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.
249 Reviews on “Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort”
Excellent
4.8
249 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
ST
Great resort…friendly staff…a must visit. We loved Hidden Dunes in Destin Florida!
DR
Traveling twice a year specifially to tennis resorts has left us particulary “choosy” about needs, wants and expectations from a resort tennis program. Hidden Dunes was an unexpected gem of a tennis camp and resort. The instuctors set this camp above all others!! Our group honed all their tennis skills, left with valuable knowledge about how to improve their game and yet this competeive group “laughed until we cried” because the staff at Hidden Dunes were able to make our drills so much fun. Renee and her team did an excellent job!! You will have the time of your life and, come away a better tennis player!
SS
Excellent kept clay courts. Expert pros & staff Friendly, well organized group Will match you up well with new players–a great system for mixing up players at all levels.Wonderful clinics. Weakness–pros are too busy but good for customers
JP
Well kept courts friendly personnel match making beautiful beach beautiful grounds
NB
This staff is very friendly. The courts are always in great condition.
PS
This is an excellent tennis facility with great instructors and management protocol. We have benefited from lesson, get togethers, and viewing some top competitive matches. Definitely at 10 out of 10 designation.
PR
Once you come to Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort, you will never want to go anywhere else. Besides good and fair tennis abilities, everyone is accomodated at all times. The friendships over the years are unsurpassable.
TM
Hidden Dunes was a great tennis experience. Renee and George tailored the program to our needs. It was as good as any we have ever had (we go away for 3 days every year as a group). We had 5 couples and the pro’s worked everyone at their own level. The only negative about the trip is that it is not a hotel and no hotel services. The Destin area is great and I would highly recommend Hidden Dunes for any group that is looking for great tennis, great beaches and great dinning alternatives. Also very reasonable prices.
WB
First class tennis pros, courts and arrrangements for matched games. Very friendly atmosphere.
DS
Really enjoy Hidden Dunes. The staff is so nice, and always trying to match you up with players of your ability for a good match. Instructors are the best, and the instructors have such outstanding clinics. I know I have learned from the instructors and have gained skills and fitness from the clinics. People like coming to Hidden Dunes year after year, so it is always nice to see familar faces and kind people there. I highly recommend Hidden Dunes.
This is the best resort ever! I always love staying here! It is so beauitful and quiet even during the peak season in Destin!
AT
Great clay courts, tennis pro onsite and wonderful accomodations in this gated tennis community.
LA
Great courts. Very personable staff. Very interested in finding you a match if desired. Would love to come back again.
CL
We played as a family after regular hours but the staff was extremely helpful, the courts are well maintained and the resort is on a beautiful beach. There are also nice bike trails nearby. Great place for a family vacation.
SH
Great tennis facility. Well maintained rubico courts. The pros are very knowledgeable and the staff is attentive to detail.
KW
The team is very professional and helpful. Hidden Dunes keeps their grounds well maintained.
JC
Staff always places me in competitive matches exactly the times I prefer.
EC
My children each completed two different tennis clinics while at Hidden Dunes. The staff was amazing. From booking our courts to the quality of instruction from tennis pros — everything was top notch. The tennis pros bent over backwards to accommodate our schedules and were enthusiastic 100% of the time. This was our second year getting instruction from the tennis pros and we will definitely be back next year.
JD
Beautiful beach and grounds combined with picturesque tennis courts and surroundings. The perfect beach and tennis getaway.
LG
Tennis staff is outstanding. We go with a group of about 25 and they always help us get the courts we need to run our little tournament. We will always return to this beautiful place, twice a year, every year.
PK
Wonderful place, friendly, games arranged. We feel at home when we go. The clinics are great as are the round robins. It’s like visiting family.
TS
The setting is very nice and relaxing. The staff is the best. The pros are very knowledgeable and interested in helping you improve your game , not just give you a lesson. The clinics are challenging and so informative. I feel that my doubles game is improving as I am learning to play with my mind and not just my racquet. I live in the area and this is where I choose to take my lessons………..If I did not live here, I would love to visit Hidden Dunes.
NM
The best of both worlds. First class accommodations on the beach and first class tennis and instruction. Our tennis team has been going here for 12 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else.
JC
FABULOUS instructors! Great strategy as well as stroke production. Courts in excellent condition.
RP
Have been going to Hidden Dunes for 7 years. Wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.
PN
Have a fantastic tennis program for all levels. Wonderful staff with lots of personal attention.
NW
Renee is so great with the kids. Both my girls came home wanting for me to sign them up for tennis lessons this summer. We love it st Hidden Dunes!
MM
Great facility and the pros are outstanding.
VM
Hidden Dunes is great for combining tennis and a family vacation. Renee & George make sure your tennis experience is first class by finding you matches and providing clinics and lessons. The resort has a great beach and the Destin area provides plenty of family entertainment.
TF
Excellent couts, very friendly and accommodating staff, walk to the Gulf of Mexico, several events. Never a proiblem finding a partner or being matched ith others of your level. Will be attending for my third year and staying longet becuase it is so enjoyable.
AG
Courts well looked after. Staff very cooperative and friendly. On a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) I would give it 10.
JD
Hidden Dunes has it all ~ tennis, beach and relaxation ~ I Love it!
WR
Unbelievable experience, the pro’s were outstanding, Ann in the pro shop was the best. My best tennis experience ever
BK
Hidden Dunes is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Pro, Amateur, or a young person or beginner, the resort goes out of its way to help you find your game. Pros Renee & George are super friendly and extremely talented instructors.
JK
Great courts, great pros and the best beach in the world. Very affordable accomodations. Easy to get a match with locals.
BP
The Pro Renee’Broxson provides daily quality matches with players close to you playing level if you do not have a prearranged match. The clay courts are maintained to a tournament level. During my past visits, I have found it difficult to get a court without a reservation.
CS
Best place for tennis in the panhandle of FL…..It is about the only place my husband and I play tennis…..I Highly recommend this resort for all levels of tennis…The resort is off 98 and very quiet. Pretty much in the middle of all the best restaurants in the Destin thru Panama City area…But then again…DON’T COME…DON’T WANT TO SPOIL MY PARADISE..
GB
It’s a great resort for tennis. They will find you matches and the lessons are great!
SB
Courts are always in great condition and pros Renee Broxson and George Cobia are the best.
MS
Fabulous resort on a sugar sand beach. Clay courts are maintained beautifully. Vegetation around courts is beautiful.
RR
My wife and I just returned from a four night stay at Hidden Dunes in Destin, Florida. As we are both USPTR certified pros and play at the 5.0 level we definitely wanted to play tennis during our stay. Thanks to Renee and Jerry we did just that. I emailed Renee prior to our arrival requesting that she set us up for a couple of matches. Even though she was at a USPTA conference out of state she responded promptly and indicated that Jerry would call and see what they could do. Jerry did call with details for a match on our first morning there. We had two fun, competitive matches thanks to the staff at Hidden Dunes. We were most impressed with the friendly, inviting atmosphere at Hidden Dunes. We were initially surprised at how many players were on the courts but now we know why. We look forward to our next visit .
KW
Hidden Dunes is located in the beautiful Destin area, directly on the beach but when you are at the Resort you feel like you are in your own paradise.
JH
Best camp for superb instruction, compatible play, easy access to include other fun beach activities. Night play not available
DR
Renee and her staff went over and beyond to include me in daily matches. I had opportunities to play each day of my vacation. The facilities are superb. Hidden Dunes has 6 clay courts that are well maintained. It is a smaller resort but I felt like I got the personal touch and that made my time there very memorable. I highly recommend Hidden Dunes as a top notch tennis and beach destination.
JP
Great drills and clinics. Game matching is a strength.
AG
Amazing tennis program and teaching staff!!! Easy to get a court and many clinics are offered.
JF
This resort gives you a feeling of family and friends. Myke is always willing to help you out with setting up a match or just talking about your game. The courts are well looked after and the grounds of the resort are beautiful and not even mentioning the beaches which are pristine.
JP
The tennis “people” that keep coming back to this small (6 clay courts) do so knowing they are in the best of hands with the staff. Myke, Renne and Jerry are the best in their field. We are so proud of our nationally ranked (under 50)pro, Myke. Day to day competitive and social play revolves around her. The courts are kept in pristine condition. The only weakness we can think of would be the lack of lighting which prohibits night play.
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249 Reviews on “Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort”
Great resort…friendly staff…a must visit. We loved Hidden Dunes in Destin Florida!
Traveling twice a year specifially to tennis resorts has left us particulary “choosy” about needs, wants and expectations from a resort tennis program. Hidden Dunes was an unexpected gem of a tennis camp and resort. The instuctors set this camp above all others!! Our group honed all their tennis skills, left with valuable knowledge about how to improve their game and yet this competeive group “laughed until we cried” because the staff at Hidden Dunes were able to make our drills so much fun. Renee and her team did an excellent job!! You will have the time of your life and, come away a better tennis player!
Excellent kept clay courts. Expert pros & staff Friendly, well organized group Will match you up well with new players–a great system for mixing up players at all levels.Wonderful clinics. Weakness–pros are too busy but good for customers
Well kept courts friendly personnel match making beautiful beach beautiful grounds
This staff is very friendly. The courts are always in great condition.
This is an excellent tennis facility with great instructors and management protocol. We have benefited from lesson, get togethers, and viewing some top competitive matches. Definitely at 10 out of 10 designation.
Once you come to Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort, you will never want to go anywhere else. Besides good and fair tennis abilities, everyone is accomodated at all times. The friendships over the years are unsurpassable.
Hidden Dunes was a great tennis experience. Renee and George tailored the program to our needs. It was as good as any we have ever had (we go away for 3 days every year as a group). We had 5 couples and the pro’s worked everyone at their own level. The only negative about the trip is that it is not a hotel and no hotel services. The Destin area is great and I would highly recommend Hidden Dunes for any group that is looking for great tennis, great beaches and great dinning alternatives. Also very reasonable prices.
First class tennis pros, courts and arrrangements for matched games. Very friendly atmosphere.
Really enjoy Hidden Dunes. The staff is so nice, and always trying to match you up with players of your ability for a good match. Instructors are the best, and the instructors have such outstanding clinics. I know I have learned from the instructors and have gained skills and fitness from the clinics.
People like coming to Hidden Dunes year after year, so it is always nice to see familar faces and kind people there. I highly recommend Hidden Dunes.
I’d tell friends “come on down!” Beautiful resort. Friendly staff. Well-kept courts.
Slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast
This is the best resort ever! I always love staying here! It is so beauitful and quiet even during the peak season in Destin!
Great clay courts, tennis pro onsite and wonderful accomodations in this gated tennis community.
Great courts. Very personable staff. Very interested in finding you a match if desired. Would love to come back again.
We played as a family after regular hours but the staff was extremely helpful, the courts are well maintained and the resort is on a beautiful beach. There are also nice bike trails nearby. Great place for a family vacation.
Great tennis facility. Well maintained rubico courts. The pros are very knowledgeable and the staff is attentive to detail.
The team is very professional and helpful. Hidden Dunes keeps their grounds well maintained.
Staff always places me in competitive matches exactly the times I prefer.
My children each completed two different tennis clinics while at Hidden Dunes. The staff was amazing. From booking our courts to the quality of instruction from tennis pros — everything was top notch. The tennis pros bent over backwards to accommodate our schedules and were enthusiastic 100% of the time. This was our second year getting instruction from the tennis pros and we will definitely be back next year.
Beautiful beach and grounds combined with picturesque tennis courts and surroundings. The perfect beach and tennis getaway.
Tennis staff is outstanding. We go with a group of about 25 and they always help us get the courts we need to run our little tournament. We will always return to this beautiful place, twice a year, every year.
Wonderful place, friendly, games arranged. We feel at home when we go. The clinics are great as are the round robins. It’s like visiting family.
The setting is very nice and relaxing. The staff is the best. The pros are very knowledgeable and interested in helping you improve your game , not just give you a lesson. The clinics are challenging and so informative. I feel that my doubles game is improving as I am learning to play with my mind and not just my racquet.
I live in the area and this is where I choose to take my lessons………..If I did not live here, I would love to visit Hidden Dunes.
The best of both worlds. First class accommodations on the beach and first class tennis and instruction. Our tennis team has been going here for 12 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else.
FABULOUS instructors! Great strategy as well as stroke production. Courts in excellent condition.
Have been going to Hidden Dunes for 7 years. Wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.
Have a fantastic tennis program for all levels. Wonderful staff with lots of personal attention.
Renee is so great with the kids. Both my girls came home wanting for me to sign them up for tennis lessons this summer. We love it st Hidden Dunes!
Great facility and the pros are outstanding.
Hidden Dunes is great for combining tennis and a family vacation. Renee & George make sure your tennis experience is first class by finding you matches and providing clinics and lessons. The resort has a great beach and the Destin area provides plenty of family entertainment.
Excellent couts, very friendly and accommodating staff, walk to the Gulf of Mexico, several events. Never a proiblem finding a partner or being matched ith others of your level. Will be attending for my third year and staying longet becuase it is so enjoyable.
Courts well looked after. Staff very cooperative and friendly. On a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) I would give it 10.
Hidden Dunes has it all ~ tennis, beach and relaxation ~ I Love it!
Unbelievable experience, the pro’s were outstanding, Ann in the pro shop was the best. My best tennis experience ever
Hidden Dunes is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Pro, Amateur, or a young person or beginner, the resort goes out of its way to help you find your game. Pros Renee & George are super friendly and extremely talented instructors.
Great courts, great pros and the best beach in the world. Very affordable accomodations. Easy to get a match with locals.
The Pro Renee’Broxson provides daily quality matches with players close to you playing level if you do not have a prearranged match. The clay courts are maintained to a tournament level. During my past visits, I have found it difficult to get a court without a reservation.
Best place for tennis in the panhandle of FL…..It is about the only place my husband and I play tennis…..I Highly recommend this resort for all levels of tennis…The resort is off 98 and very quiet. Pretty much in the middle of all the best restaurants in the Destin thru Panama City area…But then again…DON’T COME…DON’T WANT TO SPOIL MY PARADISE..
It’s a great resort for tennis. They will find you matches and the lessons are great!
Courts are always in great condition and pros Renee Broxson and George Cobia are the best.
Fabulous resort on a sugar sand beach. Clay courts are maintained beautifully. Vegetation around courts is beautiful.
My wife and I just returned from a four night stay at Hidden Dunes in Destin, Florida. As we are both USPTR certified pros and play at the 5.0 level we definitely wanted to play tennis during our stay. Thanks to Renee and Jerry we did just that. I emailed Renee prior to our arrival requesting that she set us up for a couple of matches. Even though she was at a USPTA conference out of state she responded promptly and indicated that Jerry would call and see what they could do. Jerry did call with details for a match on our first morning there. We had two fun, competitive matches thanks to the staff at Hidden Dunes.
We were most impressed with the friendly, inviting atmosphere at Hidden Dunes. We were initially surprised at how many players were on the courts but now we know why. We look forward to our next visit .
Hidden Dunes is located in the beautiful Destin area, directly on the beach but when you are at the Resort you feel like you are in your own paradise.
Best camp for superb instruction, compatible play, easy access to include other fun beach activities. Night play not available
Renee and her staff went over and beyond to include me in daily matches. I had opportunities to play each day of my vacation. The facilities are superb. Hidden Dunes has 6 clay courts that are well maintained. It is a smaller resort but I felt like I got the personal touch and that made my time there very memorable. I highly recommend Hidden Dunes as a top notch tennis and beach destination.
Great drills and clinics. Game matching is a strength.
Amazing tennis program and teaching staff!!! Easy to get a court and many clinics are offered.
This resort gives you a feeling of family and friends. Myke is always willing to help you out with setting up a match or just talking about your game. The courts are well looked after and the grounds of the resort are beautiful and not even mentioning the beaches which are pristine.
The tennis “people” that keep coming back to this small (6 clay courts) do so knowing they are in the best of hands with the staff. Myke, Renne and Jerry are the best in their field. We are so proud of our nationally ranked (under 50)pro, Myke. Day to day competitive and social play revolves around her. The courts are kept in pristine condition.
The only weakness we can think of would be the lack of lighting which prohibits night play.