California

Torrey Pines

Courses: 4
From: $1.9k
Best for: Bucket-list
Courses: 4
From: $1,895/pp
Best for: Bucket-list golf
Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Torrey Pines is one of America’s most iconic public golf destinations, with two municipal championship courses perched on the coastal bluffs of La Jolla. The South Course has hosted the U.S. Open and the PGA TOUR’s annual Farmers Insurance Open, while the North Course adds a more playable ocean-view round in the same dramatic setting.

Courses: 4 courses
Best months: March – October
Ideal length: 2–4 days
From airport: 20–25 min
Trips from: $1,895

Golf Courses at Torrey Pines

California · Course 1

South Course

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7702
Est.: 1957

A renowned championship course known for its breathtaking ocean views and challenging layout, hosting the annual Farmers Insurance Open and the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens.

California · Course 2

North Course

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7258
Est.: 1957

A scenic course offering stunning coastal views and a more forgiving layout, popular among golfers of all skill levels.

California · Course 3

Aviara Golf Club

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,007
Est.: 1991

Aviara Golf Club delivers a championship coastal golf experience in Carlsbad, California, blending lush landscaping, dramatic elevation changes, and scenic wetland corridors just minutes from the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and immaculate conditioning throughout a resort-style routing that has hosted LPGA Tour events for decades. With colorful flower beds, water features, and panoramic views of the Batiquitos Lagoon, Aviara offers one of Southern California’s premier luxury golf experiences.

California · Course 4

La Costa - Champions Course

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,500
Est.: 1965

The Champions Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is one of Southern California’s most historic resort layouts, blending championship pedigree with a lush parkland-style design in the heart of Carlsbad. Originally designed by Dick Wilson and later renovated by Gil Hanse, the course features strategic bunkering, mature landscaping, and modernized green complexes that honor its long history of hosting PGA Tour and LPGA events. Wide fairways and tournament-caliber conditioning make it a premier destination for resort golf near the Pacific coastline.

Trip Packages at Torrey Pines

Starting points. Everything is built around your dates, group size, and the courses you want to play.

Torrey Pines Championship Golf Package

From $1,895 per golfer

Build a San Diego golf trip around Torrey Pines South and North, with lodging at The Lodge at Torrey Pines or nearby La Jolla hotels and optional rounds at Aviara, Maderas, or other San Diego-area courses.

All golf and lodging taxes and fees included. Excludes flights, airport transfers, and caddies. Rates subject to change.

San Diego Coastal Golf Extension

From $2,495 per golfer

Pair Torrey Pines with additional San Diego-area golf and a La Jolla or Del Mar hotel base for a longer coastal California golf itinerary.

All golf and lodging taxes and fees included. Excludes flights, airport transfers, and caddies. Rates subject to change.

What to Expect at Torrey Pines

Why visit

Torrey Pines belongs on a California golf itinerary because it combines major-championship history, public access, and Pacific Ocean scenery in a way very few courses can match. The South Course is the bucket-list draw, known for its length, demanding rough, coastal wind, and U.S. Open history in 2008 and 2021. The North Course, renovated by Tom Weiskopf in 2016, gives groups a second 18-hole option with memorable ocean views and a slightly more approachable routing. Pair the golf with The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla dining, beaches, breweries, and nearby San Diego attractions for a trip that works well for serious golfers and mixed groups.

Accommodations

The premier nearby stay is The Lodge at Torrey Pines, a luxury hotel overlooking the golf course and Pacific Ocean. Groups can also stay at nearby La Jolla, Del Mar, or San Diego hotels if they want beach access, nightlife, or a broader San Diego itinerary.

Resort amenities

Torrey Pines offers two public championship courses, a large practice facility, golf shop, instruction programs, and one of the most recognizable coastal settings in American public golf. The experience is elevated by nearby luxury lodging at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and easy access to La Jolla and San Diego.

36 holes of public championship golf
U.S. Open and PGA TOUR venue
Pacific Ocean bluff-top setting
Large practice facilities
Nearby luxury lodging

Where to stay

3 hand-picked stays.

Each property is selected for proximity to the next round, the kind of evening that fits a long golf trip, and the feel we want for the group.

3 properties

Resort01 / 03

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Guest Room / Suite

Luxury craftsman-style hotel overlooking Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean, with refined dining, spa amenities, and the closest premium lodging to the golf courses.

Best option for a true Torrey Pines-focused luxury stay.

Included in package

Resort02 / 03

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Resort Room / Suite

Upscale La Jolla resort close to Torrey Pines, with gardens, spa amenities, dining, and a strong fit for couples or groups wanting a resort feel off the course.

Good alternative when The Lodge is unavailable or pricing is high.

Included in package

Hotel03 / 03

Hilton San Diego / Del Mar

Hotel Room / Suite

Convenient Del Mar hotel option for golf groups that want easier access to restaurants, beaches, and coastal San Diego activities while staying near Torrey Pines.

Practical group-friendly option north of Torrey Pines.

Included in package

Plan Your Trip to Torrey Pines

Getting there

Torrey Pines is in La Jolla, about 15–20 miles north of downtown San Diego and roughly 20–25 minutes from San Diego International Airport (SAN), depending on traffic. Most groups rent a car or use private transfers/rideshare, especially if pairing Torrey Pines with other San Diego-area courses.

Best time to visit: Torrey Pines is playable year-round, but March through October offers the most reliable blend of mild temperatures, long daylight, and coastal golf conditions. January and early February can be busy around the Farmers Insurance Open, while summer brings stronger demand and occasional marine-layer mornings.
Who it's best for: Best for bucket-list golfers, buddies trips, PGA TOUR fans, public-golf purists, and groups that want championship golf with a luxury San Diego coastal base.
Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Season: Daily
Course details: Features the South Course and North Course, both originally designed by William F. Bell. The South Course was renovated by Rees Jones and hosted the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens; the North Course was renovated by Tom Weiskopf in 2016.
Location: La Jolla, California
Nearest airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Trip style: Coastal
Best for: Bucket-list golf, PGA TOUR venues, San Diego golf trips

Frequently Asked Questions about Torrey Pines

Can the public play Torrey Pines?

Yes. Torrey Pines is a municipal public golf facility operated by the City of San Diego, with tee times available to both residents and non-residents. Non-resident tee times, rates, and booking windows can vary, so planning ahead is important.

How many courses are at Torrey Pines?

Torrey Pines has two 18-hole courses: the South Course and the North Course. Both sit above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla and are used in the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open rotation.

Which Torrey Pines course is more famous?

The South Course is the more famous and difficult course because it hosted the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens and is the primary championship test. The North Course is generally more playable and still offers excellent ocean views.

Who designed Torrey Pines?

The original North and South courses were designed by William F. Bell. The South Course was later lengthened and toughened by Rees Jones, while the North Course was renovated by Tom Weiskopf in 2016.

Where should you stay for a Torrey Pines golf trip?

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is the premier lodging option because it overlooks the golf course and Pacific Ocean. Groups can also stay in La Jolla, Del Mar, or downtown San Diego depending on whether they prioritize golf access, beach time, or nightlife.

What is the best time to visit Torrey Pines?

Torrey Pines is playable year-round, but March through October typically offers the best combination of weather, daylight, and coastal conditions. January and early February can be busier around the Farmers Insurance Open.

How far is Torrey Pines from San Diego International Airport?

Torrey Pines is roughly 20–25 minutes from San Diego International Airport in normal traffic, making it one of the easiest bucket-list public golf venues to reach by air.

Is Torrey Pines good for a buddies trip?

Yes. Torrey Pines works well for buddies trips because it combines two public championship courses, San Diego nightlife and beaches, strong hotel options, and easy access to other courses like Aviara and Maderas.

On the map