Tennis
There are more than 300 courts on Hilton Head. Tennis comes in at a close second as the island's premier sport after golf. It is recognized as one of the nation's best tennis destinations with a variety of well-maintained surfaces and a large number of coaches and professionals teaching clinics and private lessons available to players of all ages. Spring and fall are the peak seasons for cooler play, with numerous packages available at the resorts and through the tennis schools.
Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center. Ranked among the best in the world, this facility at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has 19 clay tennis courts (four of which are lighted for night play) and 24 dedicated pickleball courts. There are lessons geared to players of every skill level given by enthusiastic staffers. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, 6 Trent Jones La., Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 888/879–2053; www.palmettodunes.com.
Port Royal Racquet Club. Magnolia trees dot the grounds of the Port Royal Racquet Club, which has eight clay courts and two pickleball courts. Located in the Port Royal private community, this award-winning tennis complex attracts guests with its professional staff, stadium seating, and tournament play. Port Royal Plantation, 15 Wimbledon Court, Mid-Island, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/686–8803; www.hiltonheadgolf.net/port-royal/.
Sea Pines Racquet Club. This award-winning club has 21 clay courts, as well as a pro shop and instructional programs, including weekend clinics with Wimbledon champ, Stan Smith. Guests of Sea Pines receive two hours of complimentary court time each day. The Sea Pines Resort, 5 Lighthouse La., South End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/363–4495; seapines.com/tennis.
Van Der Meer Tennis Center. Recognized for its tennis instruction for players of all ages and skill levels, this highly rated facility has 17 hard courts, 4 of which are covered and lighted for night play. The center is the main training location for students attending the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy. In a separate location within Shipyard, the Van Der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club has 13 Har-Tru courts, 7 hard courts, 3 indoor courts, and a pro shop with a certified racquet stringer. 19 DeAllyon Ave., South End, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928. 843/785–8388; www.vandermeertennis.com.
