Best winter golf destinations

Florida offers the widest choice of winter golf in this article, from Orlando resort courses to tournament venues near Jacksonville, Tampa, and Palm Beach.

Why visit here: Florida works especially well for groups with different priorities. You can build a trip around famous courses, settle into a resort with several rounds on site, or add beaches and attractions to the itinerary. With so many regions to pick from, from within Florida you can choose one region as your base for a shorter trip or opt to experience the state as a whole and visit some of its best winter regions!

Most popular regions in Florida

• Jacksonville - Base yourself near Ponte Vedra Beach for TPC Sawgrass, Atlantic beaches, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
• Miami - Combine championship golf at Trump National Doral with lively nightlife, international dining, and famous South Florida beaches.
• Orlando - A wide choice of golf resorts and world-famous attractions makes Orlando ideal for groups and families.
• Tampa - Pair rounds at nearby Innisbrook with Gulf Coast beaches, waterfront dining, and time exploring Tampa Bay.

Average winter daytime high: 73°F - 78°F

Our top five courses in Florida:

• THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass - Take on one of Pete Dye’s most celebrated design, where the island-green 17th provides an unforgettable test of nerve.
• Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Course - Follow in the footsteps of PGA TOUR stars on a demanding Orlando layout with a memorable lakeside finish.
• Copperhead Course at Innisbrook - Pine-lined fairways, rolling terrain, and the closing “Snake Pit” create a distinctive Florida championship challenge.
• The Champion at PGA National - Precision matters on this demanding layout, particularly through the water-lined three-hole stretch known as the Bear Trap.
• Blue Monster Course at Trump National Doral Miami - Bold bunkering, extensive water hazards, and a challenging closing hole make this a rewarding test for confident golfers.

Our top three places to stay in Florida:

• Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa - Stay close to TPC Sawgrass, with a relaxing spa and access to the resort’s oceanfront beach club.
• Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge - Enjoy an intimate lodge atmosphere and a rich golfing heritage beside one of Orlando’s most famous courses.
• PGA National Resort - Combine championship golf with stylish accommodations, varied dining, and a spa for relaxing between rounds.

Travel tips:

• How long to stay: Three or four nights works well when you focus on one region. Allow longer if you want to play courses in different parts of Florida.
• Planning tip: Choose your must-play course first, then book accommodations nearby. A statewide list of great courses does not always make a convenient short-trip itinerary.

Our view: Florida is one of the most flexible winter golf destinations in the US. Choose Orlando for a resort-based trip with plenty of courses nearby, Ponte Vedra Beach for TPC Sawgrass, or South Florida for warmer days and a mix of golf and beaches. We’d pick one area as your base, then build the rounds around it.

California pairs the desert courses of Palm Springs with coastal golf around San Diego and Monterey, giving winter travelers distinct trips within one state.

Why visit here: Despite being cool on the coastal areas of California in the winter there are still plenty of options for a winter vacaton. Palm Springs is a good fit with fantastic golf courses and the warmest climate in the state, meanwhile San Diego adds ocean scenery and championship golf. An area like Monterey is the choice for a bucket-list trip to the one and only Pebble Beach.

Most popular regions in California:

• Palm Springs - Mountain-backed desert courses and characterful resorts make this a favorite for winter golf in Southern California.
• San Diego - Combine Pacific Ocean views and championship golf with beaches, waterfront restaurants, and a relaxed Southern California atmosphere.
• Monterey - Spectacular coastal scenery and courses such as Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill make Monterey a bucket-list golf destination.

Average winter daytime high: 61°F - 72°F

Our top five courses in California

• Pebble Beach Golf Links - Dramatic oceanfront holes and a rich major championship history make this one of golf’s most memorable rounds.
• South Course at Torrey Pines - A celebrated U.S. Open venue where clifftop fairways overlook the Pacific Ocean.
• Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA WEST - Deep bunkers, water hazards, and an island-green 17th make this a demanding desert golf experience.
• Spyglass Hill Golf Course - Opening holes among coastal dunes give way to a challenging journey through the towering pines of Del Monte Forest.
• South Course at Omni La Costa - Tree-lined fairways and strategic doglegs reward thoughtful placement on this classic Carlsbad resort layout.

Our top three places to stay in California

• La Quinta Resort & Club - Charming casita-style accommodations and mountain scenery provide an inviting base for golf at La Quinta and PGA WEST.
• The Lodge at Torrey Pines - Craftsman-style luxury and a setting beside Torrey Pines make this an excellent choice for a coastal golf escape.
• The Lodge at Pebble Beach - Overlooking Pebble Beach’s famous finishing hole, this historic lodge puts you at the heart of a legendary golf destination.

Travel tips:

• How long to stay: Plan three or four nights in one region. Combining Palm Springs with the coast is better suited to a longer California trip.
• Planning tip: Pack for the destination you choose. Desert afternoons can be pleasant for golf, while coastal rounds may call for an extra layer and some flexibility around rain.

Our view: For a warm-weather California golf vacation, Palm Springs is our winter pick. Its desert courses and mountain scenery make it easy to fill several days with varied rounds. If playing Torrey Pines or Pebble Beach is the priority, San Diego and Monterey deliver memorable coastal golf, though you should expect cooler winter conditions.

Scottsdale is a winter desert golf destination with mountain views, celebrated courses, and stays ranging from Old Town hotels to secluded resorts.

Why visit here? Few places make it as easier than Scottsdale to fill a winter trip with varied desert golf. You can play among the open landscapes of We-Ko-Pa, take on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, and spend an evening in Old Town. There is a good choice of places to stay, whether the group wants golf on site or restaurants within easy reach.

Average winter daytime high: 67°F

Our top five courses in Scottsdale:

• Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa - Wide desert views and a walkable Coore and Crenshaw design deliver a round shaped by the natural landscape.
• Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale - Experience the home of the WM Phoenix Open, including its famous par-3 16th and exciting closing stretch.
• Monument Course at Troon North - Giant granite boulders and towering saguaros frame a strategic desert layout in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak.
• Raptor Course at Grayhawk - A Tom Fazio design that combines generous landing areas with well-protected greens and a testing finish.
• South Course at Boulders - Wind between enormous rock formations and desert vegetation on one of the area’s most distinctive layouts.

Our top three places to stay

• We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort - Pair two outstanding desert courses with mountain views, a resort pool, and casino entertainment after your round.
• Boulders Resort & Spa - Tucked among dramatic rock formations, this peaceful retreat combines casita-style accommodations, two golf courses, and a relaxing spa.
• The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa - Enjoy 27 holes of on-site golf, extensive resort facilities, and shopping and dining nearby at Kierland Commons.

Travel tips

• How long to stay: Three to five nights gives you time for several different courses without filling every day with travel.
• Planning tip: Book sought-after winter tee times early. For an easier start to the day, choose a later morning slot as desert mornings are cool.

Our view A Scottsdale golf trip is hard to beat for a group that wants a different desert course each day. Combine the natural scenery of We-Ko-Pa or Troon North with a round at TPC Scottsdale, then head into Old Town for dinner. Stay at a golf resort for convenience or closer to Old Town if evenings out are part of the plan.

The Dominican Republic combines striking Caribbean golf with beachfront resorts, particularly around Punta Cana and Casa de Campo in La Romana.

Why visit here? The Dominican Republic suits travelers who want the golf to feel like part of a wider beach vacation. Casa de Campo offers several Pete Dye courses from one resort, while the Punta Cana area pairs coastal golf with a broad choice of accommodations. Both give you plenty of reasons to stay after the final putt drops.

Average winter daytime high: 84°F - 85°F

Our top five courses in the Dominican Republic

• Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo - Pete Dye’s masterpiece features seven oceanfront holes, with rocky shorelines and sea breezes shaping an unforgettable round.
• Punta Espada Golf Club - Jack Nicklaus blends dramatic coastal holes with turquoise Caribbean waters on this spectacular Cap Cana layout.
• Corales Golf Club - Sweeping ocean views lead to the dramatic “Devil’s Elbow” finish, capped by a bold carry across the bay.
• Dye Fore at Casa de Campo - Elevated fairways and sweeping views over the Chavón River create a striking contrast to Casa de Campo’s coastal golf.
• La Cana Golf Club - Three contrasting nines combine tropical scenery with ocean-view holes for a varied round at Puntacana Resort.

Our top three places to stay in the Dominican Republic

• Casa de Campo Resort & Villas - Enjoy several Pete Dye courses alongside spacious accommodations, a marina, and plenty of activities beyond the fairways.
• Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club - This intimate beachfront retreat pairs elegant suites designed by Oscar de la Renta with golf at nearby La Cana and Corales.
• The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club - A beachfront setting and access to Puntacana’s celebrated courses make this a convenient base for golf and relaxation.

Travel tips

• How long to stay: Four to seven nights lets you enjoy the beach and resort facilities alongside multiple rounds.
• Planning tip: Choose between La Romana and the Punta Cana area before selecting courses. They suit different itineraries, so check transfer times if you hope to play in both.

Our view: The Dominican Republic is our choice when a winter golf vacation should feel like a beach vacation too. Casa de Campo is the standout for golfers who want several courses at one resort, led by Teeth of the Dog. For a Punta Cana stay, pair the beachfront hotels with a round at Corales or Punta Espada.

Mexico offers two very different winter golf trips: desert-meets-ocean courses in Los Cabos and tropical layouts around Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Why visit here? Mexico makes it easy to pair memorable golf with time at the beach. Los Cabos is known for rugged desert scenery and ocean views, while Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer lush courses and a wide choice of all-inclusive resorts. Treat the two coasts as separate vacation options and choose the setting that appeals most to your group.

Most popular golf regions in Mexico

• Los Cabos - Desert landscapes meet the ocean here, with dramatic coastal courses and luxurious resorts around Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
• Cancun - Pair Caribbean beaches and lively evenings with tropical golf in Cancun and along the nearby Riviera Maya.

Average winter daytime high: 80°F - 82°F

Our top five courses

• Quivira Golf Club - Jack Nicklaus’s dramatic design climbs above the Pacific, combining clifftop holes with sweeping ocean views.
• El Camaleón at Mayakoba - Greg Norman’s varied layout winds through mangroves, tropical jungle, and coastal scenery in the Riviera Maya.
• Palmilla Golf Club - Three Jack Nicklaus-designed nines combine desert terrain, elevation changes, and views across the Sea of Cortez.
• PGA Riviera Maya Golf Club - Jungle-lined fairways, natural limestone features, and water hazards create a distinctive test south of Playa del Carmen.
• Gran Coyote Golf - Nick Price’s design combines tropical surroundings with strategic bunkering and well-protected greens near Playa del Carmen.

Our top three places to stay

• Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort - This adults-only, all-inclusive beachfront retreat is a natural choice for a Los Cabos trip built around Quivira.
• JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar - Enjoy an adults-only, all-inclusive escape with elegant suites, beachfront relaxation, and golf within the wider Iberostar resort complex.
• Grand Solmar at Land’s End - Spacious suites and dramatic Pacific views provide a luxurious base close to Cabo San Lucas and its marina.

Travel tips

• How long to stay: Four to seven nights gives you room for golf and time away from the course.
• Planning tip: Decide on Los Cabos or the Caribbean coast first. Check the course access included with your chosen resort when putting together the golf schedule.

Our view: Mexico gives golfers two distinct winter escapes. Choose Los Cabos for desert golf, ocean views, and a round at Quivira, or Cancun and the Riviera Maya for tropical courses and all-inclusive beachfront stays. We’d plan around one coast rather than treating Mexico’s best-known courses as part of a single itinerary.

Jamaica’s winter golf centers on Montego Bay, where established courses sit close to beachfront resorts and the island’s food and culture.

Why visit here? Jamaica suits a slower-paced golf vacation. Around Montego Bay, you can play White Witch, Cinnamon Hill, and Half Moon while leaving time to enjoy the beach, dining, and resort facilities. The golf is an excellent reason to go, but it need not fill every day of the trip.

Average winter daytime high: 87°F

Our top three courses in Jamaica:

• White Witch Golf Course - Rolling hills and elevated tees deliver far-reaching Caribbean views on this dramatic layout through the Rose Hall Estate.
• Cinnamon Hill Golf Course - A varied round moves from coastal holes into lush hillside terrain, combining sea views with Jamaica’s tropical scenery.
• Half Moon Golf Course - Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s classic design rewards accurate approaches, with mature trees and well-placed bunkers shaping the challenge.

Our top three places to stay in Jamaica:

• JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar - An adults-only beachfront resort offering an upscale all-inclusive stay within reach of Montego Bay’s leading golf courses.
• Eclipse at Half Moon - Spacious accommodations and a peaceful oceanfront setting make this a luxurious choice for combining golf with Caribbean relaxation.
• Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites - This family-friendly, all-inclusive beachfront resort offers spacious suites and plenty to enjoy between rounds.

Travel tips

• How long to stay: Five to seven nights is a comfortable length for several rounds and unhurried days by the sea.
• Planning tip: Base a Montego Bay itinerary around the three must play courses in the region, but also make sure to build in time to relax and soak in the true Caribbean charm.

Our view: A Jamaica golf vacation works best at an unhurried pace. Base yourself near Montego Bay to play White Witch, Cinnamon Hill, and Half Moon, with beach time and local dining between rounds. It’s an appealing winter choice for couples and groups who want memorable golf without making every day revolve around a tee time.

St. George offers desert golf framed by red rock cliffs, black lava fields, and wide views of southern Utah.

Why visit here? St. George in Utah delivers some of the most distinctive scenery in this guide. Nearby Snow Canyon and Zion make it easy to add an outdoor adventure. Winter can be a pleasant time to play, provided you are prepared for cool mornings and shorter days.

Average winter daytime high: 56°F

Our top five courses in St. George

• Black Desert Resort Golf Course - Vivid green fairways wind through black lava fields, with red rock mountains creating a striking backdrop.
• Championship Course at Sand Hollow Resort - Dramatic cliff-edge holes and sweeping desert views make the back nine a highlight of any southern Utah trip.
• Copper Rock Golf Course - Rolling fairways, expansive desert views, and rugged mountain backdrops create a scenic championship test near Hurricane.
• The Ledges Golf Club - Elevated terrain and views toward Snow Canyon give this desert layout a memorable sense of place.
• Coral Canyon Golf Course - Keith Foster’s design threads through red rock terrain, combining attractive desert scenery with varied strategic challenges.

Our top three places to stay in St. George

• Black Desert Resort - A stunning resort where the backdrop will leave you speechless.
• The Ledges of St. George Vacation Rentals - Spacious vacation homes offer groups room to relax, with golf nearby and the flexibility of a self-catering stay.
• Red Mountain Resort - Combine nearby golf with spa treatments, wellness activities, and outdoor adventures close to Snow Canyon State Park.

Travel tips

• How long to stay: Three to five nights gives you time for the leading courses and a visit to Snow Canyon or Zion.
• Planning tip: Book later winter tee times where possible and bring layers. Check the forecast and available daylight when planning each round.

Our view: St. George stands out for winter golf amid southern Utah’s red rocks and lava fields. Make Black Desert and Sand Hollow the headline rounds, then add Copper Rock or The Ledges for a different view of the landscape. We’d leave time for Snow Canyon or Zion and book later tee times as mornings can be very cool.

Q: Where is best for a winter golf vacation in the US? A: Florida, Scottsdale, and Palm Springs are strong choices for winter golf. Florida offers the greatest variety of resorts and tournament courses, while Scottsdale and Palm Springs specialize in desert golf. St. George is another scenic option if you are comfortable playing in cooler conditions.

Q: Which winter golf destinations are the warmest? A: Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico are the warmest destinations in this guide. They are good choices if you want to combine golf with beach and pool time. Conditions vary by location, so check the forecast for your resort before you travel.

Q: Is St. George, Utah, warm enough for winter golf? A: You can play golf in St. George during winter, but it is cooler than Scottsdale or Palm Springs. Expect crisp mornings, consider a later tee time, and bring layers. Its red rock scenery makes it a rewarding choice for golfers who do not need tropical temperatures.

Is California a good place for a winter golf trip? A: Yes, provided you choose the right region for your trip. Palm Springs is the best fit for desert sunshine. San Diego and Monterey are appealing for courses such as Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach, though coastal weather can be cooler and more changeable.

Q: How long should a winter golf vacation be? A: Three or four nights is enough for a focused trip within one US golf region. For Mexico or the Caribbean, five to seven nights gives you more time to enjoy the resort and beach alongside your rounds.

Q: When should I book a winter golf trip? A: Book as early as you can when your plans depend on a particular course, resort, or travel date. Popular tee times and accommodations offer less flexibility as your trip approaches. If your dates are flexible, a Golf Travel Expert can help you compare the available options.

For the warmest beach-focused trips, explore the Dominican Republic, Mexico, or Jamaica. Florida offers the greatest range of course styles and resorts, while Scottsdale and Palm Springs are strong choices for desert golf. If dramatic scenery is the priority and you do not mind cooler mornings, put St. George on your list.