Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park
A historic George Thomas municipal course beneath the Hollywood Hills — over 7,000 yards of classic architecture for a few dollars, open to all.
Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park in photos
Can I play Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park?
Yes — Wilson is a City of Los Angeles municipal course, open to the public every day with no membership or handicap required. Anyone can book a tee time and pay the modest city green fee; L.A. residents with a reservation card get an earlier booking window. It's one of the best-value historic courses in the country.
How to book: Book through the L.A. City golf reservation system online at golf.lacity.gov or by phone; residents with a registration card can reserve furthest out, while visitors book within a shorter window or walk on mid-week. Weekend mornings are competitive, so reserve as early as the system allows.
About Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park
The Wilson Course at Griffith Park is one of Los Angeles' great municipal treasures, opened in 1927 to a George C. Thomas Jr. design — the same architect behind Riviera and Bel-Air — with 11 original Thomas holes still in play. Stretching over 7,000 yards through the tree-lined, gently rolling floor of Griffith Park beneath the Hollywood Hills and Observatory, it co-hosted the Los Angeles Open in the late 1930s. As a City of Los Angeles course it's open to everyone, every day, with no membership or handicap requirement and green fees a fraction of the region's resort courses. Book through the city's reservation system and you can walk in the footsteps of a golden-age master.
Signature hole
There's no single postcard hole; the appeal is the George Thomas heritage routing — tree-lined, gently rolling fairways beneath the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Observatory.
What makes it special
George Thomas heritage
Designed by the architect of Riviera and L.A. Country Club, with 11 original Thomas holes still in play.
Historic L.A. Open host
Co-hosted the Los Angeles Open in 1936, '37 and '38.
Big course, small price
Over 7,000 yards beneath the Hollywood Hills for a municipal green fee.
Tournament pedigree
- Los Angeles Open (1936, 1937, 1938, co-hosted with the Harding course)
Need to know
Best time to play
Golf is a year-round proposition in L.A.; spring and fall are the most comfortable, summer mornings beat the heat, and winter stays mild. Weekends book out fast.
Dress code
Casual golf attire; shirts required. It's a relaxed municipal course, but no swimwear or offensive dress.
Good to know
Walk or take an optional cart (~$18); at over 7,000 yards it's long but flat enough to walk. Pace can be slow on busy weekends — book early and expect 4.5–5 hours.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Hollywood Burbank (BUR) ~15 min; Los Angeles International (LAX) ~40 min.
On arrival
The Wilson course is inside Griffith Park in central Los Angeles, off Crystal Springs Drive near I-5 and Los Feliz. It's roughly 15 minutes from Burbank Airport and easy to reach by car, with parking on site.
Stay near the course
This is a day-play municipal course with no lodging; visitors stay anywhere in Los Angeles — Los Feliz, Hollywood and Downtown are all within 15–20 minutes.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices SuitesRUs Apart Hotel at Glendale
Glendale
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Travel District Burbank Private House
Glendale
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Jaz Crown Jewel
Glendale
A taste of the luxury stays near Wilson Golf Course at Griffith Park — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Los Angeles — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Los Angeles.
Explore Los AngelesFrequently asked questions
Can anyone play Wilson at Griffith Park?
Yes. It's a City of Los Angeles municipal course open to the public daily, with no membership or handicap required.
How much is a round?
City green fees are about $41 on weekdays and $52 at weekends (up to $57 before 9am), with cheaper twilight, senior and junior rates and an optional cart around $18.
How do I book a tee time?
Use the L.A. City golf reservation system online at golf.lacity.gov or by phone; residents with a registration card get the earliest booking window.
Is it a good course?
Very — it's a historic George Thomas design over 7,000 yards, long regarded as one of the best-value municipal courses in the U.S.
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Hero image: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.