Balboa Park Golf Course
Balboa Park Golf Course is a challenging municipal 18-hole layout offering rolling fairways, fast greens, and sweeping views of downtown San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. Its combination of approachable tee shots and demanding putting surfaces makes it a must-play for golfers of all levels.
Course Overview
Balboa Park Golf Course offers a compelling golfing experience set within one of San Diego’s most vibrant urban green spaces. This municipal 18-hole course, along with a separate 9-hole layout, provides a challenging yet approachable round for a wide range of players. Located at 2600 Golf Course Dr, the course unfolds across gently rolling terrain with notable elevation changes that bring a lively dimension to each hole. The fairways are generous but demand strategic shot placement to avoid the well-positioned bunkers and native vegetation that edge the layout. Fast, undulating greens present a true test, rewarding players who master their lag putting and green reading skills. Because the greens generally slope back to front, maintaining a position below the hole is essential for scoring well.
Playing Balboa Park is as much about the setting as the golf itself. Golfers will find panoramic views of downtown San Diego’s skyline, the distant Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Coronado Bridge providing a scenic backdrop throughout the round. Light sea breezes often influence play, making club selection subtle but crucial.
The course is designed for varied skill levels, with wide fairways offering forgiveness off the tee while challenging approach shots and swift greens keep experienced players engaged. The 9-hole course presents a quicker option for those with limited time or beginners looking to build confidence. Practice facilities include a putting green that mimics the speed and breaks found on course, encouraging players to prepare thoroughly before teeing off.
As a public course within Balboa Park, Balboa Park Golf Course blends accessible golf with a meaningful sense of place, attracting locals and visitors alike. Tee times can be competitive, especially in the mornings and weekends, and securing a spot in advance is recommended. For those considering walking the course, comfortable footwear is advised due to the undulating terrain and occasional steep approach shots. Golf carts are available by request, though walking is encouraged to fully engage with the course’s natural rhythm.
Balboa Park Golf Course combines urban convenience with a thoughtfully laid-out challenge, rewarded by sweeping vistas and a classic Southern California golf feel. It’s an ideal destination for players seeking a rewarding round with varied shots and memorable views near the heart of San Diego.
Course Highlights
Balboa Park Golf Course is celebrated for its unique blend of cityscape and natural beauty, with holes that wind through varied elevation and vegetation. Signature views include the San Diego skyline and Coronado Bridge. The fast greens demand precise putting and careful green approach strategy. The separate 9-hole course offers a swift alternative for quick rounds. Its well-maintained layout and accessible location make it a popular choice among locals and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Warren Price
Great views. Planes flying over a lot.
Ellis Libby
The course and layout are great with some great city views. Some challenging holes, not as forgiving. It seems as if they spent all of their money on the course and haven’t spent a dime in any of the facilities (as a golfer I’m okay with) but I would definitely go back and play.
Adrian Montfort
Fun course in Balboa Park, wide fairways and some challenging Par 4s. Tee times are hard to get, but the 9-Hole is quick and fast. Definitely a must and a great value for money.
Mean Gene
What a treat to play this course. If you can get on, play it. It's hard to find times being a top-tier SD muni in the same group with Torrey. The only way I could get out was with an SD resident friend who has the resident card. The course is tough even though it's only 6,400 yards from the tips. Some amazing vistas of the San Diego skyline to be enjoyed. Keep your ball in play and you can score. Greens are huge, hard and fast. Spend plenty of time on the practice green which is a great representation of what the greens on the course are. Keep your ball below the hole. Most greens slope back to front. Try to get out with someone who knows the layout. It saved me on more than one occasion.
Desmond Laughlin
This was my first time playing this course and it was a great experience. The course was in great condition. The fairways were good, greens were very fast and small, adding to the challenge of this course. The sand was decent. The course was very challenging with a great layout providing lots of elevation change and unique holes. Views of the pacific ocean, San Diego downtown skyline, and Coronado Bridge made for a scenic round of golf. Must play municipal course right in the middle of downtown San Diego.
Neil Pesarillo
This course is fantastic! From the fairways to the fast competitive greens. The 18 and 9 have different feels, but both are challenging. Residents get the best rates with a resi card. Get out and golf!
Joon Rhee
Matt McDonald
Fun course, great view of the sky line. Fast greens.
Ahmet Basar
Carlos Papion
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Course Details
Access & Location
2600 Golf Course Dr, San Diego, CA 92102, USA
Balboa Park Golf Course Clubhouse with pro shop and snack bar
Walking is permitted and encouraged; the course features moderate elevation changes, so solid walking shoes are recommended for comfort.
Tee times can be reserved online or by phone; mornings and weekends are most in demand.
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