Best Golf Courses in Santa Barbara, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 17, 2026

Looking for the best golf courses in Santa Barbara? This page covers public golf, private country clubs, oceanfront resort layouts, executive facilities, and championship golf around Santa Barbara, California. You’ll find greens fees, locations, tee time information, local golf tips, and a map to help compare courses nearby.

Santa Barbara Golf Courses Map

The map above shows golf courses in and around Santa Barbara, including public layouts, private clubs, resort golf, and executive facilities along the Central Coast.

About Golf in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is known for relaxed coastal golf, beautiful mountain scenery, and mild weather throughout the year. Golf here feels more laid-back than many larger California golf destinations, but the courses still offer excellent conditions and memorable views.

The best golfing season usually runs from March through November when skies stay sunny and temperatures remain comfortable. Coastal breezes are common during afternoons, especially on courses closer to the Pacific Ocean.

The area has a nice mix of public golf, historic country clubs, and resort-style layouts. Beginners can enjoy easier municipal facilities while experienced golfers can challenge themselves on championship fairways surrounded by ocean and mountain scenery.

All Golf Courses in Santa Barbara, California

Golfers around Santa Barbara have access to scenic public layouts, private clubs, coastal resort golf, and nearby championship facilities. Most courses are located within a short drive along the Santa Barbara coastline and surrounding valleys.

Golf CourseLocationCourse TypeNo. of HolesGreens FeeLat LongOpening Hours
Sandpiper Golf ClubGoletaPublic Championship18$95–$24034.4367, -119.90326:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Glen Annie Golf ClubGoletaPublic18$65–$16534.4590, -119.88266:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Santa Barbara Golf ClubSanta BarbaraMunicipal18$35–$9534.4418, -119.74446:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Montecito ClubSanta BarbaraPrivate18Members Only34.4285, -119.6395Members and Guests Only
Birnam Wood Golf ClubMontecitoPrivate18Members Only34.4406, -119.6170Members and Guests Only
La Cumbre Country ClubSanta BarbaraPrivate18Members Only34.4567, -119.7594Members and Guests Only
Twin Lakes Golf CourseGoletaExecutive9$18–$4034.4350, -119.84076:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Rancho San Marcos Golf CourseSanta Barbara CountyPublic18$70–$18534.5280, -119.87366:00 AM – 6:00 PM
River Course at the AlisalSolvangResort18$85–$22034.6036, -120.12826:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Alisal Ranch Golf CourseSolvangResort Championship18$120–$28034.5952, -120.13906:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Zaca Creek Golf CourseBuelltonPublic9$20–$4534.6159, -120.1880Sunrise – Sunset
Marshallia Ranch Golf CourseVandenberg VillagePublic18$45–$9534.7310, -120.56776:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Blacklake Golf ResortNipomoResort27$55–$13535.0316, -120.53546:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cypress Ridge Golf CourseArroyo GrandePublic Championship18$70–$17035.0218, -120.55016:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sea Pines Golf ResortLos OsosResort9$35–$8535.3118, -120.83316:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Public Golf Courses in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has several public golf facilities with ocean breezes, mountain scenery, and relaxed playing conditions. Many local golfers enjoy early morning rounds because temperatures stay cool and comfortable.

  • Sandpiper Golf Club — 7925 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117. A scenic oceanfront championship layout with dramatic Pacific views and challenging coastal winds.
  • Glen Annie Golf Club — 405 Glen Annie Rd, Goleta, CA 93117. Known for wide fairways, mountain backdrops, and beginner-friendly conditions.
  • Santa Barbara Golf Club — 3500 McCaw Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. A local municipal favorite with walkable fairways and affordable greens fees.
  • Rancho San Marcos Golf Course — 4600 CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. A scenic mountain valley layout surrounded by oak trees and rolling hills.
  • Marshallia Ranch Golf Course — 1 Clubhouse Dr, Vandenberg Village, CA 93436. A relaxed Central Coast course with wide-open fairways and good value.

Private Golf Clubs in Santa Barbara

Private golf around Santa Barbara is known for peaceful surroundings, beautiful landscaping, and traditional country club settings close to the coast.

  • Montecito Club — 920 Summit Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Members and guests only. Features elevated ocean views and a luxury club atmosphere.
  • Birnam Wood Golf Club — 2031 Packing House Rd, Montecito, CA 93108. Members and guests only. A quiet private club surrounded by mountain scenery.
  • La Cumbre Country Club — 4015 Via Laguna, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. Members and guests only. One of the oldest and most respected golf clubs in the area.

Executive and Par-3 Golf Courses in Santa Barbara

Executive and shorter layouts are popular with beginners, families, and golfers looking for quick rounds after work or during weekends.

  • Twin Lakes Golf Course — 6034 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117. A relaxed 9-hole executive layout with beginner-friendly conditions and practice facilities.
  • Zaca Creek Golf Course — 9000 CA-246, Buellton, CA 93427. A small local 9-hole course known for affordable golf and easy walking conditions.
  • Sea Pines Golf Resort — 1945 Solano St, Los Osos, CA 93402. A shorter coastal resort layout with relaxed play and scenic surroundings.

Golf Resorts and Championship Courses in Santa Barbara

Several championship and resort golf facilities sit within driving distance of Santa Barbara. These courses attract players looking for scenic Central Coast golf vacations.

  • Sandpiper Golf Club — 7925 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117. One of California’s best-known oceanfront public golf facilities.
  • Alisal Ranch Golf Course — 1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463. Resort golf surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and Central Coast scenery.
  • Blacklake Golf Resort — 1490 Golf Course Ln, Nipomo, CA 93444. Offers 27 holes of resort golf with peaceful Central Coast conditions.
  • Cypress Ridge Golf Course — 780 Cypress Ridge Pkwy, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. A championship-style layout with tree-lined fairways and elevation changes.

Golf Course Greens Fees in Santa Barbara

Golf prices in Santa Barbara vary based on course type and season. Coastal championship layouts usually cost more during spring and summer travel months.

Course TypeTypical Greens FeeNotes
Public Municipal$30–$95Affordable local golf with online tee times
Public Championship$70–$240Scenic layouts with strong visitor demand
Resort Course$90–$280+Coastal resort golf and vacation amenities
Private ClubMembers OnlyMembership or guest invitation required
Executive / Par-3$18–$45Shorter layouts ideal for casual golf

Interesting Facts About Golf in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara combines coastal scenery, mountain views, and relaxed California golf culture in one of the state’s most scenic golf regions.

FactDetails
Total Golf CoursesMore than 15 golf facilities across Santa Barbara and nearby Central Coast areas
Most Famous CourseSandpiper Golf Club because of its oceanfront championship scenery
Best Golf AreaGoleta coastline and Santa Ynez Valley
Best Season for GolfMarch through November for sunny coastal weather
Public Courses AvailableSeveral public and resort-access golf facilities nearby
Private Golf ClubsMontecito Club, Birnam Wood Golf Club, La Cumbre Country Club
Scenic or Signature CoursesSandpiper Golf Club with Pacific Ocean cliffside holes
PGA or Championship EventsRegional amateur and California championship events
Beginner-Friendly OptionsTwin Lakes Golf Course, Zaca Creek Golf Course, Santa Barbara Golf Club
Luxury Golf ResortsAlisal Ranch Golf Course and Blacklake Golf Resort
Typical Golfing Weather60°F–78°F with mild coastal breezes throughout most of the year
Average Greens FeeAbout $55–$140 for public 18-hole golf

Why Golfers Enjoy Playing in Santa Barbara

Golf in Santa Barbara feels relaxed, scenic, and easygoing compared to many larger golf destinations. Players enjoy the combination of coastal air, mountain views, and comfortable year-round weather. Courses here are spread across beaches, valleys, vineyards, and rolling hills, giving every round a different feel.

  • Beautiful Pacific Ocean and mountain scenery
  • Comfortable golf weather most of the year
  • Relaxed Central Coast golf atmosphere
  • Good mix of public and private golf facilities
  • Scenic resort golf close to wine country
  • Less crowded than larger Southern California golf markets
  • Great weekend golf destination with beaches and restaurants nearby