Santa Barbara Golf Guide
Grace writes for Wanderlust Vacation Rentals, helping guests like you plan their dream vacations to the California Coast!
Planning a trip to the California coast? Make time to experience Santa Barbara golf while you’re here. With ocean views, mountain backdrops, and courses for every skill level, it’s easy to see why golf in Santa Barbara is such a draw. From quick 9-hole rounds to full championship layouts, you’ll find some of the best public golf courses in Santa Barbara and beyond.
Before we dive into the top golf courses in Santa Barbara, make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter so you can stay up to date on Wanderlust Rentals specials, new properties, and local tips.
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In this blog:
- Best Public Golf Courses in Santa Barbara
- Golf Courses Near Santa Barbara Worth the Drive
- When Is the Best Time to Golf in Santa Barbara?
- Tips for Planning Your Santa Barbara Golf Trip
- Book Your Santa Barbara Stay with Wanderlust Rentals
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Public Golf Courses in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Golf Club
Right in the heart of the city, this is one of the most convenient options when you’re staying in our Santa Barbara rentals! It’s a classic municipal course with wide fairways, perfect for a nice, casual round.
Quick Facts:
- Holes: 18
- Par: 70
- Location: 3500 McCaw Ave, Santa Barbara, CA
- Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
- Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
Sandpiper Golf Club
If you’re looking for amazing ocean views while you’re teeing off, this is the course for you! Sandpiper is often ranked among the best public golf courses in Santa Barbara, and once you see the ocean holes, it makes sense.
Quick Facts:
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Location: 7925 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA
- Hours: Daily, early morning through sunset
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
Glen Annie Golf Club
Located in nearby Goleta, Glen Annie has stunning views of the mountains and the ocean, so you’re in for a treat. It’s a playable course suitable for golfers of all levels, but it’s still challenging enough to keep things interesting for more advanced players.
Quick Facts:
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Location: 405 Glen Annie Rd, Goleta, CA
- Hours: Daily
- Skill Level: All levels
Twin Lakes Golf Course
Short on time? Twin Lakes is a 9-hole course that’s perfect for a quick round without leaving town.
Quick Facts:
- Holes: 9
- Par: 27
- Location: 6034 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA
- Hours: Daily
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Golf Courses Near Santa Barbara Worth the Drive
Montecito Club
This private course has a reputation for incredible design and views. Unfortunately, it is a private course. If you have access through a member, though, it’s worth fitting into your itinerary.
Quick Facts:
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Location: Montecito, CA
- Access: Private (members/guests only)
La Purisima Golf Course
Located about 45 minutes north, this course feels completely different from the coastal layouts. It’s more rugged and wide open, with fewer homes and more natural terrain.
Quick Facts:
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Location: Lompoc, CA
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
Soule Park Golf Course
About 30 minutes inland in Ojai, this course is a favorite for its relaxed vibe and scenic valley setting.
Quick Facts:
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Location: Ojai, CA
- Skill Level: All levels
P.S. Did you know Wanderlust Rentals has vacation homes in other California towns, too? You can search by location on our website to determine whether you want to stay in Montecito, Carpinteria, Summerland, or Santa Barbara.
When Is the Best Time to Golf in Santa Barbara?
One of the biggest advantages of golf in Santa Barbara is the weather. You can play year-round because, frankly, the weather is always beautiful here! Some months have even more advantages than others, though. These are our recommendations for the best time to tee off:
Best overall: March through June and September through November
Summer: Great conditions, but tee times book fast
Winter: Fewer crowds and mild temperatures
In terms of time of day, morning rounds are usually the best bet for calm conditions, especially on oceanfront courses where wind can pick up in the afternoon.
Tips for Planning Your Santa Barbara Golf Trip
If you’re planning to explore multiple golf courses near Santa Barbara, a little prep goes a long way.
- Book tee times early – (especially for Sandpiper and Glen Annie)
- Mix up your courses – combine coastal and inland layouts
- Plan around traffic – Goleta and Ojai are easy drives, but timing matters!
- Bring layers – coastal mornings can be cool, even in summer
- Pair golf with local experiences – wine tasting, beaches, and dining are all nearby
Check Out Our Favorite Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Book Your Santa Barbara Stay with Wanderlust Rentals
Featured Rental: 3-Bed, 4-Bath Laguna Blanca Retreat
After a day on the course, having the right place to relax matters just as much as your tee time. And that’s where Wanderlust Rentals comes in!
Our Santa Barbara vacation rentals put you close to the area’s top golf courses in Santa Barbara while giving you space to unwind. From coastal homes to stylish retreats near downtown, you’ll have everything you need to recharge before your next round.
Whether you’re planning a full golf getaway or just fitting in a round or two, you’ll find the perfect home base with us. Browse our Santa Barbara vacation rentals and book your stay directly with Wanderlust Rentals today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Barbara Golf
What are the best public golf courses in Santa Barbara?
Sandpiper Golf Club, Glen Annie Golf Club, and Santa Barbara Golf Club are among the most popular public options. Each has a different layout and difficulty level.
Can you golf year-round in Santa Barbara?
Yes. The climate stays mild throughout the year, making it easy to plan a trip in any season.
Are there beginner-friendly golf courses in Santa Barbara?
Yes. Santa Barbara Golf Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course are great for beginners or casual players.
How far are golf courses near Santa Barbara?
Most are within 10–15 minutes, while courses like La Purisima and Soule Park are about 30–45 minutes away.
Do I need to book tee times in advance?
It’s highly recommended, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons.
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