Palm trees on a sunny day in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Golf

If you’re looking for a way to spend the day outside in the wonderful Southern California sun, check out our guide for these near-to-Santa Monica golf courses and golf activities. While there aren’t any golf courses in Santa Monica proper, you’ll find dozens upon dozens in the Los Angeles area that are within a short driving distance, and even some fun virtual golf and putting options within Santa Monica city limits. If you happen to be in the area during the right time of year, you might even get a chance to see some famous golf events, such as the Los Angeles Open (also known as the Genesis Invitational) in February every year at the Riviera Country Club. Whatever you’re looking for, there is some Santa Monica golf for you!

Public Golf Courses near Santa Monica

Los Angeles

Heroes Golf Course is open every day of the week and all military veterans are welcomed to play for no cost!

Westchester

The Westchester Golf Course is casual course is located near LAX and is known for being affordable and unpretentious.

Van Nuys

Van Nuys Golf Course has a total of 27 holes and is great for golfers of any skill level. If you’re lucky, you may even have a chance to spot some wildlife at this affordable course.

Manhattan Beach

Westdrift Golf Course is a public golf course located in Manhattan Beach and offers a fun and challenging day for any skill level of golf player.

Studio City

Owned by one family for over 100 years, the Weddington Golf & Tennis club offers 9 holes as well as a 25 stall driving range.

Municipal Golf Courses near Santa Monica

Rancho Park

Rancho Park Golf Course and Golf Club, is a PAR-3 Course and features 18 holes; the course has been open for over 70 years.

Venice

The Penmar Golf Club and Penmar Golf Course features 9 holes and is located in nearby Venice, California – an easy drive or 15-minute bike ride from most hotels in Santa Monica.

Griffth Park

The Roosevelt Municipal Golf Course is located a stone’s throw from the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park. This course features 9 holes and some amazing views or Los Angeles while you play.

El Segundo

The Lakes at El Segundo has been open for over 25 years, and it offers lesson, clinics and a driving range in addition to its 9 holes.

Private Golf Courses Near Santa Monica

Pacific Palisades

Home to the Los Angeles Open, the Riveria Country Club holds the famous Genesis Invitational every February.

Brentwood

The Brentwood Country Club, a private country club, is considered luxurious by the members and guests who play on its golf courses and tennis courts.

Bel-Air

The Bel-Air Country Club is a private golf course and club that offers an air of sophistication for its members and guests.

Los Angeles

As the oldest golf course near Santa Monica, the Los Angeles Country Club, was created by George C. Thomas and has been in operation for over 120 years!

Aerial view of downtown Santa Monica.

Other Santa Monica Golf Activities

If you’re looking for other unique Santa Monica golf experiences, check out some of these virtual golf options!

If you are interested in a golf lesson or a swing evaluation, visit GOLFTEC Santa Monica and one of their trained professional coaches can help you at their training bay to improve your swing with cutting edge technology.

If you’re in the market for a custom golf club fitting, check out Club Champion in Santa Monica for all your customized golf needs.

You can also enjoy a variety of prestigious full golf courses indoors when you visit Wired Golf in Santa Monica. Wired Golf is an all indoor golf club where you can practice on a virtual driving range, play 18 holes on a simulated course and even train with Wired Golf’s PGA professionals!

Visit Top Golf in El Segundo for year-round comfort, climate-controlled hitting bays, a sports bar and a restaurant. Take aim at the enormous outfield targets using complimentary clubs or your own while the high-tech golf balls score themselves.

Things to do around Santa Monica

Insider Tips

Find itineraries, local tips and exciting adventures to help shape your Santa Monica schedule.

View all blogs