Spotlight
Northern California coastal golf: Drama and salt spray
When you think of golf along coastlines, such exotic venues as Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and Turnberry in Scotland come to mind. Yet California has them beat in one key element -- proximity. Many of northern California's coastal gems sit atop bluffs. There are days at Pebble Beach where you can find yourself putting on the seventh green while a salty mist gently descends, courtesy of the waves crashing on the rocks. With that perspective, here's a rundown on northern California's top coastal golf opportunities.
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Scouting San Diego: Five must-play golf venues
While San Diego arguably has the best golf weather in the United States, it also has a pretty good collection of golf courses to go with it. There are a number of outstanding venues in the area, but we narrowed it down to five must-plays, especially if money is no object. Most of these command healthy green fees, but they are well worth it if you're making the trip.
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Fewer homes, more golf: San Diego's houseless courses
For bustling southern California, the lure of a golf course not surrounded by homes appeals to golfers looking to get away from it all, yet is elusive in an area packed with civilization. The San Diego area, however, offers several golf courses without real estate and primed with nature, such as The Crossings at Carlsbad, Salt Creek Golf Club and Barona Creek Golf Club.
... full article »
Feature Stories
Northern California coastal golf: Drama and salt spray
When you think of golf along coastlines, such exotic venues as Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and Turnberry in Scotland come to mind. Yet California has them beat in one key element -- proximity. Many of northern California's coastal gems sit atop bluffs. There are days at Pebble Beach where you can find yourself putting on the seventh green while a salty mist gently descends, courtesy of the waves crashing on the rocks. With that perspective, here's a rundown on northern California's top coastal golf opportunities.
... full article »- Scouting San Diego: Five must-play golf venues
- Palm Springs: Four great golf courses you can play
Reviews
A new era for Napa Valley's venerable Silverado Resort
Silverado Resort, the venerable Napa Valley retreat, came under new ownership in 2010 with a group that includes Johnny Miller. A resort with nearly 50 years under its belt, the ownership group is gearing to keep the dust off Silverado's image, Ted Johnson writes.
... full article »- Fast times and greens at Royal Vista Golf Club near Los Angeles
- The Golf Club at Terra Lago: A unique mesh of resort and rustic play near Palm Desert
California Destinations
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Napa/Sonoma
From wine tasting to redwoods to quaint small towns bursting with arts, shopping and history, the North Coast of California may be the most relaxing region in the state. Here, you can explore the famous Sonoma vineyards, drive a car through a giant Redwood or experience the best of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking and, of course, golf.
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San Francisco
San Francisco is a favorite destination for travelers all over the world, thanks to a strong mix of cultures, unique attractions and mild weather year round. It's easy to stay busy on a San Francisco vacation, from riding cable cars throughout the city to exploring one of the many unique neighborhoods, each with its own appeal.
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Sacramento & Gold Country
The year 1849 and the California Golf Rush are long gone, but "Gold Country" is still an attractive region of the state. Also nicknamed the "Mother Lode" region, it includes the capital city of Sacramento to the west and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which head into Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park to the east in Mariposa County, the state's largest.
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Inland Empire
Composed of the Ontario, Riverside and San Bernardino areas, the Inland Empire is the fifth largest urban area in the state of California and quickly becoming one of the most diverse. Although it holds onto to its agricultural roots, which includes the Temecula Wine Region, the area is growing in terms of cultural arts, sports and recreation, including golf.
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Orange County
Although Orange County might be best known as the original home of Mickey Mouse, the area anchored by Disneyland offers plenty of other entertainment options for travelers, including scores of diverse golf courses, both on the coast and inland.
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Palm Springs
Desert hotbed Palm Springs anchors the Coachella Valley, a region home to a collection of cities with a wealth of golf communities. The valley is a favorite spot for seasonal residents and retirees, especially those after sunny winters on golf courses in prime, lush and green condition. Between January and April, few spots on earth are better for desert golf!
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Shasta Cascade
For travelers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds, there's no better area than the Shasta Cascade region of northern California. Located in the shadows of Mount Shasta and the Cascade Mountains, this eight-county area, which makes up one-fifth of the state of California, is much the way it was centuries ago, albeit with a few more towns and a few peaceful golf courses sprinkled into the mix.
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Monterey Peninsula
Those who drive the famous Highway 101 up the California coast will agree there is no better ocean drive in the United States -- and perhaps the world. The beauty of the coastline is highlighted by 17-mile drive along the Monterey Peninsula, which passes through beach towns as well as one of the world's most coveted golf vacation destinations.
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San Diego
Nobody does weather better than San Diego, which makes the area a perfect location for many great outdoor activities such as shopping, hiking, surfing, sailing sunbathing and playing golf.
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Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra
Northern California's High Sierra makes for some of the world's most spectacular natural mountain wonders. It's home to Yosemite National Park, home to mighty waterfalls and marvelous glacial rock formations. To the north, sparkling Lake Tahoe sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet and provides one of the West's great winter and summer escapes, home to skiing in the winter, and boating, mountain climbing and plenty of golf in the warmer months.
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Central Valley
California's Central Valley stretches over 450 miles through the center of the state and parallels the Pacific Ocean. Also called the "Sacramento Valley," it encompasses such towns as Bakersfield to the south, past Sacramento and Fresno to Stockton at the northern end.
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Los Angeles
The Los Angeles area, which includes Hollywood and Beverly Hills, has often been called the land of make-believe and dreams, but one thing is certain: There's plenty to do and plenty of ways to do it. From the movie studios, to the beaches, to the Dodgers and Lakers, to enjoying the sunny weather on the golf courses, it does indeed seem to never rain in Southern California.
