Inspector Picks: Best U.S. Golf Resorts that are Fun for Families Too
Updated: June 14, 2024
If you're looking for somewhere special to stay and play golf, take a look at six hotels recommended by AAA Inspectors as the best golf resorts in the U.S. These include Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, in Cambridge, Maryland; Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama; Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, in San Antonio, Texas; JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, in Marco Island, Florida; and Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa in Blaine, Washington.
Each of these luxurious golf resorts offers exceptional courses for golfers along with a host of other family-friendly amenities to ensure your stay is as relaxing as it is engaging. Additionally, these fun places to go have earned or previously earned an Inspector Pick designation, including Inspector's Best Family Friendly, showcasing their commitment to providing recreational experiences for guests of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're aiming to improve your game on the green, seeking a serene spa getaway or planning a family vacation, these golf destinations promise plenty of fun and hospitality.
Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Point Clear, Alabama
AAA Inspector 373: "Seeing all the children enjoying the splash pad, riding bicycles or playing croquet convinced me this is a great place to create family memories."
On Mobile Bay, the resort's public areas blend contemporary style with bygone era elegance, sprinkled with historical mementos. Landscape displays on the spacious 550-acre grounds change seasonally. The original structure that was built in the 1800s has long been gone from fire, but the area is rich with history. For example, a Civil War hospital was once located on the grounds. An afternoon tea and a military commemorative firing of the cannon are long-time traditions conducted daily.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
Cambridge, Maryland
AAA Inspector 55: "This relaxed waterfront resort has limitless activities — your family will never be bored."
This sprawling golf resort sits on the banks of the Choptank River and provides luxurious, spacious public areas, numerous dining options, extensive meeting space and recreational facilities. At the property's small beach, expect many water sports offerings, ranging from boat rentals to kayaks and more. There also are three on-site pools with many features, including a waterslide and daily poolside activities.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
San Antonio, Texas
AAA Inspector 66: "This is one of my family's favorite resorts because it is set among giant oaks that separate the pools, the golf course and the lazy river."
Wood-trimmed porches and walls of regional limestone distinguish this sprawling oak-studded resort, which is known for its recreation, including tennis, sand volleyball and waterpark, including a "Ramblin'" lazy river float ride. Accommodations are refined. The suites are especially spectacular, some offering large and furnished balconies.
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
Marco Island, Florida
AAA Inspector 76: "The beach, boutique shops, various swimming pools, a state-of-the-art game center and many restaurants provide myriad options for entertainment."
Serenely set on the Gulf of Mexico, this property is split between 2 towers and offers breathtaking views and many on-site amenities. Enjoy championship golf, just 15 minutes away by shuttle. In a stunning Audubon International Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary, these Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy courses offer a world-class experience with private beaches and superior food and amenities. All rooms have a balcony or patio, plus streaming TVs and comfortable beds. Their Paradise by Sirene Suites tower is adults-only, with its own pool, complimentary breakfast and beach butler service.
Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa
Blaine, Washington
AAA Inspector 31: "When traveling with kids, I prefer the ground floor rooms as most have an external door leading straight to the beach or grassy play areas."
This waterfront resort is located close to the Canadian border and is set on 1,100 acres amid wildlife and golf courses. The hotel's restaurant, lounge and quiet reading room all overlook the water. Don't expect to walk on a sandy beach; you won't find one here. Instead, there is a paved walkway that goes on for miles. Many guest rooms have patios and water views.
Now you know the best golf resorts in the U.S. provide more than just a game; they offer an immersive, family-friendly experience. From the sprawling outdoor pools to the perfect setting by an ocean or lake, these destinations offer enticing experiences for every golfer and their co-adventurers. Whether you're selecting clubs with precision or admiring the surrounding natural beauty, each resort is designed to elevate your stay. With courses that have hosted PGA Tour events and academies that refine your skills, you're not just playing — you're following the path of greatness inspired by world-class golfers and AAA Inspectors!