Oakland & the East Bay: Public Golf Paradise
The East Bay is the Bay Area's public golf heartland. With over 10 accessible courses — from the redesigned Corica Park (one of the most talked-about municipal renovations in recent American golf history) to the wooded hillside charm of Tilden Park and the valley setting of Lake Chabot — there's more variety here than in any other region. And the prices are among the most affordable in the Bay Area.
Hotel options across the East Bay are excellent and varied. Oakland's Uptown and Jack London Square neighborhoods have seen significant hotel investment in recent years. Walnut Creek and Pleasanton offer polished suburban business hotels convenient to the Tri-Valley courses. Berkeley has unique boutique options near UC Berkeley for something different.
The Claremont is one of the Bay Area's great historic hotels — a stunning white Victorian castle in the Berkeley Hills with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate. The full-service spa, tennis club, multiple pools, and excellent restaurants make it a resort experience. About 15 minutes from Corica Park and 20 minutes from Tilden. Elevated yet accessible.
Oakland's best-located hotel — right on the waterfront at Jack London Square with views of the Bay and easy access to Oakland's excellent restaurant and bar scene. About 10 minutes from Corica Park. The Jack London Square neighborhood has transformed into one of the East Bay's best dining destinations with farmers markets, coffee roasters, and excellent restaurants. Great base for exploring Oakland while keeping golf convenient.
For golfers playing Boundary Oak, Crow Canyon, Castlewood, Callippe Preserve, or Los Positas, the Walnut Creek and Pleasanton areas offer excellent mid-range hotel options at very competitive prices. Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton properties in both cities are well-maintained and convenient. Walnut Creek's downtown restaurant scene is surprisingly excellent for a suburban city.
East Bay Courses
Local Tips
Corica Park South is the must-play East Bay course. The redesign by Rees Jones has transformed this into one of the best value public courses in the Bay Area. Book early — it's become very popular since the renovation.
Oakland has a great food scene. Temescal, Rockridge, Grand Lake, and the Fruitvale are neighborhoods with excellent restaurants representing Oakland's diverse culinary culture. Don't sleep on Oakland dining.
The East Bay has the best weather in the Bay Area. While San Francisco is often foggy and cool, the East Bay is typically 10–15°F warmer and sunnier. Morning tee times rarely require a jacket in summer.