“Teach ‘em young”
Monterey Peninsula Golf Course, 2019
Combining a vacation with one of your favorite hobbies is a win-win. Golf is one of those hobbies perfect for travel with resorts specifically catering to golf pros and enthusiasts.
We plan plenty of father-son golf trips, corporate golf retreats, golf-focused bachelor weekends, etc. but is it possible for dad to get a golf vacation and family vacation in one? We think so. Personally, it is how we prioritize a lot of our family vacation planning since most of our family members are big fans of the sport.
Below are some of our favorite U.S. resorts for great golf and family fun. Want to add any of your favorites or plan a family, golf-centric vacation? A lot of our clients have had their international bucket-list golf trips cancelled in 2020 but the socially-distanced sport is a great bet for travelers wanting to explore stateside. Drop us a line at Bonjour@katejohnsontravel.com; we’re here to help!
Kiawah Island
Kiawah, South Carolina
Ocean Course, Hole 13
Photo Credit: The Sanctuary Hotel
This beautiful island outside of Charleston, South Carolina is home to six 18 hole golf courses.
Accommodations: Guests can stay at the oceanfront Sanctuary Hotel, resort villas, private homes, or the ocean course cottages.
KJ Travel Amenity at Sanctuary Hotel: Daily breakfast for two and $100 resort credit.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach, California
Photo Credit: Houston Johnson
Of course the no. 1 public course in America had to make the list. Four 18 hole courses with three of them along the Pacific Ocean.
Accommodations: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero offer advantages to getting tee times, but nearby Carmel Valley also has great hotel options including the family-friendly Carmel Valley Ranch and more romantic Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
KJ Travel Amenity at select resorts include $100 resort credit, upgrade at time of booking and complimentary breakfasts.
Pelican Hill
Newport, California
North Course, Hole 17
Photo Credit: The Resort at Pelican Hill
Two 18 hole courses exclusively for members and hotel guests
Accommodations: Multi-bedroom villas and bungalows are available at Pelican Hill Resort situated along HWY 1 close to several state parks and beaches.
KJ Travel Amenity: Daily breakfast and $100 credit to be used on Golf or Spa.
PGA West
Palm Springs, California
Mountain Course, Hole 6
Photo Credit: La Quinta Resort & Club
With five 18 hole semi-private championship courses you can play a different course every day.
Accommodations: La Quinta Resort & Club offers spacious guest rooms as well as multi-bedroom villas and kids activities.
KJ Travel Amenity: Daily breakfast for two and $100 resort credit.
Torrey Pines
San Diego, California
Photo Credit: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Two 18 hole courses in beautiful La Jolla that overlook the Pacific Ocean.
Accommodations: The Lodge at Torrey Pines with spacious guest rooms and suites, many with terraces that overlook the courses and easy access to nearby hiking trails. A bonus for family trips when golf isn’t happening is the nearby San Diego Zoo and Legoland.
KJ Travel Amenity: Complimentary daily breakfast and $100 resort spa credit.
Sea Island Golf Resort
Sea Island, Georgia
Photo Credit: The Lodge at Sea Island
Three 18 hole courses and a 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center.
Accommodations: The Clositer and the Lodge at Sea Island have spacious rooms and multi-bedroom suites. Private homes and cottages are also available. The private island offers five miles of beach, a tennis center, Yacht Club and children’s programming.
KJ Travel Amenity: Complimentary daily breakfast and $100 resort credit.
Kapalua Bay
Maui, Hawaii
The Bay Course
Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
On the island of Maui, Kapalua Bay has two 18 hole courses, one of which, the Plantation Course, is recognized as the best course in Hawaii.
Accommodations: You can’t go wrong with either beachfront resort, Ritz Carlton Kapalua or Montage Kapaula both with expansive hotel properties, ocean view guest rooms, multi-bedroom suites and residential-style accommodations.
KJ Travel Amenity: Complimentary daily breakfast and $100 resort credit, upgrades upon availability.