Tennis enthusiasts (like ourselves) often seek destinations that combine the love for tennis with the general excitement of travel. In the United States, a country with a rich tennis history, tennis resorts and academies offer unique experiences for both amateur and professional players.
Below we’ll give you our view of the top 10 tennis locations and resorts, depending on your situation, style and needs. There will also be some ideas and tips to think about when doing tennis travel in the USA.
Choose your season carefully depending on location and remember to plan your itinerary. Consider your skill level and interests when selecting destinations and accommodations.
Varied Climate and Landscapes
The US offers a wide range of geographical landscapes, from coastal beaches to mountainous retreats, providing diverse settings for tennis resorts. It’s really up to you to find your favourite setting and climate among a great number of top locations.
Thanks to the varied climate across the country, tennis can be enjoyed year-round. States like Florida and California are popular for their sunny weather, ideal for winter tennis getaways.
Many resorts offer not just tennis courts but also state-of-the-art fitness centers, spa services and other types of activities. Several resorts also make it into a challenge to cater to families, offering tennis programs for all ages along with other fun activities for kids. This means there is much more than just tennis to research when choosing a holiday spot.
Tennis Academies and Training Programs
For those looking to improve their game, many resorts provide clinics, private coaching or camps led by experienced professionals. In most resorts, these programs cater to any type of levels, even beginners. We also recommend participating in local tournaments or social mixers as it’s a fun way to meet other tennis enthusiasts.
Top 10 Tennis Travel Locations in the United States
Let’s have a look at some of the best areas in the USA for tennis travel, along with a few tips for top tennis resorts.
1. Miami, Florida
The Sunshine State is home to several world-class tennis resorts and academies. Perfect for winter trips to get some sun. Florida will always be one of the top states for sports like tennis and golf.
- The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne: Offers exceptional tennis facilities with a picturesque beach backdrop.
- Crandon Park Tennis Center: Famous for hosting the Miami Open, this facility offers a top-tier tennis experience. Beach Haus Key Biscayne Apartments is a top notch place to stay while enjoying these tennis courts.
2. Palm Springs, California
Another famous top location for anyone looking for sun, quality facilities and a lot of tennis options!
- La Quinta Resort & Club: Very well-known for its stunning mountain views and world class tennis facilities.
- Indian Wells Tennis Garden: Home to the BNP Paribas Open / Indian Wells Masters and offers state-of-the-art courts.
3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Known for the Atlantic Ocean, beaches and golf courses… but also some great tennis facilities! A place not to forget when planning your next tennis trip.
- Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort: Features excellent tennis programs in a beautiful coastal setting.
- Sea Pines Resort: Renowned for its world-class tennis facilities and picturesque environment.
4. New York City, New York
For the fans of the big city, there are plenty of top quality tennis resorts and especially academies and training programs.
- USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: Offers an opportunity to play where the US Open is held.
- John McEnroe Tennis Academy: Provides high-level training in an urban setting.
5. Scottsdale, Arizona
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona offers desert landscapes, luxury resorts and a fast growing tennis community.
- The Phoenician: A luxury resort offering superb tennis facilities amidst the Sonoran Desert.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Known for its excellent tennis courts and scenic beauty.
6. Orlando, Florida
Just like Miami, there are several top tennis resorts also in Orlando, just a bit further north.
- USTA National Campus: Offers a vast array of courts and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Rosen Shingle Creek: Combines luxury accommodations with top-notch tennis programs.
7. Austin, Texas
Texas offers a combination of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. Tennis is growing around these parts and we recommend some researching for a lot of new tennis facilities or resorts.
- Barton Creek Resort & Spa: Features excellent tennis facilities in the Texas Hill Country.
- Austin Tennis Academy: Known for its strong training programs and facilities.
8. Tucson, Arizona
- El Conquistador Tucson: Offers a unique tennis experience in the backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
- Canyon Ranch Tucson: Combines wellness with top-tier tennis facilities.
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City’s got it all… even top tennis courts!
- Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino: Provides access to excellent tennis facilities in the heart of Vegas.
- Darling Tennis Center: One of the largest public tennis facilities in Las Vegas.
10. Charleston, South Carolina
South Carolina’s low-country beaches and charming coastal towns provide a relaxing atmosphere for tennis vacations.
- Wild Dunes Resort: Known for its beautiful courts and comprehensive tennis programs.
- Family Circle Tennis Center: A historic venue offering a great tennis experience.
Also check out our top locations in Europe for more recommendations. Please let us know in the comments where you don’t agree, or if you know of a location which we missed!
1 comment
I think Newport, and more specifically the tennis facilities at Newport Casino, should be included as a top ten tennis destination in the US. Why?
1) Only ATP tournament in the US played on grass, and you can play on these courts as a visitor.
2) More than 100 years as a tennis venue: Competitive tennis has been played here since 1881, the first year of the tournament which is now US Open was played. Played in Newport until 1915, when it moved to Queens, NYC. 3) Home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
4) Newport, RI, is right on the Atlantic with access to fantastic beaches, very comfortable climate in the summer months, and historically interesting with fantastic beach mansions from the Gilded Age.
5) Newport is arguably the sailing capital of the US, every final of the America’s Cup 1930-1983 was held here and it is easy to combine a tennis oriented visit with a visit to the Sailing Hall of Fame.
You can go to any major US city and find a generic tennis center with great facilities and service. Without having been to all of the places you list, my guess is that the experience in Tucson is very similar to the one in Scottsdale, and playing in Orlando will be similar to playing in Miami. What sets Newport apart is that it has a unique vibe and truly feels like a place where tennis matters.