10 U.S. golf courses with jaw-dropping views

Tucked into the coastal hills of Carlsbad, about 30 miles north of San Diego, Omni La Costa’s North Course pairs classic Southern California scenery with a polished resort feel. Part of an award-winning 36-hole layout that includes both the North and South Courses, the routing threads through mature trees and gentle elevation changes. While the property has hosted its share of elite competitions, it's the sun-soaked setting that truly makes this course stand out, with palm-lined fairways and rolling greens. Thoughtful extras like lessons, kid-friendly tee times and shorter layouts make it just as approachable for beginners as it is for more experienced players.

Time Out tip: Book a late-afternoon tee time: The golden-hour light across the palms and fairways is when this course really shines.

Set on the easternmost edge of Kiawah Island, The Ocean Course leans fully into its coastal setting, with more seaside holes than any course in the Northern Hemisphere. Ten holes run directly along the Atlantic, while the rest course just inland, keeping the ocean in view and the wind very much in play. Originally planned to sit behind the dunes, the course was elevated at the suggestion of Alice Dye, wife of acclaimed course designer Pete Dye, to maximize those sweeping sightlines. The result is uninterrupted views of dunes, marsh and open water, along with shifting coastal gusts that make each round feel slightly different.

Time Out tip: Check the wind forecast before you play—it’s the biggest factor shaping your round here.

The golf course at Black Desert Resort doesn’t look like your typical golf course, but that's precisely the point here. In fact, it almost feels a little otherworldly at first, with bright green fairways cutting through black lava rock, red cliffs in the distance and open desert. The contrast is sharp and hard not to notice. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the 19-hole layout follows the landscape's natural terrain. It’s already hosting PGA and LPGA events, but the setting is what really sticks with you, long after you tee off.

Time Out tip: Bring extra water and sun protection! The desert exposure is no joke, especially in the midday heat.

About 250 miles from Denver, Redlands Mesa Golf Course feels like a natural extension of the Colorado National Monument that's ideally set along its rim. Here, tee shots hang in the air longer than you expect, a byproduct of elevated boxes that play out over open space rather than enclosed corridors—long enough to register how little separates the course from the canyon below. The elevation shifts aren’t for show; they recalibrate distance, force decisions and demand full commitment to a line, especially for players comfortable shaping shots. As such, it's best for more experienced players rather than novices.

Time Out tip: Pause on the tee boxes—some of the best views are behind you, not just down the fairway.

Just outside the town of Bend—known for its ample outdoor adventure opps—Brasada Canyons fits right in, unfolding across a wide-open landscape with the Cascade Mountains never far from view. The course weaves through rolling terrain dotted with juniper trees and rugged rock outcroppings, with enough elevation change to keep each round engaging. Set on an expansive ranch, the atmosphere is quiet and secluded, making it easy to settle in and focus on your game. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills even further, you can also sign up for a full-day golf camp or book a session with a pro to take your game to the next level.

Time Out tip: Play an early morning round for cooler temps and the clearest mountain views.

High above southern Indiana, the Pete Dye Course at French Lick feels unexpectedly vast, with sweeping views of the Hoosier National Forest that stretch up to 40 miles on a clear day. Originally sketched on a napkin (yes, really), the layout carries Dye’s signature touch, stretching more than 8,100 yards from the tips with five sets of tees that make it playable across skill levels. Dramatic shaping and bold features like the iconic volcano bunkers define the course, which moves across exposed terrain where elevation shifts and open sightlines keep the landscape in constant view.

Time Out tip: Opt for a forecaddie—they’ll help navigate blind shots and tricky terrain.

While Stowe is often associated with winter sports, the Mountain Course at Spruce Peak reveals a different side of this quintessential New England ski town. Climbing to more than 1,800 feet in elevation, this course delivers a true alpine golf experience shaped by Vermont’s rugged terrain, winding through rock outcroppings and forested slopes, with postcard-worthy views of Mount Mansfield at nearly every hole. Keep in mind that this course is accessible only to club members and guests staying directly at The Lodge at Spruce Peak.

Time Out tip: Pair your round with a visit to nearby Stowe Country Club for a more relaxed, complementary course.

The Pacific is never too far from view at Manele Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Lanai, where cliffs, lava outcroppings and brilliant blue water frame nearly every hole. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the layout winds across rugged terrain with tee shots that carry over natural gorges and fairways that trace the island’s dramatic coastline. The stretch known as the Ocean Nine stands out in particular, with sweeping views of the water plus the chance to spot dolphins or seasonal humpback whales offshore. Complimentary club rentals for resort guests add an easy, seamless touch to a setting that already feels worlds away.

Time Out tip: Keep your camera handy—you might spot marine life mid-round.

About two and a half hours north of Chicago, Whistling Straits runs along Lake Michigan, winding through ragged dunes and exposed bluffs. At a glance, it could easily be mistaken for the storied links courses of Ireland or Scotland, famous for their seaside settings, rolling terrain and ever-present coastal winds. But here, the water flashes an unexpected turquoise, more Caribbean than Midwest, set against a landscape that feels raw and unsettled. It’s open, unprotected, and entirely at the mercy of the wind, ensuring that no two rounds ever play the same—but that’s all part of the appeal.

Time Out tip: Dress in layers. Even in summer, the wind off the lake can change quickly.

Along California’s Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links delivers one of the most iconic coastal settings in the game. Fairways hug the Pacific for much of the round, with waves crashing against rocky cliffs. The routing moves seamlessly between dramatic shoreline holes and quieter inland stretches, keeping the landscape varied throughout. While it has hosted some of golf’s biggest championships, it’s the coastal setting that defines the experience.

Time Out tip: Walk the course if you can—it’s the best way to fully take in the scenery.