Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast or are feeling a little inspired during the US Open, NYC’s culture for the sport spreads beyond the tournament’s home in Flushing, Queens. In fact, there are tons of gorgeous tennis courts, clubs, and facilities to practice, play, and take lessons. Check out our favorite places to play tennis in NYC right now:
1. Racquet Pop-Up at Rockefeller Center
Stop by Center Plaza at Rockefeller Center from August 28th – September 1st to experience the pop-up tennis court by lifestyle brand and tennis magazine, Racquet. You can sign up for court reservations via their newsletter here, and you may even catch some famous faces on the court throughout the week!
Where: Center Plaza at Rockefeller Center (between 49th & 50th Streets and 5th & 6th Avenues)
2. Evian’s Floating Tennis Court
Hop aboard this boat experience by evian that’s home to a pink floating tennis court! On September 10, this Circle Line experience will offer guests a special way to watch the US Open Men’s Finals. Plus, they’ll be able to enjoy a “Waterside Chat” with superstar Maria Sharapova as well as have a chance to volley with her on the court! Learn more here.
Where: Pier 81, Midtown
3. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
When the US Open tournament isn’t taking place, you can actually play on the same courts as the world’s best athletes. The Billie King National Tennis Center has tons of field courts that are available to book by the hour or day…plus tennis programs and tennis camps to learn the sport too! Learn more here.
Where: Flushing Meadow – Corona Park
4. Hudson River Park Courts
Hudson River Park’s hardcourt tennis courts are some of our favorites, and are a great thing to do on the west side. There are 3 courts in total that operate on a first come, first save basis between the hours of 6 am and midnight. They’re free, open to the public, and are recommended to be used for 1 hour at a time! Learn more here.
Where: Between Pier 40 and Pier 34 (or between Houston St and Canal St in Hudson River Park)
5. McCarren Tennis Center
In addition to McCarren Park’s outdoor courts during the warmer months, they erect a bubble over their 5 public courts so you can still use the courts during the colder months. You can rent them for as little as $45 per hour and they also offer lessons and clinics as well. Learn more here.
Where: 50 Bedford Ave (just north of N 12th St), Brooklyn
6. Prospect Park Tennis Center
Prospect Park Tennis Center is one of Brooklyn’s most popular tennis destinations, offering outdoor hard and clay courts, a seasonal tennis bubble, and year-round indoor day and evening tennis in the Center. There’s also tons of leagues, tournaments, classes, and youth programs too! Learn more here.
Where: 50 Parkside Ave, Brooklyn
7. Vanderbilt Tennis Club
Tucked away in Grand Central Station is this beautiful tennis facility, and one of the best in Manhattan. Vanderbilt Tennis Club boasts one regulation sized indoor hardcourt, one junior court, 2 practice lanes, and a fully equipped fitness room. You can book it by hour and rates vary. They also have adult and junior programs to improve your game! Learn more here.
Where: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Floor 4
8. Central Park Tennis Center
If pickleball in Central Park isn’t your thing, you can graduate to tennis, where there’s over 30+ courts to play on. There are 6 courts that reserve an online reservation, as well as 26 walk-on courts, which require a tennis permit to play. There’s also lessons, summer camps, clinics, and a whole lot more to participate in as well. Learn more here.
Where: 96th St and Central Park Drive
9. Oscar Hijuelos Tennis Courts
We are huge fans of the red clay courts that fall under the jurisdiction of the Riverside Clay Tennis Association on the Upper West Side. Guests here are required to pay for a $15 day pass and obtain a NYC Parks tennis permit. Learn more here.
Where: Riverside Park along the Hudson River near 96th St
10. Sportime Tennis Center
One of the finest tennis facilities in NYC goes to Sportime Randall’s Island. It features 24 courts, 160,000 square feet of tennis courts and support facilities, a training center, classrooms, a pro shop, and so much more. Not to mention it’s home to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, one of NYC’s premier options for tennis lessons! Learn more here.
Where: 1 Randall’s Island