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Rating Index Rating
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4.4
213 Reviews (213)
5 Stars
145
4 Stars
42
3 Stars
11
2 Stars
9
1 Stars
6
Conditions
4.2
Value
3.6
Layout
4.6
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.1
83.8%
Recommend this course
187 out of 213 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
11 Reviews (11)
5 Stars
7
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.8
Value
3.3
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
3.8
StaffFriendliness
4.3
81.8%
Recommend this course
9 out of 11 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
12 Reviews (12)
5 Stars
8
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.4
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
3.9
StaffFriendliness
4.4
83.3%
Recommend this course
10 out of 12 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
This stunning Carlsbad course consistently impresses with its exceptional layout, well-maintained fairways, and greens that strike a satisfying balance of challenge. Friendly staff across the pro shop and snack cart elevate the experience and make every round memorable.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 72
Length 7007 yards
Slope 140
Rating 74.6
Book a Tee Time at
Aviara Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1991
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Arnold Palmer (1991) Ed Seay (1991) Robert Walker (1991)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Golfers' Choice (2019 #8) (2015 #42)
  • Golf Advisor: Top Courses in California (2019 #3) (2016 #15) (2015 #5)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Courses for Layout in the U.S. (2019 #3)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Off-course amenities in the U.S. (2019 #9) (2016 #19) (2015 #16)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Friendliest Courses in the U.S. (2015 #8)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Courses for Pace of Play in the U.S. (2015 #8)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Course Conditions in the U.S. (2015 #19)
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Reviews

4.4
213 Reviews (213)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 28
Dinner 21
19th Hole Scenic Views 19
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 26
Water Hazards 26
Elevation Changes 25
This course/club is great for:
A Weekend Splurge 31
Entertaining Clients 28
Advanced Golfers 27
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 30
Worth the Drive 17
Near Local Attractions 15

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Twice a year
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Our favorite course in SD

Would highly recommend Aviara.. Yes more cost than most but one of the best values considering customer service, weather and most importantly quality of course.. Every hole has great character and would highly recommend... A couple of greens had some sand challenges but all in all quality value. Same group of guys will be back next Labor Day. Fair but challenging.....

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course conditions

I played Aviara last summer and was so looking forward to it again when I purchased the Holiday DealCaddy even though the deal didnt cover the total fees, limited to $200. But being this course was a premium course in pristine condition, I felt it was worth the extra $170. Sadly disappointed this time. Between our draught and what we were told by the Marshall, the course had been played alot, I felt we overpaid for just a nice course having trouble keeping the course up to it's usual high standards.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Must Play in San Diego

Signed up for first time of the day, but the staff sent a few guys early and I played with one other person, which made the round go very quickly, which in turn allowed me to enjoy the rest of the day at this beautiful resort. The course was in great shape, had beautiful trees and plants and water features, and the staff was next level amazing. Maybe a little on the pricey side, but I was treating myself for completing one portion of my CPA exam...at least you got a free lollipop on the back nine. You can't miss this place if you are in San Diego.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Good stuff

Great course, great staff, all around good stuff .

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 21
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Amazing course

Course conditions and layout are amazing. Course is very playable and just flat beautiful. Played in the afternoon and pace of play was a non issue. Will play every time I vacation back to San Diego.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very scenic and enjoyable

Great staff. Play the course as a challenge like the LPGA or just play from the friendly tees. Either way it's a great vlaue

Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Fun, Challenging. Quiet

In the area for a wedding, brought my clubs and they got me on, played by myself and the pace was great, only saw the group in front of me at the turn. its long. the greens are in the best shape i have ever seen. rumor was Scotty Cameron was out the day before putting around.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Put it in the bucket list.

Staff were courteous and effcient. Practice facilities were excellent, but wee hit off the mats - likely due to the drought conditions and water restrictions course was remarkable....layout was challenging and the flora was incredible. Greens were a little slow, but with all he undulation you wouldn't want them any faster. Make sure you put it near the pin - some greens are enormous.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Largest landscaping budget in America

This is the second time that I've played Aviara, but the first time was so long ago that I'd forgotten how beautiful the course is. The landscaping, beds, and water treatments are off the charts. And, the golf is pretty good too. The greens (early May) were perfect, and very, very fast. The course is not tricked up, but is straight forward and challenging, depending on the tee boxes.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Aviara Golf course

A friend of mine recommended I play this course while in San Diego on Business. I played with a colleague from work and we both found the course to be very challenging, enjoyable, scenic and in excellent condition. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The only weakness was the driving range which is small and therefore showed a lot of wear.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Stunning!

Breathtaking display of flowers, lakes, waterfalls, lush fairways, challenging but fair greens. I've played this course several times and have to say hands down is by far the prettiest and nicest golf course around the San Diego area. Although Torrey Pines has scenic ocean views this Aviara feels like you've taken a trip to the jungles of Costa Rica. Each hole presents a beautiful challenge. The course itself isn't that difficult and doesn't require long drive shots to be in good range. I've started to play hybrid/long irons off the tee which have favored my score very well. Enjoy the day with cocktails and treat it like a vacation. The fees are a bit high but a great place to spoil yourself.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Amazing course, too bad it's too expensive to play every week.

It's the only course in San Diego that appears unaffected by drought. Best conditions I have seen in years in a public course. 14 out of 18 holes could be signature holes on any other course. Worth the $$$ to splurge once a year for me, but I wish I could play it weekly or monthly. It's a worth see and the afternoon rates make it a little more palatable. I look forward to splurging again next year or finding a hot deal on golfnow.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Awesome Golf Course!

This is one of the top golf courses I have ever played! The surroundings seem more like a botanical garden than a golf course! The course condition was top drawer and the staff were fabulous. I got to play with an up and coming LPGA junior golfer who was getting familiar with the course for the upcoming KIA Classic qualifying - what a treat! Don't miss playing this course if you are in the San Diego area!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Awesome Experience

Played right after the Kia Classic. Maybe the most beautiful course I've ever played and I've played some top courses. Played same tees used by the LPGA players and can't believe the low scores they posted. Extremely challenging and will definitely play again! Very friendly and accommodating staff.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Spectacular Course!

What an unbelievable course! On several holes it was like playing golf through a botanical garden. All the holes are different and very memorable, and the course condition was excellent. The staff really take care of you as well. Although it was expensive ($180 twilight rate via Golfnow.com), it was well worth it. Now I'll have an appreciation for what the players are facing as I watch the LPGA KIA Classic on TV.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Beautiful Course

Beautiful water features and flowers. Feels like you're playing golf through a botanical garden.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful setting

One of the more picturesque courses in San Diego. Staff is great and make the experience seamless. Condition of the course was very good despite the drought.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful well designed course

Course is in fabulous condition. Staff very courteous. Although expensive worth the money

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beauty that is rarely matched

I've played this course a few times and it's shear beauty never fails to awe. The Botanical Garden setting makes you forget this is a public course. I am surprised this course didn't make the Golf Digest 100 (public courses). Yes, there are some outstanding courses in and near San Diego County, Maderas, Torrey Pines, Pelican Hill (Orange County), but Avaira is definitely a must play course and worthy of anyone's must play list.

Try it, you'll love!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Like Golf in Disneyland

The grounds and conditions are as close to perfect as I can imagine. I can't wait to play it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Golf Packages

The Lodge At Torrey Pines Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
LA JOLLA, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Torrey Pines – South Course and Torrey Pines – North Course.

The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
CARLSBAD, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Aviara Golf Course, OMNI La Costa – South Course, and OMNI La Costa – North Course.

The Palm Mountain Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at Palm Mountain Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Indian Canyons – South Course, Indian Canyons – North Course, The Classic Club, Tahquitz Creek – Resort Course, and Tahquitz Creek – Legend Course.

The Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Indian Canyons – South Course, The Classic Club, Tahquitz Creek – Resort Course, and Tahquitz Creek – Legend Course.

Luxor Resort & Casino Stay & Play Package

FROM $137 (USD)
LAS VEGAS, NV | Enjoy up to 3 nights’ accommodations at the Luxor Resort & Casino and up to 3 rounds of golf at your choice of Legacy Golf Course, Las Vegas National Golf Course, and Desert Pines Golf Course.
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