Tennis
The Charleston area offers tennis options for every skill level. Spring and fall are ideal for play at the area’s inexpensive municipal courses. The resort islands have excellent facilities but can be costly.
Charleston is the home of the world-class Volvo Car Open (formerly the Family Circle Cup), a professional women's tournament. Held over nine days every April at the Family Circle Tennis Center, it attracts some 90,000 fans from around the globe and boasts a roster of former champions, including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Jennifer Capriati, and Venus and Serena Williams.
Charleston Tennis Center. With 15 outdoor hard courts lighted for nighttime matches, this tennis center is among the city's most popular and affordable, at $10 per hour for nonresidents. There are restrooms on the premises and lessons are available. 19 Farmfield Ave., West Ashley, Charleston, South Carolina, 29407. 843/769–8258; www.charleston-sc.gov.
Family Circle Tennis Center. This world-class facility is one of the top places to play tennis in the Southeast. Open to the public, the 17 courts (13 clay, 4 hard) are lighted for night play. Hourly rates are $10 for the hard courts, $15 for clay. Four miniature courts for kids ages four to eight make this a destination for the whole family. With one of the best-qualified teaching staffs in the country, the MW Tennis Academy offers private lessons and clinics for players of all ages. The Volvo Car Open, a signature event for women's tennis, is hosted here each April. Not coincidentally, this is also the city's top venue for concerts under the stars. 161 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island, Charleston, South Carolina, 29492. 843/849–5300; www.familycircletenniscenter.com.
Maybank Tennis Center. This James Island complex's eight lighted hard courts and five clay courts are $10 an hour for nonresidents. There are restrooms on the premises. Reservations are recommended. 1880 Houghton Dr., James Island, South Carolina, 29412. 843/406–8814; www.charleston-sc.gov.
Isle of Palms
Wild Dunes Tennis Center. This tennis complex sits in the center of Wild Dunes Resort, where 17 Har-Tru courts include 5 that are lighted for night play—one has stadium-style seating if you expect to draw a crowd. The pros gear their lessons to players of all levels, from novice to expert. There's even a "tiny tot" program for the kids. The full-service pro shop sells, rents, and repairs racquets. Wild Dunes guests get a free hour of access per bedroom, while nonguests must pay $25/hour. Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, South Carolina, 29451. 866/359–5593; www.wilddunes.com.
Kiawah Island
Roy Barth Tennis Center. In Kiawah Island Golf Resort's East Beach Village, the Roy Barth Tennis Center is a short walk from the resort's luxurious oceanfront hotel and spa. Open year-round, it has 19 Har-Tru courts (1 lighted) that were resurfaced in early 2018, 3 hard courts (1 lighted), and a unique practice court with a ball machine and an automated ball retrieval system. Court time is $36 an hour for guests and $46 for everyone else. Lessons range $80–$105/hour (at the higher end, you can take a lesson from Mr. Barth himself), while group lessons are as low as $33/hour. The classy locker room includes showers so you can head straight from the courts to dinner. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, East Beach ViIlage, 1 Sanctuary Dr., Kiawah Island, South Carolina, 29455. 843/768–2838; www.kiawahresort.com/tennis.
