Santa Barbara County is home to some of the most scenic and highly-rated public golf courses in California. With sweeping Pacific Ocean views, challenging canyon layouts, and great municipal value, this region offers diverse golf experiences for every budget.

Here is a breakdown of the top-ranked public courses in Santa Barbara County, from must-play coastal tracks to local hidden gems.

The bottom of the ranking features excellent options for working on your short game, taking a lesson, or enjoying a quick round. These courses are perfect for families, beginners, and anyone focused on local accessibility and value.

These two courses offer a more relaxed, practice-focused atmosphere compared to the large championship courses higher on the list.

Help Us Keep SoCal's Golf Guide Current.

Golf is always evolving, and the only way to keep this guide the most accurate resource in Southern California is with your help.

We invite you to join the conversation and directly influence this guide. Your voice is the ultimate course update!

How to Contribute

• Played a course recently? Leave a review and share your photos with us.

• Know a hidden gem? Submit your suggestion for a course we missed.

• Spotted a change? Tell us if your favorite course is undergoing a major renovation or management change.

Your feedback ensures this guide remains fresh, accurate, and truly reflective of the Southern California golf community.

What We Do

We are committed to maintaining the ultimate resource. We will update this list regularly to:

• Add new courses, renovated layouts, and up-and-coming hidden gems.

• Adjust rankings and details based directly on player reviews and confirmed course changes.

• Highlight special events and unique local opportunities.

Don't just read the guide—help us write it! Bookmark this page, check back often, and click below to share your experience.