Florida named America's top golf destination for travel in 2025
- Jake Nicholas
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Florida has once again been recognized as the nation’s premier golf destination. A new analysis from The Action Network looked at more than 400 U.S. cities, weighing factors such as course availability, lodging costs, and climate. The results place Florida firmly at the top, underscoring its reputation as the golf capital of America. Ten Florida cities rank among the top 20 nationwide — more than any other state — with five landing in the top 10.
At the front of the pack is Fort Myers, ranked No. 2 nationally. The city offers more public courses per capita than anywhere else in Florida, paired with a warm and steady climate averaging highs of 85° and lows of 65°. Kissimmee, at No. 5, and Orlando, at No. 12, distinguish themselves for affordability, while Lakeland (No. 6) strikes an appealing balance between access and subtropical weather. In South Florida, Boca Raton (No. 8) and West Palm Beach (No. 16) highlight the concentration of luxury and private clubs, while emerging destinations like North Port (No. 13) and Daytona Beach (No. 14) point to Florida’s growing appeal for traveling golfers.
Beyond the study’s rankings, Florida’s strength lies in its destinations that have become household names among golfers. Streamsong Resort in Central Florida continues to draw acclaim for its trio of world-class layouts, while Cabot Citrus Farms, recently revitalized by the Cabot brand, has quickly risen into the national spotlight as one of America’s top resort properties.
Panther National in Palm Beach Gardens is redefining modern luxury with more than just championship golf. The community pairs a suite of architecturally striking custom estates with the first-ever Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas Signature design. The course itself emphasizes strategy and playability, weaving through natural landscapes with a focus on sustainability and modern agronomy. Off the fairways, the development elevates the lifestyle side of golf with a Max Strang–designed clubhouse, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and wellness-focused amenities.
On the Treasure Coast, the brand-new Palm Cove Golf Club is introducing a fresh take on private membership. Set along the St. Lucie River in Palm City, the club is designed to be welcoming and accessible, with an emphasis on encouraging fun both on and off the course — while down the street, Apogee in Hobe Sound has secured its place as one of the most exclusive clubs in the country.
In West Palm Beach, The Park has already made its mark as a community hub, blending championship golf with public access and youth programs, setting a new standard for open golf in one of the country's fastest-growing tech and finance hubs, Wall Street South.
Nearby, Bear Lakes Country Club has long been celebrated for its two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, the “Links” and the “Lakes.” Starting in February 2026, the club will begin a complete transformation of its Links course — a project set to strengthen its position as one of Palm Beach County’s defining golf venues.
Taken together, these destinations highlight the depth and variety of golf across the state. From luxury resorts to accessible public hubs, Florida offers experiences for every kind of player. Coupled with year-round sunshine and a climate built for the game, it’s no surprise Florida continues to dominate as the nation’s top golf getaway.
Explore Markets of Tomorrow’s full list of 2025 Iconic Golf Courses at: www.oftmw.com/golf
