The Best Golf Courses in San Diego You Can Play Without a Membership

While much of the country is scraping ice off windshields and counting down the days until spring, golf season in San Diego never really ends, much to my chagrin since my husband needs very little encouragement to squeeze in another round.

With our mild winter weather, coastal views, and incredible variety of courses, San Diego County is consistently ranked as one of the best golf destinations in the country. From iconic municipal layouts to luxury resort experiences, there are plenty of places to play even if you don’t belong to a private club.

Below is a curated list of the best public and resort golf courses in San Diego County. These are the courses locals recommend most often, the ones visitors ask about, and the ones that truly stand out for scenery, experience, and overall playability.

Pricing and availability can change quickly, so consider the ranges below a helpful starting point rather than a guarantee.

Torrey Pines Golf Course (North & South) | La Jolla

If you’ve ever watched golf on TV and thought, “I want to play there,” this is probably the course you’re picturing.

Perched high above the Pacific, Torrey Pines is one of the most iconic public golf facilities in the world. The South Course hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, while the North Course offers many of the same jaw-dropping views with slightly friendlier play.

Green fees vary significantly depending on residency and timing. Residents can expect roughly $76–$126, while non-resident rates range from about $198–$333. Carts are $45 per cart, though many locals prefer to walk.

Tee times can typically be booked 8 to 90 days in advance through the City of San Diego system.

Local tip: Midnight is prime booking time. When reservation windows open, the best morning slots can disappear fast. And while the South Course gets all the fame, many locals quietly prefer the North for pace of play and value.

🔗 https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/golf/torreypines

Coronado Golf Course | Coronado

This one hits especially close to home.

Set between the San Diego Bay and Glorietta Bay, the Coronado Golf Course offers stunning views, calm water, and one of the most scenic municipal rounds in the country. It’s flat, walkable, and relaxed — the kind of place where the views sometimes steal attention from the scorecard.

Green fees are refreshingly reasonable for a waterfront course, generally $46–$51 for residents and $54–$63 for non-residents. Cart fees run about $21–$24 per rider.

Advance tee times are usually available 3 to 14 days out.

Local tip: Some of the best tee times never appear online. A portion is released in person two days prior, and locals will often stop by early in the morning to snag them. Early tee times also tend to be calmer before the bay breeze picks up.

🔗 https://www.golfcoronado.com/teetimes

Maderas Golf Club | Poway

Carved into the Poway hills, it’s known for dramatic elevation changes, immaculate conditions, and one of the most memorable finishing holes in San Diego County.

Green fees typically range from $145–$195, with cart fees around $25–$30 depending on the booking option. Tee times usually open within about seven days.

Local tip: Late weekday afternoons often offer the best combination of availability and pricing. And if the online tee sheet looks full, calling the pro shop can sometimes uncover openings.

🔗 https://www.maderasgolf.com/tee-times

Aviara Golf Club | Carlsbad

Located at the Park Hyatt Aviara, this Arnold Palmer–designed course is one of the most polished public-access golf experiences in the county.

Former host of LPGA tournaments, Aviara is known for lush landscaping, gentle elevation changes, and impeccable service. It’s less about grinding out a low score and more about enjoying the experience.

Green fees generally range from $250–$350, with carts included. Tee times are often available 60 to 90 days in advance.

Local tip: Midweek rounds tend to feel less rushed, and afternoon tee times sometimes come with seasonal price drops.

🔗 https://parkhyattaviara.com/golf

Omni La Costa Golf Club | Carlsbad

Few courses in California have as much history as La Costa. With two championship layouts and decades of professional tournament play, it remains one of San Diego’s most recognizable golf destinations.

Green fees typically range from $175–$295, with carts included. Tee times often open 30 to 90 days out, especially for resort guests.

Local tip: If you’re choosing one course, the Champions Course is the most well-known. Many golfers turn this into a full resort day with lunch, spa time, or sunset drinks afterward.

🔗 https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa/golf

Fairmont Grand Del Mar Golf Club | Carmel Valley

Designed by Tom Fazio, the Grand Del Mar Golf Club offers a true private-club feel without the membership requirement.

Conditions are immaculate, service is five-star, and the experience feels elevated from the moment you arrive.

Green fees range from about $275–$395, with carts included. Tee times typically open 30 to 60 days in advance.

Local tip: Many people don’t realize this course is open to the public. Weekend mornings book first, so plan ahead.

🔗 https://www.fairmont.com/san-diego/golf/

⭐ Bonus Options

Sea ’N Air Golf Course | Coronado

Located on Naval Air Station North Island, this course is available to those with military base access or a sponsor.

Green fees generally range from $40–$70, with cart fees around $15–$18. It’s flat, walkable, and one of Coronado’s best-kept secrets.

🔗 https://coronado.navylifesw.com/golf

Bajamar Oceanfront Golf Resort | Baja California

About 90 minutes south of Coronado, Bajamar offers dramatic ocean-cliff golf that feels far more expensive than it is.

Green fees typically run $90–$130 USD, with carts usually included. My husband likes combine a trip to Bajamar with a stop in Puerto Neuvo for lobster!

🔗 https://bajamar.com.mx/golf/

Final Thoughts

From iconic ocean cliffs to bayfront fairways and luxury resort layouts, San Diego offers one of the most diverse golf scenes in the country — all without requiring a private club membership.

Whether you’re visiting, planning a winter escape, or lucky enough to call San Diego home, these courses showcase why golf truly is a year-round lifestyle here.