Ordinarily, the number of courts a resort has is a key to its passion for tennis. More is obviously better. But Hidden Dunes, a 27-acre beachfront enclave of condos and cottages in the Florida Panhandle, proves that every rule has its exceptions. Tucked away amid some trees near the front of the property is a complex of five clay and three pickleball courts. Guests who opt for Hidden Dunes seem to regard tennis as almost as essential amenity as the white-sand beach.
When you walk into the pro shop you will get a warm reception and an offer to find a way to get you on the court. Game matching is one of their strongest services because the staff draws not only on owners and guests but also on a stable of local players. Players are encouraged to call and let them know they are coming to town.
Director of Racquets Rhett Russell oversees the complex. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and grew up in Gulf Shore and brings his 20+ years of teaching and coaching to the Hidden Dunes Tennis Center. Under his guidance, vacationers can expect to find the same level of game-matching for which the resort has long been known, as well as a roster of round robins, socials, tournaments, junior clinics, and parent/child instruction and matches. He’s acutely aware of the resort’s reputation for high-quality tennis activities and his goal is at once to preserve and enhance it. “Players come to Hidden Dunes Resort for the personalized service and attention,” he acknowledges. “We’ll continue that focus and add compelling programming. I plan to bring my ‘Drills, Skills & Thrills’ program, which is appropriate for all skill levels as well as introduce a Cardio tennis program and Game 105.”
The court complex includes not only a pro shop and clubhouse, but also a General Store. The store stocks tennis clothes—including Hidden Dunes apparel—as well as beach rafts and games, sunglasses, sunscreen, rainy day games, ice cream, and drinks.
Broadly speaking, the vibe and activities at Hidden Dunes varies with the seasons. The tennis and pickleball center is busiest in winter (November through Spring Break) when the snowbirds come down and gather with their extended families. During that period, the weekly roster includes round robins and clinics geared to a mostly older clientele. In the height of summer, by contrast, there are drill clinics for both adults and kids. At any season, the resort welcomes groups and teams for custom-tailored tennis or pickleball getaways.
Court Complex: The five clay and three pickleball courts are arrayed around a tasteful wood-frame pro shop with patios and umbrella tables and an upper viewing deck covered by an awning. The courts have weathered wooden fence posts and see-through screens. One has some terraced seating set off by latticework.
Off Court
Accommodations
The choices include midrise condos on the beach, cottages with private porches, and 3- and 4-bedroom villas, many of the last on the lake.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round.
Travel Instructions: By Air: Although there are regional airports in Fort Walton Beach (VPS) and Pensacola Regional (PNS), and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), roughly an hour’s drive to the east in Panama City. Rental cars are available at all three.
248 Reviews on “Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort”
Excellent
4.8
248 reviews
On Court Experience
5.0
Off Court Experience
5.0
Overall Tennis
5.0
Overall Pickleball
4.5
Tennis Instruction
5.0
Pickleball Instruction
5.0
Accomodations
5.0
Resort Amenities
4.5
AF
Hidden dunes is a hidden gem in tennis destinations ; like level matching is very good there; clinics well attended; private teaching available; good place for groups to visit for play and/or instruction ; pickle ball open play is very well attended
PF
Great location to play tennis. They are very accommodating and will find other players to make up the 4 some. Open pickleball play twice a day makes playing pickleball very easy. The tennis pro has great drills twice a day. A fun place to spend the winter.
LS
Rhett was super nice, easy to work with, fun, and gave good instruction. Courts were in great shape and accommodations were very comfortable. Will definitely return!
SB
My family just returned from a vacation to Hidden Dunes and we can’t wait to return! We intended to join the drop in clinics but the staff was able to set us up with match play immediately! Such a wonderful resort with everything we needed: pool, beach and some great tennis!
MM
TT
CL
Hidden Dunes is a wonderful community and the staff is exceptional! I would highly recommend Hidden Dunes!
TS
CR
Hidden Dunes is a true gem. Quality tennis instruction and well maintained clay courts made for an unforgettable week. Plus, the white sand beaches, heated pools, hot tubs and well appointed accommodations made me wanting to come back before I left!
JF
CK
PD
Great pickleball open play. Staff and Rhett (pro) are friendly, welcoming and very kind. Ambassador Tom is such a joy and fun!
KE
Rhett and the staff run an outstanding tennis and pickleball program! Friendly, fun, and great overall experience!
DL
Love this facility. It’s got a nice scenic walk as you enter the complex that meanders its way through the tennis and pickleball courts. Staff is super friendly and welcoming. It’s also super easy to secure a reservation and if the reservations are full for the time you’re looking for, Rhett and his staff do everything in their power to accommodate you and your schedule. Another cool thing I’ve noticed, if you’re in town by yourself and are looking to get into a match of similar skill level. Rhett and his staff work hard to try and find you a competitive match to join in on.
DC
RG
DE
KC
SL
WA
BH
Great tennis and pickleball venue. Beach is outstanding and very private.
AJ
Staff super friendly, Tennis center AMAZING
MP
A friendly, perfect place to get away.
MS
SE
Superb tennis facility with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
MB
Awesome experience
MP
MM
Rhett is the best tennis pro I’ve ever encountered. “A” rating for knowledge, communication and patience. “A+” rating for personality.
BM
JR
Hidden Dunes is simply a wonderful place if you enjoy tennis and the word’s finest beach without ever leaving your resort!
TD
The staff are great about setting up quality matches. Drills and round robins are fun. The locals are really friendly and very welcoming. There are great pools and hot tubs as well as other amenities on the property. The landscaping is very nice. There are a variety of different size villas, condos and cottages to fit many families. The beach is beautiful and a quick walk from anywhere in the property.
AW
CB
KL
RP
We have been going to Hidden Dunes for 15 years. The tennis, pickleball and beaches are great but the people are the best coming from all over the US and Canada.
KL
AA
DM
CB
rubico courts are great
JK
Great tennis community, particularly during the snowbird season. Love that all levels of tennis players are welcomed and matched up in a way that makes it fun for all.
RG
Best place for tennis on the gulf coast.
AG
I love Hidden Dunes! The tennis facility has always been amazing, but it’s better than ever now! And three brand new pickleball courts that are always busy and where a fun game can be found easily – that makes the facility the best in Destin in my opinion!
CE
Love the 3 new outdoor pickleball courts. Rhett is always so nice and kind to everyone
KB
JJ
This place has a very strong family feel and we have several friends that we made during our times here. The tennis is competitive and fun! Rhet runs great drills and you are walking distance to the beach with access to hot tubs and pools. There is currently no food, but they can and have catered food in for big events.
JT
Excellent facility for tennis and pickle ball. Beautiful beach for guests.
CB
Great tennis and beach resort. I haven’t been to a resort that is as good as Hidden Dunes.
JS
MD
TM
This is the best tennis facility I’ve ever played at.
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248 Reviews on “Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort”
Hidden dunes is a hidden gem in tennis destinations ; like level matching is very good there; clinics well attended; private teaching available; good place for groups to visit for play and/or instruction ; pickle ball open play is very well attended
Great location to play tennis. They are very accommodating and will find other players to make up the 4 some. Open pickleball play twice a day makes playing pickleball very easy. The tennis pro has great drills twice a day. A fun place to spend the winter.
Rhett was super nice, easy to work with, fun, and gave good instruction. Courts were in great shape and accommodations were very comfortable. Will definitely return!
My family just returned from a vacation to Hidden Dunes and we can’t wait to return! We intended to join the drop in clinics but the staff was able to set us up with match play immediately! Such a wonderful resort with everything we needed: pool, beach and some great tennis!
Hidden Dunes is a wonderful community and the staff is exceptional! I would highly recommend Hidden Dunes!
Hidden Dunes is a true gem. Quality tennis instruction and well maintained clay courts made for an unforgettable week. Plus, the white sand beaches, heated pools, hot tubs and well appointed accommodations made me wanting to come back before I left!
Great pickleball open play. Staff and Rhett (pro) are friendly, welcoming and very kind. Ambassador Tom is such a joy and fun!
Rhett and the staff run an outstanding tennis and pickleball program! Friendly, fun, and great overall experience!
Love this facility. It’s got a nice scenic walk as you enter the complex that meanders its way through the tennis and pickleball courts. Staff is super friendly and welcoming. It’s also super easy to secure a reservation and if the reservations are full for the time you’re looking for, Rhett and his staff do everything in their power to accommodate you and your schedule. Another cool thing I’ve noticed, if you’re in town by yourself and are looking to get into a match of similar skill level. Rhett and his staff work hard to try and find you a competitive match to join in on.
Great tennis and pickleball venue. Beach is outstanding and very private.
Staff super friendly, Tennis center AMAZING
A friendly, perfect place to get away.
Superb tennis facility with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Awesome experience
Rhett is the best tennis pro I’ve ever encountered. “A” rating for knowledge, communication and patience. “A+” rating for personality.
Hidden Dunes is simply a wonderful place if you enjoy tennis and the word’s finest beach without ever leaving your resort!
The staff are great about setting up quality matches. Drills and round robins are fun. The locals are really friendly and very welcoming. There are great pools and hot tubs as well as other amenities on the property. The landscaping is very nice. There are a variety of different size villas, condos and cottages to fit many families. The beach is beautiful and a quick walk from anywhere in the property.
We have been going to Hidden Dunes for 15 years. The tennis, pickleball and beaches are great but the people are the best coming from all over the US and Canada.
rubico courts are great
Great tennis community, particularly during the snowbird season. Love that all levels of tennis players are welcomed and matched up in a way that makes it fun for all.
Best place for tennis on the gulf coast.
I love Hidden Dunes! The tennis facility has always been amazing, but it’s better than ever now! And three brand new pickleball courts that are always busy and where a fun game can be found easily – that makes the facility the best in Destin in my opinion!
Love the 3 new outdoor pickleball courts. Rhett is always so nice and kind to everyone
This place has a very strong family feel and we have several friends that we made during our times here. The tennis is competitive and fun! Rhet runs great drills and you are walking distance to the beach with access to hot tubs and pools. There is currently no food, but they can and have catered food in for big events.
Excellent facility for tennis and pickle ball. Beautiful beach for guests.
Great tennis and beach resort. I haven’t been to a resort that is as good as Hidden Dunes.
This is the best tennis facility I’ve ever played at.