Walla Walla

Dan Hixson's design across 700 acres of former wheat fields is the course that put Walla Walla on the national golf map — and keeps it there. Top-100 Golf Digest public course. No trees. Wind-blown fescue fairways with multiple lines of play on every hole. Firm and fast conditions that reward running the ball rather than flying it. The inland links comparison isn't marketing: it's accurate, and the Blue Mountains backdrop earns it further. The must-play, and the reason to build the trip.

Washington State University's course in Pullman, 2 hours north of Walla Walla. John Harbottle design that ranked among the best new courses in America when it opened. Rolling Palouse terrain, dramatic elevation changes, and the kind of layout that makes university courses the most underrated category in American golf. Worth building the road trip around — play Wine Valley one day, drive to Palouse Ridge the next.

Known in Pacific Northwest golf circles for one reason: the 17th hole, a par 3 to a green shaped like an apple on a small island. Yes, it's a gimmick — and it's also genuinely fun. The rest of the course is a solid Yakima Valley layout 1.5 hours west of Walla Walla. The quirky local favorite that earns its own day on the road trip itinerary for any group that doesn't take themselves too seriously.

The 1928 landmark in the heart of downtown Walla Walla — beautifully restored, walking distance to tasting rooms and restaurants, and the kind of historic hotel that gives the trip its character. The Vineyard Lounge has a serious wine list and a fireplace. The Marc Restaurant is the right first-night dinner. This is the base camp for a Walla Walla golf trip, full stop.

Adults-only vineyard resort on the edge of town. On-site fine dining, heated saltwater pool, mountain views, and a setting that makes the non-golfers in the group completely happy while you're on the course. The play if the trip has mixed interests — couples or groups where not everyone needs 36 holes a day.

Purpose-built country inn in the vineyards outside town — seven spacious suites with private Zen gardens, a heated pool and hot tub, and Blue Mountain views from the grounds. Globally inspired breakfasts included. Intimate and beautifully done, 10 minutes from downtown. For a smaller group (4-6) that wants something different from a standard hotel.

The best restaurant in Walla Walla, full stop. Mediterranean cuisine built around local ingredients from the Walla Walla Valley — vegetables from nearby farms, wines from the surrounding estates, and a kitchen that takes the produce seriously. Reserve for the last night. The dinner the group talks about on the drive home.

The hotel restaurant done right — Pacific Northwest cuisine anchored in the Palouse and Columbia Valley, a wine program built on local estates, and a beautiful room with a 1,000-bottle cellar on display. Good for the first night when you want to stay close after the flight. Walk upstairs when dinner gets long.

The downtown breakfast stop before the round — locally sourced, creative without being annoying about it. Migas, French toast that earns the hype, proper breakfast sandwiches, and Victrola espresso. Outdoor patio on Main Street. Open Thursday through Monday, which lines up perfectly with how most people structure a Walla Walla trip. Arrive early on weekends.

One of Walla Walla's most iconic estates — a beautifully restored century-old farmstead four miles east of downtown, with exceptional Cabernet and Syrah from some of the valley's most sought-after blocks. Tasting by appointment. The afternoon activity that becomes the highlight of the non-golf day.

Downtown tasting room in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford building, walkable from the Marcus Whitman. One of the founding estates of the Walla Walla Valley — Merlot and Syrah that consistently rank at the top of Washington wine lists. Start here before walking to dinner. The logical first stop on any downtown tasting route.