Santa Cruz: Historic Golf Meets Beach Town Charm
Santa Cruz punches well above its weight as a golf destination. Pasatiempo Golf Club, designed in 1929 by Alister MacKenzie โ the genius behind Augusta National and Cypress Point โ is consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in America. It's a living museum of Golden Age golf architecture, and playing it is a genuine bucket-list experience for any serious golfer.
The town of Santa Cruz itself is a delight โ a laid-back California beach community with excellent restaurants, the famous Boardwalk, surf culture, and easy access to redwood forests. It sits about 35 miles south of San Jose and 75 miles south of San Francisco, making it an easy overnight or weekend trip from anywhere in the Bay Area.
Perched on a hillside above Santa Cruz with sweeping views of Monterey Bay, Chaminade is the finest full-service resort in the area. The property features a full spa, multiple pools, tennis courts, and excellent dining at the on-site Linwood's restaurant. It's about 5 minutes from Pasatiempo โ close enough to be convenient, far enough to feel like a true retreat. The views at sunset are spectacular.
The Dream Inn is the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz โ sitting directly on Cowell Beach with unobstructed Pacific Ocean views from every room. A stylish, well-designed mid-century modern property that's been beautifully renovated. It's about 10 minutes from Pasatiempo, making it an ideal base for golfers who want to combine a morning round with an afternoon at the beach.
A forest-themed boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, walking distance to Pacific Avenue restaurants and shopping. The Paradox has a lovely pool, fire pits, and a relaxed California vibe that fits the Santa Cruz personality perfectly. Solid mid-range option for golfers who want easy access to the town's dining scene.
Santa Cruz has excellent vacation rental inventory โ beach houses, surf cottages, and hillside homes throughout the area. The Seacliff and Rio del Mar neighborhoods in nearby Aptos are particularly good for groups, with beach access and a quieter vibe than downtown. Seascape Golf Club is just minutes from the Aptos/Rio del Mar area.
Local Tips
Pasatiempo is semi-private โ book ahead. Pasatiempo accepts public play but tee times are limited. Book online through their website as far in advance as possible, especially on weekends. Early morning weekday slots offer the best availability.
Play Pasatiempo, then drive to Pebble Beach. Santa Cruz is only 45 minutes from Monterey โ a two-day itinerary of Pasatiempo followed by Pebble Beach is one of the great back-to-back golf experiences in California.
Seascape is a hidden gem. Less famous than Pasatiempo, Seascape Golf Club in Aptos offers beautiful coastal views and a much easier booking experience โ and it's a genuinely enjoyable course at a very fair price.