Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course (Northern California)

Nestled against spectacular coastal mountains that keep the fog, smog and congestion at bay, Hidden Valley Lake is a golfing oasis in lightly populated Lake County. Golfing on this Billy Bell (Torrey Pines architect) course means an unhurried pace on 18 richly varied holes, each with its admirers who claim it as the most interesting, or challenging, or beautiful. Fabulous, head-turning vistas on this par-72, 6708-yard jewel include special touches like the signature 15th hole's 250-foot drop to the fairway below. Five water hazards, four different tee placements, nearly year-round sunshine and 100-year-old oak trees lend the kind of soul-soothing character one can build a weekend around.