1. Pebble Beach Golf Links \u2013 Monterey Peninsula<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Pebble](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pebble-beach-golf-links-1024x576.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPebble Beach is open to the public and consistently ranks among the world\u2019s greatest courses. The clifftop layout traces the rugged Carmel Bay shoreline, offering dramatic ocean views on every hole. Jack Nicklaus once said it\u2019s the course he\u2019d play if he only had one round left. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro\u2011Am, formerly Bing Crosby\u2019s National Pro\u2011Am, still draws professionals and celebrities each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The Lodge at Pebble Beach<\/a> \u2013 A luxurious on\u2011site retreat overlooking Stillwater Cove.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Casa Palmero<\/a> \u2013 An intimate Mediterranean\u2011style inn steps from the first tee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Inn at Spanish Bay<\/a> \u2013 A resort with sweeping ocean views and easy access to other Pebble Beach courses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Cypress Point Club \u2013 Pebble Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Cypress](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cypress-point-club.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOne 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\u2011top holes where the Pacific acts as a water hazard. Membership is limited to roughly 250 lucky golfers, so a round here is truly once\u2011in\u2011a\u2011lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The Inn at Spanish Bay<\/a> \u2013 Convenient to both Pebble Beach and Cypress Point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa<\/a> \u2013 Located on Cannery Row with oceanfront dining and spa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa<\/a> \u2013 Adjacent to Del Monte Golf Course and close to Monterey attractions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Spyglass Hill \u2013 Pebble Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Cypress](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spyglass-hill.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSpyglass 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\u2019s part of the Pebble Beach Resorts family and hosts rounds during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro\u2011Am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Casa Palmero<\/a> \u2013 Exclusive lodging within the resort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Inn at Spanish Bay<\/a> \u2013 Steps from the Spyglass Hill clubhouse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Portola Hotel & Spa<\/a> \u2013 A downtown Monterey hotel near Fisherman\u2019s Wharf.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Pasatiempo Golf Club \u2013 Santa Cruz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Pasatiempo](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/pasatiempo-golf-club.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlister MacKenzie\u2019s other California masterpiece opened in 1929 and remains a must\u2011play 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\u2011private, but visitors can reserve tee times to experience its classic design and fast greens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Dream Inn Santa Cruz<\/a> \u2013 Santa Cruz\u2019s only beachfront hotel with balconies overlooking Monterey Bay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chaminade Resort & Spa<\/a> \u2013 A hilltop resort with panoramic views of the Monterey Bay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection<\/a> \u2013 A modern downtown property near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Riviera Country Club \u2013 Los Angeles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Riviera](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/riviera-country-club-1024x705.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKnown as \u201cHogan\u2019s Alley\u201d thanks to Ben Hogan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows<\/a> \u2013 A Santa Monica oasis near the ocean and Riviera Country Club.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Beverly Hills Hotel<\/a> \u2013 Iconic luxury lodging in Beverly Hills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oceana Santa Monica<\/a> \u2013 Boutique suites with easy access to the beach and Westside attractions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
6. Olympic Club (Lake Course) \u2013 San Francisco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Olympic](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/olympic-club-lake-course-1024x584.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Lake Course sits on a hillside between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Merced. With sloping fairways, towering cypress trees, no water hazards, and lightning\u2011fast greens, it\u2019s a stern challenge that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens. Precise shot\u2011making is essential on this storied track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The Ritz\u2011Carlton, San Francisco<\/a> \u2013 A luxury hotel in a historic building near Union Square.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hotel Nikko San Francisco<\/a> \u2013 Stylish rooms near downtown and Union Square.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Lodge at the Presidio<\/a> \u2013 A boutique hotel set in a former army barracks with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
7. Torrey Pines Golf Course \u2013 La Jolla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Torrey](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/torrey-pines-golf-course.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPerched 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The Lodge at Torrey Pines<\/a> \u2013 Craftsman\u2011style luxury overlooking the course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines<\/a> \u2013 Resort with rooms and pool facing the fairways.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa<\/a> \u2013 Rancho\u2011style resort near Torrey Pines State Reserve.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. Pelican Hill Golf Club (Ocean South) \u2013 Newport Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Pelican](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/torrey-pines-golf-course-1.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTom Fazio\u2019s Ocean South Course debuted in 1991 and offers 270\u2011degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Routed along a cliff\u2011top with back\u2011to\u2011back par\u20113s and dramatic par\u20114s, it delivers a thrilling combination of beauty and strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The Resort at Pelican Hill<\/a> \u2013 Villas and bungalows surrounded by the golf courses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marriott\u2019s Newport Coast Villas<\/a> \u2013 Family\u2011friendly villas overlooking the coast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Balboa Bay Resort<\/a> \u2013 Waterfront resort with marina and spa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
9. Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course) \u2013 Half Moon Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/half-moon-bay-golf-links-.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOpened in 1997 and designed by Arthur Hills, the Ocean Course is set atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. It offers a links\u2011style experience with firm, fast conditions and a dramatic finish along the cliff edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The Ritz\u2011Carlton, Half Moon Bay<\/a> \u2013 Perched above the 18th green with coastal walking trails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oceano Hotel & Spa<\/a> \u2013 Overlooking Pillar Point Harbor with suites and spa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay<\/a> \u2013 Intimate hotel on the coast with fireplaces in every room.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
10. Rustic Canyon Golf Course \u2013 Moorpark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Rustic](\"https:\/\/www.losvirtuality.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/rustic-canyon-golf-course.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA minimalist masterpiece north of Los Angeles, Rustic Canyon was built in 2001 on a 350\u2011acre 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\u2019s one of the most affordable and enjoyable walks in California golf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Hampton Inn & Suites Moorpark<\/a> \u2013 Comfortable lodging near the course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Courtyard by Marriott Thousand Oaks<\/a> \u2013 Modern hotel near Thousand Oaks attractions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Palm Garden Hotel<\/a> \u2013 Boutique property in Thousand Oaks with pool and on-site restaurant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5 best indoor golf courses in California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPebble Beach is open to the public and consistently ranks among the world\u2019s greatest courses. The clifftop layout traces the rugged Carmel Bay shoreline, offering dramatic ocean views on every hole. Jack Nicklaus once said it\u2019s the course he\u2019d play if he only had one round left. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro\u2011Am, formerly Bing Crosby\u2019s National Pro\u2011Am, still draws professionals and celebrities each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2011top holes where the Pacific acts as a water hazard. Membership is limited to roughly 250 lucky golfers, so a round here is truly once\u2011in\u2011a\u2011lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s part of the Pebble Beach Resorts family and hosts rounds during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro\u2011Am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alister MacKenzie\u2019s other California masterpiece opened in 1929 and remains a must\u2011play 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\u2011private, but visitors can reserve tee times to experience its classic design and fast greens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Known as \u201cHogan\u2019s Alley\u201d thanks to Ben Hogan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2011fast greens, it\u2019s a stern challenge that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens. Precise shot\u2011making is essential on this storied track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom Fazio\u2019s Ocean South Course debuted in 1991 and offers 270\u2011degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Routed along a cliff\u2011top with back\u2011to\u2011back par\u20113s and dramatic par\u20114s, it delivers a thrilling combination of beauty and strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Opened in 1997 and designed by Arthur Hills, the Ocean Course is set atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. It offers a links\u2011style experience with firm, fast conditions and a dramatic finish along the cliff edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A minimalist masterpiece north of Los Angeles, Rustic Canyon was built in 2001 on a 350\u2011acre 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\u2019s one of the most affordable and enjoyable walks in California golf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearby hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
2. Cypress Point Club \u2013 Pebble Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Spyglass Hill \u2013 Pebble Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Pasatiempo Golf Club \u2013 Santa Cruz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Riviera Country Club \u2013 Los Angeles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. Olympic Club (Lake Course) \u2013 San Francisco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Torrey Pines Golf Course \u2013 La Jolla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Pelican Hill Golf Club (Ocean South) \u2013 Newport Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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9. Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course) \u2013 Half Moon Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10. Rustic Canyon Golf Course \u2013 Moorpark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5 best indoor golf courses in California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n