Oceanside, San Diego County is well known for its beaches, but for many locals and visitors, our lush green fairways are as enticing as our big blue sea.
At The Seabird Resort, our guests have access to the best of all worlds. Not only does our prime beachfront location make the most of stunning views, the charming Strand and Oceanside Pier, surfing opportunities and ways to get out on the water, but we’re within an easy drive (no pun intended) of some of the country’s best golfing. Here are six of the local courses where guests of The Seabird love to play.
Goat Hill Park
In a past life, Goat Hill opened in 1952 as the 9-hole Center City Golf Course, the first course in San Diego County. Today, after a celebrity- and local-driven effort to save the land from developers, it is an 18-hole, par-65 public short course, known for its challenging, unique holes, 75-acres of rolling landscape and sweeping ocean views, relaxed vibe (no dress code) and championship disc golf course. A dog-friendly course, Goat Hill is proud of its “World Class / Working Class” ethos and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming all golfers, regardless of ability level. Goat Hill even has a free 3-hole course for (human) kids and their parents.
Arrowood Golf Course
Perched atop a hill, about 10 miles inland, Arrowood is a par-71 golf course designed by famed local architect Ted Robinson, Jr. and known for its wide open spaces and varying difficulty of play depending on elevation changes, strategic bunkering and the vagaries of Pacific sea breezes. The final four holes, lovingly known as The Quandary, are designed to put any player through their paces — but the 19th hole, a 6,700 square-foot California Craftsman clubhouse, offers rich rewards with its food and drink menu and top-tier pro shop. Arrowood’s dress code requires collared shirts and no denim.
Emerald Isle Golf Course
Aiming to be Oceanside’s “fast, fun and affordable” golf option, the 18-hole executive course Emerald Isle charms with its laidback, dog-friendly vibe. But make no mistake, this well-maintained par-56 course still offers challenges to golfers at all skill levels.
Oceanside Golf Course
Open to the public with special consideration for Oceanside residents, Oceanside Golf Course features 18 holes as well as an all grass driving range and is surrounded by beautiful views of rolling hills. This busy, par-72 municipal course has a traditional feel with a collared shirt dress code and discounts for local residents and players over 65.
Marine Memorial Golf Course
On the grounds of Camp Pendleton, William P. Bell’s Marine Memorial Golf Course is open to the public, but you have to apply for a permit to access the base (allow one week lead time for processing). Players say it’s worth it for this well-manicured, par-72 championship course. Each tee box marker highlights a unique piece of USMC history, from the birthplace of the Corps to the Battle of Ramadi, lending an air of patriotic gravitas to your day on the links. The wide-open spaces mean that you don’t have to worry about houses but you may see the occasional fox or coyote.
El Camino Country Club
Home to several PGA and LPGA qualifying events, including the Southern California Senior PGA Championship, the private El Camino Country Club features a William H. Johnson-designed layout, and natural terrain studded with tall eucalyptus and Monterey pines, 60 bunkers and several lakes. The golf course is part of the Palmer Advantage network, which has reciprocity with other exclusive clubs around the world.
