Best Golf Resorts in Palm Springs

Discover the perfect blend of sunshine, scenery, and sophistication with our curated collection of Palm Springs golf resorts, where every detail is designed for effortless enjoyment. From championship desert courses and stylish accommodations to vibrant dining, rejuvenating spas, and stunning mountain views, everything you need for the ultimate golf getaway is right at your fingertips.

Whether you’re after a luxurious retreat surrounded by iconic fairways or a laid-back stay with golf just moments away, Palm Springs offers something for every golfer.

1. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Customer rating: 4.7/5 | Best for: On-site championship golf

Why stay here? JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a desert landmark - a luxurious oasis combining championship golf, world-class amenities, and unforgettable scenery.

With its lush fairways, tranquil waterways, and elegant design, it’s one of Palm Springs’ most impressive places to stay. Ideal for golfers, couples, and groups alike, the resort offers everything you need for a complete golf and leisure getaway under the California sun.

Golf courses: Play the resort’s own Valley Course and Palm Course, both designed by Ted Robinson and known for their shimmering lakes, wide fairways, and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Resort highlights:

• Two on-site championship courses: Valley & Palm
• Close to The Westin Rancho Mirage Pete Dye Resort Course
• Luxury spa, pools, and wellness facilities
• Multiple restaurants and bars with lakefront views
• Spacious rooms and suites with private balconies
• Iconic resort setting with gondola rides and lush landscaping

Fun fact: When it opened in 1987, the JW Marriott Desert Springs became famous for its gondola boats, which still ferry guests through the resort’s waterways.

2. La Quinta Resort & Club

Customer rating: 4.6/5 | Best for: Located close to world-class courses and Palm Springs nightlife

Why stay here? La Quinta Resort & Club is a true desert icon, blending Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, and legendary golf. Set against the Santa Rosa Mountains, this historic retreat has been a favorite of Hollywood stars and golf legends for decades.

With elegant casitas, world-class dining, and a serene spa, it offers the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxed California charm.

Golf courses: Play where the pros play on La Quinta’s five renowned courses at PGA WEST, including the Pete Dye Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, and Greg Norman Course.

Each layout delivers its own distinct challenge and desert beauty, from Dye’s dramatic bunkering to Norman’s striking natural landscapes. For a gentler but equally scenic round, try the Mountain and Dunes Courses, both accessible right from the resort.

Resort highlights:

• Five on-site and nearby championship courses at PGA WEST
• Full-service spa, tennis courts, and multiple pools
• Elegant casitas, suites, and villas with mountain or garden views
• Renowned dining, including Morgan’s in the Desert
• Historic property with rich Hollywood heritage
• Stunning mountain backdrop and peaceful desert setting

Fun fact: La Quinta Resort opened in 1926 with just 20 guest casitas and a small golf course, and soon became a hideaway for stars like Greta Garbo and Frank Capra. Today, it’s home to PGA WEST, where the Pete Dye Stadium Course hosts the PGA TOUR’s The American Express tournament each year.

3. The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Customer rating: 4.4/5 | Best for: Luxury spa & wellness

Why stay here? The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa blends luxury, leisure, and world-class golf in a stunning desert setting. Set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, this spacious resort combines relaxed California style with exceptional service.

From the palm-lined pool decks to the award-winning spa and inviting restaurants, every detail is designed for total relaxation after a day on the fairways.

Golf courses: Step right onto the resort’s own Pete Dye Resort Course, a signature desert layout that delivers challenge and beauty in equal measure. Expect rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and panoramic mountain views, all designed with Dye’s trademark creativity.

Resort highlights:

• On-site championship course
• Full-service spa and wellness center
• Multiple pools with cabanas and mountain views
• Excellent dining options and relaxed desert bars
• Spacious, modern rooms with private patios or balconies
• Central Coachella Valley location near Palm Springs attractions

Travel tip: The Pete Dye Resort Course was one of Dye’s earliest desert designs, featuring his signature railroad ties and daring bunkering.

4. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Customer rating: 4/5 | Best for: Luxury golf escapes

Why stay here? Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas delivers a perfect mix of luxury, leisure, and sunshine in the heart of the Coachella Valley. With spacious rooms and private villas, sparkling pools, and exceptional service, it’s ideal for golfers, couples, families, and groups alike.

The resort’s modern desert design and peaceful setting make it a standout choice for those seeking both relaxation and easy access to top-tier golf and Palm Springs attractions.

Golf courses: Tee off next door at Indian Wells Golf Resort, home to two of California’s premier public layouts, the Celebrity Course and the Players Course. Both feature immaculate fairways, palm-lined vistas, and breathtaking mountain views.

The Celebrity Course is renowned for its beauty and strategic play, while the Players Course offers a pure championship test that has hosted professional and collegiate events alike.

Resort highlights:

• Walking distance to Indian Wells Golf Resort (Celebrity & Players Courses)
• Luxury rooms and private villas with resort or mountain views
• Multiple pools, including a sandy beach pool and cabanas
• Award-winning spa and wellness facilities
• Excellent dining and cocktail options on-site
• Convenient location near Palm Desert and downtown Palm Springs

Fun fact: The Celebrity Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort was designed by Clive Clark, a former Ryder Cup player who filled the layout with dramatic waterfalls, streams, and over 60,000 colorful plants.

Travel tips for the Palm Springs

Best time to visit: The prime golf season in Palm Springs runs from November through April, when temperatures are warm, skies are clear, and course conditions are at their best. Spring offers vibrant desert blooms and perfect playing weather, while winter brings ideal sunshine and mild afternoons.

Top tip: Desert mornings are calm and cool, book early tee times to enjoy the best conditions. During summer, rounds are far more affordable, but temperatures soar, so aim for twilight golf and stay hydrated.

Travel time: Palm Springs is easy to reach via Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), located just minutes from downtown and most resorts. There are regular direct flights from various cities, ome of the more common routes include:

• Atlanta (ATL) → Palm Springs (PSP) (4h 40m)
• Austin (AUS) → Palm Springs (PSP) (3h 15m)
• New York (JFK) → Palm Springs (PSP) (6h 10m)
• Seattle (SEA) → Palm Springs (PSP) (2h 50m)
• Pheonix (PHXA) → Palm Springs (PSP) (1h 15m)

Alternatively, Los Angeles (LAX) and Ontario (ONT) airports are popular options, each offering a scenic 2–3 hour drive into the desert.

Transport: A car rental is highly recommended for exploring the Coachella Valley’s many courses, from La Quinta and Indian Wells to Desert Hot Springs. The drives are short, scenic, and packed with mountain views.

Booking tip: Iconic courses such as PGA WEST, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and Classic Club can fill up fast during peak season. Reserve tee times early, especially for weekend rounds between January and April.

Top attractions in Palm Springs

The aerial view: take in breathtaking desert scenery aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Glide from the valley floor to 8,516 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, enjoying spectacular 360° views from the rotating tramcar.

Traverse the Palm Desert: discover the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, known for its towering boulders and iconic desert landscape. Learn about the region’s geology and Native American heritage, or explore nearby Indian Canyons for hiking and horseback riding.

From Art to Air: immerse yourself in Palm Springs culture at the Palm Springs Art Museum, the largest in the Coachella Valley, featuring dynamic exhibits and live performances. Aviation fans will love the Palm Springs Air Museum, home to historic aircraft from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

Stars of the Springs: stroll the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, where more than 400 “Golden Palm Stars” honor legends like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Arnold Palmer. It’s a must-see stop for photos and classic Palm Springs nostalgia.

BMW Performance Center: feel the rush at the BMW Performance Center, where you can drive the latest models on a professional racetrack. Test your skills on tight corners and high-speed straights — an unforgettable blend of luxury and adrenaline in the heart of the desert.