The Best Travel Destinations in the U.S. for Golfers

Written by: Tony Korologos | Wednesday, July 9th, 2025
Categories: Golf For Women • Golf Life • Golf Lifestyle • Life • Travel

Planning the ultimate golf getaway? From the windswept links of Oregon to sun-drenched courses in Arizona, the U.S. offers some of the world’s best golf destinations. But your trip isn’t just about tee times, it’s about the full experience. This guide takes you through top golfing hotspots and offers smart, enjoyable ways to unwind between rounds, including relaxing activities, local attractions and even playing online games like casino classics to keep the competitive spirit alive.

Pacific Dunes

If your idea of the perfect vacation includes fairways stretching out beneath blue skies and the sound of a well-hit drive echoing through pine trees or ocean air, you’re in the right place. Planning a golf trip isn’t just about where you’ll play; it’s about the entire experience. Where you stay, what you do between rounds and how you unwind all play a role in making your golfing getaway one to remember.

Here’s a curated list of the best golfing destinations in the US, plus a few ways to relax between games so you come back from your trip refreshed, recharged and maybe even with a few strokes shaved off your game.

Great Ways to Relax and Stay Sharp Between Rounds

Sure, golf might be the main event, but what you do between rounds can make or break your trip. Rest, recharge and keep things interesting with a mix of relaxation and entertainment.

After a long round in the sun, sometimes you just want to kick off your shoes, grab a cold drink and chill out with something a little more laid-back.

That’s where online games come in, particularly if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t fully switch off when the round ends.

Casino games like online blackjack, poker or slots that you can find at a 1 dollar deposit online casino keep that strategic edge active without breaking a sweat.
Golf-themed mobile games are also a fun way to stay in the zone; some even let you challenge your travel buddies remotely.
Quick mental resets, like puzzles or brain games, can help keep your mind sharp without the physical toll of another 18.

According to a recent study by Statista, over half of adults play mobile games during downtime on vacations. And with the convenience of smartphones and tablets, it’s easy to fit a few spins or hands in while you’re waiting for dinner or lounging in your hotel room.

Pebble Beach, California, Offers Ocean Views and Championship Prestige

Let’s start with the holy grail. If you haven’t played Pebble Beach yet, it’s probably on your list, and if you have, there’s a good chance you want to go back.

Situated along the rugged coastline of the Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most iconic courses in the world. It has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and offers jaw-dropping views on nearly every hole.

And it’s not just one course; this resort destination includes Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay, both worthy of your attention.

Travel tip: After a long round at Pebble, unwind with a visit to the spa at The Lodge. Or sip a glass of local wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific, there are few better ways to recover from a tough back nine.

Pinehurst, North Carolina, is Golf’s Historic Heartbeat

When you arrive in Pinehurst, you’ll feel it immediately. This is golf country.

Pinehurst Resort boasts nine courses, including the legendary No. 2, designed by Donald Ross and frequently ranked among the best in the world. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, even if you’re sore from carrying your bag around 36 holes the day before.

The village itself feels like something out of a storybook, full of shops, pubs and southern charm.

Make it count: Grab a drink and play The Cradle, a nine-hole short course designed for maximum fun. It’s perfect for shaking off the nerves or celebrating a day well played.

Bandon Dunes, Oregon, Has Pure Links on the Pacific

You’ll hear golfers refer to Bandon Dunes as “sacred ground”, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s remote. It’s rugged. And it’s all about the game.

There are six courses in total, all walking-only, and each one delivers a true links experience reminiscent of Scotland. Don’t expect manicured resort glitz here. Bandon is raw, honest and humbling, in the best way.

Don’t skip: Trails End Restaurant and Lounge, where the vibe is cozy and the food hearty enough to refill your tank after walking 18 (or 36) in the wind.

Scottsdale, Arizona, Where Desert Golf Meets Luxury Living

If you like your fairways sun-drenched and surrounded by desert beauty, Scottsdale is your spot. With more than 200 courses in the area, you can mix and match experiences every day of your trip.

TPC Scottsdale (home of the famously rowdy 16th hole during the WM Phoenix Open) is just the beginning. Troon North and We-Ko-Pa are also must-plays, offering sweeping views and top-notch service.

Bonus: Scottsdale isn’t just a golf town. It’s a full-on vacation experience, complete with luxury spas, fantastic restaurants and nightlife if you’re up for it.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Might be The Golf Capital for Groups

If you’re planning a golf trip with your buddies, Myrtle Beach is a no-brainer. With over 90 courses in the area, you won’t run out of tee times or post-round stories.

The vibe is casual, the weather is friendly, and the prices are often lower than what you’ll find at more exclusive resorts. That makes it the perfect mix of quality and value, especially for extended trips.

While you’re there: Take some time to explore the boardwalk, enjoy the live music scene or visit one of the area’s many mini-golf courses for a bit of lighthearted competition after hours.

Soothe Sore Muscles and Clear Your Head

Even if you’re riding carts, golf is deceptively physical. Between the walking, the swings and the mental concentration, your body (and mind) need some recovery time.

Here are a few great ways to recover between rounds:

Book a sports massage or use a foam roller to loosen tight muscles.
Stretch or do a short yoga session, especially if you’re playing consecutive days.
Take a dip in the pool or hot tub to soothe sore joints.
Stay hydrated and eat well, especially if you’re golfing in hotter climates like Arizona or the Carolinas.

Don’t underestimate how much a little R&R can do for your swing the next day. A friend of mine once swore by taking 20-minute naps after lunch during a four-day golf trip, and by day three, he was the only one still hitting clean shots.

Whether you’re chasing major championship layouts or looking for low-pressure, high-fun tracks, the U.S. has something for every kind of golfer. And when you’re not out on the course, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the good vibes going, whether you’re soaking up a spa treatment or spinning a few rounds of online roulette from your hotel balcony.