Story originally appeared on Club Wyndham.
When it comes to planning your family vacation, balancing everyone’s interests is key. Whether its shopping, trying local adventures, exploring the great outdoors, or staying active, there are tons of activities to take advantage of no matter what destination the journey takes you to. A big must-do for many family members is to play a round of golf (or two) at some of the most well-known courses in the country. If you are a serious golfer or have one in the family, these five Club Wyndham destinations are perfect for those looking to check bucket-list golf courses off of their list, while also providing other fun things to do for every member of the family.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
With more than 200 golf courses and year-round sunny skies, there’s a reason why Scottsdale is known as The World’s Finest Golf Destination. TPC Scottsdale is a top pick for those who want to play where the pros play. The Stadium Course, home of the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open, is a bucket list course for many. Take a break from the Arizona heat and head to the largest aquarium in Arizona, OdySea Aquarium. While in the area, visit Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs and get up close and personal with more than 80 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Plus, head out on a family hike or horseback ride at McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
2. Indio, California
From Club Wyndham Indio, you’re a stone’s throw from The Golf Club at Terra Lago. The North Course features dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and a challenging island green par 3. A stunner in its own right, the South Course features bridges crafted from vintage railroad cars for a truly unique look. Enjoy stunning panoramic views from one end of the Coachella Valley to the other. For a fun day-trip idea, head to Joshua Tree National Park to hike scenic trails and see the iconic twisted Joshua trees. Or get a bird’s eye view of the desert aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway. Then stop by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to catch a glimpse of everything from big cats and giraffes to bearded dragons and porcupines.
3. Miramar Beach, Florida
Club Wyndham Bay Club and Club Wyndham Bay Club II are part of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The four courses, which include a classic links-style course, feature views from the beach to the bay. A round at Burnt Pine Golf Club, known as the Crown Jewel of Florida Golf by Golf Magazine, is an absolute must. The 7,000-yard layout designed by Rees Jones features breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay and the wetlands. There’s plenty of family fun to be had in Miramar Beach. For a full day of fun, head to Wild Willys Adventure Zone where you can find a 60-foot ropes course, laser tag, go-karts, and more. If you want to cool off, head to Big Kahunas Water & Adventure Park. With more than 40 water attractions, including a lazy river, there’s something for every age. Or, set sail aboard a Buccaneer Pirate Cruise for a swashbuckling good time!
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A mecca of golf, Myrtle Beach is home to more than 80 award-winning golf courses set along more than 60 miles of coastline. Designed by Arnold Palmer, Kings North at Myrtle Beach National has earned numerous accolades including making Golf Digests list of Americas 100 Greatest Public Courses. The par-5 No.6, known as The Gambler, offers a risk-reward shortcut to the green for those looking for a challenge. Downtown Myrtle Beach is home to the seaside Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Water Park. This oceanfront attraction features more than 30 rides, including The Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster. Fill your need for speed at the Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park, home to seven go-kart tracks. Or bounce around the ultimate indoor trampoline park, Rockin Jump.
5. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Sevierville Golf Club has quickly become known as one of the top courses in Tennessee. The course underwent an extensive transformation and was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top ten course renovations in the country. The club features two 18-hole championship golf courses winding through lush rolling hills and freshwater mountain ponds. Spend the day together at Dollywood and experience thrills, live entertainment, and beautiful views of the mountains aboard the Dollywood Express. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo is home to more than 600 animals representing 130 species from the rain forests of the world. Plus, view stunning rock formations and towering chimneys at Forbidden Caverns.
