About DeLaveaga Golf Course
DeLaveaga Golf Course has been Santa Cruz's municipal course since 1970, and it has the worn-in character of a track that's been played by several generations of the same families. The course sits in DeLaveaga Park in the hills above the city, and from several of the higher tees you can see Monterey Bay stretching south toward Capitola. It plays to par 72 at 5,802 yards from the back tees — not long by any measure, but the combination of elevation change, tree corridors, and small greens makes it play harder than the distance card suggests. This is not a flat, forgettable muni track. It has genuine character.
The routing climbs into the park's forested interior on the front nine and works back down on the back, using the natural topography of the Santa Cruz hills rather than fighting it. Several par-3s and short par-4s use the elevation cleverly — shots that appear straightforward from the cart path reveal themselves to be significantly more complex when you're standing on the tee with a wind reading to make. The redwoods and Monterey pines that frame the upper holes create a genuinely beautiful environment for a round of golf, and it's quiet up there in a way that Santa Cruz's proximity to the beach rarely affords.
Green fees run $35–$70, which puts it among the more affordable 18-hole options on the Central Coast. The pro shop is run efficiently, the range is adequate for warmups, and the course is well within walking distance of several of Santa Cruz's better lunch spots if you time your finish right. DeLaveaga is a good choice for golfers who want a real round — not a resort experience, but actual golf on a course with history and character — and who'd rather spend the savings on dinner at one of the restaurants down on Pacific Avenue.
⛳ 18-Hole Course🎯 Par 72🌲 Redwood & Pine Forest🏌️ Driving Range🛒 Pro Shop🌊 Bay Views📱 Online Booking✅ Open to Public
🏌️ Local Tips & Insider Advice
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Walk it if you're reasonably fit
The terrain is hilly enough to make walking a genuine workout, but the routing is compact enough to manage. Walking DeLaveaga is significantly better than carting it — you get the course's elevation more honestly and the views are better on foot.
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Morning tee times clear the fog earlier in summer
Santa Cruz morning fog can sit low over the park into late morning. Earlier tee times often start in fog and clear mid-round, which is a genuinely beautiful experience. Later morning (10am+) the fog has usually burned off completely.
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It pairs well with a Pasatiempo day
If you're driving down from the Bay Area for golf, play DeLaveaga first (book an early time) and then have Pasatiempo in the afternoon. The contrast between the community muni and the MacKenzie masterpiece 10 minutes apart is worth experiencing in the same day.
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The 19th hole is a short walk to downtown Santa Cruz
DeLaveaga is about a 10-minute drive from the Pacific Avenue restaurant corridor. Making dinner reservations for after your round gives you a natural end to a Santa Cruz golf day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the green fee at DeLaveaga Golf Course?
Green fees range from $35 to $70 depending on day and time. Weekday mornings are at the lower end; weekend prime-time rounds approach $70. Santa Cruz residents may qualify for a residency discount — check with the pro shop.
Who owns DeLaveaga Golf Course?
DeLaveaga Golf Course is a municipal course owned by the City of Santa Cruz and operated within DeLaveaga Park. It is open to the public seven days a week.
How far is DeLaveaga Golf Course from Pasatiempo?
DeLaveaga Golf Course and Pasatiempo Golf Club are approximately 3 miles apart — about a 10-minute drive through Santa Cruz. They offer a striking contrast: DeLaveaga is a community municipal course; Pasatiempo is an Alister MacKenzie design ranked among the top 100 courses in America.
Is DeLaveaga Golf Course walkable?
Yes, and it's worth walking if you're comfortable with hills. The course climbs significantly into DeLaveaga Park, so the terrain is genuinely hilly — but the routing is compact and manageable on foot. Walking adds to the experience considerably.
Location & Directions