Get Into the Swing of Things at the Best Golf Courses in San Diego

There are many reasons to visit San Diego — especially given our exceptional food culture, amazing year-round weather, and beautiful beaches. Still, an often-overlooked rationale for coming out for a visit? Our abundance of world-class golf courses. “America’s Finest City” is home to a wide variety of great golfing opportunities, from relaxing beginner courses to PGA-tour-worthy clubs. So If you’ve been looking to get into the swing of things, here’s our look at the best golf courses in San Diego.

Mission Bay Golf Course (3.6 miles from the hotel)

Are you a bit of a night owl? This 18-hole public course is one of the few 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, which itself is a fantastic oceanfront neighborhood 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, so there’s definitely some history around these holes.

2702 N Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Tecolote Canyon Golf Course (5.8 miles)

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, as well as your ability to navigate some in-your-face terrain. Even if the holes are a little steep, the scenery is still stunning.

2755 Snead Ave, San Diego, CA 92111

Riverwalk Golf Club (9 miles)

This lush course in beautiful Mission Hills is a full 18 holes of picture-perfect, gently rolling green 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 for drilling distance shots, an on-site pro shop, and delicious dining at the on-site Sunset Grille. 

1150 Fashion Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92108

Torrey Pines Golf Course (10.6 miles)

Welcome to one of the most bar-none stunning golf courses in the nation. World-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course sits on coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering visitors an absolutely captivating view that’s sure to enchant even the most experienced of golfers. The club is so revered, it was chosen to host the 2021 U.S. Open. 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 gear before you pack it in for the day.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Balboa Golf Course (11.9 miles)

If you’re short on time but still want to get a few holes in, Balboa is one of the only 9-hole courses in the city — making it ideal for perfecting your short game on some deceptively tricky holes throughout the course. Balboa Golf 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

Coronado Golf Course (15.6 miles away)

Perhaps one of the more famous courses in San Diego, this locals’ favorite is located on Coronado island in San Diego Bay. It draws duffers from all over the area (and the country) 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 overall fifth-best course in the country for value.

2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA 92118

Need a centrally-located spot to rest up before your next few rounds on the links? Pacific Terrace Hotel is the ideal place to stay. Our luxury beachfront hotel not only affords extreme comfort and exceptional service, but you’ll enjoy spectacular views from your private balcony. Take a look at our Specials & Packages page, choose the travel deal that’s right for you, and get ready to tour our greatest golfing grounds!