Best 20 Ocean Golf Courses in the World

This beautiful beach in Bandon, Oregon is a year-round paradise of fishermen, cyclists, golfers, and hikers alike. The rock formations and wildflowers give Bandon Beach a charming aesthetic, while the sunsets give it a more majestic feel, with purple and pink skies over a stormy sea. The entirety of Bandon Beach includes Bullards State Beach, Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, and the Bandon State Natural Area, together creating a picturesque location with so much to offer.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has one of the top golf courses in the nation, if not the world. The course itself is enjoyable, but the stunning ocean views right in front of the course give the resort its well-deserved fame. Nearby hiking trails take you over the area's unique sand dunes while looking out over the ocean waters, or from the town to the beach, where you can explore the rocks and tide pools. Beach Loop Drive provides especially scenic viewpoints, including Bandon Rocks and Face Rock, as it runs along a large portion of the coastline. Along this route you will find many shops, restaurants, and hotels. The shops range from local art galleries to quirky candy shops, and the restaurants have fresh seafood daily.

The most famous icon of Bandon Beach is the Coquille River Lighthouse, which sits on a rocky sea cliff on the edge of Bullards Beach State Park. Here, you can find beachgoers walking along the shoreline, horseback riding on the sand, or biking on the nearby path. There is also a large campground, with full amenities and plenty of space. The temperatures here are usually on the cooler side, and you may need to bundle up against the wind. When it's stormy, don’t automatically write off a beach day -- come to Bandon Beach to watch a dramatically beautiful storm with waves smacking the rocks and the dark sky looming over the sand. Bandon Beach's beauty is truly unique, so come experience this western vision for yourself.

Located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay is a highly preserved area protected by the Galapagos Park Service. Swimming is not permitted at the beach, but a bit further down there is a separate swimming area where you might be lucky enough to see a tiger shark. Come mingle with nature without disrupting the beauty!

Located in the Makena Beach State Park, Big Beach stretches over half a mile and is relatively wide compared to surrounding spots, offering plenty of space for everyone. This beach is located in between two black-lava outcroppings which protects it from the winds and offers a stunning view of the small islands Kahoolawe and Molokini. With amenities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and food concessions available, Big Beach is the perfect destination for those who want to comfortably enjoy Maui’s amazing nature scene.

The waves at this beach are very large, and they attract lots of boogie boarders and surfers. That being said, be very careful when swimming here, as there are sometimes riptide occurrences that can be dangerous for young children. If in doubt, there are plenty of lifeguard stations on the beach that can inform you of the water conditions. Fishing is another popular activity at this beach, with plenty of spots available along the shore. For adults, you can also access Little Beach from this location, which is a small isolated cove that is a well-known nude beach site.

If you get hungry, Jazzy’s Kitchen is a Mexican food truck that is very popular among locals for their signature fish tacos and quesadillas. It is parked right next to the beach most weekdays and is available for lunch and dinner. We also like Monkeypod Kitchen, a farm-to-table eatery with fresh Hawaiian cuisine and a large list of cocktails and craft beers. You can also take a 9-minute drive to Ko Restaurant, a white-tablecloth seafood eatery run by renowned Chef Tylun Pang.

If you need a place to stay, take an 11-minute drive to Residence Inn by Marriott, a 3-Star all-suite hotel that provides a family-friendly environment and offers amenities such as an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast. Another excellent option is Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria resort that spans 40 acres along Wailea Beach and sports 9 outdoor pools and a 2000 feet long river with waterslides. You can also take a 9-minute drive to Fairmont Kea Lani, a 5-Star resort located next to the Wailea Golf Club with upscale dining options and a 24/7 fitness facility.

Located on the southern coastline of the city of Rancho Palos Verde, Terranea Cove Beach, also called Long Point Beach, is a beach that lies near the eastern end of the Terranea Resort. The northern portion of the beach is sandy, while the terrain near the shoreline is rough and full of rocks and pebbles. The eastern part of the beach has a sea cave that can be explored at low tide.