Where to Play Golf Near America's Top Vacation Destinations
Golf and travel have long been a perfect pairing, with an increasing number of golfers seeking destinations that offer both world-class courses and memorable vacation experiences. In recent years, the rise of golf tourism has seen more travelers combining their passion for the game with leisure trips, whether it’s teeing off amid stunning natural landscapes, relaxing at luxurious resorts, or enjoying a few rounds between visits to iconic tourist spots. These destinations don’t just cater to the avid golfer but also provide unforgettable views, top-tier accommodations, and diverse activities that appeal to all kinds of travelers.
Explore where to play golf near some of the most popular vacation destinations in the US and learn about the courses that make these areas ideal for combining golf and leisure. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply looking to enjoy a round while on vacation, these spots deliver experiences that are as exciting as they are scenic.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is undoubtedly known for its theme parks, but it's also an increasingly popular destination for golf lovers. Just a short distance from the world-famous Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is home to an impressive selection of golf courses. Many of these courses offer lush fairways, strategic designs, and beautiful surroundings, allowing golfers to unwind after a day in the parks or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is among the city’s top courses. This 18-hole course, designed by Rees Jones, features lush fairways, water hazards, and pristine conditions, providing a peaceful retreat not far from Disney’s magic. With its proximity to some of Orlando’s biggest attractions, it's a perfect option for golfers who want to enjoy a high-quality course without venturing too far from the action.
In addition to the Waldorf Astoria, ChampionsGate Golf Club is a must-visit for golfers in the area. Designed by Greg Norman, the club features two 18-hole championship courses that offer a great mix of challenge and fun. Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Arnold Palmer’s iconic home course, is another standout, offering a classic Florida golfing experience in a historic setting.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui, the "Valley Isle," is known for its spectacular beaches, lush rainforests, and towering volcanoes, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and golfers. The island's golf courses are set against this striking backdrop, with stunning ocean views, tropical foliage, and dramatic elevation changes that offer golfers a unique challenge.
The Kapalua Golf – Plantation Course is perhaps the island’s most famous course, regularly hosting the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and features rolling hills that make each hole a test of both strategy and skill. It’s one of those rare courses where the scenery almost distracts from the difficulty of the layout.
Other notable courses include Wailea Golf Club, which boasts three distinct courses, each offering incredible views of the ocean and a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. For those looking for a more laid-back round, Ka’anapali Golf Resort features two beachfront courses that provide golfers with the chance to enjoy a round with a more relaxed vibe and remarkable views of the island’s coastline.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, world-class entertainment, and luxury resorts, but it also offers some of the most exclusive and unique golf courses in the country. Golf in Las Vegas is a far cry from the desert landscape one might expect—courses here are designed with precision, offering manicured greens and challenging layouts that cater to golfers looking for an elite experience.
For golfers seeking the height of luxury, Shadow Creek is the course to play. A Tom Fazio design, this private course is often considered one of the best in the world. The course is hidden away in the desert, offering a lush, green oasis complete with waterfalls, lakes, and gardens.
For a top-tier Las Vegas golf experience, Angel Park Golf Club is a standout. Known as "the world’s most complete golf experience," it features two Arnold Palmer-designed championship courses, famous par-threes, and a challenging putting course. Voted "Best of Las Vegas," Angel Park offers golfers a perfect mix of beauty, challenge, and variety.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale has become a premier golf destination, renowned for its striking desert landscapes and world-class golf courses. The region’s courses are known for integrating the natural desert terrain into their designs, making for an unforgettable golfing experience. The combination of rugged mountains, cacti, and sweeping desert vistas provides a beautiful yet challenging backdrop for golfers.
TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course is perhaps the most famous course in the area, largely due to its hosting of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. This course is famous for its rowdy 16th hole, which is transformed into a stadium during the tournament, attracting a massive crowd. Whether you’re playing in the midst of the tournament excitement or on a quieter day, the course offers a unique desert challenge that both professionals and amateurs appreciate.
Another excellent option is Troon North, which offers two of the finest courses in the area, both of which provide a challenging layout while taking full advantage of the desert scenery. The courses here are known for their meticulous maintenance and creative designs, making them a favorite among golfers who enjoy precision and strategy.
For golfers looking for something different, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club features two courses set amid the McDowell Mountains just outside of Scottsdale, providing a peaceful desert escape and a truly unique golfing experience. Both courses offer a blend of natural desert beauty and challenging layouts that will test even the most seasoned players.
Pebble Beach, California
There are few places in the world where golf and natural beauty intersect quite like Pebble Beach. Located along California's stunning Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links is not only one of the most famous courses in the US, but it is also regularly ranked among the best in the world. Known for its breathtaking oceanfront holes, this course has been the site of multiple U.S. Open tournaments and remains a must-play for serious golfers.
The iconic 7th hole, perched above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, is a bucket-list challenge that all golfers dream of. Whether you’re playing on a calm, clear day or navigating the wind-blown course, Pebble Beach delivers a truly unforgettable golfing experience.
In addition to Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill Golf Course is another outstanding course in the area, offering a challenging layout that winds through coastal forest and delivers dramatic views of the ocean. Spanish Bay, with its classic links-style design, is also a top pick for golfers who want a different yet equally spectacular experience in the same stunning location.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is known for its peaceful ambiance, beautiful beaches, and top-tier golf courses. It is the perfect destination for golfers who want a mix of laid-back luxury and world-class golfing. Set against lush landscapes, Hilton Head’s courses provide a serene atmosphere while offering challenges that will keep golfers engaged throughout their rounds.
Harbour Town Golf Links, with its famous lighthouse and scenic views of the Calibogue Sound, is perhaps the most well-known course on the island. Designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, Harbour Town is a challenging course that requires both precision and strategy. It’s also home to the RBC Heritage, making it a must-play for those looking to experience a PGA Tour course.
For golfers looking for more options, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers three courses, each offering a unique design and beautiful surroundings. Atlantic Dunes, designed by Davis Love III, is a standout with its links-style design and panoramic views of the ocean. The courses here offer a peaceful retreat with a distinctly Southern charm, making them ideal for golfers looking for a relaxing yet challenging experience.
Golf and Travel – The Perfect Pairing
From the sun-drenched coastlines of Pebble Beach to the desert landscapes of Scottsdale and the lush fairways of Orlando, these destinations represent some of the best places in America where you can enjoy both a relaxing vacation and top-tier golf. Each destination offers its own unique appeal, with courses that cater to golfers of all levels, from the casual player to the seasoned pro.
Whether you're planning your next golf getaway or simply looking for a new spot to explore, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences both on and off the course.
