Places to Travel in the USA: The Ultimate Active Resort Guide

The modern vacation has evolved. Travelers are no longer just looking for a lounge chair by the pool; they are seeking movement, mastery, and memories made on the court. For racquet sports enthusiasts, the question of “places to travel in the USA” is less about sightseeing and more about finding a resort that matches their passion for the game.

This curated guide highlights 11 premier Travel Club partner properties, offering professional-grade courts, top-tier coaching, luxury amenities, and exclusive discounts. 

Places to Travel in the USA

The Golden Coast (California & Hawaii)

Where sun-soaked luxury meets championship-level play.

Carmel Valley Ranch (Carmel, California)

Tucked away in the Santa Lucia Mountains, this 500-acre playground redefines the resort experience. Play is the central theme here; whether you’re rallying on one of the 7 tennis courts or 4 pickleball courts, or trying your hand at beekeeping and archery. The Peter Burwash International (PBI) professionals ensure your game stays sharp, while the vineyards and all-suite accommodations provide the perfect post-match retreat.

Travel Club members will enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (Palm Desert, California)

This desert oasis is a visual masterpiece, famous for its gondolas gliding through resort waterways and a massive atrium lobby. For racquet sports enthusiasts, it offers a rare Grand Slam experience all in one location. It features 17 tennis courts, including hard, clay, and grass surfaces, a rarity in the U.S. This location also offers 8 pickleball courts, creating a well-rounded racquet sports paradise.

Travel Club members will enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (Carlsbad, California)

A legendary destination near San Diego, Omni La Costa has a deep history of hosting professional tournaments. The facility features 8 tennis hard courts and 4 pickleball courts managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis. After a grueling session, players enjoy heading to their world-renowned spa, which has set the standard for wellness resorts for decades.

Travel Club members will enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, California)

If you are looking for volume and variety, this is your spot. Omni Rancho Las Palmas boasts a massive complex with 20 tennis courts and 20 pickleball courts, making it one of the most extensive facilities in the Coachella Valley. It’s perfect for families, thanks to “Splashtopia,” an on-site water park that keeps the kids entertained while adults hit the courts.

Travel Club members will enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, California)

Experience oceanfront elegance on the American Riviera. The tennis center features 4 Har-Tru clay tennis courts that overlook the Pacific Ocean, offering one of the most scenic settings in the country to play tennis. The Cliff Drysdale programming here is top-notch, pairing intense clinics with the 5-star luxury service for which The Ritz-Carlton is known.

Travel Club members will enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (Waimea, Hawaii)

Situated on the Big Island’s dramatic Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani offers a spiritual and sporting escape. The Wellness and Tennis Center includes 6 tennis courts and 4 pickleball courts surrounded by ancient lava fields and lush greenery. The open-air facility embraces the “Aloha” spirit, integrating mindfulness into athletic performance.

Travel Club members will enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Places to Travel in the USA

The South (Florida, Georgia, Texas)

Southern hospitality, island escapes, and massive sports complexes.

Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key, Florida)

Located midway down the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay is the quintessential island resort. The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center features hard, clay, and pickleball courts in a tropical setting. What makes this destination truly unique is the ability to walk off the court and immediately swim with dolphins at the resort’s on-site dolphin connection program or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing.

Travel Club members enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Omni Amelia Island Resort (Amelia Island, Florida)

Nature lovers will fall for this barrier island resort. The Racquet Park is set beneath a canopy of ancient live oaks, providing natural shade and a stunning backdrop for its 23 Har-Tru clay courts. Consistently ranked among the top tennis resorts in the world, it is a clay-court lover’s dream destination.

Travel Club members will enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort (Braselton, Georgia)

Bring a taste of the French countryside to your next trip. Chateau Elan is a 3,500-acre estate in North Georgia that seamlessly pairs active living with indulgence. The Stan Smith-designed facility features 3 hard tennis courts, 2 clay tennis courts, and 4 pickleball courts. Afterward, enjoy a wine tasting or a culinary class right on the property.

Travel Club members enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Horseshoe Bay Resort (Horseshoe Bay, Texas)

Deep in the Texas Hill Country lies a massive lakeside resort that takes tennis seriously. It is home to the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, the first of its kind in the U.S., bringing the methodology of Patrick Mouratoglou (former coach to Serena Williams) to Texas. With 12 tennis courts and 14 pickleball courts, it is a premier training destination.

Travel club members will save 20% and get free court time on their next getaway.

Places to Travel in the USA

The Northeast (Vermont)

Mountain air, alpine adventures, and summer escapes.

Stratton Mountain Resort (Stratton Mountain, Vermont)

Stratton is synonymous with New England mountain charm. In the summer and fall, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School becomes a hub for activity, featuring premier red clay courts and a robust schedule of “Doubles Boot Camps” and “Escape Clinics.” It’s the ideal getaway to combine high-altitude training with hiking, mountain biking, and village dining.

Travel Club members enjoy up to $250 in trip savings or exclusive pricing on lodging and instruction.

Start Your Active Journey Today

Finding the perfect place to travel in the USA is easier when you know where the best courts are hidden. Whether you crave the desert heat, the ocean breeze, or the mountain air, these Travel Club partner properties offer an unmatched travel experience.

Ready to book your next active vacation? Join the Travel Club today to unlock exclusive benefits, partner offers, and insider access to these world-class resorts.



Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tennis resorts in California for a luxury vacation?

Top choices include Carmel Valley Ranch, which offers PBI professional instruction, and the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, known for its rare grass, clay, and hard court surfaces. For oceanfront play, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara provides scenic Har-Tru clay courts, while Omni La Costa and Omni Rancho Las Palmas offer extensive facilities managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis.

Which tennis resorts in the USA offer both tennis and pickleball?

Omni Rancho Las Palmas is a standout with 20 tennis and 20 pickleball courts. Other excellent dual-sport destinations include Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas, which features a Mouratoglou Tennis Center alongside 14 pickleball courts, and Chateau Elan in Georgia, which provides a boutique experience with dedicated courts for both racquet sports.

Are there tennis resorts in Florida that offer clay court play?

Yes, Florida is a premier destination for clay court enthusiasts. Omni Amelia Island Resort is world-renowned for its Racquet Park, featuring 23 Har-Tru clay courts set beneath ancient live oaks. Additionally, Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys offers a tropical setting and clay-court facilities through its Cliff Drysdale Tennis programming, making it an ideal choice for players seeking a softer surface and island atmosphere.

What is the best tennis resort for professional-grade coaching and clinics?

For players seeking elite instruction, Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas is home to the first Mouratoglou Tennis Center in the U.S., which uses Patrick Mouratoglou’s methodology. Other resorts we feature offer prestigious Cliff Drysdale Tennis programs, such as Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont, which is famous for its intensive “Doubles Boot Camps” and high-altitude summer tennis clinics.

Which tennis resorts are recommended for a family-friendly vacation?

Omni Rancho Las Palmas in California is highly recommended for families because it pairs a massive 40-court racquet complex with “Splashtopia,” an on-site water park. Carmel Valley Ranch is another excellent family pick, offering diverse activities like beekeeping and archery alongside its tennis programs. These resorts ensure that while adults participate in clinics, children have access to engaging amenities and active play.

What should I look for when booking a tennis resort vacation in Hawaii?

When traveling to Hawaii for tennis, look for facilities that integrate the natural landscape into the sporting experience. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on the Big Island, is a top recommendation. Its Wellness and Tennis Center features six courts nestled among ancient lava fields. It offers a unique “Aloha” spirit that combines mindfulness with athletic performance, providing a serene yet challenging environment for racquet sports.

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Picture of Scott Colebourne

Scott Colebourne

Scott, an advisor with Tennis Resorts Online, combines a deep passion for tennis with extensive experience in luxury hospitality. His career spans collaborations with prestigious brands such as Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, enriching his expertise in managing and promoting tennis resorts globally. As a former junior player and college tennis competitor, Scott's journey has taken him to over forty states in the USA and five continents, with cherished visits to Austria, London, Hawaii, and New Zealand. His rich background and hands-on experience provide him with unique insights that greatly benefit our readers.

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