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Pioneering the Bay Area's Public Golf Frontier

Starting north of Napa and ending in Santa Cruz, the Bay Area boasts a diversity of golf and food that you have to experience to believe
Pioneering the Bay Area's Public Golf Frontier

The Bay Area, where I'm lucky enough to live, is home to one of the truly great public golf road trips. I'm not sure that is a sentence I would get broad buy-in on, but allow me to make the case.

Picture this: you start your journey with an afternoon of rest and relaxation in the northern end of Napa Valley in the charming town of Calistoga. The next morning, you wake up and wind through the hills to Middletown for the modern masterpiece that is Brambles. From there you meander down to the Russian River redwoods of Guerneville, cruise into San Francisco's windswept coastline, and then venture to the East Bay's rolling terrain. The last stops on your trip are dramatic finales along the rugged Half Moon Bay coast before climbing into the Santa Cruz Mountains for Alister MacKenzie's Golden Age gem at Pasatiempo

First things first, this guide is as much about the off-course activities, restaurants, and places to stay as it is the golf. I'm going to give you perfect pairings like a Michelin-star chef and master sommelier working in harmonious perfection.

What makes this road trip truly special is the Bay Area's versatility as a family or non-golf destination. While you'll be trekking to and fro, San Francisco will likely serve as your home base. San Francisco—the one locals experience—unfolds through charming walkable neighborhoods, up and down hills, and amongst the best nature of any big city in the world. Skip the crowded tourist traps of Union Square and instead explore the Presidio's Main Post Lawn and the area being developed around Tunnel Tops park. Don’t trudge through the Mission and rather opt to walk the coastal trails at Lands End, where cypress trees frame views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Non-golfers can dive into world-class museums like SFMOMA and the de Young, while families will find the California Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, and Bay Area Discovery Museum perfectly designed for curious minds.

Before we get into the heart of this road trip guide, I do have a few points to clarify. First, this route is probably too ambitious for a single trip. I'd recommend you pick and choose from the stops below and stitch together your ideal journey. There are two tent-pole golf experiences along the way: the modern Coore & Crenshaw design of Brambles, and MacKenzie's Golden Age masterpiece, Pasatiempo. In reality, you'll most likely only be afforded the opportunity to play one, so start with that and plan accordingly.

Pro Tip

Pack layers. The Bay Area's microclimates can shift dramatically—you might start your morning round in Napa Valley sunshine, encounter coastal fog by afternoon, and finish with ocean winds that cut right through you. Pack your own gear if you want, but our Fried Egg Golf & B. Draddy Andy Hoodie is perfectly suited for these conditions and travels well in your golf bag. Don’t be shy, head on over to our Pro Shop and snag one for yourself.

Pack an Away. Golf and travel go hand in hand and no one can prep you for a trip like our friends at Away. Drop by their store in Hayes Valley to upgrade your travel uniform and make sure your next journey is more seamless than the last. Use the code FriedEggAwayinSF for 15% for in-store purchases.

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Indian Springs

Aside from well-appointed rooms and beautiful scenery, Indian Springs has an Olympic-size swimming pool heated by natural springs.

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Gott’s Roadside

Just around the corner from Calistoga is St. Helena and the OG Gott's Roadside restaurant. I love going here. The burgers and fries are awesome. The menu is very accommodating to those who don't want a burger, and eating there makes you feel like you're taking a step back in time when things were simpler and perhaps more fun.

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The River Electric

Let's be clear, the River Electric is glamping. These are not permanent structures, but the scene here is great. Beautiful people, rambunctuous families, and (if you heed my advice) golf junkies just waiting to tee it up at Northwood.

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Lightwave Coffee

Dip your toes into the fully Bohemian, Northern California vibe at Lightwave Coffee. The place feels like equal parts hippy commune and cozy coffee shop. I personally recommend an Avo & Egg bagel, a cortado, and be sure to keep an eye open for the cinnamon roll.

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El Molino Central

If you're heading back from Guerneville to SF, Sonoma is a little out of the way. But if you have the time, be sure to make a detour and grab a bite from El Molino Central. The modest exterior is hiding some of the best Mexican food you'll likely ever eat.

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Valley Swim Club

Mexican food not your thing? Swap out El Molino Central for a smashburger from Valley Swim Club. Note: There isn't an actual pool at Valley Swim Club, so keep your trunks in the trunk.

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Russian River Brewing

One of the best breweries in the Bay Area, stop in after you round at Northwood for a refreshing brew and a tasty bite.

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Inn at the Presidio

I'm beginning to realize that Presidio might just be the best part of San Francisco. The Inn at the Presidio is a wonderful place to stay and is a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

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The Buena Vista

It's vacation! Live a little. Start your day off right with an Irish Coffee from the Buena Vista. As Jimmy Buffett would say, "It's five o'clock somewhere."

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Cavallo Point Lodge

If the Inn at the Presidio is my preferred option when staying in SF, then Cavallo Point is option 1B. Similar to the Presidio, Cavallo Point is a former military base that has been transitioned into a world-class resort.

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The Fairmont

If old-school San Francisco is more your scene, check the Fairmont. While you're there, be sure to grab a cocktail or two from the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, which is located on the bottom floor of the hotel. It's a vibe.

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Dalida

Tired from trudging up and down the hills at Presidio? Kick back and relax in the spacious confines of Dalida. Chefs Laura and Sayat (who are better people than they are chefs) will dazzle you with an array of Eastern Mediterranean dishes that will have you questioning whether you should eat there two nights in a row.

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Burma Superstar

If Dalida is a little too fancy for your liking, head on over to Burma Superstar for an unforgettable experience. Tea Leaf Salad, Sesame Tofu, Platha and Dip, and Burmese Curry with Lamb are just a few of the can't-miss items.

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The Coffee Movement

I'm going to go ahead and get out over my skis here. The Coffee Movement is easily a top-five coffee shop in the United States. You'll have to brave a line of hipsters with ratty-looking shoes that cost more than your entire golf bag (clubs included), but the payoff is worth the wait. Order the cocoa cappuccino and enjoy every sip.

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Hot Dog Bill's

How could you consider a Bay Area golf guide complete without mentioning the burgerdog?  Hot Dog Bill's has a small outpost inside the clubhouse at Golden Gate Park GC.  Grab a burgerdog and a drink after your round, post up on the patio, and watch shots into the 5th green.

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Hook Fish

Before or after your round at Golden Gate Park, head over to Hookfish for some of the best seafood you'll find in the Bay Area. My favorites are the fish and chips, the fish burrito (be sure to get extra hot sauce!), and fresh oysters.

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Palm City

If seafood isn't your thing, skip Hookfish and grab a hoagie and a glass (or three) of natural wine at the Outer Sunset's coolest wine bar.

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The Butterfly Joint

Sometimes I'm a little slow to pick up on things, like how it took me over two years to realize that former public school teachers and woodworking specialists might name a place the Butterfly Joint in homage of the woodworking technique and not the actual butterflies. What I was not slow to pick up on was how Danny and Erin run one of the best neighborhood coffee shops in the city. Their coffee is top-notch, and if you go there more than once, they're likely to remember your name and drink order. Pro tip: They sell fresh doughnuts on Friday morning.

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The Laundromat SF

The best bagels in town in the morning, Detroit-style pizzas at night, and smashburgers on Wednesday night. If you're not sold after that preamble I don't know what else to say other than the vibes are off the charts and the music is always pumping great tunes from the record player behind the bar.

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K Minamoto

I'm hesitant to send tourists down Market Street, so please beware that parking can be a nightmare and you can get caught on one-way streets with weird no-turn laws. With that being said, stop here as you make your way over to the East Bay and grab a bag of the most preciously wrapped, perfectly made Japanese confectioneries you can find on the West Coast.

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Biondivino

Specializing in natural wines from Italy, Biondivino is simply a vibe too cool to miss. Grab a bottle of wine and bring it back to your hotel room to cap a perfect evening.

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Say Cheese

Easily one of SF's coolest shops. Grab a sandwich, bag of chips, and an artisanal soda on your way to or from the course.

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The Ice Cream Bar

San Francisco's best ice cream. There are three absolute must-try items on the menu. Banana puddin' ice cream, coconut milk dark chocolate almond (vegan) ice cream, and the waffle cone.

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Farley’s Coffeehouse

Tucked away in Portero Hill, Farley's Coffeehouse oozes with quintessential SF quirky vibes. The place delivers on substance but also has a bit of fun and frill that you won't find at many other places across the country. I mean its located in an aggressively red Victorian for goodness sake! Thanks to Kira for insider tip on this gem. Grab a cup of coffee before you hop on the highway and head south.

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Horn BBQ

Full disclosure: I grew up in Oklahoma and Texas and, in my opinion. BBQ doesn't get much better than Texas-style. Horn BBQ has become a mecca for smoked meat junkies. Get there early as lines can be long.

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Chez Panisse

Chef Alice Waters pretty much started it all! Chez Panisse is an institution. Farm to table, California cuisine, I'm not exactly sure what to call it other than charming and delicious. Be sure to make a reservation after a fun round at Poppy Ridge.

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The Ritz-Carlton

I'm not sure what else needs to be said about a Ritz-Carlton but the one at Half Moon Bay does not disappoint. If you have a few extra nickels in your pocket, treat yourself to a night or two.

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Dad’s Luncheonette

This might be my single-favorite place in this guide. Ever wonder what a Michelin-star chef would do if they quit the fine dining scene and opened up shop in an abandoned train car? Go to Half Moon Bay to find the answer!

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Shrine Coffee

Stop here before you head over to Pasatiempo and pray to whatever deity you see fit that you'll snag more birdies than three-putts on MacKenzie's treacherous greens.

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Presidio Main Parade Lawn

Another wonderful break from golf is a quick stroll on the Main Parade Lawn in the Presidio. The Presidio is quickly becoming my favorite place to spend time in the city. The views are awesome, the vibe is chill, and it really showcases the best of what life in San Francisco can be.

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Sutro Baths and Lands End Trail

If you'd like to have a quick moment away from golf I would recommend a quick stroll at Lands End Trail. Park in the Sutro Baths parking lot, take a gander at the ruins of the baths and then hug the coast for epic views.

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Away

Golf and travel go hand in hand and no one can prep you for a trip like our friends at Away. Drop by their store in Hayes Valley to upgrade your travel uniform and make sure your next journey is more seamless than the last. Use the promo code FriedEggAwayinSF for 15% off to be used in store.

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Brambles

I find it humorous that Coore & Crenshaw have another course named Sheep Ranch when Brambles feels like the most Sheep Ranchy course of all time. Set in a small valley, Brambles unfolds through a pasture and delights at every turn. Coore & Crenshaw rarely miss and they certainly didn't here. Brambles, while technically a private course, has a lottery process to allow public play.

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Northwood Golf Club

I reckon that any day I play an Alister MacKenzie course is a good day. Northwood offers a unique experience, as the redwood trees that flank the fairways are something that cannot be adequately described until you see for yourself.

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Presidio Golf Course

While Presidio may not be my favorite course in San Francisco, I still wholeheartedly recommend it to people when they come to town. The course is on a severe hill that wears you down throughout the round, but take a moment to tilt your head up and take in the views. The vistas at Presidio are rarely topped.

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Golden Gate Park Golf Course

GGPGC is one of the best par 3 courses in America. PERIOD. FULL STOP. What Jay Blasi did with a pretty boring course is transformative. The green complexes are wild and rollicking, the slopes are big and bold, and not a day goes by that I don't wish I was out on the course hunting for birdies and holes-in-one.

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Lincoln Park Golf Course

Will you walk away from Lincoln Park knowing you've just played somewhere special? Probably not. The course is a little repetitive (think 18 circular greens), under-maintained, and a bit cramped. But if you allow yourself to imagine what it could be, man, your imagination will run wild. The land is impossibly cool with a routing that nestles up against the Legion of Honor and has a hole with an unobstructed view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Lower your expectations to raise your fun.

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Harding Park Golf Course

Harding Park has its flaws, but it's also a wonderful public offering for golfers from all walks of life to tread in the footsteps of their idols. Take it in for what it is and try your best to relive Colin Morikawa's tee shot on the 16th hole, which in my opinion, is one of the better holes in the Bay Area.

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Sharp Park Golf Course

Sharp Park has seen better days.  Originally designed by Alister MacKenzie, the course has undergone significant change (and neglect).  Nonetheless I still enjoy walking the course and dreaming about what could be if Sharp Park were turned over to the capable hands of someone who could bring it back to life (cough: Jay Blasi).  There's also a wonderful rendering of what the course looked like in its original form factor in our article on America's Great Remaining Restoration Opportunities.

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Corica Park South Course

I'd be lying to say that I didn't break out into a cold sweat when the thought of recommending a Rees Jones course came to mind. As an architecture novice, I fear my contemporaries here might literally throw a book at me. But Corica Park South is a wonderful public option modeled after the great courses in the Melbourne Sandbelt. It typically plays firm and fast and is not to be missed on any Bay Area golf trip.

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Poppy Ridge Golf Course

Jay Blasi did it again. First Golden Gate Park, and now Poppy Ridge. The guy is angling to be canonized as the patron golf saint of the Bay Area. Tired of my opinions? Take a browse through Andy's Q&A with Jay and drink in all of the amazing photos of the course.

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links Ocean Course

Hand up, this course doesn't get recommended on its own accord. But its proximity to Dad's Luncheonette makes it a worthwhile stop on a Bay Area road trip. The course has a few snoozers of holes, but it also has a few fun holes perched along some dramatic oceanfront property. Plus, if you're traveling with a non-golf partner and you can splurge for a night at the Ritz-Carlton, you're sure to earn some points with your better half.

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Pasatiempo Golf Club

If you run this trip down in the order I've laid it out, then you've truly saved the best for last. Pasatiempo deserves every positive accolade that you could possibly throw its way. MacKenzie was a genius. Pasatiempo is borderline perfect. Do yourself a favor and bite the bullet of a green fee and go have one of the most memorable rounds of your life.

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Gleaneagles Golf Course

Boasting the unequivocally coolest clubhouse and check in experience in all of golf Gleneagles also isn't short on good golf. The course is a short, hilly nine-holer with quirky elevation changes and surprisingly interesting green complexes that punches way above its weight class, offering the kind of accessible, no-frills golf that makes you remember why you fell in love with the game in the first place, all for the price of a decent burrito.

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About the author

Beau Scroggins

By day, I serve as Head of Product at Fried Egg Golf, where I'm channeling my passion for golf into building better experiences for fellow golf obsessives. After spending a decade in Silicon Valley trying to change the world through software (spoiler alert: didn't quite work out), I feel like I've finally found my true calling here. When I'm not mapping out product roadmaps, you can find me on the range, lost in an endless spiral of swing thoughts and TrackMan data, convinced that my next swing change will finally be "the one."

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