Game, Set, Match: Palm Springs, a Tennis Oasis

Palm Springs is renowned for its scenic mountains and deserts, world-class golf courses, and stunning architecture, but the city also boasts a vibrant tennis scene, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. With top-notch facilities, prestigious tournaments, and gorgeous weather year-round, this desert paradise offers a tennis experience like no other. Whether a seasoned pro or a casual player, you'll have an incredible time playing tennis in Palm Springs.

With several public courses in the area, the only real challenge is deciding where to play. Here are some of our favorite Palm Springs tennis spots to serve, volley, and ace the day away!

La Quinta Resort Tennis Club

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player seeking to refine your skills, La Quinta’s instructors can help you achieve your tennis goals, no matter how ambitious This historic resort offers lessons, clinics, and tournaments for all skill levels and features 21 courts, including clay, hard, and grass surfaces. If your game falls short, it won’t be because of the environment. Surrounded by the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains and sublime desert scenery, you’ll find yourself in the perfect setting to enjoy every minute on the court (even if riddled with double faults). Don’t forget to call in advance to reserve a court for some of the best tennis in Palm Springs!

After an exhilarating match, you can try your hand at pickleball, perfect your swing on the golf courses, and take advantage of the delicious dining options, including Twenty6, Adobe Grill, and The Marketplace, before calling it a day.

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Host of the BNP Paribas Open, one of the largest professional tennis tournaments outside of the Grand Slams, Indian Wells Tennis Garden offers 29 top-of-the-line courts open year round. Whether enrolling in tennis programs taught by world-class instructors or playing a leisurely game with friends, you’ll find yourself in tennis paradise playing “where the pros play.” It’s one of the most prestigious tennis facilities in the region and the perfect place to perfect your game!

You’ll no doubt work up an appetite, and a stiff drink might be in order, depending on how the day went. Dine indoors or out at La Brasserie Bistro & Bar, or take it up a notch at Morgan’s in the Desert, featuring locally sourced contemporary cuisine. You won’t go wrong with either choice, and a celebratory cocktail is the perfect ending to any good day of tennis in Palm Springs.

Fritz Burns Park

Fritz Burns Park in La Quinta is always bustling with activity. With six tennis courts, you’ll have no problem finding a court to play with your friends, practice your strokes, and meet fellow tennis enthusiasts. Whether swinging by for a practice game in the morning or a heated match mid-day, the park offers a vibrant tennis scene suited for all abilities. When you’re not busy perfecting your drop shots, lobs, and volleys, take advantage of the park’s community pools and pickleball courts. 

If you’re up for more activity after sweating it out on the court, you’ll find several hiking trails nearby, including the Bear Creek Nature Trail, the Cove Oasis Loop, and the Desert Labyrinth. Follow it up with dinner at Stufft Pizza Bar and Grill or The Grill on the Main and toast to yet another incredible day in Palm Springs!

Ruth Hardy Park

Ruth Hardy Park in downtown Palm Springs is 22 acres of outdoor bliss! Bring a tennis racket and your A game, and play your heart out on any of eight public tennis courts open year-round. Whether you’re here to perfect your backhand stroke or meet new people, you’ll surely enjoy the pleasant environment and well-maintained courts. Once you’ve sufficiently impressed everyone with your topspin forehand, stroll around the park or challenge others to a game of sand volleyball! 

After your epic match, swing by a few must-see attractions nearby, including the Walk of Stars and the Palm Springs Art Museum. You’ll also find many dining options just minutes away, including Birba, Blue Coyote Bar and Grill, and Jake’s Palm Springs, all featuring delicious food and outdoor dining. 

Civic Center Park

Located just beside the Palm Desert Visitor Center, the Civic Center Park is a hub for locals and visitors alike. The 70-acre park offers a relaxing environment where you can enjoy the surroundings and play recreational sports, including tennis, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. With six well-maintained tennis courts, you and your buddies show off your best moves in a peaceful environment while taking in gorgeous views. While there, you can enjoy free concerts, stroll the walking paths, enjoy the rose garden, public art, and more. 

Treat yourself to some shopping and stock up on tennis attire at The Shops at Palm Desert, or hit the Street Fair at College of the Desert, held from October to May. End the day with a refreshing cocktail at dinner at Solano's Bar and Grill or Ristorante Mama Gina, and reflect on your Palm Springs tennis adventures!

Rancho Mirage Community Park

Enjoy picturesque views of the San Jacinto Mountains at the Rancho Mirage Community Park in the heart of Rancho Mirage. This well-maintained and spacious park features four lighted tennis courts, where you can enjoy some of the best tennis in Palm Springs from early morning to dusk! After you’ve crushed it on the court, check out the rest of the park, which features walking paths, a fitness circuit, and pickleball and basketball courts. Stick around for other community events held at the nearby amphitheater, including the Rancho Mirage Festival of the Arts, a lively celebration of art, music, and community held each November. 

You’ll be just minutes from the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which is worth the trip, then cap off the day with dinner at Kitchen 86 + Bar, Si Bon, or La Tablita Restaurant!

After some of the best tennis in Palm Springs, you’ll be looking for a cozy place to rest and relax. Look no further; we have everything you need to elevate your Palm Springs tennis experience. Book with ACME House Company for the best vacation homes and condos in Palm Springs!

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: Acme manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit Acme’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals. 

Images courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

Published by Matthew Bruce
Friday, March 22, 2024