Stunning San Diego
A LOCAL’ S GUIDE TO PLANNING A GOLF TRIP TO AMERICA’ S FINEST CITY by SCOTT KRAMER
OU MAY THINK YOU KNOW WHERE TO play and what else to do on a golf trip to San
Diego. And you’ ll probably have a great time, whether you’ re traveling on a family vacation or a buddy trip. But take it from a local golfer who’ s lived here for more than 30 years: You can make your journey to the birthplace of California so much better.
It’ s a given you want to play Torrey Pines. Unfortunately, so does every other visiting golfer. You can call the course directly or use a private tee time service and maybe score a pricey late-afternoon round at the famed Torrey Pines South Course. Or opt to book 18 at the adjacent Torrey Pines North Course— the favorite among most San Diegans— and get a less-expensive, more timely tee slot on a better course with the same Pacific views. Renovated by Tom Weiskopf in 2016, it now feels similar to the South. Both courses offer stellar conditioning.
The other locals’ favorite is Coronado Golf Course. To score a tee time, just call the course about two weeks ahead of time. Located on the gorgeous Coronado Island, this relatively flat and easily walkable layout lulls you with a fairly mundane front nine. But the back wraps around the bay and harbor, with stunning views of downtown San Diego as the backdrop. It enhances the ambience exponentially, which is one reason so many residents love playing here. The clubhouse restaurant and bar are worth a post-round stop.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COURSES
30 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M ay / J u n e 2026