Golf and Travel: The Best Courses for Incredible Scenery

Golf and travel go together naturally. A great course can turn a regular vacation into a memorable trip, especially when the fairways lead through mountains, coastlines, forests, or wide-open landscapes. For many golfers, the scenery becomes part of the experience. You remember the views from the tee box, the walk beside the water, and the landscape surrounding the final green long after the round ends.

If you want your next golf trip to offer more than challenging holes, consider courses where the setting is just as impressive as the layout. From dramatic coastal cliffs to mountain valleys, these destinations offer scenery that makes every round feel special.

Pebble Beach Golf Links, California

Few golf courses offer a more recognizable coastal setting than Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. The course sits along the Pacific Ocean, with several holes running close to the rugged coastline.

The seventh hole stands out because of its short par-three layout and ocean backdrop. The famous stretch along the cliffs also provides spectacular views of crashing waves and rocky shores.

Pebble Beach can challenge golfers at every level, but the scenery gives you plenty to appreciate even when your scorecard is not going as planned. A trip here also gives you access to the wider Monterey Peninsula, where you can explore coastal towns, restaurants, and scenic drives.

For golfers planning a California trip, Pebble Beach offers a combination of golf, ocean views, and travel experiences that are difficult to match.

Old Head Golf Links, Ireland

Ireland offers some of the world’s most dramatic golf landscapes, and Old Head Golf Links provides one of the strongest examples. Located on a narrow peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the course features towering cliffs and ocean views throughout the round.

Several holes play close to the edge of the cliffs, creating a constant connection between the golf course and the surrounding sea. Wind can also become a major factor, making club selection and shot control important.

The scenery changes as you move around the property. One hole may give you views across the open Atlantic, while another places you beside rugged coastal formations.

A trip to Old Head also gives you an opportunity to experience Ireland beyond golf. Historic sites, coastal villages, and traditional pubs can easily become part of the itinerary.

Banff Springs Golf Course, Canada

Banff Springs Golf Course sits within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The surrounding Rocky Mountains dominate the landscape, giving golfers impressive views from almost every part of the course.

The course moves through forests and mountain terrain, creating a different experience from traditional resort golf. Tall peaks rise around the fairways, while the natural setting adds to the feeling that you are playing in a remote wilderness area.

Golfers should plan for changing weather and mountain conditions. Temperatures can shift quickly, so packing layers can make the round more comfortable.

The golf trip can also include hiking, sightseeing, and exploring Banff. Lake Louise and other natural attractions sit within the region, making this destination suitable for travelers who want several outdoor activities during the same vacation.

Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand combines golf with dramatic coastal scenery. The course sits on a peninsula above Hawke’s Bay, with elevated fairways and steep cliffs creating striking views throughout the layout.

Several holes appear to sit high above the ocean. The elevation changes also make the course visually impressive while requiring careful planning from the golfer.

The remote setting adds to the experience. Instead of feeling like you are playing inside a busy resort area, Cape Kidnappers gives you a sense of space and isolation.

New Zealand also makes an excellent destination for a longer golf vacation. You can combine the round with wineries, hiking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities around Hawke’s Bay.

The Els Club Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Not every scenic golf course depends on mountains or oceans. The Els Club Dubai offers a very different setting, surrounded by the modern architecture and desert landscape of Dubai.

The course provides a mix of manicured fairways, landscaped areas, and views of the city’s distinctive skyline. Playing golf here can feel very different from a traditional coastal or mountain golf trip.

Dubai also offers plenty of activities outside the course. Travelers can explore major attractions, shop, enjoy restaurants, and experience the city’s desert environment.

When preparing for a destination round, choosing equipment suited to your playing style remains important. If you are comparing options before your trip, checking guides to the best taylormade golf balls can help you decide which ball fits your game.

Cabot Cliffs, Nova Scotia

Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia delivers a combination of forest, ocean, and dramatic coastal terrain. The course sits above the Gulf of St. Lawrence, creating memorable views from several elevated points.

The natural surroundings play a major role in the character of the course. Tall grasses, wooded areas, dunes, and coastal cliffs create a landscape that feels connected to the region rather than heavily manufactured.

The surrounding area also makes Cabot Cliffs ideal for a dedicated golf trip. Travelers can explore the Cabot Trail, enjoy seafood, and experience the rugged scenery of Cape Breton.

Golfers should take time to enjoy the views between shots. Some of the best moments may come when you step away from the scorecard and simply look across the coastline.

Shadow Creek, Nevada

Las Vegas may be famous for entertainment, but Shadow Creek offers a completely different experience. The private course uses trees, waterfalls, lakes, and carefully designed landscaping to create an environment that feels far removed from the surrounding desert.

The course features dense greenery and dramatic elevation changes. Water features add another visual element, while mature trees frame many of the holes.

Because the course sits near Las Vegas, golfers can combine a round with the city’s many attractions. This makes it an interesting option for travelers who want golf during a broader vacation.

If you are preparing for a destination round where you expect to walk and handle different terrain, comfortable footwear matters. A guide to the best spiked golf shoes can help you compare options for traction and stability.

Torrey Pines, California

Torrey Pines offers golfers another opportunity to experience dramatic Pacific coastline scenery. Located in La Jolla, California, the public golf facility overlooks the ocean and features views that make the course memorable even before you reach the famous closing holes.

The South Course has hosted major professional events, including the U.S. Open, giving it a strong place in golf history. Recreational golfers can experience the same general landscape while enjoying views of the coastline.

The location also makes planning a golf vacation relatively easy. San Diego provides beaches, restaurants, attractions, and other outdoor activities, allowing you to build a complete trip around your round.

Royal County Down, Northern Ireland

Royal County Down combines traditional links golf with one of the most distinctive natural settings in the sport. The course sits beside the Irish Sea, with the Mountains of Mourne providing a dramatic backdrop.

Tall dunes, coastal winds, and natural vegetation shape the experience. The landscape can make certain shots appear intimidating, but it also creates some of the most memorable views on the course.

Links golf rewards creativity, patience, and careful club selection. Bringing equipment you trust can make the experience more enjoyable. Golfers looking to upgrade before a trip can also compare guides such as the best callaway driver when considering a new driver.

Plan the Golf Trip Around the Scenery

A scenic golf trip requires more planning than simply booking a tee time. Look at the best season to visit, local weather, transportation, accommodation, and other activities near the course.

Consider booking extra time around your round. A course with spectacular scenery deserves more than a rushed arrival and immediate departure. Arrive early, take photos where permitted, explore the surrounding area, and give yourself enough time to enjoy the destination.

You should also prepare for the conditions. Coastal courses can bring strong winds. Mountain courses can produce sudden weather changes. Desert courses may require careful attention to heat and hydration.

Most importantly, choose a destination that matches the type of experience you want. Some golfers prefer ocean cliffs, while others enjoy mountains, forests, deserts, or traditional links landscapes.

Golf becomes even more enjoyable when the destination adds something to the round. The courses above show how scenery can become an important part of the travel experience, giving golfers another reason to explore new places and play somewhere different.

About the Author

Jordan Fuller is a golf expert, writer, and experienced player who shares practical insights on courses, equipment, travel, and improving your overall golf experience.