Did you know that there is only one state in the US that has more golf courses than California? That should give you a pretty clear idea of the golf that you can expect in Southern California. Here is a list of our favorite golf resorts that you can find in this megapolitan area.
1. The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
This is a 360-acre resort that is surrounded by panoramic views of the glorious Rancho Mirage mountains. The resort is home to the ‘potentially diabolical, yet indescribably playable’ course, which is one of Pete Dye’s masterpieces. The par 70 course stretches over 6,706 yards, with lush greens and fairways covering the rolling hills and various water features.
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is also home to The Spa at Rancho Mirage. The spa features desert scenery that’ll calm every nerve in your body, even before the masseuse gets to you. Furthermore, you can challenge someone on one of the three tennis courts or relax in one of the on-site pools.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
2. La Quinta Resort & Club, Palm Springs
La Quinta gives you the opportunity to ‘play where champions played’ with a choice of five distinct championship courses. There’s the Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course at PGA WEST, Dunes Course, and Mountain Course. The courses also include designs by two other legends, known as the Jack Nicklaus Course and the Greg Norman Course.
There are six different dining establishments to try out at the resort, and no less than 41 pools on-site (and yes, you read that right). Furthermore, there is Spa La Quinta, which offers every relaxing treatment and massage that you can possibly think of, and a salon that offers everything from nail services to hair care and makeup. For the fittest amongst your group, there is a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and yoga studios.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
Interested in more options? Here’s our list of the best golf resorts in Palm Springs. Check it out!
3. Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad
Park Hyatt Aviara is located on a 200-acre piece of land that overlooks the Batiquitos Lagoon. The resort has a very, very long list of accolades acquired in the past, from a Forbes Five Star Award to an AAA Five Diamond Award. The golf course, Aviara Golf Club is San Diego’s only Arnold Palmer design, and it has also acquired multiple accolades, including making Golfweek Magazine’s list of Best Courses to Play.
The on-site spa, Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara, offers yoga and meditation services, massages, and even rituals that will calm your soul. Furthermore, they have a fitness center and tennis courts to stay active, and between the pools and resort fire pit, you’ll never find yourself with nothing to do.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
Interested in other options? Here’s our list of the best golf resorts in San Diego. Check it out!
4. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Dana Point
This 175-acre AAA Five-Diamond resort is not only styled and themed to have a sandy beach vibe, but it also features a private beach club and magnificent ocean views. The resort’s Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Monarch Beach Golf Links is a traditional Scottish links-style course. The challenging yet playable course’s accolades include honorable mentions by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.
There are 7 different dining establishments at the resort and 3 pools, which include an adults-only spa lap pool. Furthermore, they have tennis courts and fitness classes to keep the blood pumping. You can also rent an e-bike, go whale watching, try water sports, or relax at the spa when staying at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
5. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad
This 400-acre resort is located in a Spanish Mission-style property, with no less than 607 guest rooms and two championship golf courses. The first course, known as Champions Course, is currently being renovated by Gil Hanse in preparation for the 2024 NCAA Division I Golf Championships. The second, known as the Legends Course, is a parkland-style course.
The resort is also home to 7 dining establishments, which include the likes of bars, markets, delivery services, restaurants, and cafés. The Spa at La Costa’s masseuses and beauticians are on standby for an early-morning massage or pre-dinner manicure. Furthermore, they have a total of 17 tennis courts and a kids club to keep the little ones busy.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
6. Rancho Bernardo Inn
This 265-acre resort is nestled between rolling hills and nature everywhere you look. The resort’s 18-hole championship course, the Resort Course, has been hosting all players from amateurs to legends since 1964, when William Francis Bell finished his design. Keep an eye out for the course’s most popular hole, the undulating 18th.
The resort’s sensual spa, the Rancho Bernardo Inn Spa, has everything you could possibly need to properly unwind, from a jasmine-scented garden to a saline pool. They also have multiple dining establishments, from restaurants to in-room dining services. To finish off, you can relax in one of the 3 pools, shop at the boutique or golf shop, or challenge your family to lawn games.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
7. Desert Willow Golf Resort, Palm Desert
Desert Willow is home to two popular golf courses, known as the Firecliff Course and the Mountain View Course. The 7,056-yard Firecliff Course has made Golfweek Magazine’s Top 200 Resort Golf Courses in the US list and it was ranked #2 in GolfPass Golfer’s Choice 2022 list of the Best Courses in California.
The Mountain View is the more natural course of the two, with gorgeous mountain views and flowing water features. There’s an on-site restaurant, known as The Terrace Restaurant, at the resort and they have wedding venues to host your special day. You can also up your game at the Palm Desert Golf Academy or golf schools.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
8. Indian Wells Golf Resort
Why should you head to this magnificent resort for a golfing holiday? With two courses ranked in the Top 25 “Best Municipal Courses in the United States” by Golfweek Magazine, why shouldn’t you? Clive Clark’s Celebrity Course was the first to open at the course, with John Fought’s Players Course opening just a year later. Both have spectacular mountain views and 18 holes of lush fairways.
Furthermore, Indian Wells is home to the Vue Grille & Bar, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and a pavilion to host your special day. If you’d like to stay and play, you could book a space at the Miramonte Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa, Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, or the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
9. Singing Hills Golf Resort, El Cajon
There are 54 holes of Ted Robinson-designed golf, 100 guest rooms, and various pools at this 425-acre resort. The first golf course at the resort is the par 72 course, Willow Glen. Then, there’s the second par 72 course, Oak Glen, and lastly, you’ll find the par 3 course Pine Glen. The latter is known as Southern California’s most challenging par 3 course, so watch out, there may be some challenges ahead!
Furthermore, they have the Red Tail Bar & Grille, and if you find yourself bored at the Singing Hills Golf Resort, the Sycuan Casino Resort is only 3 minutes away. They’ll even send a complimentary shuttle to take you on your night out.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
10. San Vicente Golf Resort, Ramona
Each of the 28 guest rooms at this Valley of the Sun resort has golf course and mountain views. The par 72 golf course has 18 holes and five sets of tees, and it was designed by Ted Robinson. To up your game or let loose before the real McCoy, they have a driving range,
The resort also has the Riviera Wellness Spa, which offers services including waxing, massage therapy, body treatments, facials, and hair services. To dine, they have the Par Lounge & Deck, The Oaks Grille, and a snack bar.
Have a look at the resort’s official website.
Closing Words
Now that we’ve covered the best golf resorts in the flatter, drier part of California, you should have a list of resorts to add to your golfing bucket list. For a list of courses to play without the hustle and bustle of resort guests and holidaymakers, have a look at our article on the best golf courses in Southern California.
On the other hand, to make the most of your stay at the many golf resorts in the area, you should definitely have a look at our list of the best stay-and-play golf packages in South California.
