Sarasota Racquet Sports: Where to Play Tennis & Pickleball

Perfect your backhand and ace your racquet game in Sarasota — a tennis town with bragging rights that extend as far back as 60 years. Public courts and tennis clubs attract pros and players from around the world, including Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Venus and Serena Williams. Iconic 1960s venues laid the foundation for today’s extensive network of 130 courts and a thriving “set and social” scene that embraces its sister sport, pickleball, as well.

Longboat Key

The Resort at Longboat Key Club tennis courts, photo courtesy of @longboatkeyclub

The Resort at Longboat Key Club has plenty of bragging rights in Florida. Recognized byTennis Magazine as the "Number One Tennis Resort on the Gulf Coast of Florida" and one of the "Top Ten Tennis Resorts in America", the tennis gardens feature a USTA-certified stadium and 20 Har-Tru tennis courts. Resort guests can take lessons from professionals and children (ages 8-17) can participate in tennis camps. The on-site restaurant, Spike ‘n Tees or Banyan Poolside Lounge offers fuel before or after your game.

Cedars Tennis Resort & Club on Longboat Key is another option to play at an exclusive destination. The resort is home to 10 well-kept HarTru courts and vast tennis amenities — including professional instruction, daily clinics, round robins and seasonal tournaments. Other perks include pickleball courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool, a 24/7 fitness center and bicycle availability for some cross-training, a Pro Shop, HUGO II Restaurant and a seasonal tiki bar.

Sarasota

Photo courtesy of @olgaprotennis 

Payne Park Tennis Center, conveniently located in Downtown Sarasota, is a staffed municipal facility open to the public. Singles and doubles are welcome to play 90-minute increments. The center boasts 12 Har-Tru clay courts and the Court Thirteen Pro-shop and bar for racquet stringing, demo racquets, apparel and beverages. For more free tennis options, head to Sarasota County public parks such as Colonial Oaks Park, Woodmere Park, Potter Park, Longwood Park and more. These parks also offer pickleball, but if you're looking for a designated place to bring your paddle, check out the popular Pompano Trailhead, Fruitville Park and Gillespie Park.

Looking for somewhere more exclusive? The Landings is a private sanctuary of homes situated along Roberts Bay, Phillippi Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway. A star attraction within the community is The Landings Racquet Club, a private athletic and social club. Use of the Club is restricted to members and their guests. The sounds of court play, both tennis and pickleball, echo from the clubhouse and eight Har-Tru tennis courts. The club hosts an annual USTA National Senior, Super Senior and Ultra Father/Son Clay Court Championships. 

Founded in 1969, the Bath + Racquet Club will reopen late 2026 to bring a revolutionized venue to Sarasota. The Club once hosted the Virginia Slims of Sarasota women’s tennis tournament, and has seen the likes of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, among others, play the green clay courts. Renamed Bath + Racquet Residences and Club, a historic renovation will now welcome stylish condos for racquet-loving residents. Amenities of the Tommy Haas-curated club will include 13 outdoor tennis courts, 14 indoor and outdoor pickleball and padel courts, as well as a pool, gym, wellness center, restaurant and retail. 

Sarasota Sports Club, located at TPC Prestancia, is now proudly owned and operated by Heritage Golf Group. Exciting transformations are coming soon — including capital improvements to its clay courts and facilities, enhanced membership opportunities and more. Stay tuned for more updates!

Siesta Key

Siesta Beach Pavilion, located beside Siesta Key Beach Tennis Courts

Before a day at the beach, start your morning with a match at Siesta Key's courts — half set up for tennis and the other half for pickleball. These public courts are first-come, first-served, and can get crowded due to its popular location right at Siesta Beach & Pavilion, so build time in your day to be prepared to wait your turn. Lights shut off at 9pm. After some sets, walk over to the pavilion's concession, Siesta Beach Eats, for some fuel and refreshments!

For a more exclusive experience, consider staying at Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club, open only to registered guests. The resort offers one- and two-bedroom accommodations, a recreation hall and heated pools in addition to two Har-Tru courts, one hard court and four pickleball courts. Stay closest to the courts at the Tennis Villas (only a five-minute walk to the beach), or choose a unit closest to the water to maximize your beach time. 

Englewood

Spanning 136 acres, the Englewood Sports Complex is a premier location for tennis and many other sports, no reservations required. The sprawling grounds accommodate 12 outdoor and six indoor pickleball courts, plus four tennis courts. In case your match goes past sundown or you prefer nighttime play — outdoor courts here are lighted. Facilities continue to be free and open to the public. 

Englewood Park is another free option, with a playground for the kids to play nearby, and even a tennis practice wall in case you're not able to find an opponent to match up with.

Lakewood Ranch

To beat the Florida heat, The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch offers a premier indoor option, with eight professional-grade courts separated by fencing. The tall ceilings and acoustically paneled walls are built for sound mitigation, while the space is climate-controlled at a cool 73 degrees for year-round comfortable playing conditions. Find merch and new gear at the Dinks Pro Shop, grab lunch at Pickles Cafe or venture to the Wellness & Recovery Room to recover from a high-energy match. Membership packages and program registrations are available online.

If you can't get enough of the Florida sunshine, soak up the Vitamin D at University Park Country Club (UPCC). The Racquets & Wellness Center at UPCC offers a welcoming environment for tennis, pickleball, fitness and overall well-being. Set against a scenic lakeside backdrop, the center provides an active setting for members of all skill levels, including lighted Har-Tru tennis courts and premier pickleball courts, supported by professional instruction and a full schedule of clinics, leagues and seasonal events. 

Catch the Sarasota Open

Stay at the Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy for the Sarasota Open

If observing tennis from the grandstands is more your speed, events are plentiful and include the much-awaited annual Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, a professional tennis tournament staged at IMG Academy Sports Complex in Bradenton. This year's event will take place April 5-12, 2026, so grab your tickets to witness professional players square off in this fast-paced competition! From out of town and need a place to stay for the event? It doesn't get much closer than Legacy Hotel, located right on-site at IMG Academy.