Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

I played here with 3 other locals who made this round very enjoyable. Their local knowledge really bailed me out of some trouble. We played from the blue tees for time reasons but I would have preferred to hit from the whites since it was my first time here.
As for the prices, you certainly get what you pay for here, no complaints on my part. The views are incredible of course. I just kept it under a 90 so I was really happy.

The staff is super friendly. The course is in immaculate condition. They're getting ready for the LPGA ladies tournament. Every single hole is unique. If you want to play the best public courses in San Diego look no further Torrey and Aviara.

This is a great course, but not worth the normal $200+ rate.

Friendly staff, coffee and goodies to start, good instructions, warned about three-putts but it wasn't enough. Great green and some very deep that will offer a lot of 3-putt opportunities if not carefull. Great course overall. You pay the price but it is worth the trip. Only downside may be sending threesome and two some right after a fiursome but other than that, the course is great and the staff even more.

I have played a lot of golf courses in the Southern California area and this by far the nicest course I have played! This is the best course in San Diego and it is a must play!!! The staff are awesome and the facility is immaculate!

An amazing course with breathtaking views, challenging holes, expertly maintained grounds, and superior customer service. The quality of the service on the course, in the bar, and at the restaurant is impeccable. Although a bit expensive, the value is well worth the cost. The driving range is first rate.

I highly recommend this course to local and those visiting from out of town.

The A Club is a fantastic option for those who love this course!

The second time I have played this amazing course! Very impressed with the overall condition of the course...in far better shape than La Costa. Everything about Aviara is outstanding. The staff's courtesy, friendliness, and helpfulness is pleasantly refreshing. The pro shop is well stocked. The bar is very upscale and the views from the patio are breathtaking. The quality of the food at Argyle is truly gourmet. Even the driving range is awesome!

I will definitely be back and offer my highest recommendation of the course to anyone who wants a memorable golfing experience.

The A Club membership is a tremendous value!

Second time I played this course. Had played La Costa the weekend before. Very disappointed in the condition of La Costa following major renovation but Aviara was absolutely superb each time we played the course. Expertly designed and meticulously maintained. The staff represents the golf course with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. The bar and restaurant are beautiful, the service is outstanding, and the views from the patio are stunning. I look forward to golfing at Aviara many more times.

If you like a course for the sheer beauty, this course is for you. If you like a course for the challenge, this course is for you. From the back tees, it will humble you - it's all that most can handle from the blue tees, and from the white tees, it's almost easy. Palmer did a great job fitting the course to the land. Some of the holes favor the draw and some favor the fade, but you are not forced you to play one shot or the other. The greens are big, so expect a few more putts than normal. Put this course on your bucket list.

At $120 each for me (13 hdcp) and my wife (16 hdcp) I understand we caught a slight break in price. Already disappointed in the fact 50% of the rough was dead, plugged and being reseeded, I would have been severely disappointed if I had paid the usual fees. A beautiful Palmer layout but we certainly anticipated a more meticulously well kept course for the reputation. We played others in the area which were holding up far better in the dry conditions for the area at the time of our visit.