California offers some of the most diverse and spectacular golf in the world. From the iconic clifftop holes at Pebble Beach to the desert masterpieces of Palm Springs and the hidden gems scattered along the coast, the Golden State has courses to suit every taste, budget, and skill level. The year-round sunshine and stunning natural backdrops — ocean bluffs, mountain valleys, ancient forests, rolling vineyards — make California a top destination for golfers worldwide.
This guide covers the courses that define California golf, from bucket-list resort experiences to outstanding public tracks that deliver world-class conditions at accessible prices.
Pebble Beach Golf Links — Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach needs no introduction. Perched on the cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, it has hosted six U.S. Opens and will welcome the championship again in 2027. The par-three 7th, the cliffside 8th, and the sweeping 18th along Carmel Bay are among the most famous holes in golf. While the green fee is steep, playing Pebble Beach is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that consistently ranks as the number one public course in America. The combination of dramatic ocean views, rich championship history, and immaculate conditioning is simply unmatched.
Cypress Point Club — Pebble Beach
Cypress Point is widely regarded as one of the greatest golf courses ever built. Alister MacKenzie’s design winds through dunes, forests of Monterey cypress, and along dramatic rocky coastline. The par-three 16th, which requires a carry over the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most photographed holes in the world. As an ultra-exclusive private club, access is extremely limited, but its influence on golf course architecture and its sheer beauty earn it a place on any list of California’s finest.
Torrey Pines South Course — La Jolla
Torrey Pines South is a municipal course that plays host to the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open every January and hosted the U.S. Open in 2008 and 2021. Perched on the bluffs above the Pacific in La Jolla, the views are spectacular and the challenge is real — at over 7,600 yards from the back tees, it is one of the longest courses on Tour. The fact that this caliber of course is available to the public at municipal rates makes it one of the greatest values in American golf.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course — Pebble Beach
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Spyglass Hill is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that many consider the toughest test on the Monterey Peninsula. The opening five holes play through sand dunes along the coast before the course turns inland through the Del Monte Forest. It combines links-style golf with tree-lined parkland holes, creating a varied and demanding round. Spyglass is part of the Pebble Beach resort and offers an outstanding complement to a Pebble Beach round at a lower price point.
Pasatiempo Golf Club — Santa Cruz
Alister MacKenzie called Pasatiempo his favorite course, and he lived in a home overlooking the 6th fairway until his death. The course features dramatic barrancas, bold bunkering, and some of the most inventive green complexes on the West Coast. A recent restoration brought MacKenzie’s original design intent back to the forefront. At just over an hour from San Francisco, Pasatiempo is accessible and delivers a round that MacKenzie himself considered among his finest work — no small claim from the man who also designed Augusta National and Cypress Point.
PGA West Stadium Course — La Quinta
Pete Dye’s Stadium Course at PGA West in the Coachella Valley is famous for the “Alcatraz” par-three 17th — an island green surrounded by rocks and desert. The course is relentlessly challenging, with deep bunkers, railroad ties, and water hazards that punish wayward shots. It hosts the American Express PGA Tour event and is one of the most popular resort courses in the desert. For players who enjoy a stern test and dramatic visual presentation, the Stadium Course delivers in abundance.
The Links at Spanish Bay — Pebble Beach
Spanish Bay is the closest thing to Scottish links golf you will find in California. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum, the course plays through coastal dunes with views of the Pacific from nearly every hole. A bagpiper plays at sunset as golfers finish their rounds — a tradition that captures the spirit of the course perfectly. Spanish Bay is the most affordable of the three Pebble Beach resort courses and offers an experience that is distinctly different from its neighbors.
Planning Your California Golf Trip
California’s golf season runs year-round, though the ideal windows depend on the region. The Monterey Peninsula is best from May through October when fog is less frequent. The desert courses around Palm Springs are at their peak from November through April when temperatures are comfortable. San Diego and Los Angeles offer pleasant golf weather throughout the year. For a classic California golf trip, combining two or three nights on the Monterey Peninsula with a couple of days in the desert gives you the full spectrum of what the state has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to play Pebble Beach?
Green fees at Pebble Beach Golf Links are currently around $625 for resort guests and $575 for non-resort guests (subject to availability). While this is among the highest green fees in the country, many golfers consider it a worthwhile investment for one of the most iconic rounds in golf. Booking well in advance and staying at the resort improves your chances of securing a tee time.
What is the best public golf course in California?
Pebble Beach is consistently rated the number one public course in America, but Torrey Pines South offers a world-class championship experience at a fraction of the price. Pasatiempo, Pacific Grove, and Sandpiper Golf Club near Santa Barbara are also outstanding public options that deliver exceptional quality and value.
When is the best time to play golf in Palm Springs?
The ideal season for desert golf is November through April, when daytime temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 80s. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees, making golf impractical for most players. Many desert courses close or offer deeply discounted “summer rates” from June through September.
More Golf Course Guides From Golf Guidebook
Exploring courses across the country? Browse our other regional golf guides:
