Best Golf Courses in San Diego

The friendlier Torrey course, with the same cliffs and better pace.

After the Weiskopf redesign the North Course is a legitimate championship layout with more forgiving landing areas and the same ocean views. It plays faster than South.

Local tip: Play North first if you're new to the property — South will punish you otherwise.

The best-conditioned resort course in the county.

The Arnold Palmer design at the Park Hyatt Aviara is immaculately maintained with dramatic elevation changes and waterfalls. Green fees are high and the round feels like a resort experience rather than a golf club one.

Local tip: Twilight rates after 2pm cut the price by roughly 40%.

The best value round in Southern California.

Coronado is a municipal course on the bay with skyline and bridge views for under $60. Conditioning is good rather than great, and getting a tee time is the real challenge.

Local tip: Tee times release well in advance and go instantly — set a calendar reminder.

The most dramatic inland layout in the county.

Maderas plays through canyons and granite outcrops with severe elevation changes and excellent conditioning. It is a harder walk and a harder course than the coastal options.

Local tip: Cart is mandatory and the elevation changes make that welcome.

The most exclusive public-access course in San Diego.

This Tom Fazio design is beautifully maintained and rarely crowded, which is what the price buys. Access requires staying at the resort.

Local tip: Tee times are limited to Fairmont Grand Del Mar guests and members.

The best cheap round with a downtown skyline backdrop.

Balboa Park's municipal course is short, walkable, and offers unexpectedly good views of downtown. Conditioning varies by season but the price never does.

Local tip: Resident rates make this one of the cheapest 18 holes in any major U.S. city.

The most convenient round in the city.

Riverwalk sits in the middle of Mission Valley with 27 holes and easy access from anywhere in the city. The layout is straightforward but the location and price make it the default weekday round.

Local tip: Morning rounds beat the afternoon wind in the valley.