hotels like The Lodge at Pebble Beach or The Inn at Spanish Bay are excellent options. As with Pebble Beach Golf Links, spring or fall is the best time to play.
Torrey Pines Golf Course (North Course)
Located in sunny La Jolla, one of San Diego's most sought-after neighborhoods, Torrey Pines Golf Course is famous for its sweeping ocean views and challenging layout. Originally designed by William F. Bell in 1957 and renovated twice by Rees Jones, Torrey Pines has hosted several major professional tournaments, including the U.S. Open. It holds a rating of 75.3 and a slope of 131.
Situated just a 25-minute drive from San Diego International Airport, Torrey Pines features two 18-hole championship courses: North and South. The North Course is considered the best, but both are excellent. Tee times can be booked online, and the course is open to the public, with green fees starting at $150 and special discounts for San Diego residents. Facilities include a well-equipped pro shop, a practice range, and a couple of fabulous restaurants at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.
The Lodge also provides top-notch accommodations near the course and a magnificent spa. Summer or early fall is the ideal time to visit, with warm weather and jaw-dropping coastal views.
Riviera Country Club
Located in Pacific Palisades, just outside Los Angeles, Riviera Country Club is a historic and prestigious course known for its strategic design and lush surroundings. Originally designed by George C. Thomas Jr. and William P. Bell, it opened in 1926 and was updated by Tom Fazio in 1999, 2006, and again in 2012. Riviera is a favorite among professional golfers and boasts a rating of 75.6 and a slope of 137.
The course is just a short 20-30 minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors. Riviera is private, so play is limited to members and their guests. The clubhouse features an upscale restaurant, lounge, pro shop, and top-of-the-line practice facilities. Riviera Country Club is also home to 24 tennis courts, making it one of the largest (and most veteran) tennis clubs in the Western United States.
There are no on-site accommodations, but visitors can stay at nearby hotels like Le Petit Pali Brentwood or the Beverly Hills Hotel (if you want to get fancy). The best time to play Riviera is during the spring when the course conditions are pristine, and the weather is mild.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Spyglass Hill Golf Course, part of the Pebble Beach family, provides a unique blend of forested fairways and oceanfront holes. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course opened in 1966 and is known for its challenging layout and gorgeous scenery. It has a 75.1 rating and a slope of 145, making it one of the toughest courses in the area.
Located near Monterey Regional Airport (~15-minute drive) and about two hours from San Jose International Airport, Spyglass Hill is open to the public. Green fees start at ~$500. The course includes a pro shop, remarkable practice areas (shared with Pebble Beach Links), and a clubhouse with casual dining at Spyglass Hill Grill.
While there are no accommodations directly at Spyglass Hill, guests can stay at one of the nearby Pebble Beach Resorts properties, such as The Lodge at Pebble Beach or The Inn at Spanish Bay. The best time to visit is during late spring, fall, or early fall when the weather is clear and the views are at their finest.
The Olympic Club (Lake Course)
Located in San Francisco, The Olympic Club’s Lake Course is a historic gem that has hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships. Designed by Willie Watson and constructed by Sam Whiting in 1924, the course opened in 1927 and made a splash with its challenging layout, rating of 75.7, and slope of 143. The best time to play is during the summer or early fall when the weather is clear, and the course is in peak condition.
Just a 15-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport, this private course is accessible only to members and their guests. The Olympic Club features exceptional amenities, including a clubhouse with a pro shop, extensive practice facilities, and multiple food and beverage options (each with its own specific dress code). Article III is a favorite with its classic "clubby" vibe and sports bar.
The Olympic Club includes 18 well-appointed guest rooms for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in golf heaven. Guests have access to tennis courts, pools, and fitness facilities. For those who prefer to stay in the city, there are numerous options in downtown San Francisco.
Pasatiempo Golf Club
Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz is a top-rated course with sweeping views of the Pacific and a thoughtfully crafted layout. The course is highly regarded for its challenging design, boasting a rating of 72.5 and a slope of 141.
Located just 40 minutes from San Jose International Airport, Pasatiempo is semi-private, allowing public play with advance booking. Green fees (for non-members) start at $405, and the course includes a pro shop, practice facilities, and two restaurants. For a casual beer and bite at the turn, there’s McKenzie Bar & Grill, and for a more formal experience, Hollins House is perfect. Both feature panoramic views of the course (and the ocean!) in the distance.
While the golf club does not have lodging options, The Inn at Pasatiempo next door makes for a convenient, comfy stay. The beach town of Santa Cruz is a mere 5-minute drive away. Weather-wise, the best time to visit is in late spring through early fall.
Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course)
Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course, with a course rating of 74.3 and a slope rating of 133, is renowned for its ocean views and immaculate conditions. Originally crafted by Robert Baldock and Jack Neville in 1959 and later enhanced by Mike Strantz, this private course delivers an unforgettable coastal golfing experience.
Located 15 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport and about 2 hours from San Jose, the Shore Course is accessible only to members and their guests. The clubhouse includes an upscale restaurant, a casual gastro pub, and excellent practice facilities. There are no on-site accommodations, but nearby options like the Centrella Hotel in Pacific Grove and Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa are available. Like many courses in the area, such as Pebble Beach and Cypress Point, the best time to play is during the fall and late spring.
San Francisco Golf Club
San Francisco Golf Club, located just minutes from downtown San Francisco and about 13 miles from San Francisco International Airport, is one of California's most exclusive and beautiful golf courses. Initially designed and built in 1918 by three club members, the course was later remodeled in 1923 by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast. This private course features a par-71 layout with a course rating of 74.1 and a slope rating of 136. Known for its meticulously manicured fairways and challenging greens, the club is steeped in history and charm.
The clubhouse provides an elegant space to unwind, with fine dining and social events for members. As it’s a private club, access is strictly membership-based or by invitation from a member. While there are no accommodations on-site, visitors can stay at The Hampton Inn San Francisco (Daly City), located about a mile away, or the historic Stanyan Park Hotel. Both ensure a comfortable stay with convenient access to the city’s attractions. Consider combining your visit with a wine country getaway in Napa (just north of the city) and/or a thorough exploration of San Francisco itself.
The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course)
The Los Angeles Country Club's North Course is a historic gem in Beverly Hills, located just 25 minutes from LAX. Originally designed by Herbert Fowler in 1921, the course underwent a transformation by George C. Thomas Jr. in 1927-1928, elevating it to one of the nation’s premier layouts. Then, in 2010, meticulous restoration by Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Geoff Shackelford revitalized its timeless charm and enhanced its playability.
The exclusive North Course challenges even the most skilled golfers with a course rating of 74.6 and a slope of 139. Players enjoy breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Santa Monica Mountains, making every shot memorable. The pro shop is second to few, and after a round, members and their guests can eat, drink, and be merry at the classy clubhouse (dress code enforced!).
While accommodations aren’t available on-site, nearby hotels like the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills provide world-class amenities and easy access to the vibrant city. Thanks to LA's temperate climate, there is no bad time of year to tee off.
The Stadium Course at PGA West
PGA West, located in La Quinta, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport, is a golf lover’s paradise. Among its six incredible courses, the Stadium Course, designed by Pete Dye, stands out. This public course is renowned for its challenging par-72 layout, with a rating of 75.8, a slope of 148, and awe-inspiring desert views.
Amenities at PGA West include a state-of-the-art clubhouse, multiple eateries, and well-stocked pro shops. The renowned Stadium Course is open to both members and the public, with green fees ranging from $90 to $300 depending on the season and time of day. Plan your visit during the cooler months, November through March, as the desert summer heat can be intense.
PGA West is part of a larger resort community that includes the La Quinta Resort & Club. Guests enjoy on-site accommodations, spa treatments, tennis courts, and multiple pools. The resort’s mix of relaxation and recreation makes it an ideal getaway for golfers and their families.
The Valley Club of Montecito
The Valley Club of Montecito, nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez foothills of California, is a renowned private golf club celebrated for its classic charm and exceptional course design. The course, originally crafted in 1929 by Alister MacKenzie and Robert Hunter, features challenging greens, strategic bunkering, and stunning landscapes. With a course rating of 72.4 and a slope rating of 131, it strikes the perfect balance of challenge and playability for golf enthusiasts.
Following the 2018 Montecito mudslide, the club underwent a thoughtful restoration that preserved its historic character while enhancing its facilities, ensuring its legacy of excellence for future generations. Beyond golf, members have access to elegant tennis courts, fabulous restaurants, a pro shop, and sophisticated spaces for social gatherings—all within a serene and impeccably maintained environment.
While there is no on-site lodging, the town of Montecito has no shortage of boutique hotels and world-class accommodations. Splurge at the Rosewood Miramar Beach or book a slightly more modest stay at the Montecito Inn. Both have breathtaking ocean views and exceptional service. Santa Barbara Airport is conveniently just 20 minutes away, making the club easily accessible for out-of-town visitors.
Bel-Air Country Club
Bel-Air Country Club, nestled in the Los Angeles hills, is one of the most prestigious golf and recreational venues in the U.S. Designed by George C. Thomas. Opened in the 1920s, this private 18-hole par-70 course blends timeless elegance with a challenging layout. Winding through mansion-lined canyons, the course features rolling fairways, city vistas, and a design harmonizing with the natural landscape. With a 74.3 rating and a slope of 138, it welcomes golfers of all skill levels and serves as the home course for UCLA Bruins golf teams.
Aside from golf, the club is home to exceptional tennis courts and a clubhouse exuding classic sophistication. Members can savor top-tier dining, a cozy lounge, and exclusive amenities in an understated luxury and privacy atmosphere. Whether it's a day on the greens or relaxing at the clubhouse, Bel-Air combines recreation with elegance.
While there’s no on-site lodging, the club is just 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Nearby accommodations include the renowned Hotel Bel-Air and the more modest (yet very chic) Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, which offers a more thorough experience of the city.
Final Thoughts
California’s golf courses are more than just places to play—they’re destinations that blend challenge, beauty, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re teeing off above the surf in Santa Cruz, soaking in the coastal views at Monterey Peninsula, or stepping back in time at the historic Bel-Air Country Club, California’s golf scene has something special for everyone. So grab your clubs, plan your trip, and get ready to experience some of the world's most unforgettable courses. Your next great round awaits!
