Golfing in Avila Beach offers some of the most beautiful and exciting experiences on California’s Central Coast. From our rooftop sky bar at Cobbo’s Beach House, we watch golfers enjoy stunning rounds with ocean and mountain views just steps from our luxury vacation rental. Our guests love how they can walk to world-class golf courses or take our complimentary golf cart for a scenic ride to tee times.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player looking for challenging championship courses, Avila Beach has something special for every golfer. The mild coastal climate means you can play year-round, and the breathtaking scenery makes every round unforgettable.
Top Golf Courses for Your Avila Beach Getaway
1. Avila Beach Golf Resort
Avila Beach Golf Resort stands out as the crown jewel of Central Coast golf courses and the perfect choice for golfers staying in the area. This par-72 championship course offers 6,500 yards of pure golfing excellence, designed by PGA pro Olin Dutra and British course architect Desmond Muirhead.
The course features kikuyu grass fairways that remind players of famous courses like Riviera Country Club, paired with quick, classic bentgrass greens that test your putting skills. The front nine sits on hilly terrain within oak-lined valleys, offering small, elevated greens that demand precise approach shots. The back nine provides a completely different challenge as it crosses a tidal estuary with forced carries over water and multi-level greens.
What makes this course truly special is its stunning location. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills, San Luis Bay, and the charming town of Avila Beach throughout your round.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 based on guest reviews
💵 Price Level: Mid-range championship course pricing
📍 Location: 6464 Ana Bay Drive, Avila Beach, CA 93424
📞 Contact: (805) 627-1900
⏰ Hours: Dawn to dusk, call for tee times
The resort also features extensive practice facilities including a driving range with grass teeing areas, a two-tier putting green with ocean views, and areas for chipping and pitching practice. The pro shop offers a full selection of golf apparel, equipment, and logoed items, plus gift certificates for lessons and merchandise.
After your round, enjoy a meal at Mulligan’s Bar & Grill, the on-site restaurant featuring beachfront dining, live music, and fire pits for evening relaxation.
Learn more about Avila Beach Golf Resort
2. Cypress Ridge Golf Course
Just a short drive from Avila Beach in nearby Arroyo Grande, Cypress Ridge Golf Course offers an award-winning experience that Golf Digest named one of the “Best Places to Play.” This Peter Jacobsen Signature course sits among stately cypress trees and benefits from cooling coastal breezes.
The course is known for its perfectly manicured fairways and greens, creating challenging yet fair conditions for golfers of all skill levels. The natural scenery includes rolling hills and mature trees that frame each hole beautifully.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 from 271 reviews
💵 Price Level: Premium pricing for championship experience
📍 Location: 780 Cypress Ridge Pkwy, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
📞 Contact: (805) 474-7979
⏰ Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cypress Ridge also features excellent practice facilities, a thoughtfully designed event venue, and hosts the seasonal Music on the Mesa concert series. The course layout challenges players while remaining enjoyable for all abilities.
Learn more about Cypress Ridge Golf Course
3. San Luis Obispo Golf & Country Club
This well-established private club welcomes visitors and offers a classic golf experience just 15 minutes from Avila Beach. The course provides a traditional layout with mature trees, well-maintained fairways, and consistent playing conditions.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 from 140 reviews
💵 Price Level: Private club with guest fees
📍 Location: 255 Country Club Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
📞 Contact: (805) 543-3400
⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
The club atmosphere provides a more intimate golfing experience, and the course conditions are typically excellent year-round.
Learn more about San Luis Obispo Golf & Country Club
4. Laguna Lake Golf Course
This public course in San Luis Obispo offers great value and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual rounds. The course features a straightforward layout that’s ideal for beginners and experienced players looking for an enjoyable, pressure-free round.
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5 from 148 reviews
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly public course
📍 Location: 11175 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
📞 Contact: (805) 781-7309
⏰ Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The course provides a great option for those wanting to play multiple rounds during their stay or for groups with mixed skill levels.
Learn more about Laguna Lake Golf Course
5. Pismo State Beach Golf Course
Located in nearby Grover Beach, this unique links-style course offers a different golfing experience with ocean influences and challenging coastal winds. The course layout takes advantage of the natural coastal terrain.
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5 from 277 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate public course pricing
📍 Location: 9 Le Sage Dr, Grover Beach, CA 93433
📞 Contact: (805) 481-5215
⏰ Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The early morning hours and coastal setting create a peaceful golfing atmosphere, especially for those who enjoy starting their day on the links.
Learn more about Pismo State Beach Golf Course
6. Blacklake Golf Course
This unique 27-hole course in Nipomo offers a relaxed vibe and interesting layout options. The course features three nine-hole layouts that can be combined in different ways, giving golfers variety in their playing experience.
⭐ Rating: 4.1/5 from 287 reviews
💵 Price Level: Moderate with multiple layout options
📍 Location: 1490 Golf Course Ln, Nipomo, CA 93444
📞 Contact: (805) 343-1214
⏰ Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The course also includes practice facilities, instruction programs, and a bar and grill for post-round dining and drinks.
Learn more about Blacklake Golf Course
7. Monarch Dunes Golf Course
This award-winning course in Nipomo is designed in the style of a Scottish links course, offering a truly unique Central Coast experience. The course features rolling terrain and strategic bunkering that challenges golfers while providing stunning views.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 from 397 reviews
💵 Price Level: Premium links-style experience
📍 Location: 1606 Trilogy Pkwy, Nipomo, CA 93444
📞 Contact: (805) 343-9459
⏰ Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Scottish links design makes this course stand out from traditional California layouts, providing a memorable golfing experience.
Learn more about Monarch Dunes Golf Course
8. Sea Pines Golf Resort
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Los Osos, Sea Pines offers scenic ocean views with Morro Rock visible in the distance. This executive-style 9-hole course provides a more relaxed pace while still offering challenging holes and well-maintained grounds.
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5 from 696 reviews
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly 9-hole option
📍 Location: 1945 Solano St, Los Osos, CA 93402
📞 Contact: (805) 528-5252
⏰ Hours: Call for current schedule
The resort also features disc golf and footgolf courses, plus a pro shop, bar and grill, and seasonal concerts on the green.
Learn more about Sea Pines Golf Resort
Tips for Golfing in Avila Beach
From our experience hosting golfers at Cobbo’s Beach House, we’ve learned some insider secrets that can make your golfing experience even better:
Book Tee Times Early: Popular courses fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Many courses allow reservations up to two weeks in advance, so plan ahead.
Check Weather Conditions: Coastal weather can change throughout the day. The marine layer often clears by mid-morning, so later tee times usually offer better conditions and views.
Take Advantage of Practice Facilities: Most courses offer excellent driving ranges and putting greens. Arrive early to warm up and get familiar with the green speeds.
Consider Golf Cart Rental: Shared cart rentals are often included in packages and make the experience more enjoyable, especially on hillier courses like Avila Beach Golf Resort.
Plan Your Post-Round Activities: Many courses have excellent restaurants and bars. Mulligan’s at Avila Beach Golf Resort offers beachfront dining, while other courses provide 19th hole experiences with local craft beer.
Pack Layers: Coastal golf means changing conditions. Bring a light jacket for early morning rounds and sun protection for midday play.
For guests interested in golf packages during their stay, check out our custom packages where we can arrange tee times, transportation, and even equipment rental.
Conclusion
Golfing in Avila Beach offers an incredible combination of championship-level courses, stunning coastal scenery, and year-round playable weather. Whether you’re drawn to the challenging layout at Avila Beach Golf Resort with its tidal estuary and forced carries, the Scottish links experience at Monarch Dunes, or the relaxed atmosphere at Sea Pines overlooking Morro Rock, every round becomes a memorable experience.
Staying at Cobbo’s Beach House puts you right in the heart of this golfing paradise. Our guests love how they can enjoy morning rounds with ocean views, then return to luxury amenities like hot tubs, a wine tasting room, and rooftop relaxation areas. The combination of world-class golf and beachfront luxury creates the perfect golf vacation experience.
After your rounds, you can explore downtown Avila Beach, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, or simply relax with a glass of wine while watching the sunset from our sky bar. It’s this blend of exceptional golf and coastal luxury that makes Avila Beach such a special destination for golfers.
Ready to plan your ultimate golf getaway? Book your stay at cobbosbeachhouse.com and discover why golfing in Avila Beach is an experience you’ll never forget.
Does Avila Beach golf course have a driving range?
Yes! Avila Beach Golf Resort features a driving range with grass teeing areas that’s open from dawn to dusk. The practice facilities also include a two-tier putting green with scenic ocean views, plus areas for chipping and pitching practice. These comprehensive practice facilities help golfers work on all aspects of their game.
How much does a round of golf cost in Avila Beach?
Golf costs vary depending on the course and time of play. Public courses like Laguna Lake offer budget-friendly options starting around $20-50, while championship courses like Avila Beach Golf Resort and Cypress Ridge typically range from $75-150. Premium weekend times and holiday play often include additional fees.
What makes Avila Beach Golf Resort special?
Avila Beach Golf Resort stands out for its unique design crossing a tidal estuary on the back nine, creating forced carries over water. The kikuyu grass fairways and bentgrass greens provide excellent playing conditions, while the oceanfront location offers stunning views throughout your round. Plus, you can enjoy dining at Mulligan’s Bar & Grill right on the property.
Can beginners enjoy golfing in Avila Beach?
Absolutely! Courses like Laguna Lake Golf Course and Sea Pines offer more forgiving layouts perfect for beginners. Most courses also provide private lessons and group clinics with PGA professionals. The mild coastal weather means you can practice and play year-round, making it easier to improve your skills.
Are there golf packages available for visitors?
Many courses offer packages that include green fees, shared cart rental, and sometimes meals. At Cobbo’s Beach House, we can arrange custom golf packages that include tee times, transportation, and even equipment rental to make your golf vacation seamless and memorable.
What’s the best time to play golf in Avila Beach?
Avila Beach’s mild coastal climate allows for year-round golf, but spring through fall typically offers the most consistent weather. Morning marine layers usually clear by 10-11 AM, so mid-morning to afternoon tee times often provide the best conditions and views. Our guests at Cobbo’s Beach House love the convenience of being able to plan their rounds around perfect weather windows.
