Have Tennis, Will Travel: The Gulf Coast

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.

Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples

• The west side of Florida delivers some of the best sunsets, beaches—and tennis resorts. Naples Grande Beach Resort has 15 Har-Tru courts, five lit for night play. The beachfront venue is set on 23 acres and also offers an 18-hole championship golf course if you’re in the mood for a more leisurely pursuit. Go Shelling: If you’re exploring the beaches north of Naples, swing by Sanibel Island and master the “Sanibel Stoop”—peer down to search for your favorites among thousands of shells.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Sarasota

• On an island across the bay from Sarasota, The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s 20 Har-Tru courts offer consistent playing conditions thanks to an underground HydroGrid system, and a tennis concierge is on hand to arrange matches or help restring your racquet. The nearby beachfront with charming Old Florida boardwalks will put you in a Sunshine State of mind.

IMG Academy, Bradenton

• For a more rigorous vacation, you’ll find world-class instruction at Bradenton’s IMG Academy, where daily tennis programs and six-day training packages (plus hotel stays) are available. Beach Time: On nearby Siesta Key, the Siesta Public Beach has twice been named the nation’s best.

Saddlebrook Resort, Tampa

• Up near Tampa, the Harry Hopman tennis program at Saddlebrook Resort is not for the faint of heart: Five-hour clinics are available 365 days a year. But training here will place you in elite company, and the resort setting dotted with lagoons and cypress trees will reward you for your devotion. The tennis center has 45 courts, including all four Grand Slam surfaces. Eco Exploration: In St. Petersburg, you can wander—or hike—through five distinct ecosystems, including a subtropical forest and coastal uplands in Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.

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:

• South Florida
• Central Florida
• North Florida
• The Panhandle