California offers some of the most spectacular and varied golf in the world. You can play clifftop holes above the Pacific, parkland courses among vineyards, desert layouts beneath snow-capped mountains and municipal courses with ocean views, all in one state. The climate allows golf all year in much of the state, and golf combines easily with wine, food, beaches, cities and national parks. Here's how to plan a California golf trip.
The main golf regions
The Monterey Peninsula
The peninsula around Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and Pacific Grove, about two hours south of San Francisco, is famous for clifftop and coastal golf, with holes running along the rocky Pacific shoreline, through cypress forest and over sand dunes.
- Best for: bucket-list coastal golf and dramatic scenery.
- Good to know: the best-known courses are very expensive and often booked far ahead. There are also more affordable municipal and public options in the area. Coastal fog and wind are common.
San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area has a wide range of public, municipal and private courses, some with views of the bay, the ocean or the city skyline. It's easy to combine golf with a city break.
Wine country
Napa and Sonoma, north of San Francisco, offer golf among vineyards and rolling hills, with world-class food and wine.
The Central Coast
Between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, the Central Coast around San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara has relaxed towns, beaches, wine and good-value golf.
Los Angeles and Orange County
The Los Angeles area has many municipal and public courses, as well as historic private clubs. Orange County has resort and coastal courses with ocean views.
San Diego
San Diego enjoys one of the mildest climates in the country, with clifftop public golf above the Pacific, coastal resorts and inland valley courses.
The Coachella Valley (Palm Springs area)
The desert valley around Palm Springs, Palm Desert and La Quinta has a large number of courses set against dramatic mountains. It's a major winter golf destination. Read warm-weather golf destinations in the USA.
Lake Tahoe and the mountains
In summer, mountain courses around Lake Tahoe offer cool temperatures, pine forests and lake views. At altitude, the ball flies further. Read golf in Arizona for more on playing at altitude.
Comparing the regions
| Region | Best season | Golf style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey Peninsula | Autumn, spring | Coastal clifftop and links-style | Bucket-list golf |
| Bay Area | All year | Varied, urban and coastal | City and golf |
| Wine country | Spring to autumn | Vineyard and parkland | Food and wine |
| Central Coast | All year | Relaxed, varied | Value and beaches |
| Southern California | All year | Public, resort and coastal | Year-round golf |
| Coachella Valley | Late autumn to spring | Desert resort | Winter sun |
| Lake Tahoe | Summer | Mountain | Cool summer golf |
When to go
- Coastal areas: golf is possible all year. Early summer can bring morning fog on the coast; late summer and autumn are often the clearest and warmest. Winter brings occasional rain.
- The desert: best from late autumn to spring; summer is extremely hot.
- The mountains: roughly late spring to early autumn.
Playing tips
- Coastal wind and fog: read how to play golf in the wind.
- Poa annua greens: many coastal courses have this grass, which can make greens bumpier in the afternoon. Read putting on fast and slow greens.
- Kikuyu grass on some Southern California courses grabs the club in the rough. Read golf trouble shots.
- Elevation changes on hillside and clifftop courses. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Cliff edges: never climb down to retrieve a ball.
Costs and booking
- Famous courses can be extremely expensive and need booking far in advance, sometimes as part of a stay.
- Municipal courses in Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area offer great value, though tee times can be competitive.
- Twilight rates are common.
- Water restrictions and drought can affect course conditions.
Read how to book tee times and how to play golf on a budget.
Practical tips
- Rent a car: distances are large.
- Layer up: coastal mornings can be cool, even in summer.
- Combine regions: a drive down the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of the world's great road trips.
- Traffic: allow extra time around the cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best golf in California?
The Monterey Peninsula is the most famous, but Southern California, wine country and the desert all offer excellent golf.
When is the best time to play golf in California?
Coastal golf is good all year, with autumn often the best. Play the desert in winter and the mountains in summer.
Is golf in California expensive?
Famous resort courses are, but municipal and public courses offer good value.
Can I play golf in California in winter?
Yes. Southern California and the desert are excellent winter destinations.
The bottom line
California offers an extraordinary range of golf, from the cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula to desert resorts and mountain courses. Match the region to the season, book famous courses early, mix in municipal gems and combine golf with the state's food, wine and scenery. For another coastal destination, read golf in Hawaii.