Virginia combines golf with some of America's most important history. You can play in the morning and walk through colonial towns in the afternoon, or head to the mountains for cool summer golf among the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ranges. The state has a long season, varied courses and good access from the big cities of the East Coast.
The main golf areas
Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle
The area around Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown has several resort courses among woodland, rivers and lakes, along with living-history museums.
- Best for: golf combined with history and family attractions.
Virginia Beach and the coast
Virginia Beach and the surrounding coast have courses near the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, with beach holidays and seafood.
Richmond
The state capital has public and private courses and a lively food scene.
Northern Virginia
Close to Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia has many courses in rolling horse country.
The mountains
The Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Highlands offer mountain golf, historic spa resorts and spectacular autumn colours.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (April to May) | Mild and green; ideal |
| Summer (June to August) | Warm and humid in the east; pleasant in the mountains |
| Autumn (September to November) | Excellent, with autumn colour in the mountains |
| Winter | Cool to cold; some golf possible on the coast |
Playing tips
- Elevation changes in the mountains. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Tree-lined courses: keep the ball in play. Read golf course management.
- Bentgrass greens on many courses, fast and true. Read putting on fast and slow greens.
- Coastal wind near the ocean.
Costs and booking
- Resort packages in Williamsburg and the mountains.
- Good-value public golf around Richmond and the coast.
- Book early for autumn foliage weekends.
Read how to choose a golf resort.
Sample trip ideas
- History and golf: Williamsburg's courses with colonial sites.
- Mountain autumn break: golf and spa in the Allegheny Highlands.
- Beach week: Virginia Beach golf with ocean days.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to play golf in Virginia?
Spring and autumn, with summer best in the mountains.
Is Virginia good for a golf trip?
Yes, especially combined with history, mountains or beaches.
Can I combine Virginia golf with a trip to Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Northern Virginia's courses are close to the capital.
Are there mountain golf resorts in Virginia?
Yes, in the Allegheny Highlands and Blue Ridge areas.
The bottom line
Virginia offers golf with history, mountains and coast. Visit in spring or autumn, mix resort golf with colonial towns or mountain spas, and enjoy the state's variety. For nearby destinations, read golf in the Carolinas and golf in the Mid-Atlantic.