Golf in Baja California
Ocean-cliff fairways, $40 green fees, and courses 10 minutes from the San Diego border. Five courses from Tijuana to Ensenada — a local's guide to the best golf south of the border.
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I live in San Diego and pay $80–120 for mediocre municipal courses with 5-hour rounds. Then I discovered I could cross the border, play ocean-cliff holes at Bajamar for the same price, and finish with $3 cervezas and carne asada. Baja golf isn't a compromise — it's genuinely better golf for less money, and you're back home by dinner. We play down here at least once a month now.
— Scott
5 Best Golf Courses in Baja California
Ranked by course quality, value, and convenience from San Diego. Green fees current as of early 2026.
Real del Mar Golf Resort
Tijuana · 18 holes · Par 72
Designed by Percy Clifford
Ocean views from every hole — just 10 minutes south of the border
The most convenient course from San Diego — literally 10 minutes past the border crossing. The front nine plays along bluffs overlooking the Pacific, and the back nine winds through a residential community. Well-maintained with a good practice facility. The resort has a decent hotel if you want to make it an overnight.
Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort
Ensenada · 27 holes · Par 72
Designed by Percy Clifford
Three nines with dramatic Pacific cliffside holes — the best course in Baja
The crown jewel of Baja golf. Three distinct nines (Vista, Lagos, Oceano) wrap along dramatic coastal cliffs with crashing waves below. The Oceano nine's cliff-edge holes are among the most spectacular in Mexico. Worth the 90-minute drive from the border. The resort property is aging but the course is championship caliber.
Club Campestre Tijuana
Tijuana · 18 holes · Par 72
Designed by Alister MacKenzie (redesigned)
Private club with guest access — oldest course in Baja, established 1927
Tijuana's historic private club allows hotel guest and tour operator access. The mature tree-lined fairways and small greens reward accuracy over power. A MacKenzie-influenced design with classic bunkering. The 19th hole is the real attraction — cold beers and carne asada with members.
Punta Morro Golf Course
Ensenada · 9 holes · Par 27
Designed by N/A
Affordable executive course with ocean panoramas — perfect for a quick round
A compact 9-hole par-3 course perched on the cliffs north of Ensenada. Not a championship test, but the ocean views are spectacular and the price is right. Play a quick round before heading into town for fish tacos. Great for beginners or a warm-up round.
New Championship Course — Coming 2027
Ensenada · 18 holes · Par 72
Designed by TBD
New championship course under development south of Ensenada
A new resort course is under development along the coast south of Ensenada, bringing world-class golf infrastructure to the corridor. Details TBD — we'll update this guide as information becomes available.
- Best border crossing for golf: Use the Otay Mesa crossing for Tijuana courses (Real del Mar, Club Campestre) — it's faster and less congested than San Ysidro. For Ensenada courses, San Ysidro to the toll road is more direct.
- Club rentals: Real del Mar and Bajamar both have quality rental sets for $30–50. Decent Callaway and TaylorMade options. If you're just trying Baja golf for the first time, rent and travel light.
- Caddies: Unlike courses in Asia, caddies are not common at Baja courses. Carts are standard and included in most green fees. A few courses offer forecaddies on request.
- Tipping: 200–300 pesos ($12–18) for cart attendants who clean your clubs. 100–200 pesos for the starter. At the 19th hole, tip your server 15–20% like you would in the US.
- Dress code: Relaxed compared to US clubs — collared shirts are recommended but not always strictly enforced. No tank tops or denim. Bajamar is the most formal; Punta Morro is the most casual.
- Combine golf + wine: Play Bajamar in the morning, then drive 30 minutes to Valle de Guadalupe for afternoon wine tastings and dinner. It's the best day trip in Baja — 18 holes and 3 wineries in one day.
- Negotiate green fees: Weekday walk-on rates are often negotiable, especially in summer. Ask about twilight rates after 2 PM — some courses drop prices by 30–40%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf in Baja
Is Baja golf worth the drive from San Diego?
Absolutely. Green fees run 40–60% less than comparable San Diego courses, and courses like Bajamar offer oceanfront holes you won't find north of the border. Real del Mar is just 10 minutes past the San Ysidro crossing — you can play a full round and be back in San Diego for dinner.
Do I need Mexican auto insurance to play golf in Baja?
Yes. Your US auto insurance does not cover you in Mexico. Buy a day policy online before crossing — companies like Baja Bound offer single-day coverage for $15–25. This is non-negotiable. If you get in an accident without Mexican insurance, your car can be impounded.
Can I bring my own clubs across the border?
Yes. Golf clubs cross the border without any issue or duty. Just drive through with them in your trunk. If you're walking across and taking a taxi, clubs are bulky but doable. Most courses also have quality rental sets for $30–50 if you prefer to travel light.
What's the best course for beginners?
Punta Morro in Ensenada — it's a 9-hole par-3 course with affordable green fees ($40–60) and no intimidating long holes. Great ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere. For a full 18, Real del Mar is forgiving off the tee with wide fairways.
How do Baja courses compare to San Diego courses?
Conditioning at the top Baja courses (Bajamar, Real del Mar) is comparable to mid-tier San Diego courses. Bajamar's cliff holes rival anything at Torrey Pines for scenery. The main differences: Baja courses are less crowded, green fees are significantly cheaper, and the post-round food and drinks are better and cheaper.
Are there golf packages with hotels?
Both Real del Mar and Bajamar offer stay-and-play packages that bundle hotel rooms with rounds. Bajamar's packages are the best value — you can get a night in the resort plus 18 holes for $150–200. Check their websites directly or call the pro shop for current deals.
Plan Your Baja Golf Trip
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