San Francisco is not the first city that comes to mind when you think of golf destinations — but it should be. The city has six golf courses within its borders, including the championship TPC Harding Park, one of the finest public golf experiences anywhere in the United States. And within 30 minutes of downtown, you'll find world-class resort golf at Half Moon Bay, historic East Bay municipal courses, and everything in between.
This is your complete guide to golf near San Francisco — covering every course, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your round.
Golf Courses Within San Francisco
San Francisco has six courses operated by the SF Recreation and Park Department, ranging from the championship Harding Park to the charming 9-hole Golden Gate Park course.
The crown jewel of San Francisco golf. Harding Park has hosted the 2020 PGA Championship, multiple Presidents Cups and WGC events — yet it remains open to the public. The cypress-lined fairways alongside Lake Merced are beautiful in any weather, and the par-3 17th over the water is one of the most photographed holes in Northern California golf.
Booking tip: Tee times open 8-30 days in advance with a $19 per-player advance booking fee. Weekend morning slots disappear within hours of opening — set a reminder and book the moment the window opens.
Golf inside a National Park. The Presidio Golf Course sits within the 1,491-acre Presidio of San Francisco — a former military base now managed by the National Park Service. Dating back to 1895, it's one of the oldest courses west of the Mississippi. The hilly layout winds through magnificent eucalyptus and cypress trees with memorable elevation changes on nearly every hole.
Stay and play: The Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio offer accommodations steps from the first tee — ideal for a proper golf getaway without leaving San Francisco.
Possibly the most scenic affordable golf course in the country. Lincoln Park sits on the cliffs of San Francisco's northwest corner with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. The Palace of the Legion of Honor museum sits adjacent to the course. At $30-55, the views alone justify the green fee.
Just south of San Francisco in Pacifica, Sharp Park is an Alister MacKenzie design from 1932 — the same architect who designed Augusta National and Cypress Point. For under $45, this is one of the most historically significant and underappreciated rounds in Northern California.
Get a San Francisco Resident Card
SF residents can purchase a Resident Card for $136/year through SF Rec and Park. This card gets you the lowest available rates at all six city courses — paying for itself in just 2-3 rounds at Harding Park. Non-residents pay Bay Area rates which are still very reasonable.
Best Courses Within 30 Minutes of SF
Some of the best golf near San Francisco is actually just across the bay or down the Peninsula.
Visible from I-280 in the San Francisco Peninsula hills, Crystal Springs Golf Course sits alongside the azure Crystal Springs Reservoir directly above the San Andreas Fault. One of the most uniquely situated courses in California — and one of the most overlooked gems near San Francisco.
Cross the Bay Bridge to Alameda and you'll find one of the most exciting public golf developments in recent Bay Area history. Rees Jones' 2018 redesign of the South Course has earned national recognition and represents exceptional value for the quality of experience.
Special Occasion: Half Moon Bay Golf Links
About 45 minutes from downtown San Francisco, the Half Moon Bay Golf Links offers the most dramatic golf experience near the city. The Ocean Course — Arthur Hills' design that hugs the Pacific cliffs — is a bucket-list round for any serious golfer. The closing holes along the ocean are genuinely spectacular. Worth every penny for a special occasion.
Playing Golf in San Francisco: What to Expect
San Francisco's famous marine layer means golf conditions vary significantly by time of day and season. Morning fog is common, particularly in summer, often burning off by midday. Pack layers — temperatures can swing 15-20 degrees between an 8am tee time and afternoon. Wind is a factor at most courses, particularly Lincoln Park, Sharp Park, and any courses near the bay.
Counterintuitively, the best weather for SF golf is often September through November when fog is minimal and temperatures are at their most comfortable. Winter golf is also very playable by most standards — rain is possible but far from guaranteed, and green fees are at their lowest.
Book a Tee Time Near San Francisco
Browse all San Francisco golf courses in our directory, or check current deals and twilight rates to save on your next round.