2024 Fall Forecast: The Top Carlsbad Courses to Play This Season

With iconic courses like The Crossings, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and Park Hyatt Aviara, you’ll find that each location brings its own unique flavor to the table. Here’s a look at some of the top spots to tee off in Carlsbad this fall, where playing golf inspires deeper connection with the game, the course and yourself.

Golf at The Crossings at Carlsbad is a full immersion experience that encourages you to reflect on your approach to the game. Spanning over 400 acres of coastal terrain, this public course, designed by Greg Nash, offers 6,835 yards of challenging play that keeps players thinking about their next move.

From its diverse layout to the five iconic bridges that play tricks on the eyes by blending into the natural habitat, The Crossings is a course where you can pause, take in the scenery and evaluate your strategy with every shot. With twilight and Super Twilight rates, there are options for a more relaxed pace in the cooler hours of the day and Carlsbad residents can enjoy the perk of booking tee times up to 30 days in advance. There are even PGA professionals like Jeff Richter and Gary Matthews on hand to offer personalized lessons.

The Crossings is also equipped to host tournaments for groups ranging from 20 to 144 players. Its 28,000-square-foot clubhouse, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, provides a post-game setting for everything from casual hangouts to post-tournament banquets.

So whether you’re dialing in your swing or tightening up your short game, The Crossings creates an environment where every round feels like a lesson in both golf and reflection.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is another place to absorb all that golf has to offer in Carlsbad. With two legendary courses - the North Course (Champions) and the South Course (Legends) - Omni La Costa is one of Southern California’s premier golf destinations. It is currently host to the 2024-2026 NCAA Division I Golf Championships, solidifying its status as a course where the best of the best come to play. And beyond the championship-level competition, this October 2024 the resort is also embracing a new era of family-oriented golf with the launch of The Generation Cup.

This year-long tournament series, a first-of-its-kind for Omni Hotels & Resorts, is an exciting way for families to bond over their shared love of golf. The Generation Cup will host 12 qualifiers across Omni’s golf properties, including Omni La Costa, and welcomes teams from three divisions - "Grandparent & Grandchild," "Parent & Child (or Aunt/Uncle & Niece/Nephew)" and "PGA Professional & Family Member." Each team competes in a two-person modified best ball format, with top teams advancing to the National Championship at Omni PGA Frisco in 2025.

On the course itself, Omni La Costa features two celebrated 18-hole layouts: the North Course (Champions) and the South Course (Legends). The North Course, which reopened in June 2024, is a 7,000-yard challenge built for golfers who crave precision and strategy. Its narrow fairways and well-protected greens demand thoughtful reflection and a refined approach to every shot. Twilight rates starting at $269 offer a relaxed pace as the sun sets over the course, and the option to rent a Tempo Walk enhances the opportunity for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of time to consider each swing thoughtfully.

For a more forgiving but equally beautiful experience, the South Course offers wide fairways and scenic doglegs. As the former home of PGA TOUR events, this parkland-style course also has historical significance. Green fees start at $209, and for families looking to play together, the Family Golf Program allows kids 15 and under to golf for free with a paying adult after 2:30 p.m.

Off the green, Omni La Costa provides amenities that make it a complete escape. From the resort’s eight pools to its award-winning golf instruction programs, there’s plenty to enjoy and reflect on after a day on the course.

At Aviara Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, the beauty of the game is matched only by the beauty of the course itself. Named the #1 golf resort in Southern California by Condé Nast Traveler, Aviara spans 7,007 yards of hills, wildflowers and water features. Here, each hole is a work of art, inviting you to slow down and take in the experience.

This fall, Aviara’s commitment to sustainability is front and center, with all 18 holes re-grassed with Tiff Tuff Bermuda. This eco-conscious move reduces water usage by 20% annually, without compromising the course’s pristine condition. It’s a sign of Aviara’s dedication to preserving the environment while offering top-tier playability. Each hole presents a different challenge, making it a course that truly rewards focus and patience.

Instruction at Aviara takes the reflective nature of the game to another level, offering weekly clinics and private lessons. The Aviara Golf Academy, the longest-running golf academy in the Western U.S., boasts some of California’s top instructors and the course offers clinics that range from Junior Clinics to Adult Full-Swing Clinics.

Through combining competition, reflection, and relaxation, Aviara is one of Carlsbad’s most celebrated and esteemed golf destinations.

Finally, Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course is located just minutes from the Pacific Ocean. This 18-hole, par 3 course is a unique course where players can focus on sharpening their short game. Its compact layout is designed for quick yet thoughtful rounds. With each hole averaging 100-200 yards, it’s the perfect place to practice precision and patience, especially if you’re looking to squeeze in a round without dedicating an entire day.

Rancho Carlsbad’s driving range, open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., has both grass and mat options. Great for warming up or just working on your technique, the practice area is your place to reflect on your form. With affordable rates—$26 on weekdays for adults and $11 for juniors—Rancho Carlsbad is one of Carlsbad’s most accessible places to play.

The course’s commitment to family-friendly play is also seen through its Junior Golf Camps, PGA Jr. Golf League and affordable family memberships. Led by PGA Director Don Emerick, whose 35 years of experience in the sport ensure top-tier instruction, Rancho Carlsbad brings the values of patience, sportsmanship, and integrity to the sport for all ages.

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From tackling the expansive layout at The Crossings or sharpening your short game at Rancho, each course offers a moment to reflect on your technique, mindset, and love for the game. This fall, book a tee time and discover the best of Carlsbad’s golf scene.