Torrey Pines Golf Course sits atop the towering coastal bluffs of La Jolla, offering a 36-hole golfing experience that rivals any private club in the world. But this isn’t an exclusive, insider space – this masterpiece is proudly a municipal course, owned and maintained by the city of San Diego.

Torrey Pines is a place of golfing lore, having hosted two US Open Championships, including Tiger Woods’ legendary broken leg victory in 2008. Every year, the golfing world turns its eyes here for the annual Farmers Insurance Open, drawing the biggest names in the sport.

Playing a round here means navigating deep ravines, coastal fog and challenging kikuyu grass rough, all while being distracted by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the adjacent Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

The experience:

• The South Course: This is the more challenging, longer layout that attracted the US Open, a demanding test of golf with spectacular cliffside holes.
• The North Course: Redesigned by Tom Weiskopf, the North Course is slightly more forgiving and features the iconic, much-photographed par-3 15th hole overlooking the ocean.
• The Golf Shop: One of the largest and most well-stocked on-course shops in the country, perfect for picking up branded apparel.

Who it’s for:
Passionate golfers looking to check a bucket-list course off their list, sports history fans and locals taking advantage of resident rates.

Local’s tip:
If you can’t secure a tee time, you can still experience the magic by walking the paved cart path in the early mornings, or simply grabbing a seat by the fire pits near the clubhouse to watch the 18th green.

Good to know:

• Booking a tee time: Securing your spot can be tricky. San Diego residents can book up to 90 days in advance via the city portal; non-residents can book from 8 to 90 days out, but they pay a significant advance booking fee.
• Where to stay: For the ultimate golf getaway, book a room at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The hotel sits right on the 18th hole of the South Course.
• The 19th hole: After your round, head straight to The Grill at Torrey Pines for a craft beer and their famous Drugstore Burger.

Explore equipment rentals or make a tee time.