Planning a US Open Golf Vacation That Everyone Can Enjoy

Golf has not always helped itself when it comes to the idea of inclusivity. Stereotypical ideas about the sport being elite and for the upper classes still persist, even though there have been a number of moves in recent years to open the sport up to a wider fan and player base.

If you keep up with the latest news and the US Open golf odds you will be well aware that this major championship – one of the big four in the year – moves around the country and does not have a “home” course. In fact, there have been 52 different golf courses used since the very first tournament held in Rhode Island, way back in 1895.

If you have a golf-loving member in your family, it may be one of their life’s ambitions to attend the US Open one day. But this doesn’t have to mean that the rest of the family misses out on the chance to visit a new place and enjoy the natural beauty of the nation. We thought we would take a look at six of the venues scheduled to be used in the coming years – and how the event could act as the base for a vacation that the whole family will remember.

Plum, Pennsylvania

Next year’s tournament will be held at the Oakmont Country Club, in Plum, Pennsylvania. It will be the tenth time the US Open has graced the course – and the first time since 2016. It is regarded as the oldest top-ranked golf course in the US, having been first established way back in 1903.

The course holds its own scenic charm, of course. But the surrounding area is just as beautiful and any visiting golf fans (and families!) can explore the Pennsylvania countryside. But there is also the chance to head to nearby Pittsburgh and check how this old steel town has transformed into a city with burgeoning food and arts scenes.

Shinnecock Hills, New York

The 2026 US Open will be held at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, a course that has had the honor of hosting on five previous occasions – most recently just six years ago. It has the oldest golf clubhouse in the country and holds a special place as the first club to admit women, something it did right from its very beginning in 1891.

The golf course itself is in the town of Southampton, almost at the most easterly end of Long Island. New York City may be close enough for a day trip but you will want to make the most of the incredible shoreline and sandy beaches out there. There are so many tiny hamlets, coves, and bays around that you may forget about the golf altogether.

Pebble Beach, California

There are 18 golf courses in and around Pebble Beach and the 2027 US Open will be held at arguably one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Situated on the Monterrey Peninsula, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the event returns here just eight years after Gary Woodland prevented Brooks Koepka from becoming the first golfer in over a hundred years to win three in a row.

Carmel-by-the-Sea just about neighbors Pebble Beach and a road trip south takes in the incredible Big Sur. Renting an open-top car is surely a must to take in the full beauty of the rugged coastline. As much as the golf will obviously be a major attraction, driving down the Californian highway with the wind in your hair is something that will live long in the memory.

Mamaroneck, New York

We cross back across the country for the 2028 US Open, to the small town of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York. The wonderfully titled Winged Foot Golf Club plays host again, just inland from a typically picturesque coastline that will require some extensive exploring.

The center of Manhattan is just over 20 miles away, so this is definitely one golf event vacation that can double up as an urban adventure. The attractions of New York City will be well known to all but don’t miss out on some delights in Mamaroneck itself. The town is home to the famous Archie Comics headquarters and Walter’s Hot Dog Stand is a Westchester County landmark, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

Pinehurst, North Carolina

Known by many as the home of American golf, Pinehurst Resort hosted this year’s US Open, in which Rory McIlroy endured a terrible final four holes to virtually hand the title to Bryan DeChambeau. It was the American’s second US Open championship win after winning at Winged Foot four years previously.

Although Pinehurst cannot boast the glorious coastlines of California or Long Island, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is not too far away if you want to combine watching golf with catching some rays. The Uwharrie National Forest is closer though, where panning for gold is a popular attraction, alongside hiking and biking trails and campsites for anyone wanting to commune with nature.

Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Another landlocked venue awaits US Open golf fans in 2030. But with the City of Brotherly Love only about a half hour away, there is plenty to do and see for all the family. Golf enthusiasts will be looking forward to taking a look at the Merion Golf Club, a course that was inspired by the very best in England and Scotland.

But with Philadelphia so close, it is not difficult to think of how to spend your time away from the sports action. With its rich history and a sense of small-town charm, Philly can offer visitors the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall as well as the artistic creativity alive in many neighborhoods. And don’t forget to try a Philly cheesesteak in the city of its birth.