California is a golfer’s paradise. From rugged coastline bluffs to tree‑lined fairways, the Golden State offers some of the most spectacular golf experiences in the world. Whether you’re planning a bucket‑list trip or simply dreaming of your next tee time, this list of California’s top golf courses showcases the variety and beauty the state has to offer. We’ve also included nearby hotels to help you plan the perfect golf getaway. And if you can’t make it to the coast, don’t worry—Los Virtuality’s golf simulator rental brings the game to you with stunning realism.
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Monterey Peninsula
Pebble Beach is open to the public and consistently ranks among the world’s greatest courses. The clifftop layout traces the rugged Carmel Bay shoreline, offering dramatic ocean views on every hole. Jack Nicklaus once said it’s the course he’d play if he only had one round left. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro‑Am, formerly Bing Crosby’s National Pro‑Am, still draws professionals and celebrities each year.
Nearby hotels
- The Lodge at Pebble Beach – A luxurious on‑site retreat overlooking Stillwater Cove.
- Casa Palmero – An intimate Mediterranean‑style inn steps from the first tee.
- The Inn at Spanish Bay – A resort with sweeping ocean views and easy access to other Pebble Beach courses.
2. Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach
One of the most exclusive clubs in the world, Cypress Point sits on a spectacular point of land at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, the course blends forested holes with exhilarating cliff‑top holes where the Pacific acts as a water hazard. Membership is limited to roughly 250 lucky golfers, so a round here is truly once‑in‑a‑lifetime.
Nearby hotels
- The Inn at Spanish Bay – Convenient to both Pebble Beach and Cypress Point.
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Located on Cannery Row with oceanfront dining and spa.
- Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa – Adjacent to Del Monte Golf Course and close to Monterey attractions.
3. Spyglass Hill – Pebble Beach
Spyglass Hill might be the toughest test on the Monterey Peninsula. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the course with hilly terrain that falls toward the sea and fairways lined with cypress and pine trees. The first five holes recall the sandy waste of Pine Valley; the rest wind through dense forest reminiscent of Augusta National. It’s part of the Pebble Beach Resorts family and hosts rounds during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro‑Am.
Nearby hotels
- Casa Palmero – Exclusive lodging within the resort.
- The Inn at Spanish Bay – Steps from the Spyglass Hill clubhouse.
- Portola Hotel & Spa – A downtown Monterey hotel near Fisherman’s Wharf.
4. Pasatiempo Golf Club – Santa Cruz
Alister MacKenzie’s other California masterpiece opened in 1929 and remains a must‑play for architecture buffs. The front nine is relaxed and friendly, but the back nine traverses barrancas (deep ravines) and rolling hills near Monterey Bay. Pasatiempo is semi‑private, but visitors can reserve tee times to experience its classic design and fast greens.
Nearby hotels
- Dream Inn Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz’s only beachfront hotel with balconies overlooking Monterey Bay.
- Chaminade Resort & Spa – A hilltop resort with panoramic views of the Monterey Bay.
- Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection – A modern downtown property near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
5. Riviera Country Club – Los Angeles
Known as “Hogan’s Alley” thanks to Ben Hogan’s multiple wins here, the Riviera Country Club is a George C. Thomas Jr. masterpiece built in 1926. The course has no weaknesses and features strategic bunkering and subtle greens. It hosts the Genesis Invitational (formerly the L.A. Open) and continues to test PGA Tour stars.
Nearby hotels
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows – A Santa Monica oasis near the ocean and Riviera Country Club.
- The Beverly Hills Hotel – Iconic luxury lodging in Beverly Hills.
- Oceana Santa Monica – Boutique suites with easy access to the beach and Westside attractions.
6. Olympic Club (Lake Course) – San Francisco
The Lake Course sits on a hillside between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Merced. With sloping fairways, towering cypress trees, no water hazards, and lightning‑fast greens, it’s a stern challenge that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens. Precise shot‑making is essential on this storied track.
Nearby hotels
- The Ritz‑Carlton, San Francisco – A luxury hotel in a historic building near Union Square.
- Hotel Nikko San Francisco – Stylish rooms near downtown and Union Square.
- The Lodge at the Presidio – A boutique hotel set in a former army barracks with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
7. Torrey Pines Golf Course – La Jolla
Perched on coastal cliffs north of San Diego, Torrey Pines is a municipal complex featuring two courses designed by William F. Bell and later renovated by Rees Jones. It opened in 1957 on the site of a former World War II base and hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open and U.S. Opens (Tiger Woods captured the 2008 U.S. Open here, and Jon Rahm won in 2021). Spectacular Pacific views and challenging layout make it a favourite for both pros and everyday golfers.
Nearby hotels
- The Lodge at Torrey Pines – Craftsman‑style luxury overlooking the course.
- Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines – Resort with rooms and pool facing the fairways.
- Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – Rancho‑style resort near Torrey Pines State Reserve.
8. Pelican Hill Golf Club (Ocean South) – Newport Beach
Tom Fazio’s Ocean South Course debuted in 1991 and offers 270‑degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Routed along a cliff‑top with back‑to‑back par‑3s and dramatic par‑4s, it delivers a thrilling combination of beauty and strategy.
Nearby hotels
- The Resort at Pelican Hill – Villas and bungalows surrounded by the golf courses.
- Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas – Family‑friendly villas overlooking the coast.
- Balboa Bay Resort – Waterfront resort with marina and spa.
9. Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course) – Half Moon Bay
Opened in 1997 and designed by Arthur Hills, the Ocean Course is set atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. It offers a links‑style experience with firm, fast conditions and a dramatic finish along the cliff edge.
Nearby hotels
- The Ritz‑Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Perched above the 18th green with coastal walking trails.
- Oceano Hotel & Spa – Overlooking Pillar Point Harbor with suites and spa.
- Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay – Intimate hotel on the coast with fireplaces in every room.
10. Rustic Canyon Golf Course – Moorpark
A minimalist masterpiece north of Los Angeles, Rustic Canyon was built in 2001 on a 350‑acre former sheep ranch. Designers Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner and Geoff Shackelford moved very little earth, creating wide fairways and contoured greens that encourage creative ground game. It’s one of the most affordable and enjoyable walks in California golf.
Nearby hotels
- Hampton Inn & Suites Moorpark – Comfortable lodging near the course.
- Courtyard by Marriott Thousand Oaks – Modern hotel near Thousand Oaks attractions.
- Palm Garden Hotel – Boutique property in Thousand Oaks with pool and on-site restaurant.
5 best indoor golf courses in California
| Facility | Location | Highlight / Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Swing Factory Golf | Los Angeles, CA | Highly rated indoor golf simulator studio with 1,300+ courses and fun mini-games — perfect for all skill levels. (Swing Factory Golf LA) |
| X‑Golf El Dorado Hills | El Dorado Hills, CA | State-of-the-art indoor golf simulators with accurate shot tracking and realistic course play. (playxgolf.com) |
| WIRED Golf Club | Santa Monica, CA | PGA-Certified indoor golf club focused on practice and game improvement with advanced simulator tech. (Wired Golf) |
| The Lab Golf Indoor Golf Studios | Danville, CA | Highly reviewed indoor golf studio featuring premium simulator bays and great practice facilities. (Screengolfers) |
| Onyx Indoor Golf & Cafe | Lake Forest, CA | Popular indoor golf venue with great reviews, combining golf play with a relaxed café atmosphere. (Screengolfers) |
Bring the Course to You: Los Virtuality Golf Simulator Rental
Can’t make it to the course? Los Virtuality brings the game to you with top‑of‑the‑line golf simulators. Our rentals feature ultra‑realistic graphics, precise ball tracking, multiple game modes, and a wide selection of famous courses. Weather is never a factor, making simulator rentals perfect for corporate events, birthday parties, or practicing your swing. Visit Los Virtuality Golf Simulator Rental to learn more and book your virtual tee time.
Final Thoughts
California’s golf courses are as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you choose the clifftop drama of Pebble Beach, the exclusivity of Cypress Point, or the minimalist charm of Rustic Canyon, each course on this list promises an unforgettable experience. Pair your trip with a comfortable stay at one of the recommended hotels, and you’ll enjoy golf in its purest form. And for those days when travel isn’t possible, Los Virtuality’s golf simulator rental keeps the dream alive wherever you are.