Beyond Pebble Beach, Monterey has its own excellent golf options — from the scenic Laguna Seca Golf Ranch to the historic Pasatiempo in neighboring Santa Cruz. World-class golf without the world-class price tag.
While Pebble Beach steals all the headlines, Monterey proper has its own solid golf options for visitors and locals who want a quality round without the steep resort price tags. Laguna Seca Golf Ranch is the standout — a challenging Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in the hills above Monterey that offers dramatic views and great conditions at reasonable prices. Combined with a visit to Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the famous Laguna Seca Raceway next door, it makes for an ideal Monterey day.
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. design set in the dramatic hills above Monterey, adjacent to the famous Laguna Seca Raceway. Rolling terrain, oak trees and sweeping coastal views make this one of the best-value rounds on the Monterey Peninsula.
View & Book →The oldest operating golf course west of the Mississippi. A Pebble Beach Resorts property set in the heart of Monterey — classic, historic and a wonderful alternative to the more expensive peninsula courses.
View & Book →Not sure which course to play? Here's where to start.
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with dramatic hill terrain and sweeping views at $55–$95. The best-value championship golf on the Monterey Peninsula.
View Course →The oldest operating golf course west of the Mississippi, dating to 1897. Classic parkland design with 125+ years of history.
View Course →The most forgiving of the Monterey Peninsula resort courses — flatter terrain, wider fairways and considerably more affordable than Pebble or Spyglass.
View Course →Monterey benefits from a moderate coastal climate year-round, but there's a clear sweet spot. September through November consistently offers the finest conditions — the summer fog clears, Pacific winds settle, and both Laguna Seca and Del Monte are in peak condition after summer play.
Summer in Monterey is cooler than most of California — the Monterey Bay's cold upwelling keeps coastal temperatures in the 60s even in July. Bring layers regardless of the time of year. The morning fog at Del Monte (which sits right in Monterey) burns off by 10–11am most days.
Laguna Seca, set in the hills above town, is almost always 5–10 degrees warmer than the Monterey coast and tends to be fog-free earlier in the morning. An 8am tee time at Laguna Seca usually plays in clear conditions even when the coast is fogged in.
Monterey rewards a full day exploration alongside your round. Morning tee time at Laguna Seca, then drive back down to Cannery Row for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants — Schooners Coastal Kitchen has some of the best bay views. Spend the afternoon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (book tickets in advance — it's world-class) and walk the Rec Trail along the bay at sunset.
For a two-day itinerary: day one at Del Monte (walking distance from Cannery Row and the wharf), evening at Pacific House and dinner in downtown Monterey's restaurant row on Alvarado Street. Day two: drive 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, explore the village, and have a sunset dinner at one of Carmel's exceptional restaurants before heading home or continuing south.