Whether you're craving Southern California's sun-soaked greens or Northern California's serene mountains, golf enthusiasts have a spectrum of stay and play golf packages to choose from in California. From challenging desert courses to oceanside links, this guide highlights some of the best stay and play deals across the state for every season.
California’s golf scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering players everything from coastal winds to mountain vistas. Here’s a closer look at nine fantastic courses with attractive stay and play golf packages that make a trip to the greens even better.
Top Stay and Play Golf Packages for Every Season
1. PGA West (Nicklaus Course) – La Quinta
- Location: La Quinta, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Fall to early spring
- Why Go: PGA West offers 109 holes of some of the finest golf. With stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and fairways crafted by legends, the Nicklaus Course is particularly popular for its immaculate greens and challenging desert layout.
- Package Details: Guests can enjoy stay and play deals that combine rounds at PGA West with luxury stays at La Quinta Resort & Club, ideal for players wanting a balance of luxury and challenge.
2. Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff) – Palm Desert
- Location: Palm Desert, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter
- Why Go: Desert Willow’s Firecliff Course is renowned for its challenging layout and beautiful desert scenery. With native desert flora and expansive water features, this course gives players a stunning backdrop for their game.
- Package Details: Stay and play packages Southern California includes special seasonal deals for golfers and lodging at local resorts, making it perfect for a weekend golf escape.
3. Soule Park Golf Course – Ojai
- Location: Ojai, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall
- Why Go: This hidden gem in Ojai offers lush greens set against the scenic Topa Topa Mountains. It’s a beautifully designed course known for its playability and welcoming atmosphere.
- Package Details: Soule Park’s stay and play packages often feature discounted rounds and accommodation deals with nearby inns, allowing golfers to experience Ojai’s laid-back charm.
California's Top Winter Golf Packages
4. Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood) – Truckee
- Location: Truckee, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Late Spring through early fall
- Why Go: Old Greenwood offers a mountain golf experience with forested fairways and crisp, cool air. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course features a blend of challenge and beauty, making it a must-visit for nature-loving golfers.
- Package Details: Seasonal stay and play deals include cozy lodges and exclusive access to Old Greenwood and other club amenities for a full mountain retreat experience.
5. Oak Quarry Golf Club – Riverside
- Location: Riverside, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter
- Why Go: Set in an old quarry, Oak Quarry boasts dramatic scenery and a challenging course layout. This unique setting adds a touch of adventure to any golf round, with rugged rock formations and water features.
- Package Details: Visitors can take advantage of stay and play golf packages that include rounds at Oak Quarry and accommodations in Riverside’s top hotels, adding convenience and value to a memorable outing.
6. SilverRock Resort – La Quinta
- Location: La Quinta, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Fall to early spring
- Why Go: With the Santa Rosa Mountains as a backdrop, SilverRock Resort is ideal for players looking for a scenic challenge. The course, a favorite on the PGA Tour, combines open fairways and challenging bunkers.
- Package Details: SilverRock offers stay and play packages Southern California style, which often include nearby accommodations and course access to ensure a laid-back desert escape.
Golf in Arizona
If you wish to enjoy a golf course outside of California, make sure to check out Laughlin Ranch Golf Club - Arizona's #2 ranked golf course and #25 in the nation. Enjoy golfing, dining, spa, and more at Laughlin Ranch.
Springtime Escapes and Luxury Golf Packages
7. La Quinta Resort & Club (Mountain Course) – La Quinta
- Location: La Quinta, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring
- Why Go: Known for dramatic elevation changes and picturesque mountain views, the Mountain Course is one of La Quinta’s crown jewels. Golfers can expect a challenging course that rewards accuracy.
- Package Details: La Quinta Resort offers luxurious stay and play golf packages where guests can combine rounds at the Mountain Course with five-star accommodations, creating a premium golf experience.
8. TPC Harding Park – San Francisco
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer
- Why Go: This famous public course, surrounded by towering cypress trees and serene views of Lake Merced, offers golfers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Known for hosting major tournaments, Harding Park gives golfers a taste of championship-level play.
- Package Details: TPC Harding Park’s stay and play deals allow guests to stay in nearby San Francisco hotels with shuttle services, making for an enjoyable, hassle-free golf trip.
9. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino (Eagle Falls) – Indio
- Location: Indio, CA
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter
- Why Go: Eagle Falls at Fantasy Springs offers a fun, playable course with strategic water features and desert landscaping. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to combine golf with a casino experience.
- Package Details: The resort’s stay and play casino packages offer convenient access to both Eagle Falls and the casino, ideal for players wanting a mix of golf and entertainment.
Making the Most of Stay and Play Golf Packages in California
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, California’s stay and play golf packages present a fantastic way to enjoy the state’s diverse courses and landscapes. Here are a few tips to maximize your experience:
- Plan for the Season: Book according to seasonal weather patterns to avoid crowds and secure the best deals.
- Check Package Inclusions: Look for all-inclusive stay and play deals that cover rounds, accommodations, and sometimes even meals.
- Consider Add-Ons: Many packages include extras like spa access or discounted dining options, enhancing your trip without breaking the bank.
For those who love a well-rounded golf experience, these courses and packages offer everything from luxury resort stays to exhilarating mountain challenges, making California an ideal destination for golf lovers.