When asking yourself about something to do near me in Oakland with a group of friends or family, consider
Tilden Park Golf Course
Why Tilden Park Golf Course is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Tilden Park Golf Course, located in Berkeley, California within the sprawling Tilden Regional Park, is a beautifully maintained public golf course established in 1937. Designed by renowned architect William P. Bell Jr., the course spans 6,294 yards across 18 challenging holes with a par of 70. Its mature, rolling tree-lined fairways and contoured greens provide an exceptional and memorable golfing experience, complemented by stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland, and San Francisco skylines. The course offers a peaceful natural park setting that feels far removed from city life, although it is conveniently situated just minutes from downtown Berkeley and accessible by major local freeways. Amenities include a driving range, practice green, cart rentals, a pro shop, and the stylish restaurant and bar called The Overlook, making it an inviting venue to gather with friends for golf and refreshments. The course is also recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship. Tilden Park Golf Course is a favored destination for golfers of all skill levels and has received accolades such as the Best Golf Course award for the East Bay in 2010, making it a must-visit spot for golf enthusiasts and social meetups alike.
Here's what people think of Tilden Park Golf Course
As of recent, Tilden Park Golf Course holds a 4.1-star rating based on 325 reviews.
User reviews of Tilden Park Golf Course generally reflect a positive experience, with many appreciating the scenic beauty, well-kept fairways, and the course's challenging yet fair layout. Golfers enjoy the mature tree-lined holes and the peaceful environment that creates a relaxing backdrop for both casual rounds and serious play. Positive reviews often highlight the helpfulness of the staff, reasonable pricing, and the convenience of amenities such as the driving range and pro shop. The Overlook restaurant and bar is also noted as an excellent addition for post-round socializing. However, some negative feedback focuses on occasional issues such as slow play during peak hours, maintenance inconsistencies on certain parts of the course, and limited tee time availability. A few golfers mention that the course's narrow fairways can be unforgiving, especially for less experienced players. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus is that Tilden Park Golf Course offers good value, a friendly atmosphere, and a pleasant golfing experience. The blend of natural beauty, historic character, and accessibility continue to draw regular and new visitors, confirming its status as a beloved public golf destination around Berkeley.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Daniel Rosenbach
Tilden is one of the most fun layouts I’ve ever played. Mountain park setting. No houses around the course. Just golf and nature. The course is so interesting. Each hole has a personality and a specific strategy. You have to know where to leave and miss. There are a lot of elevation changes and funky lies. The first two holes are absolutely brutal. After that it gets easier. It’s a municipal course. The greens roll accordingly. It’s better than it used to be. I used to play here daily before the new management took over. The course and green especially are in as good shape as ever. The lone negative will always be that the difficulty of the course does not match the price. Novices come to play for a good rate and spend way too long looking for balls they lose. If you’re not in one of the early groups, rounds can take a very long time. If you play alone at 650am you can finish in less than two hours. Also there’s a lot of cool wildlife. Such a hidden gem of course. It’s hard and not for beginners. Bring lots of balls.
Dan Dockendorf
How come nobody told me about this course? It's gorgeous! I just played in early July and the views, condition, and shap of the course was stunning. If you enjoy a good challenge with tough drives, elevation changes, and small greens this place is for you. Affordable as well with a great driving range. Make the trek up the hill and enjoy the views along the way.
Rob Mulcahy
A local gem - challenging layout with good conditions. Mitchell in particular went above and beyond - managed to leave a club behind and he tracked it down for me no questions asked. Went out of his way to ask the few groups behind us. Great to see there’s still good people in this world. Highly recommend!
Will Geffen
I’ve been playing Tilden my entire life and wanted to share current conditions of the course but also further thoughts on the design and operations as well. Tilden is a truly unique layout unique to itself in the serenity that is Tilden Park. The course is beautifully placed in the redwoods with nothing except the Berkeley Hills as its backdrop. The course has an Parkland feel but with a NorCal flair. One of the most difficult courses you can walk on par with Presidio and maybe only bested by Lake Chabot. The course is in dire need of a renovation as well as new management who can oversee a renovation of this magnitude and continue to maintain the course sufficiently post renovation. If the course were to be renovated properly with a new drainage system and money invested to modernize the layout and design, Tilden could be one of the best courses in the region if not the state due to its amazing setting. The sad thing is even though management has changed multiple times the investment from the East Bay regional park department most likely won’t come. On to the course conditions. The Bay Area has been blessed with amazing weather again this year, with foggy mornings and evenings being commonplace across the East Bay. This wouldn’t be a problem if Tilden had proper drainage and a grass type that handled moisture better but due to this much of the fairways and rough was overgrown to the point where they were water logged and muddy. Balls hit in the fairway would hardly roll on some holes due to mud and the greens were very soggy considering the time of year. Tee Boxes: mostly flat but some were over seeded and others are not large enough to move the blocks around to cycle the growth properly. This ends up in the blocks being moved to the front or back of many tee boxes Fairways: some holes were dried out and had very little coverage, others had long grass and seemed like they hadn’t been mowed in 1-2 weeks. Strange confusing conditions as many good drives were not rolling out as they should. A few were in good shape as well but overall lacked consistency Greens: most were soggy and slow but the occasional greens that received more sunlight were significantly quicker. They rolled mostly true and were very receptive to irons and wedges Rough: lots of patchy spots on some holes, some didn’t have a clear cut between the rough and fairway. Overgrown in some areas and damaged by a mowing staff that doesn’t understand how to properly maintain rough. Bunkers: had decent wet sand that you could play out of but they clearly hadn’t been raked by the maintenance staff in more than a day or longer. Pace of play wasn’t terrible as I played 9 holes in 1:45 but due to the layout long waits are common on 3-9, 10-12 and 15-16. This round was in the middle of the week at 6PM so expected it to be faster but course was very busy. Considering the conditions Tilden would be a great course to work on your game but it is seemingly always crowded so makes it difficult to really sell much about this course except for the scenery and the setting. Until the course gets renovated it will continue to struggle with these issues. The practice facilities are excellent and probably what keeps this place afloat along with the new restaurant.
Jose Quiroz
Old School Golf Course with tree lined fairways. The greens were recovering from being punched. It was also rare to see it in fairly dry condition this time of the year. 5 hour round,. The course is walkable but has a few hills that will have your heart racing.
How to reach Tilden Park Golf Course
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Why Tilden Park Golf Course may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Tilden Park Golf Course with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meet-up at Tilden Park Golf Course means choosing a place that delivers more than just a round of golf—it’s an experience that blends beautiful scenery, excellent amenities, and a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. Nestled in the Berkeley Hills, just minutes from downtown Berkeley, this course offers stunning panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Oakland and San Francisco skylines, setting a breathtaking backdrop for any gathering. You and your group can enjoy a spacious 6,294-yard championship golf course with rolling, tree-lined fairways and contoured greens that provide just the right challenge for players of all levels. Beyond the golf itself, the brand new dining option, The Overlook restaurant and bar, invites groups to relax and savor comfort food while soaking in incredible views, making it easy to extend your visit well beyond the putting greens. Whether your meetup is a casual catch-up, a celebration, or a more structured group event, Tilden Park Golf Course offers a unique blend of natural beauty, fun, and social space that makes it perfect for rallying friends in a memorable and enjoyable way.
What activities can you enjoy at Tilden Park Golf Course with your group?
Tilden Park Golf Course is far from just a place to play golf—it’s a hub for diverse activities tailored to all skill levels and group interests. The centerpiece is, of course, its 18-hole championship golf course, designed by William Park Bell Jr., which provides a challenging and scenic experience for players. For groups new to golf or looking to improve their skills, the course offers comprehensive golf lessons and flexible group class programs, perfect for learning together or sharpening your game in a supportive environment. Adjacent to the course is the three-tiered, covered, and heated driving range that ensures you can practice rain or shine, making it ideal for group practice sessions or friendly competitions. Members or visitors can rent carts or bring their own clubs, and the pro shop offers gear and apparel for any last-minute needs. Beyond golf, The Overlook restaurant serves delicious food and drinks in a casual setting with spectacular views, which is a great spot for socializing before or after golf. Additionally, Tilden Park Golf Course frequently hosts special events, including corporate meetings, birthday celebrations, and fundraisers, with tailored amenities that provide a perfect setting for groups to engage in meaningful and fun activities together.
Why is Tilden Park Golf Course ideal for hosting group meetups and special events?
Tilden Park Golf Course excels as a venue for group meetups due to its versatile spaces, customizable event packages, and dedicated staff focused on creating memorable experiences. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a large celebration, the course offers elegantly adorned banquet facilities that can be tailored to suit your group’s style and needs. From business dinners to bridal showers, holiday parties, or fundraisers, the venue balances professionalism and a relaxed outdoor vibe, allowing your group to enjoy a comfortable and beautiful private setting. Their experienced events team works closely with hosts to personalize every detail, ensuring smooth coordination and a unique event atmosphere. Moreover, the combination of on-course activities and clubhouse amenities means guests can engage in friendly golf competition or team-building exercises, then come together for meals, drinks, and socializing in one convenient location. The scenic surroundings and the option to enjoy golf alongside event festivities make Tilden Park Golf Course a standout choice for hosting diverse and engaging group gatherings.
How do the golf instruction and membership programs enhance group experiences at Tilden Park Golf Course?
Tilden Park Golf Course offers structured golf instruction and membership programs that significantly enrich the group experience, whether you’re beginners or seasoned golfers looking to elevate your skills. Their Flex Programs provide safe, group, hour-long classes tailored to varying skill levels and specific needs like full swing or putting. This flexible, pay-as-you-go approach allows groups to pick and choose sessions that fit their schedules and goals, fostering a collaborative learning environment where friends or family can progress together. For those who want to fully immerse themselves, the PLAYERS CLUB membership offers benefits such as unlimited range balls, discounted fees, exclusive clinics, and early booking advantages, creating a community feel among golfers who can enjoy regular group meetups. By combining professional instruction with flexible attendance options, these programs help make golf accessible and enjoyable, encouraging social interaction and mutual support within groups. Such educational opportunities make Tilden Park a place where groups can have fun, grow their love of the game, and create lasting memories on and off the course.
What dining and social amenities make Tilden Park Golf Course a welcoming destination for groups?
The Overlook restaurant and bar at Tilden Park Golf Course is a highlight when bringing a group together, offering a warm, inviting setting with spectacular views of the Bay Area to accompany your gathering. Open daily for lunch, The Overlook serves a menu of comfort food that appeals to broad tastes, making it simple to satisfy all members of your group whether they prefer casual dishes or something a bit more refined. The relaxed atmosphere combined with great food and drinks encourages friends and family to linger, share stories, and enjoy a leisurely social experience beyond the rounds of golf. The venue’s combination of indoor and outdoor seating provides flexibility for different weather and group sizes, adding to the comfort and enjoyment of meetups. Complimentary amenities like cart rentals, a fully stocked pro shop, and a newly upgraded driving range further contribute to a seamless group visit by catering to both activity and social needs in one polished environment. The added opportunity to host private events with customized catering elevates Tilden Park Golf Course as a top choice for well-rounded, stress-free gatherings.