A Guide to Golf Vacations in Florida: The Best Resorts and Golf Courses in Miami
Curated By
Robert Huie
Curator’s statement
You just can't narrow down the best golf courses in Florida, there would be too many. You have to focus on the area. Miami alone has some of the best golf courses in Florida, if not in the country. There are some courses outside Miami such as TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Streamson in Bowling Green or Calusa Pines Golf Club in Naples. While these are some of the signature golf courses in Florida and the United States, there is a strong concentration of some of the best courses in Miami. Why Miami? I chose these courses because they are located within resorts in Miami, so there is plenty to do for the family or if you want to take a break from the family to spend time with friends. From these resorts, you’ll still have access to what Miami has to offer, the nightlife, culture and restaurants. You wont get the same culture in Pone Vedra Beach, but you’ll still get excellent golf. This is my guide to the best golf resorts in Miami: The Biltmore Hotel, Trump National Doral Miami, PGA National Resort, Miami Lakes Hotel and JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa.
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Things to do in Miami
Why The Biltmore Hotel is one of the best resorts and golf courses in Miami:
The Biltmore Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 71 championship course, designed in 1925 by Donald Ross. Located in Coral Gables, The Biltmore Golf Hotel and Golf Course is near both Miami Beach and downtown Miami, although you probably will not need to leave the resort. With activities for everyone in the family. The Biltmore Golf Course is only one highlight of many.
Why Trump National Doral Miami is one of the best resorts and golf courses in Miami:
The Trump National Doral Miami has four championship-level golf courses on site. The most famous is The Blue Monster. The resort is what you would expect from this brand. Besides the four golf courses, there are four onsite restaurants. In 2022, The Blue Monster has hosted 2022 and 2023 LIV Golf Team events. Besides golf, there are also four tennis course and a 48,000-square-foot spa. Downtown Doral is just five minutes away, and if you need to get to downtown Miami, it is only 30 minutes away.
Why PGA National is one of the best resorts and golf courses in Miami:
Don’t let the name fool you. PGA National is for those who want to stay and play. The resort has five courses, including the Champion Course, which hosts an annual PGA Tour event. Dining options and spacious five-star accommodations are part of the resort. The courses are designed by golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer (Palmer Course), Fazio, The Squire and The Estate. This is a perfect location for serious golfers or a place to hold a group outing. It’s a little further away from Miami, but within an hour and 15 minutes away.
Why Miami Lakes Hotel is one of the best resorts and golf courses in Miami:
Located only 30 minutes away from downtown Miami, The Miami Lakes Golf Club is one of the city's finest. It contains an 18-hole, par 72 course with a driving range & modern clubhouse. There is plenty of wellness and leisure to go around. The Miami Lakes Athletic Club is 45,000-square-foot, including an outdoor swimming pool and nine lighted tennis courts.
Why the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa is one of the best resorts and golf courses in Miami:
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa contains two premier courses, including the Soffer Course. The Soffer course has hosted several LPGA Tour and South Florida PGA events. It’s a challenging layout set within creeks that cross several fairways and lagoons that will be in your sights for any mis-hit shots. This is a first-class resort and the golf is just the added bonus.
How to decide:
You can't go wrong with any of these options. Each of these will be greatly suited for large group outings or if you are just brining the family. Each of these are resorts with pools that will keep your kids occupied. If you want to explore Miami, each of these with the exception of PGA National, are within 30 minutes of downtown Miami.
For a getaway or families: Choose the Biltmore Hotel or JW Marriott Miami Turnberry.
For serious golfers: Choose PGA National, Trump National Doral Miami.
For a nostalgic atmosphere and classic style: Choose the Biltmore Hotel or Miami Lakes
If you want to be in the heart of downtown Miami or South Beach Miami, tee times can always be arranged. However, I always recommend staying at the resort on the courses you want to play. They will allow you priority access to tee times.
If you are ready to book a golf vacation, fill out the form below and I will get back to you asap.
Places to eat & drink in Miami
Stubborn Seed — Chef-driven restaurant with excellent cocktails, run by a Top Chef star.
Madolin Aegean - Greek and Turkish Cuisine
Estiatorio Milos — Seafood is flown in directly from all over the world. You select your own seafood from the counter and it gets prepared for you.
Abbale Telavivian Kitchen - One of my favorite restaurants, serving Israeli food.
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Robert Huie
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Miami. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, The Rehoboth Beach Golf Trail: Planning a Trip to Play the Top Public Golf Courses in Rehoboth Beach.