Northern California · CA
Cliff-top golf 25 minutes from SFO
Best season
Apr – Oct
Sep · Oct
Trip cost · per golfer
$2,120–$6,900
3-night trip
Nearest airport
SFO
25 mi · San Francisco
Difficulty
Medium
Handicap 8–25
Overview
Experience dramatic oceanfront golf amidst stunning cliffs and cypress trees just south of San Francisco, offering a world-class escape with breathtaking views and challenging play.
Top courses
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
Design by Arthur Hills · Par 72 · 6,914 yds
This links-style course features wide-open fairways and challenging greens, with nearly every hole offering ocean views. Be prepared for wind on the Ocean Course; it can significantly impact shot selection and club choice.
Design by William P. Bell · Par 72 · 6,701 yds
A private, tree-lined championship course with undulating greens, offering a challenging yet fair test of golf. Play early to avoid slower play, and focus on accurate iron play to score well.
Design by Alex G. Findlay · Par 72 · 6,463 yds
A scenic public course nestled in the hills with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the bay. Bring extra balls as errant shots can easily find their way into the surrounding canyons and natural areas.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Luxury Resort
A luxurious clifftop resort offering stunning ocean views, world-class dining, and exceptional service.
Boutique Hotel
A charming and comfortable lodge with Spanish-style architecture, a short drive from the golf courses.
Oceanfront Hotel
An upscale, oceanfront hotel with contemporary rooms and direct access to the beach and coastal trail.
Motel
A budget-friendly option offering comfortable accommodations near the beach with convenient access to local attractions.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Enjoy miles of sandy beaches, perfect for walking, picnicking, or watching the sunset.
Stroll along the docks, watch fishing boats, and enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor-side restaurants.
Take a memorable guided horseback ride along the scenic Half Moon Bay coastline.
Embark on a boat tour to observe gray whales migrating along the coast during peak season.
Discover unique boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops in downtown Half Moon Bay.
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at SFO, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Navio at The Ritz-Carlton.
Day 2
Morning tee time at Half Moon Bay Golf Links - Ocean Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.
Day 3
Early tee time at Emerald Hills Golf Course, light lunch, then transfer back to SFO.
Budget
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 3 nights · $303/nt | $909 |
Golf 2 rounds · $177 avg | $354 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $330 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $180 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $1,773 |
Season
Coastal foggy
When to book: 2-4 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
Seafood, Californian
Experience exquisite fine dining with fresh seafood and local ingredients, complemented by breathtaking ocean views.
Seafood
Famous for its lobster rolls and fresh seafood dishes, offering a casual yet lively oceanfront dining experience.
American, Pub Fare
Enjoy handcrafted beers and hearty pub food in a relaxed atmosphere, often featuring live music.
Californian, American
Modern Californian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting.
Italian
A local favorite serving classic and contemporary Italian dishes with a focus on house-made pastas.
Bakery, Cafe
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break, offering delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Hotel Bar/Lounge
An elegant lounge offering craft cocktails, fine wines, and stunning ocean views in a sophisticated setting.
Brewery/Pub
A lively spot with a great selection of local beers, often featuring live music on weekends.
Pub
A quirky English-style pub known for its unique decor, diverse beer selection, and casual atmosphere.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Apr – Oct (Sep, Oct). Coastal foggy
Plan on $2,120–$6,900 per golfer for a 3-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
SFO, about 25 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via San Francisco.
3 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 2 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with Couples, Buddies. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
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Trip snapshot
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