Have Tennis, Will Travel: South Florida

Just as the game can provide a comforting escape, Florida is a perennially perfect spot for a winter getaway, especially for tennis lovers. Glorious weather and an abundance of facilities are a natural pair, and the state’s beaches, trails and national parks provide plenty of off-court adventure, too.

Crandon Park, Key Biscayne

• The Miami Open may have moved to Hard Rock Stadium, but fans nostalgic for the tournament’s Key Biscayne days can visit Crandon Park and play on one of 27 courts— yes, even the 13,800-seat stadium center court. As a city park with fees from just $5 an hour, the Crandon Tennis Center is one of the most affordable places to play, whether on its 21 Laykold hard courts or six green Har-Tru clay courts. Post-match play: The beautiful Crandon Park Beach is just steps away. Also nearby is Bill Baggs Cape State Park, home of stunning sunsets and an historic lighthouse.

Hawks Cay Resort, Florida Keys

• Down in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Resort is fresh from a $50 million post-Hurricane Irma renovation, which helped it earn a nod as the Best Family Resort in USA Today’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. With 60 acres of amenities, including two- and three-bedroom villas, a marina, saltwater lagoon, five pools and kids’ clubs, it’s easy to see the appeal. Eight lighted courts and a lineup of drills and clinics for all ages anchor the resort’s Cliff Drysdale Tennis program. The resort off-court: Watersports are a great way to get active and stay socially distanced. Guests can rent a boat with a captain for fishing or snorkeling, or simply cruise the aquamarine waters of the Keys and hang out at the nearby sandbar.

BallenIsles Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens

• Up in Palm Beach Gardens, you’ll need to know a member to play at BallenIsles Country Club, where the courts have been graced by Venus and Serena Williams. Otherwise, head over to the City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center. The public facility has 20 hydro-grid clay courts, which can be reserved for $9 for residents or $13 for non-residents. The Great Outdoors: Get in game shape or unwind after a match with a hike, bike or kayak expedition in Riverbend Park in nearby Jupiter.

Find more ways to enjoy safe, socially distanced activities in Florida at visitflorida.com. Also, visit the Apple Store or Google Play to download the new USTA Florida app.

Check out the other regions of Florida covered in the "Have Tennis, Will Travel" Series:

• The Gulf Coast
• Central Florida
• North Florida
• The Panhandle