Florida is a golfers' paradise, and whether you're an avid golfer looking to shave a few strokes off your game or a casual player just out to enjoy the sun, the Gulf Coast region, particularly around Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, is home to some fantastic golfing opportunities.
Standing on the fairway with the Gulf breeze blowing through your hair, the sun gently warming your skin, and in the background, the serene crash of waves — That's the kind of day you can expect while golfing in this coastal paradise.
Wondering where to go to tee off? Let's dive into the region's top golf courses, all within about 30 minutes of Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, so you won't have to venture far from your beach chair to enjoy a round.
Before We Start: Welcome to Gulf Coast Getaways
At Gulf Coast Getaways, we know what makes a vacation memorable, especially when it comes to creating that perfect home-away-from-home experience. From quiet beachfront retreats to active getaways, we've got you covered with vacation rentals of the highest standard.
Now, let's talk about those greens!
The Club at Hidden Creek
- Location: Navarre, Florida
- Distance from Navarre Beach: 8 miles, ~15-minute drive
- Type: 18-hole, Public
Tucked away in Navarre, just a short drive from the soft, sugar-white sands of Navarre Beach, you'll find The Club at Hidden Creek. This course is one of the Gulf Coast's hidden gems and is often ranked among the best in northwest Florida. The layout is both beautiful and challenging, with impeccably manicured greens and a strategic design that will keep you on your toes.
What's special about Hidden Creek is that it has a little something for everyone—whether you're an amateur golfer hoping to fine-tune your game or an experienced player looking to put your skills to the test. And while the course is friendly to all skill levels, don't let that fool you. The undulating fairways and sneaky water hazards demand both precision and patience.
After your game, kick back at their clubhouse where the atmosphere is just as laid-back as the Navarre Beach vibe. With good food and great views, it's the perfect way to wrap up your day on the greens.
Pro Tip: Head out for an early morning round to catch the sunrise—the golden light over the course is a sight worth waking up for.
Tiger Point Golf Club
- Location: Gulf Breeze, Florida
- Distance from Pensacola Beach: 8 miles, ~15-minute drive
- Type: 18-hole, Semi-Private
If you're craving a golf course that offers stunning views along with a challenging game, Tiger Point Golf Club in Gulf Breeze is where you want to be. A short hop from Pensacola Beach, this semi-private course sits right on the water, giving you coastal views that will make even your worst drives a little easier to swallow. There's something magical about playing with the Santa Rosa Sound sparkling in the background and the Gulf breeze rolling in.
The course has a bit of a Scottish links-style vibe with water hazards on 14 out of 18 holes—so be prepared to play conservatively unless you're feeling brave! Don't worry if your ball ends up in the drink a few times; the coastal views and tranquil atmosphere more than make up for it.
Tiger Point is also known for its smooth fairways and well-kept greens, which means you'll be treated to top-notch conditions, whether you're playing 9 holes or the full 18.
Why We Love It: You'll be surrounded by wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for egrets and herons wading near the water. It's like having your own wildlife show as you play!
Marcus Pointe Golf Club
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Distance from Pensacola Beach: 20 miles, ~30-minute drive
- Type: 18-hole, Semi-Private
Looking for a course that offers a bit of everything? Marcus Pointe Golf Club in Pensacola checks all the boxes. Just a 30-minute drive from Pensacola Beach, this semi-private course offers rolling terrain and beautifully landscaped fairways. There's a calm, unhurried feel to Marcus Pointe, and the course manages to balance both challenge and relaxation—a rare feat.
The spacious practice facilities here are perfect for warming up before your round. The course itself is a mix of long, sweeping fairways and tighter, more technical holes that demand accurate drives. It's a true golfer's course with well-maintained greens and just enough bunkers to keep things interesting.
Why We Love It: Marcus Pointe is a favorite for those looking to improve their game without feeling rushed. Whether you're practicing your short game or going for a full round, it's a great spot to soak in the beauty of Pensacola while fine-tuning your swing.
Stonebrook Golf Course
- Location: Pace, Florida
- Distance from Navarre Beach: 28 miles, ~30-minute drive
- Type: 18-hole, Semi-Private
If you're up for a bit of a scenic drive, head over to Stonebrook Golf Course in Pace. This semi-private course is known for its laid-back vibe and welcoming staff, making it perfect for a leisurely game. The course features rolling fairways, well-maintained greens, and just enough variety to keep you engaged from the first tee to the 18th hole.
Stonebrook is especially popular with golfers who like a peaceful, slower-paced round. There's no rush here—just you, your clubs, and the lush surroundings. It's a great choice for players looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed day of golf.
Pro Tip: The staff at Stonebrook are some of the friendliest around, so don't hesitate to ask for tips or course insights. They'll help make your day even better.
Lost Key Golf Club
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Distance from Pensacola Beach: 18 miles, ~30-minute drive
- Type: 18-hole, Resort
For those who like their golf with a side of challenge, Lost Key Golf Club is where you want to be. Often referred to as "Lost Ball" by locals, this course has a reputation for testing even the best players. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, Lost Key is a resort course that's both beautiful and "brutal."
The course is built on tight fairways with strategic bunkers and water hazards lurking around every corner. You'll need accuracy and a bit of luck to make it through without losing a few balls, but it's all part of the fun. The course is also certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary, so you'll be golfing alongside some of Florida's most pristine natural environments.
Why We Love It: This isn't your typical resort course—Lost Key is tough, but the payoff is worth it. The challenge combined with the stunning coastal views makes for an unforgettable round.
A.C. Read Golf Course
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Distance from Pensacola Beach: 14 miles, ~25-minute drive
- Type: 18-hole, Military (open to the public)
Located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station, A.C. Read Golf Course is a hidden gem that's open to the public, military or not. It's one of the most affordable options on this list, but that doesn't mean you're sacrificing quality. With beautiful views of Pensacola Bay and a well-maintained layout, it's a fun, casual place to play.
The course itself is friendly for golfers of all levels, offering wide fairways and forgiving roughs. It's a great choice for families or anyone looking to get in a quick, affordable round of golf while enjoying some lovely bay views.
Why We Love It: A.C. Read is all about laid-back golf in a beautiful setting. Plus, if you're a history buff, it's pretty cool to play on a course that's part of the naval base.
Perdido Bay Golf Club
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Distance from Pensacola Beach: 20 miles, ~30-minute drive
- Type: 18-hole, Public
Looking for a championship course that's hosted PGA Tour events? Look no further than Perdido Bay Golf Club. Just a short drive from Pensacola Beach, this public course offers the kind of high-level experience you'd expect from a top-tier course, with plenty of challenges to keep things interesting.
The rolling fairways and scenic water views make for a stunning backdrop as you play, and the course's history only adds to its prestige. It's a challenging layout, but not so tough that it's impossible to enjoy. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just someone looking for a memorable round, Perdido Bay delivers.
Pro Tip: If you're visiting in the cooler months, take advantage of the offseason rates—they're often much lower than peak season, and the course is still in great shape.
Mini Golf Near Pensacola Beach
Not up for a full round? Or maybe you're looking for a fun activity for the family? Pensacola Beach and the surrounding areas have some great mini-golf spots that are perfect for a casual afternoon.
UFO Golf
- Location: 2 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
- Notable Features: Extraterrestrial-themed 18-hole course, glowing putters, blacklight effects
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (263 reviews)
- Hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM
This quirky, family-friendly course offers an out-of-this-world mini-golf experience, complete with glowing putters and alien-themed holes. The blacklight effects add an extra layer of fun, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Goofy Golf of Pensacola
- Location: 3924 W Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507
- Notable Features: Classic mini-golf experience, quirky and fun course design
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (258 reviews)
- Hours: Friday 2-7 PM, Saturday 10 AM-7 PM, Sunday 1-5 PM (Closed Mon-Thurs)
A Pensacola classic, Goofy Golf has been around for years, and it's easy to see why. With its old-school charm and quirky course design, it's a blast for families or anyone looking to kick back and enjoy a few laughs.
Fast Eddie's Fun Center
- Location: 505 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32505
- Notable Features: Tropical-themed mini-golf course, part of a larger fun center with go-karts and arcade
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (2774 reviews)
- Hours: Open daily, varying hours (generally 3-9 PM weekdays, 11 AM-10 PM weekends)
Although a bit farther from Pensacola Beach, Fast Eddie's Fun Center offers more than just mini-golf. With go-karts, an arcade, and a tropical-themed course, it's a full day of fun for the whole family.
Where to Stay on The Gulf Coast
When you choose Gulf Coast Getaways for your vacation rental, you're choosing quality, comfort, and convenience. Whether you're here for golf, the beach, or a little bit of both, we've got a rental property that will suit your needs. Stay close to the best courses and the beach while enjoying all the amenities you need to relax and unwind.
Check out our website to find the perfect rental for your next trip to Pensacola Beach or Navarre Beach.
