Best Golf Courses in Orange County: Our Must-Play Picks
These are our picks for the best golf courses in Orange County: the must-play rounds we’d recommend to a friend visiting OC or a local looking for something new. It’s a hand-picked list, not a complete one. For every course in the county, plus driving ranges, indoor golf, and mini golf, see our complete directory of Orange County golf courses.
How we picked: We looked for variety (resort, municipal, and executive courses), standout scenery, easy public access, and each course’s local reputation. Most of the list is open to the public, and the two private clubs are clearly labeled. Our picks aren’t ranked, and we don’t list green fees since they change often, so check each course’s website before booking.
Best Public Golf Courses in Orange County
Pelican Hill Golf Club, Newport Coast
Best for: A bucket-list splurge with ocean views
If you’re going to splurge on one resort round in Orange County, this is our pick. The Resort at Pelican Hill has two Tom Fazio courses (36 holes) on the Newport Coast hillside, with the Pacific as a near-constant backdrop. Plan it as a special-occasion day and pair it with a meal on the property.
PelicanHill.com/Golf
Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point
Best for: Ocean views on a resort round in south county
This links-style course at Monarch Beach plays to par 70 and about 6,600 yards, and the ocean is in view across much of the layout. It’s a strong alternative to Pelican Hill if you’re staying in Dana Point or want coastal golf closer to south county.
MonarchBeachGolf.com
Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Irvine
Best for: A canyon escape without leaving the city
Tucked into a canyon beside a 35-acre reservoir, this 18-hole, par-71 course (about 6,700 yards) feels far removed from the Irvine traffic just outside. Wetlands and hillsides frame the holes, which makes it our pick for a scenic round that doesn’t require a drive to the coast.
SF-Golf.com
Tijeras Creek Golf Club, Rancho Santa Margarita
Best for: Scenery and elevation change
Ted Robinson’s 18-hole layout gives you two different rounds in one: water shapes several holes on the front, then the back nine drops through a canyon with big elevation swings. Bring a camera for the back side.
ArcisGolf.com/Tijeras-Creek | (949) 589-9793
Oak Creek Golf Club, Irvine
Best for: A polished daily-fee round in central OC
An 18-hole Tom Fazio design with a creek and lakes woven through it, Oak Creek is a public course in the middle of Irvine. The course is open; a redevelopment proposal for the property is under city review, so it’s worth playing while you can.
OakCreekGolfClub.com
Tustin Ranch Golf Club, Tustin
Best for: A classic, full-length central OC round
This Ted Robinson course stretches to about 6,800 yards, so bring your long game. The finishing hole, with water guarding a three-tier green, is a memorable way to end the day.
TustinRanchGolf.com
Coyote Hills Golf Course, Fullerton
Best for: North OC hillside views
Co-designed by Payne Stewart and Cal Olson, this 18-hole, par-70 course (about 6,510 yards) climbs into the Fullerton hills. On clear days the higher holes look out over north Orange County and Los Angeles, which makes it our top north county pick.
CoyoteHillsGC.com
Costa Mesa Country Club, Costa Mesa
Best for: A public 36-hole value round
Despite the name, it’s a public facility with two 18-hole courses. Los Lagos is the longer test at par 72 and more than 6,600 yards, while Mesa Linda is shorter and more relaxed, so there’s an option for different skill levels.
CostaMesaCountryClub.com | (714) 540-7500
Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course, Irvine
Best for: A first full 18 for newer golfers
Opened in 1964 and designed by William F. Bell, this 18-hole course has four lakes and a friendly feel that suits golfers stepping up from short courses. Regulars still find the greens tricky enough to keep it interesting.
RanchoSanJoaquin.com | (949) 786-5522
San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, San Clemente
Best for: An ocean-view municipal round
Owned by the City of San Clemente, this 18-hole course sits about a mile inland, and several holes have ocean views. It’s hilly and traditional, and it’s a lower-key way to get coastal scenery than the resort courses.
SanClemente.gov/Golf | (949) 361-8384
Newport Beach Golf Course, Newport Beach
Best for: Night golf
This 18-hole executive course near John Wayne Airport is lighted for night play, so you can get a round in after dark. It’s mostly par 3s, with a full driving range on site.
NewportBeachGolfCourseLLC.com
Oso Creek Golf Course, Mission Viejo
Best for: Beginners and a relaxed short course
Formerly Casta del Sol, this city-owned course below Lake Mission Viejo was renamed Oso Creek in 2020. At about 3,760 yards, with two streams crossing most holes, it’s short enough for new players and still pretty enough for everyone else.
OsoCreekGolf.com | (949) 470-4996
David L. Baker Golf Course, Fountain Valley
Best for: Building skills on an executive course
An 18-hole, par-62 executive course with six lakes. The shorter holes are ideal for beginners and for experienced players who want to sharpen their irons without committing to a full-length round.
ArcisGolf.com/David-L-Baker | (714) 418-2152
Notable Private Clubs
These clubs are for members and their guests. For more options, see our guide to Orange County country clubs.
The Huntington Club, Huntington Beach
Best for: Members looking for a club with more than golf (private)
The club formerly known as SeaCliff Country Club is now The Huntington Club, a private club with golf, tennis, and pickleball. Play is for members and their guests.
TheHuntingtonClub.com | (714) 536-8866
Shady Canyon Golf Club, Irvine
Best for: A notable private Fazio design (private)
Tom Fazio routed this private course through an Irvine canyon, using the natural rock outcrops, sycamores, and creek beds to shape the holes. You’ll need a member invitation to play.
ShadyCanyonGolfClub.com
Picking a Course: Quick Answers
What’s the best public course in Orange County for ocean views?
Among our picks, Pelican Hill and Monarch Beach have the biggest ocean views. For a lower-key option with ocean glimpses, try San Clemente Municipal.
What’s the best Orange County course for a first-timer?
Start short: Oso Creek, David L. Baker, and Newport Beach Golf Course all have shorter holes. When you’re ready for a full 18, Rancho San Joaquin is a friendly next step.
What’s the best golf course for a special occasion?
Pelican Hill is our choice for a birthday, anniversary, or Father’s Day round, with Monarch Beach a close second. Both are at resorts, so you can make a day of it. See our best beach resorts for places to stay.
Can I play golf at night in Orange County?
Of our picks, Newport Beach Golf Course is lighted for night play, which makes it a good after-work option.
