Experience golf in the Golden State
From the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Coast to the sun-soaked fairways of the desert, California delivers a golf experience as diverse, dramatic, and unforgettable as the state itself.
Whether you're teeing off at world-famous Pebble Beach, playing under palm trees in Palm Springs, or challenging yourself on PGA TOUR layouts in San Diego, this is where the best golf vacations happen, with the bonus of epic scenery, year-round sunshine, and iconic attractions just moments away. Discover the magic of the Golden State on your next golf vacation to California.
Why book a California golf package?
- Play world-class golf courses, from Pebble Beach to Torrey Pines
- Enjoy variety, from oceanfront masterpieces to classic desert layouts
- Explore iconic beaches, wine country, scenic drives & more
- Visit California’s tourist hotspots, from San Diego to Coachella Valley
Where to play on your California trip
California is one of the best golf destinations in the U.S., offering iconic coastal courses, desert resort golf, and championship venues across diverse landscapes. With year-round play and world-renowned architecture, it’s a bucket-list state for golfers of all skill levels.
Travel tips for golfers visiting California:
- Best time to visit: California offers year-round playibility
- Airports: LAX (Los Angeles), SFO (San Francisco), SAN (San Diego), PSP (Palm Springs)
- Transport: Car rental is highly recommended for flexibility between courses and regions
Here are our choices for the best courses in California:
Pebble Beach Golf Links Architect: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant | Par: 72 | Opened: 1919 Arguably the most iconic public course in the world, Pebble Beach hugs the rugged Monterey coastline with cliffside fairways and crashing surf below. It’s a perennial U.S. Open host and a must-play for serious golfers.
Course tip: Stay at a Pebble Beach resort property for guaranteed access. Bring layers, the weather can shift quickly.
Pasatiempo Golf Club Architect: Alister MacKenzie | Par: 70 | Opened: 1929 Located in Santa Cruz, Pasatiempo is a semi-private masterpiece from the legendary Alister MacKenzie, who called it his best layout. With elevated greens, rolling terrain, and bold bunkering, it blends beauty and bite with classic architecture.
Historical note: MacKenzie’s home overlooked the 6th fairway, he loved it that much.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr. | Par: 72 | Opened: 1966 A tale of two nines, Spyglass opens with dramatic holes through dunes and coastal views before turning into tight, tree-lined corridors in the Del Monte Forest. It’s one of the toughest tests in the Pebble Beach rotation and a regular site for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Pro tip: The early holes are beautiful but don’t let your guard down, the back nine demands precision and patience.
Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA West Architect: Pete Dye | Par: 72 | Opened: 1986 Home to The American Express PGA Tour event, this desert gem is one of the toughest courses in the U.S. The Pete Dye Stadium Course features dramatic water hazards, pot bunkers, island greens, and the infamous 17th hole, “Alcatraz.”
Travel tip: Play early to avoid peak heat, especially in summer. Pair it with other PGA West courses for a full resort experience.
South Course, Torrey Pines Architect: William F. Bell, renovated by Rees Jones | Par: 72 | Opened: 1957 Perched atop coastal cliffs in La Jolla, the South Course at Torrey is a U.S. Open venue famed for its ocean views and championship pedigree. The course is long and demanding, with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and Pacific breezes always in play.
Course tip: Book well in advance or try for the day-of lottery. Twilight rates offer great value for the scenery.
Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West Architect: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72 | Opened: 1987 A more forgiving complement to the Stadium Course, the Nicklaus layout emphasizes strategic play with generous landing areas, bold bunkering, and stunning mountain backdrops. It’s a popular pick for mixed-skill groups.
Good to know: Conditions are PGA Tour quality during tournament season, ideal for a premium experience without the brutality of Dye’s design.
Poppy Hills Golf Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr. | Par: 71 | Opened: 1986 (renovated 2014) Tucked into the Del Monte Forest in Pebble Beach, Poppy Hills offers a firm, fast layout with pine-lined fairways and natural elevation changes. It’s scenic, strategic, and a public-access gem often overlooked next to its famous neighbors.
Insider tip: One of the best value courses in Pebble Beach, with great conditions at a fraction of the cost of nearby courses.
Omni La Costa Resort - North Course Architect: Dick Wilson, renovated by Gil Hanse | Par: 72 | Opened: 1965 (renovated 2024) A historic host of 30+ PGA Tour events, La Costa’s North Course in Carlsbad blends classic design with modern upgrades. It features large, undulating greens and lush surroundings just inland from the Pacific.
Local insight: Post-renovation, the Champions Course plays firmer and faster, perfect for golfers who appreciate traditional layouts with a fresh twist.
Pete Dye Resort Course at Westin Rancho (Formerly Mission Hills North - Gary Player Course) Architect: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Opened: 1991 Nestled in the Coachella Valley, the Pete Dye Resort Course is scenic, walkable, and playable for all skill levels. It offers generous fairways, plenty of water features, and stunning mountain views throughout.
Travel tip: Great for a warm-up or relaxed round during a Palm Springs golf getaway. Twilight deals are often excellent.
Best-selling golf packages in California
More California golf trips...
Stay & play at incredible golf resorts
From legendary courses to luxury resorts, California combines world-class golf with unforgettable stays. Whether you're playing along the rugged Pacific coastline or beneath palm-studded desert skies, you’ll find accommodations that make your trip as relaxing as it is rewarding.
From five-star golf resorts to stylish desert hideaways, California’s golf accommodations deliver the perfect blend of location, comfort, and amenities. And there’s nothing better than starting your day with a crisp morning tee time just steps from your room.
Best for coastal golf & luxury Perfect for those who want to play legendary courses and unwind in first-class style, all set against California’s stunning coastal landscapes.
-
The Lodge at Pebble Beach A legendary stay overlooking the 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Lodge at Pebble Beach is the centerpiece of one of golf’s most iconic destinations. Guests enjoy timeless luxury, elegant rooms with sweeping ocean views, and exclusive access to world-class courses including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, and The Links at Spanish Bay.
-
The Lodge at Torrey Pines Overlooking the dramatic La Jolla cliffs, The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers elegance, comfort, and direct access to the legendary Torrey Pines South and North Courses. This Craftsman-style resort features spacious rooms, fine dining, a luxurious spa, and proximity to San Diego’s beaches and attractions.
Best for classic desert golf escapes Ideal for golfers seeking year-round sunshine, breathtaking desert scenery, and a wide variety of championship courses right at their doorstep.
-
La Quinta Resort & Club An iconic golf and wellness destination in Greater Palm Springs, La Quinta Resort offers access to five courses, including the Pete Dye Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA West. Spanish-style casitas, 41 pools, multiple restaurants, and a full-service spa make this a favorite for extended golf getaways.
-
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa Home to the acclaimed Gary Player Signature Course, the Westin Rancho Mirage offers a tranquil desert escape with spacious rooms, resort-style pools, and wellness-focused amenities. It’s a solid choice for players of all levels looking for value and variety in the Coachella Valley.
-
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas Nestled in the heart of Indian Wells, the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort combines casual luxury with excellent golf access via the adjacent Indian Wells Golf Resort, which features the Celebrity and Players Courses. Enjoy spacious suites, a massive water park (great for families), and an adults-only pool for quiet recovery after your round.
"California is home to some of the best-known venues and destinations in golf. From Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula to Torrey Pines in San Diego and the excellent desert golf in Palm Springs."
Product Director
Adventures beyond the fairways
California is a dream for golfers, diverse landscapes, perfect weather, and unforgettable experiences on and off the course. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, desert sunshine, or vibrant city energy, here are three standout regions for your next golf getaway.
-
Pebble Beach & Monterey – Iconic golf and coastal landscapes Few places blend dramatic scenery and golf heritage quite like the Monterey Peninsula. With ocean cliffs, pine-lined fairways, and charming coastal towns, this region delivers a truly unforgettable golf experience, both on and off the course. It is also close to Carmel Valley, home to many world-class wineries.
-
Palm Springs – Desert golf and bright sun Known for its year-round sunshine and luxury resorts, Palm Springs offers a relaxing desert escape. Towering mountains, palm-lined fairways, and vibrant mid-century style make it the perfect destination for a laid-back golf getaway.
-
San Diego – Golf & beachside city living In San Diego, you can pair morning rounds with afternoons at the beach or in the city. A lively coastal atmosphere, great food, and ideal weather make it a favorite for golfers who want variety, energy, and relaxation in one trip.
When the final putt drops, California keeps the magic going. This vast and varied state offers a dazzling mix of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and vibrant local culture, all just waiting to be explored beyond the golf course.
Things to do in California:
- Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1): One of the world’s most scenic drives, this route hugs the cliffs and beaches of the California coastline. Highlights include Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Bixby Bridge, and Hearst Castle. Roll down the windows and enjoy every curve.
- Yosemite National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is home to El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Whether you hike, climb, or just marvel, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
- Alcatraz Island: Take a ferry from San Francisco to tour the infamous former prison. Learn its history, walk the cell blocks, and enjoy stunning views of the Bay Area skyline.
- 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.
- Lake Tahoe: Straddling the California–Nevada border, Tahoe is a year-round playground for hiking, skiing, boating, and relaxing by alpine waters. The crisp mountain air is a refreshing contrast to SoCal’s coastal warmth.
- Santa Barbara “The American Riviera”: With its Mediterranean-style architecture, oceanfront views, and excellent wineries, Santa Barbara blends California charm with European flair. Great for a post-golf unwind.
FAQs
Why book with anyone else?
- ValueGuaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
