Whether you enjoy playing tennis or watching professional tennis, Florida has a lot to offer. We made the moved to Florida in 2021 simply because you can play or watch professional tennis year round, outdoors. Over the years, we have enjoyed our opportunities to watch great tennis played at Delray Beach, Florida and Miami, Florida. This year, it was business as usual with two of Florida's great tennis tournaments!
Delray Beach Open
Delray Beach, Florida is a beach town north of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It will take just over 30 minutes to drive to Delray Beach, Florida from Fort Lauderdale. Delray Beach Open is the kickoff of outdoor tennis tournaments each year, as it is held in February. It is a men's professional tennis tournament; however, it is intimate with one stadium court. Go early on in the tournament to watch the world's best warm up for their matches on the practice courts. There are many hotels, restaurants, shopping and of course, the beach in Delray Beach. You can play tennis...or bring your pickleball racquet and book court time at the Delray Beach Tennis Center (www.delraytennis.com). Overall, a fantastic Florida professional tournament.
Miami Open
The Miami Open has been at the Hard Rock Stadium since 2018. This men's and women's professional tournament is held at the stadium where the Miami Dolphin's play, just 40 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The stadium and grounds were modified into an amazing tennis venue. I have found that the Miami Open had the kindest people working at the stadium. As we walked from our car, we must have looked a little hot (on the 88 degree day). A golf cart stopped next to us and asked us if we wanted a ride to the stadium. That was a big yes! The golf carts were going non-stop. It was a good start to a great day of tennis. We were welcomed into the stadium with a giant tennis racquet next to the entrance, which was photo worthy. The grounds had many restaurants, vendors, shops, and tennis activities. We enjoying stopping at the Kim Crawford Wine Lounge, which was conveniently located, overlooking the practice courts. We enjoyed watching the ladies doubles champions warming up for their big match while cooling down. In the main stadium, we were escorted to our seats by fabulous ushers. They were on the ball the entire session. They were cheering for their favorite players and always had a smile on their face, even with the hot weather. Truly the Miami Open is a a great venue to visit for the tennis lover.
Where to stay in Miami
In Miami, we stayed 20 minutes from the venue, at the JW Marriott Brickell, near Biscayne Bay. It was a great location. Many fans and players stay at or near this hotel. The JW Marriott Brickell also provided a shuttle to and from the Miami Open, which was a great convenience. This hotel also welcomed electric vehicles in their parking garage. As a Tesla owner we were pleased that they had five Tesla charging stations.
One of our favorite places while visiting the Miami area, has been the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. (travel tip: Please be sure to let the resort know if you are celebrating a special occasion, they will make it a day to remember!) This resort checked all our boxes as an elevated resort to relax and be pampered. This amazing resort offers tennis or padel at their Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center (reserve tennis clinics, lessons, court time in advance) pool or beach, spa treatments, great music on the weekends, dining at one of the wonderful restaurants on property and much more
The tennis center had daily adult clinics, youth clinics, private or semi-private lessons, or ability to book a court to play singles or doubles with your partner(s). There were also padel courts on property (booked in advance). If you have time, just south a couple of minutes away at the tip of Key Biscayne, visit Bill Baggs Cape State Park. It has a lighthouse dating back to 1825, many places to go fishing, rent paddle boards, hike one of their trails, have a picnic, or enjoy the beach! (travel tip: bicycles and pedestrians $2 entrance fee, cars $8 entrance fee).
There are many places to visit year round, in Florida; but Delray Beach to the Miami, Florida area are definitely worth checking out!
Disclosure:
We are in partnership with the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy , designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy
Questions/more information and latest promos….Please contact Cynthia@tennistravelsite.com regarding booking your trip for the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy or Rafa Nadal Tennis Centers.
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