Hit the Links at the Best Golf Courses in San Diego

San Diego’s beaches, ideal year-round weather, food culture, and theme parks are all great reasons to spend time here, and they all draw countless visitors to our shores every year. However, our abundance of world-class golf courses is a frequently overlooked reason many people come visit. From relaxing beginner courses to PGA-tour-worthy clubs, “America’s Finest City” might be one of the best-kept secrets in the golf world. If you’ve been itching to grab your clubs and hit the links, then read on for our take on the best golf courses in San Diego.

Riverwalk Golf Club

(6.6 miles from the hotel)

(Photo: @riverwalkgc)

This lush course in beautiful Mission Hills is a full 18 holes of picture-perfect, gently rolling grounds. Riverwalk has earned the reputation of being one of San Diego’s most flat-out fun courses to play, thanks to its good balance of challenge and straight-ahead holes. Visitors will also find an illuminated all-hours driving range, an on-site pro shop, and even delicious dining at the Sunset Grille. 

1150 Fashion Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92108

Mission Bay Golf Course

(7.2 miles away)

(Photo: @adventure.mark24)

This 18-hole public course is one of the only courses in San Diego where you can play at night under stadium-style lights! Its stunningly landscaped grounds are nestled in the beachside community of Pacific Beach, itself a fantastic beach community that’s a great place to visit any time of day. Even better, Mission Bay is where a young Tiger Woods won a Junior World title.

2702 N Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Balboa Golf Course

(7.2 miles away)

(Photo: @cchsdons_girlsgolf)

Short on time, but still want a solid challenge? Balboa is one of the only 9-hole courses in the city, which makes it ideal for perfecting your short game on the deceptively tricky holes throughout the course. This course also sits in a very picturesque area, featuring enviable views of the downtown skyline, Point Loma, and a particularly scenic stretch of the Pacific. So even if these holes get the better of you, you’ll still enjoy the vistas!

2600 Golf Course Dr, San Diego, CA 92102

Tecolote Canyon Golf Course

(7.8 miles away)

(Photo: @specialb27)

For anyone who’s braved the fairways at Tecolote, it’s no surprise that this course has been rated “Best Challenge at an Executive Golf Course” by Southland Golf magazine. The rocky outcroppings and cliff-like topography add difficulty and natural beauty to the 3,161-yard, par-58 layout. Bring your resolve and prepare to test your short game and shot shaping.

2755 Snead Ave, San Diego, CA 92111

Coronado Golf Course

(10.4 miles away)

(Photo: @coronado_golf_course)

Perhaps one of the more famous courses in San Diego, this locals’ favorite is located on Coronado island. It draws duffers from all over the area thanks to its incredible views of the harbor and downtown. The expansive green spaces and beautiful fairways of this course also help to make it a memorable day out, so much so that it was recently ranked by Golf Digest as the fifth-best course in the country for value.

2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA 92118

Colina Park Golf Club

(12.8 miles away)

(Photo: Colina Park Golf Club)

Recently named as one of San Diego’s “Most Charming Golf Courses” by Travelmag Magazine, Colina Park is a duffer’s dream; — a hidden gem of a course tucked away in a residential area offering 18 holes of playful fairways, immaculate greens, and elevated tee boxes. Colina Park is also home to Pro Kids — First Tee, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping underprivileged youth discover the sport. All 100% of Colina Park’s revenue goes to this great cause.

4085 52nd St, San Diego, CA 92105

Mission Trails Golf Course

(15.3 miles away)

Photo: @ushco)

This gorgeously landscaped course offers mountain and lakefront views as it winds through more-challenging-than-average fairways and greens. This course also has practice facilities, a driving range, an events facility, and available on-site one-on-one instruction for the greener golfers out there.

7380 Golfcrest Pl, San Diego, CA 92119

(Photo: @mattyice_cola)

Welcome to one of the most stunning golf courses in the nation. World-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course sits on coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific, offering visitors an absolutely captivating view that’s sure to enchant even the most experienced of golfers. The club is hosting the 2021 U.S. Open in June, after hosting the tournament back in 2008, when Tiger Woods took the title. Torrey Pines also hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmer’s Open each year, so you know you’re in for a truly world-class day of golf. Don’t forget to stop by the pro shop and pick up some souvenir “I was there” gear!

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037