San Francisco is the at the centre of all things Northern California, with an easy-going vibe that makes for the perfect change of pace from the glitz and glam of LA. Exploring the city is a must, with sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to discover.
This cutting-edge city is not lacking in golf either, with fantastic resorts like Half Moon Bay just a short drive away and the 2020 PGA Championship host, TPC Harding Park, within the city limits.
Whilst San Francisco is great, the true treasure of Northern California is the Monterey Peninsular. Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, just 80-minutes south of San Jose International Airport, lies one of the greatest golfing landscapes on the planet.
Big names like Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay are found here, but Pebble Beach is real headline act. Walking in the footsteps of legends on the ultimate bucketlist course is a dream shared by many golfers, you will need to stay at one of the resort accomodations to play there, luckily they are both fantastic.
One of the most recognisable golf courses in the world, and has played an integral part of previous major championships and the overall history of the game. With a dramatic cliff-side stretch of holes, it’s obvious to see why it has such an iconic reputation.
Another one of the incredible courses stretching over the Monterey Peninsula. Spyglass Hill ranks as one of the best courses in California, it’s is a must play when visiting Monterey, so don’t let the other courses distract you from the gem that is Spyglass Hill.
Set out on a vast sandy terrain that overlooks the scenic Pacific Ocean, The Links at Spanish Bay takes on a Scottish links landscape style, to which Tom Watson quoted “It’s so much like Scotland, you can almost hear the bagpipes playing.”
When you think of Monterey, you definitely think of the Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and the world class golf courses on the 17-Mile Drive stretch. Then driving up Route 1 between Monterey and San Francisco is an absolute must, with its stunning coastal views all the way up. Then arriving to San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge as an obvious stop, with more than enough bike rental shops to choose from, take a spin over the world renowned bridge to admire the views back down over the city and Alcatraz Island.
When touring the coast of San Francisco and Monterey, the centre of the nightlife will definitely be buzzing in the heart of downtown San Francisco, with options to enjoy live music over a drink or two, or to get your boogie on to some international DJ’s in one of the nightclubs. Valencia Street is the dynamic Mission District’s official party zone and quite possibly the largest in the city, an alternative option is Union Street which is a stretch in the Marina District with plenty of sports and dive bars.
This part of California is famous for its incredible selection of seafood restaurants all across the coastline between Monterey and San Francisco. Both areas have an awesome Fisherman’s Wharf, and it’s hard to pass these spots without stopping for some seafood along the way, with the endless selection of restaurants with their mouth watering menus.
Nothing says ‘America’ like cruising down the highway, heading somewhere awesome. Take a look at drive times from San Francisco & Monterey to key attractions to visit during your stay.
Drive Times by Car
2 hrs
3 hrs
4 hrs
5.5 hrs
Flying to San Francisco or Monterey gives you the option to either San Francisco International or San Jose International Airport, both conveniantly direct flights. Take a look at some key flight details, with tips of when the best time of year is to travel.
Flights & Weather
11 hrs
SFO or SJC
March - October
18 - 24° C
