Skip to main content

Round up your golf buddies — these are the best golf trips in the U.S.

Head to these great locales with your golf buddies

Ocean hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links Noah Rosenfield via Unsplash

Golf lends itself to a fun, relaxing vacation. In the morning, hit the links with your buddies, try and break par, and take in stunning landscapes. When your round’s over, relax at the clubhouse or try world-class eateries, where you can savor and recharge. Then, do it again the next day.

If you’re still in trip-planing mode for your next golf vacation, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled the best golf trips in the US, ranging from PGA Tour venues to luxurious resorts. No matter which you pick, you’re in for a golfing treat.

Recommended Videos

The finest golf trip destinations in the US

What are you after on your golfing getaway? Maybe you want to play the same courses as your PGA Tour heroes. You could want a week at an all-inclusive resort with luxury accommodations, fine food, and perfect fairways. Or, a trip to a scenic mountain could make for a classic golf experience. No matter your preference, here are the best options.

Pebble Beach, California

Golf in Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach, California Johnny Such via Unsplash

Arguably the most recognizable course in the US, Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted numerous US Opens and has ocean views that look out of a movie. Set among the sea cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, the course is as beautiful as it is challenging. The No. 7 hole is a short par-3 that reaches into the Pacific, letting you watch the sunset as waves crash on the beach. 

For the devoted golfer, stay-and-play packages let you rise early and hit the links, then relax and eat after your round. Options include The Lodge at Pebble Beach and Casa Palmero.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Fairway at Harbour Town Golf Links
Harbour Town Golf Links The Sea Pines Resort

Another ocean-side destination, this 41 square mile island is home to more than 20 courses, including the PGA Tour course, Harbour Town Golf Links. Palm trees and lush fairways evoke the island spirit, while saltwater air adds a fresh feeling. 5-star accommodations abound, like the Omni Hotel or The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa. Want to play non-stop? Then, stay at Palmetto Dunes, which has three on-site courses designed by George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, and Arthur Hills.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Golf at TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale TPC Network

Scottsdale delivers with its desert landscapes, PGA Tour venue, and luxury resorts. Test your skills at TPC Scottsdale, home to the popular WM Phoenix Open, while taking in mountain ranges, cactus-lined fairways, and stunning sunsets. For small-town charm, stay in Old Town Scottsdale, with an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and galleries. Or, to live it up in luxury, stay at high-end resorts like the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale or The Westin Kierland Resort.

Palm Springs, California

Golf at PGA West
PGA West PGA West

Palm Springs has everything you need for fun in the sun and a picturesque getaway. Set among the San Jacinto Mountains, the western destination offers pro-level courses and 5-star accommodations. Summer can be a little hot for a comfortable round, so try visiting between fall and spring.

The luxurious La Quinta Resort resides next to the PGA West golf resort, which hosts five public courses, including the PGA Tour location, the Pete Dye Stadium Course. In addition, everyone can play the Pete Dye Mountain Course, the Pete Dye Dunes Course, the Nicklaus Stadium Course, and the Greg Norman Course. 

Jacksonville, Florida

The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass
TPC Sawgrass TPC Network

Each year, the top golfers in the world compete at The Players Championship, the PGA Tour’s signature event. That takes place at The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, which has a challenging layout and abundant memorabilia for the golf aficionado. You can even stay right next to the course at the Sawgrass Marriott for a seamless transition between golf and post-round relaxation. Be sure to take the clubhouse tour, where you’ll be immersed in tournament history.

For a golfing test, try the par-3 17th hole at Sawgrass. With a green surrounded by water, you’ll need a controlled swing and ideal ball placement to make par. 

Enjoy golf to the fullest at these destinations

The 15th hole at TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale TPC Network

Golf is an interesting sport. It tests your skill and patience at every turn. Long fairways and greenside bunkers stretch your game and strategy. Fast greens turn easy pars into frustrating bogeys. Yet, with lush, green surroundings and the camaraderie of friends, golf also lets you relax and unwind. These destinations take that even further with PGA Tour layouts, amazing views, and 5-star accommodations. 

So, which to pick? First on our list is Pebble Beach, with its Pacific Ocean vistas and US Open pedigree. After that, it’s a tossup between the rest, with each offering a unique taste of layout, scenery, and culture. So talk to your buddies, make your reservations, and get ready for a golf escape.

Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
Experience world-class golf at these PGA Tour courses you can play
Old Greenwood Course at Tahoe Mountain Club

There’s a special satisfaction in hitting a good golf shot. Before you even look up at the ball’s trajectory, you can feel when a swing goes right. Whether the control of your backswing or the fluidity of your follow-through, you just know when the ball’s headed in the right direction. It’s a sweet feeling.

Doing that on a beautiful golf course makes it even better. Manicured fairways, perfectly cut greens, and unique layouts offer a picturesque challenge, highlighting what makes the sport great. The PGA Tour plays on the best in the world — what if you could, too?

Read more
These are the best Colorado ski resorts for beginners to learn their turns
From small resorts to bustling mountain estates, we have a resort for every budding skier and snowboarder
Skiiers shred slopes at Beaver Creek ski resort

When it comes to the best ski resorts in the world, Colorado is always near the top of the list. With a huge stretch of the Southern Rockies, this state offers some of the best skiing experiences out there, especially for beginners.

If you're new to the slopes, Colorado ski resorts are the perfect place to learn. Many cater specifically to beginners, with gentle runs, friendly instructors, and easy-to-navigate areas. Plus, December, January, and February bring ideal conditions, with cold temperatures and frequent snowstorms creating perfect powder.
Beaver Creek

Read more
Mount Rainier to transform in 2025: How it will affect your trip
This campground and road will be getting some much-needed TLC in 2025
Mount Rainier National Park in the winter

Mount Rainier National Park is about to undergo two exciting construction projects in the coming year. Efforts and resources will be focused on the Ohanapecosh Campground and State Route 123. While these upgrades may be temporarily disruptive to 2025 visitors, these enhancements are long overdue and promise to make your upcoming experiences far more enjoyable. Here are the details.
Construction projects coming to Mount Rainier National Park

Ohanapecosh Campground to see major makeover
Ohanapecosh Campground is in the southeast corner of the park, and it's in desperate need of some TLC. Partly funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), this project aims to modernize the facility and improve accessibility. This is what it will include:

Read more