As the US Open ignites tennis fever across New York from Sunday, August 24, through Sunday, September 7, now is the perfect time to spotlight the top destinations for racket sport enthusiasts. Whether you’re inspired by the pros or just picking up a paddle, these standout Florida resorts and destinations deliver premier court access, expert instruction and unforgettable surroundings.
Planning a trip to New York for the US Open? Explore our NYC Guide for where to stay, eat and unwind between matches.
Greater Miami and Miami Beach
Greater Miami and Miami Beach is a premier destination where players can train like pros, play on historic courts and soak up the sunshine year-round. The City of Miami Parks & Recreation Department operates three tennis centers and more than 50 tennis courts in the Greater Miami area, making it easy to find a match in scenic neighborhoods like Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana and beyond. Every spring, the destination takes center court at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for the Miami Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the ATP and WTA tours. For those wanting to play where legends once competed, the 27-court Crandon Park Tennis Center on Key Biscayne offers a chance to rally on the same courts that hosted the Miami Open for over 30 years. In Kendall, the David Ensignia Tennis Academy, founded by the tennis pro, is known for its high-performance coaching and programs run by top professional players, trainers and sports psychologists. Nearby, the David Ensignia Tennis Academy Pickleball Club is the biggest pickleball facility in Miami, with 16 dedicated courts, programs, events and clinics. The Miami Springs Tennis Center offers tennis instruction, as well as pickleball and racquetball programs. In Doral, the 18-acre Doral Legacy Park features pristine hard courts and a modern tennis pavilion, offering lessons, tournaments and court time for visitors and locals alike.
Hotels with Racket Sports
SkyBeach Resort, St. Petersburg
Located on the southern tip of St. Petersburg, Florida, SkyBeach Resort is a newly reimagined beachfront destination that perfectly blends Old Florida charm with vibrant local culture. Having recently undergone an extensive renovation, this 113-room resort reopened in July 2024 to offer guests an elevated coastal experience complete with stunning Gulf views and an array of upscale amenities. One of SkyBeach’s standout features is SouthSide Sports, a premier outdoor sports facility overlooking the bay that caters to athletes of all ages and skill levels. With a tennis court, 12 pickleball courts and four professional beach volleyball courts, SouthSide Sports offers professional clinics, lessons and tailored programs, making it an ideal place for players to sharpen their game or enjoy casual matches in a beautiful environment. When not on the court, guests can unwind in a cabana on SkyBeach’s private beach, take a refreshing dip in one of two pools, or savor creative cocktails and elevated cuisine at SkyBar + Grille while taking in breathtaking views of the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The Elser
The Elser Hotel is a vibrant 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami featuring 646 captivating residential-style rooms, including studios, one-bedrooms, and spectacular two- and three-bedroom suites. Each accommodation boasts refined touches like gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views, walkout balconies, luxurious bathrooms for every bedroom, fully equipped kitchens, and residential comforts such as washers and dryers in every unit. Guests enjoy access to an abundance of well-appointed amenities, including a 19,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck and event lawn overlooking Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, a 132-foot resort-style pool with a 16-foot poolside LED screen, private lounge areas, and a full bar, as well as a massive hot tub offering panoramic skyline views. A wellness-centered approach is reflected in the comprehensive two-level gym, rivaling any private fitness facility. Adjacent to The Elser is First Church Miami, which features Corner Court, an air-conditioned gym space offering a variety of sports and recreational activities, including half-court basketball, pickleball and indoor rock climbing.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Nestled between the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast and the living shorelines of Choctawhatchee Bay, the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort serves up a premier tennis experience in Northwest Florida with six pickleball courts and 15 tennis courts (12 HydroGrid clay and three hard). Guests can enjoy a wide range of experiences and perks, including one hour of complimentary court time per day and private lessons with certified USPTA and USPTR professionals. The resort also offers a highly ranked junior tennis program, group clinics, opponent-matching services and fun round-robin tournaments for all skill levels. Beyond the court, guests have access to a wide range of resort amenities, including four championship golf courses, 20 swimming pools, a 226-slip marina, a full-service spa, a fitness center and over seven miles of beaches and bayfront. Sandestin boasts more than 70 unique neighborhoods with thousands of accommodation options, from beachfront villas to spacious townhomes, plus newer additions like the luxurious Hotel Effie Sandestin and Osprey Pointe
