Top Tennis Courts In South Florida

Tennis is an ancient sport that can trace its origins as far back as the 11th century. Back then, the makeshift tennis balls were wads of hair or wool that were wrapped in cloth and held together by string. Tennis rackets had not been invented yet so people used their hands to hit the ball. Around the 13th century, tennis began to gain popularity but was still a game reserved mostly for noblemen. Luckily for us, tennis is a sport that anyone can learn and enjoy playing. There are numerous parks in the South Florida area that have public tennis courts. While the start-up cost of tennis equipment can be costly, it is a cost that will give a person many years of fun and exercise.

Flamingo Park
1200 Meridian Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-7750
www.web.miamibeachfl.gov

Flamingo Park is a 36.53-acre park located in the South Beach section of Miami Beach. Flamingo Park Tennis Center was renovated in 2013. The tennis center now has a new pro shop, 17 new or refurbished tennis courts, upgraded landscaping, drainage, and irrigation, as well as new lighting being installed in the 2013 renovations. Restrooms and a concession stand are also a part of Flamingo Park. Even before the recent renovations, Flamingo Park tennis courts were voted the "Best of Miami" in 2009.

Salvadore Park
1120 Andalusia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 460-5333
www.coralgables.com

This park has 13 lighted tennis courts, bathrooms, lockers, showers, and water fountains; there are even 4 tennis walls for private practice without a partner. All thirteen tennis courts are Har-tru, or clay, courts. Although the courts are usually not crowded during the week, on the weekends the courts are busy. Reservations are required during the week but no reservations are accepted for tennis courts on the weekend. Miami residents pay $4.00 per hour for a court, non-residents pay a slightly higher cost. Parking is plentiful at Salvadore Park, except when the school across the street lets out for the day.

Crandon Park Tennis Center
7300 Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 365-2300
www.miamidade.gov

Crandon Tennis Center has 18 Laykold cushioned hard courts, seven of which are lighted for evening use. There are also 2 red European clay courts and 4 green American clay courts. There is a total of 13 lighted courts at this park; 2 green clay courts and 11 hard courts. Court fees vary depending on the type of court you request. Reservations are accepted but not required. The nice thing about this park is that is just steps away from Crandon Park Beach. Enjoy a heart pumping game of tennis at the tennis center and then relax with a nice swim or just lay on the beach after your workout.

Related: Guide To The Tennis Center At Crandon Park

Frank Veltri Tennis Center
9101 N.W. 2nd St.
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 513-3540
www.PlantationTennis.org

Frank Veltri Tennis Center is located in Plantation Central Park. There are 2 hard courts and 26 lighted clay courts. The Frank Veltri Tennis Center hosts the USTA Men's $10,000 Futures, the USTA Girls 14 National Clay Court Championships, and the Women's $25,000 Challenger Tennis Championships. It is also the home court for the USTA Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships. The tennis center offers tennis clinics for beginner and intermediate tennis players. There are lockers available, as well as showers, which are both handicap accessible.

Deerfield Beach Tennis Center
222 N.E. 2nd Ave.
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
(954) 480-4422
www.deerfield-beach.com

Pioneer Park, located across from Deerfield Beach City Hall, is home to Deerfield Beach Tennis Center. This tennis center offers a full service pro shop where visitors can get their rackets restrung, buy shoes, purchase tennis balls and rackets, and even buy clothing for adults and children. There are 6 hard courts available for a small fee. For tennis enthusiasts that will wish to use the courts frequently, annual and semi-annual memberships are available for purchase. Private lessons are available at a cost of $45.00 for 1 hour and $25.00 for a 30 minute lesson.

Related: Top Spots For Tennis

Katherine Bostick is a freelance writer covering all things Tampa Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com