The top courses in America are taking note and upping their offerings both on and off the greens. Here are the golf getaways any novice or pro should have on their bucket list. With courses below sea level, at sea level, and perched at 6,800 feet, your game will literally reach new heights.

The Oasis at Death Valley

The Course: If you want golf bragging rights, book a tee time at The Furnace Creek Golf Course. Designed at more than 200 feet below sea level, it’s the world’s lowest golf course in elevation and set within the desert oasis that is Death Valley National Park. Golf Digest ranks the 18-hole, par-70 course among the 50 toughest in America.

Some unique challenges include the low barometric pressure that prevents golf balls from traveling as far as they would at sea level, as well as wily coyotes who are known to dart onto the course and steal golf balls.

The remote course goes back to 1927, when Murray Miller, a date-palm caretaker at Furnace Creek, set up a three-hole golf course for the local miners. In 1931, a nine-hole course—the first grass course in the California desert—was created. Oasis water was used to irrigate the fairways and the ranch’s nearby sheep kept them mowed. Noted course designer William F. Bell expanded the course to a full 18 holes in 1968, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system allows it to remain open year-round.

The resort’s recent renaissance included eco-updates that have made the course water neutral and incorporate native plantings. A PGA Golf Pro is on site for lessons and to share tips for navigating this deceptively difficult course.

The Rooms: The Oasis at Death Valley offers five choices of accommodations, ranging from a campground anchored by a natural spring-fed swimming pool to the historic Inn that has hosted Hollywood stars like Marlon Brando and Clark Gable. A recent multi-million-dollar restoration has added 22 casitas scattered around date palms and gardens, as well as 80 modern cottages that are walking distance to The Furnace Creek Golf Course.

Don’t miss the creative cocktails inspired by the local bounty at The Inn at Death Valley Dining Room. The Date & Thyme, a mix of date-infused vodka, thyme honey, St. Germain, and prosecco, is a favorite.

On a hot summer day, cool off with a famous date shake or root beer float from the Ice Cream Parlor, an old-timey soda fountain that will make you nostalgic for your childhood.

Personal Pampering: Check in to one of the new spa rooms at The Wellness Sanctuary at Death Valley. A Trigger Point Foot Wrap offers relief after being on your feet for 18 holes, and sports-specific massages can be enhanced with pain-relieving arnica cream or magnesium oil and percussion guns that knead away stubborn knots.

The Broadmoor

The Courses: Nestled at the foothills of the Cheyenne Mountains, The Broadmoor Golf Club’s two courses are considered Colorado golf’s most coveted crown jewels. When classic architect Donald Ross designed the original 18-hole course in 1916, he declared it “his best work,” says Russ Miller, The Broadmoor’s director of golf. That’s an impressive statement, considering his last project had been another classic layout now named Pinehurst No. 2.

When Broadmoor East opened in 1918, it was the highest golf course in the U.S. at 6,400 feet in elevation. In 1948, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. was hired to design an additional nine-hole course that joined with nine of Ross’ original holes, opening in 1952 as the new East Course. The first nine holes of the original Ross 18 became known as the “Back Nine.” In 1964, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. returned to design nine new holes in addition to redesigning nine holes of the original course, forming The Broadmoor West Course.

The latter plays tightly off the tee and features steeply angled greens set at 6,800 feet with rolling fairways and demanding hazards.

The East Course, known for its wide, tree-lined fairways and expansive greens, ranks among the top courses in the country and has been home to major tournaments, including the 1959 U.S. Amateur (Jack Nicklaus’ first major win!) and the 1995 U.S. Women’s Open, which was Annika Sorenstam’s first major title. The famous course recently hosted the 2008 U.S. Senior Open, the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, and the 2018 U.S. Senior Open. The 2025 U.S. Senior Open will be hosted again on the East Course, making it the ninth USGA championship dating back to 1959. According to Miller, the front nine provides the most scoring opportunities. The long par-35 back nine should be approached strategically.

The Rooms: The historic mountain resort’s 784 accommodations include rooms, suites, cottages, brownstones, and the lavish Estate House. If you’re after the best golf course views, opt for the West Junior Suites or West Tower Patio Suites.

However, the cottages bordering the 18th fairway of the East Course have the largest guest rooms at the resort, with luxe features like natural stone fireplaces, five-fixture baths, and elegant French doors that open to expansive verandas.

Where to Eat: You’ll want to work up an appetite to indulge in The Broadmoor’s many restaurants, cafés, and lounges. Located at the Golf Club, The Grille serves Colorado classics such as a Signature Open Face Short Rib Sandwich and The Broadmoor Golf Club Chili. At the same time, Ristorante del Lago channels Italy with dishes such as Dayboat Black Cod Peperonata and Cacio e Pepe paired with an exclusively Italian wine list.

Personal Pampering: The deep tissue massage at The Broadmoor’s Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa was designed with golfers in mind. Between treatments, unwind in the Himalayan salt-infused dry saunas, steam rooms, and oxygen lounge. Post treatment, you can study the greens (and peaks)
from the Mountain View relaxation room.

Sea Island

The Course: At Sea Island, Touring Professional Davis Love III learned how to play golf from his father, practiced with his brother, and introduced the game to his son. His story could easily be the story of any Sea Island member or guest, because where else can you get the world’s best Golf Performance Center with top instructors, oceanfront driving range, and three championship golf courses—all in one place?

The first of the resort’s three championship courses, Seaside Course, combines beautiful oceanfront views and natural settings into a course that is both challenging and fun. The manicured fairways and greens are bordered by sweeping dunes mixed with native grasses, wildflowers, and bunkers—and the sea breeze creates a different golf experience, daily. Seaside is routinely ranked among the top 100 courses in the United States and, along with Plantation Course, is the home of the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic.

Plantation Course offers a mix of forest and ocean views. Inspired by Walter Travis’ 1928 original nine-hole course, it reopened in 2019 after a complete redesign by Davis Love III and his brother, Mark, of Love Golf Design.

Finally, Retreat Course was redesigned in 2001 by Love Golf Design and offers a variety of green shapes and fairway widths, extensive bunkering, and six sets of tees, including family tees.

The Rooms: Centerpiece to Sea Island Golf Club, as well as its Seaside and Plantation golf courses, is The Forbes Five-Star Lodge at Sea Island. Opened in 2001, The Lodge provides an intimate 58-room setting for couples and golfers. Overlooking the beach joining St. Simons Sound with the Atlantic Ocean, The Lodge boasts seven golf-in golf-out cottages— including the King Cottage with a private hitting bay—an oceanfront pool and pool house, and an 18-hole putting course called Speedway.

Where to Eat: The Oak Room offers a relaxed, tavern-style setting that transports guests to Scotland with a selection of fine single-malt Scotch and a bagpiper playing classic tunes such as “Scotland the Brave.”

Beloved by guests since 1928, The Forbes Five-Star Cloister at Sea Island is set on 50 lush acres and is nestled between five miles of private beach and largest salt marsh on the eastern seaboard. The Cloister encompasses a vast range of world-class amenities, including the Sea Island Beach Club with Sea Strike & Pub, The Spa at Sea Island, Sea Island Yacht Club, Sea Island Shooting School, and
Rainbow Island.

River Bar and Lounge, located with The Cloister at Sea Island, is simple elegance with beers on tap, an extensive wine list, single-malt scotch, and a fine selection of bourbon and whiskey. The menu features casual and creative cuisine with French and European twists, like our signature Sea Island Seafood Gumbo—perfect for sharing as guests take in panoramic views of the Black Banks River.

Personal Pampering: With towering palms above and smooth stones below, The Forbes Five-Star Spa at Sea Island captures the very essence of nature, with cascading waterfall showers, mineral pool baths, a peaceful grass labyrinth, and sun-filled garden atrium. From the moment of arrival, the gentle flow of waters leads to a renewed sense of spirit. This 65,000-square foot facility is a haven for guests and members seeking a sanctuary of unparalleled elegance and serenity. Cryotherapy treatments, as well as hands- and arms-specific massages, were developed with golfers in mind.

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Looking for a family getaway that’s both exhilarating and enriching? Look no further than The Oasis at Death Valley! This unique national park is brimming with outdoor activities and experiences that are perfect for the whole family. Death Valley’s nearby ghost towns, curious wildlife, and rugged terrain are sure to inspire a sense of wonder and excitement in children and adults alike. And, if you’re looking for a break from screens, this park provides the perfect opportunity to unplug and experience the world around you first-hand. So why settle for virtual reality when you can experience the real thing? Whether you’re exploring the dunes or stargazing at night, a trip to Death Valley promises not only fun but also the chance to learn and grow together as a family. Here’s a look at three days of family fun in the lower-48’s largest national park.

Day 1: Morning

Discover Desert Denizens

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, a 30-minute drive from The Oasis at Death Valley, are a wonderland for early risers. The early morning is the best time of day to look for tracks etched in the sand by an assortment of Death Valley creatures: kangaroo mice, sidewinder snakes, coyotes, and desert kit foxes. Plus, kids love sliding down the soft dune slopes! On the way back, take a detour for the easy walk along the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail’s boardwalk to look for rare desert pupfish. During the spring mating season, these energetic little fish put on quite a show as they scuffle for territory and look for partners.

Breakfast at The Inn Dining Room

When it comes to breakfast, there’s no better place to gather together than The Inn. You and your family can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere with some of the tastiest treats around. And one in particular stands out: date bread. Admittedly, young children may initially balk at what appears to be wrinkled fruit of indeterminate origin. But one bite of date bread fresh from the bake shop or a Belgian waffle topped with Deglet Noor date butter may convert even the most finicky of eaters to the sweet uses of these delicious desert fruits grown on the premises.

Afternoon

Hang Out by the Pool

Following your morning explorations, the afternoon is a perfect time to chill out at The Ranch’s pool. With natural springs providing a steady flow of warm water–an always pleasant 87 degrees–you’ll be able to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The kids can splash around to their hearts’ content, while parents can take a moment to bask in the sun and recharge. When you’re ready for a quick bite, head over to The Ice Cream Parlor for a delicious selection of refreshments to satisfy any craving. It’s the perfect way to cap off a morning of adventure and recharge for whatever the rest of the day has in store.

Saddle Up!

The Furnace Creek Stables offers one and two hour guided trail rides, suitable for riders of all levels. The one-hour horseback ride takes you into the valley floor where you will get a true taste of the desert. The two-hour ride travels into the foothills of the Funeral Mountains and offers extraordinary views of the valley below. Explore Death Valley as the ’49ers did over 160 years ago!

Evening

Gaze at the Night Sky

With its clear, dry air and distance from urban light sources, Death Valley became the third (and largest!) U.S. national park to earn Gold Tier status as a Dark Sky Park from the International Dark Sky Association. After dinner, drive just a short distance from The Ranch to find a big expanse of sky to introduce your family to the wonders of stargazing. Binoculars and a star chart will help you pick out individual features but the smear of the Milky Way across the blackness will be unmistakable. In winter and spring, park rangers host several stargazing events within the park.

Day 2: Morning

Walk Along a Volcano

The geological history of Death Valley is truly fascinating, and there’s no better place to introduce kids to it than at Ubehebe Crater. This crater was formed about 2,100 years ago when a volcano erupted, creating an 800-foot deep divot in the Earth’s surface. While some of Death Valley’s geological processes may be difficult to comprehend, the power of the blast that formed Ubehebe is impossible to ignore. Walking along the 1 ½-mile trail that follows the crater’s rim is an unforgettable experience, as you gaze down into the massive hole in the ground and ponder the sheer force of the volcanic explosion. For kids who love nature and are fascinated by the power of the Earth, Ubehebe Crater is a must-visit destination.

Afternoon

Explore Badwater Road

Head down south from the Ranch at Death Valley to explore some of the national park’s most distinctive landmarks. Your kids will love the short, one-mile hike to see Natural Bridge, a stunning eroded rock span that connects two sides of a canyon. The famous Devil’s Golf Course is also a must-see destination. Be sure to tell the kids to keep quiet for a few minutes, so everyone can hear the popping sounds that the salt crystals make as they expand and contract. The boardwalk at Badwater is another must-stop, so your kids can claim bragging rights about walking on the very bottom of North America. At 282 feet below sea level, it’s quite an accomplishment! As you look west towards the Panamint Range, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the towering peak of Telescope Peak, which stands at an impressive 11,049 feet – the highest point in the entire park. Gazing up at its sheer size and magnitude, you’ll feel in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds you. On your way back to the ranch, it’s worth taking a nine-mile detour along Artist’s Drive, which will take you on a journey through the breathtaking badlands of the Black Mountains. The drive eventually leads to the park’s most colorful natural formation – Artist’s Palette. Here, you and your kids can marvel at the incredible hues that adorn the rocky hills, with a spectrum of reds, greens, and purples that look like they’ve been painted onto the landscape. For the best view of these magnificent colors, make sure to catch Artist’s Palette in the late afternoon, when the setting sun illuminates the colors in all their glory.

Evening

Dinner at The Inn Dining Room

The relaxed elegance of The Inn’s Dining Room makes it a comfortable spot for families. The curving banquettes are ideal if you have a larger group, though t’s hard to beat a table out on the veranda. Even after dinner is through, the dining room has more to offer. Parents and kids alike can take a moment to observe the classic art pieces that adorn the walls, providing a historical perspective on the once wild and rugged landscapes of the West.

Day 3: Morning

Enjoy a Commanding View

Death Valley National Park boasts of being the largest national park in the United States, apart from Alaska. It’s a vast expanse filled with fascinating geological features and captivating scenery that draw visitors from all over the world. If you’re looking for the best place to take in the sprawling beauty of the park, 5,475-foot Dante’s View is where you want to be. This viewpoint, nestled in the Black Mountains, offers a panoramic view of the valley for miles on end, with Badwater and the salt flats far below. The trails along the ridgeline offer a range of views that will take your breath away, and the perfect opportunity to snap some unforgettable photos of your family’s time in this other-wordly environment.

Afternoon

Visit a Ghost Town

Take a drive up Daylight Pass Road and cross the Nevada state line to explore Rhyolite, the region’s largest ghost town. Once a city of 10,000 people, Rhyolite boomed after a nearby discovery of gold. Today, you can still see the shell of a three-story bank building and a house made out of bottles. And if you’re up for an adventure (and have a high clearance vehicle), the slow-going 27-mile drive through rugged Titus Canyon takes you back through a dramatic chasm of towering cliffs. Along the way, you’ll also pass the ghost town of Leadfield and may spot desert bighorn sheep at Klare Spring

Evening

Sip a Sarsaparilla

A close relative of root beer, sarsaparilla was a popular soft drink in the Old West. You’ll find sarsaparilla over at The Last Kind Words Saloon at The Ranch at Death Valley. With its historic photos, wagon-wheel chandeliers, and Navajo rugs, the saloon brings alive the world of the Wild West. And while the kids can enjoy their sarsaparilla, parents can savor it in craft cocktails like The Last Kind Word (High West Prairie Bourbon, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, sarsaparilla, and bitters).

Or Enjoy the Ice Cream Parlor

The sweetest addition to the historic Ranch at Death Valley’s Town Square, the Ice Cream Parlor brings the old-timey soda fountain and ice cream parlor of your youth to Death Valley. Harkening back to a simpler time, the Ice Cream Parlor’s retro interior complete with stained glass windows, classic counter, and mirrored ice cream bar conjures up memories of milkshakes from those idyllic childhood memories you thought you had forgotten. Invite the kids to experience old time favorites, like a banana split, with a touch of good old-fashioned Americana.

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Play a memorable round of golf

Not only is there a championship golf course in Death Valley, but it is also recognized by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 50 Toughest Courses.”

This 18-hole, par-70 course was designed by the renowned golf course architect, Perry Dye. Four sets of tees enable players of all skill levels to participate. But with water features on 9 holes, even the most experienced players will find something to challenge them on this course.

Since the bottom of Death Valley boasts the lowest elevation in North America, The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest golf course in the US. It sits 214 feet below sea level. It’s also one of those clubs where you can boast you played the game and bought the T-shirt…in the well-stocked Pro Shop.

Enjoy trail riding through spectacular desert

Visit Furnace Creek Stables, where you can join their fantastic 1 or 2-hours guided horseback trail rides through Death Valley National Park. Choose from a ride into the desert at the base of the valley or a longer ride into the foothills of the ominously named Funeral Mountains.

On a clear day, you can see over 100 miles from the foothills. This is a perfect way to reenact the journey through Death Valley followed by pioneers and gold and silver prospectors. And if you prefer to be driven rather than ride, Furnace Creek Stables also offers evening hay wagon and carriage rides.

Hike through breathtaking scenery

There are few mapped trails through Death Valley National Park, but well-trodden paths thread through the valley. Recreational walkers can follow such informal trails into Mosaic Canyon (4 miles), Golden Canyon (3 miles) or visit the Harmony Borax Works historic site (0.4 miles).

For hiking April through October, you need to take care when you’re out under the sun. Take plenty of bottled water and apply sunscreen. Wear wide-brimmed hats, too. Even in winter, the dry air in Death Valley means you need to stay hydrated.

If you want more of a challenge, the steep 14-mile path up to Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range makes for a challenging all-day hike. At 11,043 feet above sea level, the peak is the highest point in Death Valley. However, be warned. Despite the pleasant temperatures below, these mountains get their fair share of snow in winter. So, for a hike into the mountains, you’ll need to carry layers in your backpack you can add as you ascend.

Smell the flowers

You might be shocked to discover that Death Valley is a great place to admire wildflowers. Between mid-February and mid-May, spring showers often paint the valley floor in a blaze of colors.

If you’re visiting Death Valley in spring, head for Jubilee Pass near The Inn at Death Valley. There you might find blazing star, desert gold, Encelia, evening primrose, mimulus, phacelia, poppies, verbena, and, of course, flowering cacti.

In late spring and early summer, you’ll see plenty of wildflowers at higher elevations as you hike into the Panamints. However, you’ll find different flower species at higher elevations when compared to the valley floor, such as the endemic Panamint daisies, paintbrush, lupine, Mojave wild rose, rabbitbrush, and mariposa lilies.

Learn how to relax

In all the classic B-Westerns, the heroes check into the hotel above a saloon to soak in a hot tin bath and wash off the trail dust. Although The Inn at Death Valley is a historic inn, you’ll find that things have changed a little over the years. Today, The Inn features a spa with a trained masseuse exclusively for the use of guests.

So, if you want to pamper yourself with a relaxing spa day, check into The Inn at Death Valley. Rather than an antique tin bath, expect to find brand new spa rooms with services such as aromatherapy, salt scrubs, hot stone massages, and reflexology. And if you want a swim to wake you up, The Inn at Death Valley boasts a spectacular spring-fed pool.

Explore a saloon from the Old West

If you dream of treading your cowboy boots into a saloon from the Old West, check out the recently added The Last Kind Words Saloon, located at The Ranch at Death Valley. This Western-themed restaurant and bar is an aesthetically pleasing tribute to one-horse-town saloons of a bygone age.

The menu follows the theme. You can look forward to a spicy chuckwagon chili, Dante’s chicken wings, Tomahawk bone-in ribeye, game of the day, tasty steaks, and wild Alaskan salmon. Vegetarians aren’t neglected, with delicious grilled flatbread, 1849 penne, and poblano macaroni and cheese. And, of course, the classic selection of whiskeys and beers you’d expect in any Wild West saloon…as well as some fine wines you might not!

Gaze at the stars

Because Death Valley National Park is so far away from civilization, the park is designated a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park. From Furnace Creek, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the night sky that make Death Valley an excellent, year-round destination for keen astronomy enthusiasts.

In fact, The Ranch at Death Valley hosts regular Star Parties in conjunction with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. Death Valley is close enough to LA and Vegas for city dwellers to come for a getaway weekend of stargazing but far enough away that the city light pollution does not interfere with the local night sky.

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Giving the Devil His Due

Dante’s View. Offering perhaps the finest panorama in the park, this overlook at 5,475 feet in the Black Mountains takes in a sweeping view of the Death Valley salt flats more than a mile below. The name was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s 14th-century epic, Divine Comedy.

Devil’s Golf Course. Forget about fairways and greens. A salt pan of spiky, crystalized stalagmites, some nearly two feet tall, the Devil’s Golf Course is all rough. The area off Badwater Road south of The Oasis at Death Valley was once covered by a lake, which deposited the minerals that compose this jagged terrain. The name dates to an early park service guidebook that declared, “only the devil could play golf” here. (But if you really want to shoot a round, try the 18-hole The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, the lowest-elevation course in the world).

Devil’s Cornfield. Another surreal Death Valley landscape, this area off State Highway 190 east of Stovepipe Wells has stands of arrow weed, a salt-tolerant shrub that grows upright from wind-deposited mounds of dirt. It takes a little imagination, but in a few places the stalk-like arrow weed almost appears to be growing in rows, like a crop of corn, hence the name.

An Intimidating Landscape

Badwater. It’s the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, but its name dates back to 1910 to designate that the water here is filled with salt and therefore not potable.

Furnace Creek. The name either derives from the extreme valley heat or because of the spring-fed waters that flow from the ground at 82-85 degrees and feed the resort’s pools. The name was first used in 1860, given to Furnace Creek Ranch in 1889 by the Pacific Coast Borax Co.

Funeral Mountains. From the Last Chance Range to Coffin Peak, Death Valley has all sorts of ominous place names. According to California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographic Names by Erwin G. Gudde, the Funeral Mountains get their name from debris flows that accumulated along the range’s base. To some observers, the flows resembled bands of crêpe once worn to signify mourning.

Mining and Native American Names

Ubehebe Crater. There are different explanations for the name of this 600-foot-deep, ½-mile wide crater. The National Park Service said the notion that Ubehebe means “big basket” in the Paiute language is a misnomer because the name was first used for a peak in the area; the valley’s Timbisha Shoshone Indians use the word Tem-pin-tta-Wo’sah (“Coyote’s Basket”) for the crater. Meanwhile, according to Lingenfelter, the miners who established the Ubehebe Mining District said the name was inspired by a Native American princess.

Panamint Range and Valley. Home to Telescope Peak, the park’s highest point at 11,049 feet, the Panamint Range and its adjacent valley west of Death Valley, get their names from a Southern Paiute name for a group of Native Americans in the area. Panamint is a combination of Pa (water) and niwintsi (person). The name was first used in 1861.

Zabriskie Point. The park’s classic sunrise overlook in the badlands near The Oasis at Death Valley honors Christian B. Zabriskie, a longtime Death Valley executive with the Pacific Coast Borax Co. Zabriskie Point is also the name of a 1970 counterculture cult film classic that features scenes shot in the park.

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Written By: Matt Jaffe
Specializing in California, the Southwest, and Hawaii, Matt Jaffe is an award-winning former senior writer at Sunset magazine and contributes to a variety of publications, including Los Angeles, Arizona Highways, and Westways. His books include The Santa Monica Mountains: Range on the Edge and Oaxaca: The Spirit of Mexico.

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