Tennis court/rental open to public

Question

Hello! We are visiting Miami for a week in March and staying at an Airbnb north of the city, so no hotel/resort amenities. We're looking for a place where we can play tennis once or twice while we are there. Happy to pay for court time. A place that has equipment rental available would be an extra bonus. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Answer

Miami has a number of excellent public tennis courts available for rent, and many also offer equipment rental. Since you're looking for a place to play tennis once or twice during your visit in March, here are a few great options to consider:

Crandon Park Tennis Center (Key Biscayne) - This is one of Miami’s premier tennis facilities, offering 26 clay courts and 6 hard courts, with stunning views of the water. The center is open to the public, and you can rent courts for a fee. They also offer tennis equipment rental, including rackets, which is a bonus if you don’t want to bring your own. It’s located on Key Biscayne, so it’s a beautiful spot to spend a day. Just keep in mind that it can get busy during peak times, especially in March, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Miami Beach Tennis Center - Located on the famous Miami Beach, this facility has 10 lighted hard courts, making it a great option if you want to play in the heart of the city. Courts are available for rent, and they also provide racket rentals for a small fee. It’s a great place to enjoy tennis while being close to the beach and other attractions. They even have night play options with lights, so you can schedule a match later in the day.
Tropical Park Tennis Center (Westchester) - This public facility has a large number of courts and is an excellent option for visitors. Located near the Westchester neighborhood, the Tropical Park Tennis Center offers both hard and clay courts. Court rental is available at a reasonable rate, and you can rent equipment as well. This facility is a bit quieter compared to others, so it might be a good option if you prefer a more laid-back tennis experience.
Palmetto Bay Park Tennis Center - This park has a smaller but very well-maintained set of courts. Located a bit further south of downtown Miami, it’s a more affordable and quieter option, perfect if you want to avoid the crowds. You can rent courts for an hourly fee, and they also offer racket rentals. It's a great choice for a more relaxed experience.
Merrick Park Tennis Center (Coral Gables) - If you're staying near Coral Gables, this facility is another great option. It has both hard and clay courts available to the public, and they offer court rentals. You can also rent equipment here. The location is very central, so it’s convenient if you’re exploring Miami’s neighborhoods.

Each of these facilities offers public access, equipment rental, and the opportunity to play tennis without a membership or hotel/resort amenities. I recommend calling ahead to confirm court availability and any equipment rental details, as the popularity of tennis can increase in March, especially during the tourist season.

Enjoy your tennis matches in Miami, and have a great trip!