Best golf resorts in Southern California
Discover the best golf resorts in Southern California
Southern California has long been a popular golf destination, thanks to its warm, year-round weather. From the Pacific Ocean beaches to the sands of the Palm Springs desert, California has some spectacular views no matter where you are.
The views may be great, but having the convenience and leisure of golf, accommodation, restaurants, shopping, etc., all in one place is even better. To make your next golf trip as easy and hassle-free as possible, we have gathered all the information you need about the best golf resorts in Southern California below.
Why book a golf trip to Southern California
- Play renowned PGA TOUR & Major championship venues
- Enjoy year-round sunshine and ideal playing conditions across the region
- Stay at world-class golf resorts offering luxury accommodation, spas & fine dining
- Explore iconic beaches, wine country, scenic drives & more
- Experience hassle-free travel with convenient access from airports
- Combine golf with attractions in destinations like Palm Springs & San Diego
Top golf resorts in Southern California
Here are our top golf resort packages in Southern California. And remember, they are all fully customizable, call up one of our Golf Travel Experts and they'll help tailor your trip to your preferences!
The ultimate guide to Southern California
Golf: PGA WEST Courses (Nicklaus, Stadium & Mountain) | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Desert luxury, championship golf & Palm Springs sunshine
Why stay here? Set at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains near Palm Springs, La Quinta Resort & Club is one of California’s most iconic golf destinations. With its Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined fairways, and world-class amenities, it perfectly blends desert charm with classic luxury.
Golf courses: Play the legendary PGA WEST Stadium Course by Pete Dye, the Nicklaus Tournament Course, and the scenic Mountain Course, offering a variety of challenges for all golfers and stunning desert views throughout.
Resort highlights:
- Five championship golf courses at PGA WEST
- Elegant casitas and villas with private pools
- Award-winning spa and fine dining at Morgan’s
- Tennis, pickleball, and multiple resort pools
- Ideal year-round climate and mountain backdrop
Travel tip: Book tee times early during the peak winter and spring months, when the desert weather is at its best.
2. The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
Golf: Torrey Pines Golf Course (South & North Courses) | Customer rating: 4 | Best for: Championship golf, coastal luxury & iconic California views
Why stay here? Overlooking the dramatic cliffs of La Jolla, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of California’s most celebrated golf resorts. Blending Craftsman-style architecture with five-star service, it offers timeless elegance and direct access to the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, home of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens.
Golf courses: The Torrey Pines South Course is a championship layout by Rees Jones, renowned for its ocean views, challenging greens, and PGA TOUR pedigree. The North Course, redesigned by Tom Weiskopf, offers a more forgiving yet equally scenic experience. Together, they make Torrey Pines one of America’s premier public golf destinations.
Resort highlights:
- Play the legendary Torrey Pines South and North Courses
- Elegant Craftsman-style rooms with ocean or garden views
- Fine dining at A.R. Valentien and The Grill at Torrey Pines
- Full-service spa, outdoor pool, and coastal walking trails
- Exclusive setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Travel tips: Tee times at Torrey Pines are in high demand, book well in advance, particularly for the South Course. Spring and autumn offer the best mix of sunshine and playability.
3. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, Indian Wells
Golf: Indian Wells Golf Resort (Celebrity & Players Courses) | Customer rating: 4 | Best for: Comfort, convenience & premium desert golf
Why stay here? Set against the dramatic Santa Rosa Mountains, the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells is a luxurious desert retreat offering seamless access to two of the region’s top golf courses. Just minutes from Palm Springs, it combines upscale accommodation, resort-style amenities, and genuine Southern California hospitality.
Golf courses: Guests have preferred access to Indian Wells Golf Resort, home to the Celebrity and Players Courses, two outstanding layouts ranked among California’s best. Both offer pristine conditioning, lush landscaping, and panoramic desert views.
Resort highlights:
- Direct access to the Indian Wells Golf Resort
- Modern rooms and private villas with patios
- Full-service spa and multiple pools with water park
- Excellent dining and family-friendly facilities
- Central location for Palm Springs and Coachella Valley attractions
Travel tip: Stay midweek for quieter tee times and easier access to spa and pool amenities during peak season.
4. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad
Golf: Champions & Legends Courses | Customer rating: 4.4 | Best for: Family-friendly luxury, spa relaxation & championship golf
Why stay here? Located along the sun-soaked coastline of Carlsbad, just north of San Diego, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a Southern California classic. A longtime host of PGA TOUR and LPGA events, it combines championship golf with a full-service spa, luxury pools, and a relaxed coastal vibe perfect for couples, families, and golf groups alike.
Golf courses: The Champions Course, redesigned by Gil Hanse, offers strategic challenges and immaculate conditioning, while the Legends Course provides a more forgiving layout surrounded by scenic hillsides. Both feature classic parkland design and a strong tournament pedigree.
Resort highlights:
- Two championship golf courses with rich tour history
- Luxurious spa, wellness center & yoga programs
- Multiple pools, including adult and family areas
- Fine dining and casual restaurants onsite
- Easy access to Carlsbad beaches and attractions
Travel tips: For the best playing conditions, visit from March to May or September to November. Book early for weekend tee times, as La Costa remains one of Southern California’s most sought-after golf resorts.
5. Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage
Golf: Pete Dye Resort Course | Customer rating: 4.4 | Best for: Relaxation, resort golf & desert scenery Why stay here? Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley, the Westin Rancho Mirage offers a tranquil desert escape with sweeping mountain views and a signature Palm Springs atmosphere. Combining modern comfort with classic Westin style, it’s a favorite for golfers, couples, and families alike.
Golf course: The Pete Dye Resort Course is a fun yet challenging layout, known for its rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and scenic water features. Ideal for all skill levels, it offers a true resort golf experience with stunning desert views.
Resort highlights:
- Championship Pete Dye Resort Course
- Full-service spa and fitness center
- Multiple pools with cabanas and lazy river
- Family-friendly amenities and dining options
- Central Coachella Valley location near Palm Springs
Travel tip: Early mornings offer the best conditions for golf and views, book early tee times to make the most of the desert sunshine.
Planning a golf trip to Southern California
Travel tips for Southern California:
- Best time to visit: March to May and September to November offer ideal golfing weather across most of Southern California, with warm days and cooler evenings. Coastal areas like Monterey and San Diego stay mild year-round, while desert destinations such as Palm Springs are best enjoyed in winter and spring.
- Top tip: Summer can bring intense heat to inland regions like Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, so early morning tee times are best. For coastal golf, pack layers as mornings can be misty, even in summer.
- Travel time: California’s major golf hubs are easily accessed via airports in Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO), and Palm Springs (PSP).
- Transport: Car rental is highly recommended, as many of the state’s best golf courses and resorts are spread out and scenic to drive between.
- Booking tip: Iconic courses such as Torrey Pines, and PGA WEST often book out months in advance; secure tee times early, especially during peak spring and autumn seasons.
Check out our California golf vacation FAQs to help you plan your trip.
Beyond the fairways in California:
- Disneyland Resort: “The Happiest Place on Earth” lives up to its name with classic rides, immersive lands, and magical moments for kids and kids-at-heart. Located in Anaheim, it’s a must-visit for families or anyone chasing nostalgia.
- Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park: Relax in desert luxury with mid-century style in Palm Springs, then explore the surreal rock formations and twisted trees of Joshua Tree, where stargazing is as good as the golf.
- Stars of the Springs: Downtown Palm Springs, is home to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, a walk of fame adorned with "Golden Palm Stars" commemorating individuals associated with the greater Palm Springs area.
- BMW Performance Center: For thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts alike, the BMW Performance Center in Palm Springs delivers an unforgettable driving experience. This state-of-the-art facility allows guests to get behind the wheel of the latest BMW models and test their limits on a professionally designed racetrack.
