Where to Play Golf Near Hermosa Beach: A Local’s Guide
- wil ingram
- Sep 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Hermosa Beach is surrounded by an unusually rich mix of golf: ocean‑view munis, value tracks with great vibes, par‑3s for short-game tune‑ups, and even night golf. This guide gives you a realistic, locals-first overview of where to play, when to go, and how to pair each round with a quick practice or a pre‑round tune-up at South Bay Golf Club.
Quick picks by scenario
First-time visitor, wants views: Los Verdes or Trump National Los Angeles (Rancho Palos Verdes)
After-work 9 under lights: The Lakes at El Segundo or Westchester GC (near LAX)
Beginner‑friendly & budget: Alondra Park (Par‑3 South) or Harbor Park 9
Full 18 with classic muni feel: Alondra Park (North 18) or Chester Washington GC
Short-game bootcamp with ocean air: The Links at Terranea (all par‑3) or Westdrift Manhattan Beach Par‑3
Widest fairways to swing driver freely: Victoria GC (Carson)
Tournament‑style, South Bay adjacent: Long Beach cluster — El Dorado Park, Skylinks, Recreation Park 18, Lakewood
Pro tip: South Bay coastal wind typically builds late morning to afternoon. If you want calmer air and faster rounds, book early or chase twilight when crowds thin and colors pop.
The Lakes at El Segundo (El Segundo) — 9 holes, lighted + massive practice hub
Fast, fun, and perfect for weekday evenings. The 9-hole routing rewards smart wedges and solid putting. Next door sits a modern practice complex and entertainment venue (great for groups or non-golfing friends). Expect efficient pace and an easy on-ramp for newer players.
Good for: after-work leagues, new golfers, date nights, speed rounds.
Los Verdes Golf Course (Rancho Palos Verdes) views + value
Beloved for ocean panoramas and a price tag that’s friendlier than the cliffside views suggest. Greens can be firm and the coastal wind makes club selection matter. Tee times are competitive on weekends, book early.
Good for: scenic weekend rounds, out-of-town guests, testing knock‑down shots.
Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles (Rancho Palos Verdes) — premium ocean golf
Jaw‑dropping views and demanding shot values over canyons and along the bluffs. Premium pricing, premium conditioning. Expect longer rounds and bring a few extra balls.
Good for: splurge days, special occasions, photography.
Alondra Park Golf Course (Lawndale) — North 18 + Par‑3 South
A South Bay staple. The North 18 is a forgiving, classic parkland muni that’s great for groups. The Par‑3 South is a sleeper pick for scoring wedges and beginner confidence.
Good for: casual 18s, league play, beginner‑friendly sessions.
Westchester Golf Course (near LAX) — 18 holes, lighted
A quirky, lighted layout that punches above its weight for short‑game pressure. Ideal for late rounds after traffic dies down. Expect a fun vibe and fast-moving groups when lights are on.
Good for: night golf, short‑game focus, squeezing in 18 on a weekday.
Chester Washington Golf Course (South LA)
Mature trees, straightforward visuals, and subtly contoured greens. This is a great place to learn to shape shots and manage position.
Good for: consistent parkland golf, mid‑handicap improvement.
Victoria Golf Course (Carson)
More open off the tee than most in the area, which makes it a confidence builder with the driver. A good pick if you’re working on tee‑ball consistency.
Good for: driver days, speed training spillovers, confidence resets.
Harbor Park Golf Course (Wilmington) — 9 holes
A genuine no‑frills 9 with friendly rates and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for new golfers or anyone chasing reps.
Good for: beginners, juniors, fast reps.
The Links at Terranea (Rancho Palos Verdes) — par‑3 ocean course
Gorgeous, all par‑3 design. Coastal winds and tight surrounds force precise wedges and imaginative putting.
Good for: short‑game sharpening, scenic quick hits, mixed-skill groups.
Westdrift (Manhattan Beach) Par‑3
Tucked behind the hotel, this compact par‑3 track is perfect for touch work and beginners. A chill way to sneak in golf without a full half‑day commitment.
Good for: beginners, touch practice, quick morning loops.
Pair it with us: 45‑minute yardage calibration, then play.
El Dorado Park GC: Big, tournament‑style corridors with a stout finish.
Skylinks at Long Beach: Airport‑adjacent, strong par‑4s, reliable conditions.
Recreation Park 18 (“Big Rec”): Historic muni vibes, rolling terrain.
Recreation Park 9 (“Little Rec”): Friendly nine for beginners and families.
Lakewood GC: Value forward, playable for all skill levels.
