Everybody has a humble municipal course like this at home, with a bare-bones 1920s clubhouse where old guys hold down lunch counter stools for hours after the game -- and players take a few more mulligans than they would elsewhere. Surrounded by the beauty of Balboa Park, this 18-hole course features pure greens, fairways sprinkled with eucalyptus leaves, and distractingly nice views of the San Diego skyline. It's so convenient and affordable that it's the perfect choice for visitors who want to work some golf into their vacation rather than the other way around. The course even rents clubs. Nonresident greens fees are $35 weekdays, $40 weekends; the twilight rate is $20; cart rental is $24, pull carts $5. Reservations are suggested at least a week in advance.

You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy Tobey's 19th Hole, the clubhouse's simple café, offering splendid views of Point Loma, downtown, and the park from a deck. The food is cheap and diner-esque -- omelets, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash for breakfast; chiliburgers and sandwiches for lunch -- but this local hangout is a nice find for visitors.

The Econo Lodge Sandiego is at distance from 27.0m/43.4km SE from Balboa Park. Guests of this Hotel near Balboa Park Golf Course are invited to enjoy many amenities, including free continental breakfast, free local calls, outdoor pool, free weekday newspaper.