San Diego is arguably one of the best golf cities around. With the average year-round temperature being around 70 and sunny, it is possible to play golf everyday with little chance of weather ruining the vibe. San Diego also offers a tremendous variety of golf courses from coastal layouts with beautiful ocean views to desert-style courses surrounded by mountains. Want to plan a golf visit to San Diego? Here are Pirdie’s recommendations for golfing, staying, eating - and since we are talking about SD, we must include our favorite beach spots!
Course: Torrey Pines North and South
If you are looking for beauty, nothing really beats Torrey Pines Golf Course, a 36-hole municipal course. Don’t let “municipal'' fool you; this course is one of the most sought after golf destinations and tee times book out months in advance. Choose from the North or South course - the north is shorter and more digestible for beginners but the south is our fave for the ocean views. Torrey is home to the PGA tours annual Farmer’s Insurance Open and has hosted several professional and amateur golf events throughout the years.
Pirdie Tip: Golfing Torrey isn’t inexpensive, but it can be a once in a lifetime experience for many. Luckily for San Diego residents, it is super accessible with a major discount if you have the San Diego Resident ID Card.
Stay: The Lodge at Torrey Pines/ The Hilton Torrey Pines
We love The Lodge at Torrey Pines because it overlooks our favorite course! This luxury craftsman hotel is situated right on the Torrey Pines Golf Course and has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful rooms and a full-service spa help you recover from a long day on the course.
If you are looking for a similar experience at a lower price point, the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines is located right next door the The Lodge with easy access to the course and their outstanding amenities. Interesting fact (maybe?) - Pirdie’s first photoshoot was staged at the Hilton and many of the photos are still featured on our website!
https://www.lodgetorreypines.com/accommodations
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/santphh-hilton-la-jolla-torrey-pines/
Eat: The Grill at Torrey Pines/Farmer and the Seahorse
Pirdie’s favorite hole is arguably the 19th Hole! We love The Grill at Torrey Pines because it is right there waiting for us when we wrap up our game. The Grill has an unbeatable ambiance including a large outdoor patio with fire pits as well as a cozy bar. It’s easily accessible from Torrey Pines Golf Course and the perfect place to grab some food and a John (or June) Daly with friends. We recommend the Drugstore Hamburger!
If you’re looking to escape the course for a bit, right down the street is the Farmer and the Seahorse. While their focus is primarily brunch and lunch, they have a great happy hour menu with festive cocktails.
https://www.lodgetorreypines.com/the-grill
https://farmerandtheseahorse.com/
Beach: Blacks Beach/La Jolla Shores
Get away from the crowds and explore a well kept San Diego secret. Blacks Beach is a secluded section beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines. Blacks used to be known as a nude beach. While that is no longer the case, its reputation as well as the steep hike it takes to get down to the beach may keep the tourist crowds away.
Looking for something a bit more accessible and bustling, we suggest heading a bit south to discover La Jolla Shores - a popular tourist and family destination with a wide variety of restaurants, shopping, etc.
https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/beaches-bays/blacks-beach.aspx
https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/beaches-bays/la-jolla.aspx
We would love to hear about your favorite place to play, stay, and eat in San Diego! Want your city feature in Pirdie’s Destination Guide? Tell us where to spotlight next!
