These two gorgeous, municipal 18-hole championship courses are on the coast between La Jolla and Del Mar, only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. Home of the Buick Invitational Tournament, and the setting for the 2008 U.S. Open, Torrey Pines is second only to Pebble Beach as California's top golf destination. Situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean, the north course is picturesque and has the signature hole (no. 6), but the south course is more challenging, has more sea-facing play, and benefits from a $3.5 million overhaul in 2002 (the north course will get a similar facelift some time before 2008).

In summer, course conditions can be less than ideal due to the sheer number of people lined up to play, and "tee scalpers" aren't uncommon. Tee times are taken by computer, starting at 7pm, up to 7 days in advance and by automated telephone only--it takes only 20 to 30 minutes for all tee times for a given day to sell out. Confirmation numbers are issued, and you must have the number and photo identification with you when you check in with the starter 15 minutes ahead of time. If you're late, your time may be forfeited. Golf packages double the cost, but give you much better odds of actually getting onto the course. Golf professionals are available for lessons, and the pro shop rents clubs. Greens fees on the south course are $95 Monday through Friday, $115 Saturday and Sunday; the north course is $65 and $70, respectively. Cart rentals are $30, and twilight rates are available.

Tip: Single golfers stand a good chance of getting on the course if they just turn up and get on the waiting list for a threesome. The locals also sometimes circumvent the reservation system by spending Friday or Saturday night in a camper in the parking lot. The starter lets these diehards on before the reservations made by the computer go into effect at 7:30am.