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
CR
I recently participated in the Hidden Dunes Pickleball Tournament. It was so well organized, and I had a blast. I loved the venue, and Rhett was so friendly and accommodating. I will definitely attend more events with Rhett in the future. I highly recommend attending clinics or tournaments at Hidden Dunes!
SC
This was our first time coming to Hidden Dunes, and we can honestly say we have never met a friendlier bunch of people who immediately felt like family. There is no greater compliment in my book. Rhett, the tennis director, keeps things fun and enjoyable, as well as helping us improve our skills. Lizzy, who runs the pro shop, does a great job of organizing match play, as well as handling anything and everything behind the scenes. We have already booked for next year and can’t wait to come back!
CS
Hidden Dunes tennis facility and staff are the best. Tennis courts were outstanding.
MP
Visit every January for tennis tournament and it is coordinated very well and tennis staff is excellent.
SE
Great staff and well-maintained courts. Staff is always helpful in arranging matches whenever I am in town. Great beaches and outstanding nearby cuisine.
JJ
Just participated in an annual memorial tennis tournament and the pros/staff were most accommodating to the over 60 players in attendance. Well run tournament enjoyed by all. Whenever I travel to this location, I call the staff and they arrange as many competitive matches as I want to play during my stay. This Club is a diamond in the rough!
SS
Tennis director outstanding! Grounds crew at tourney outstanding. Pro shop outstanding
BS
Staff always friendly and do an exceptional job at providing an enjoyable experience
DP
Match making outstanding. You can play more often than you really should. Nicest people on earth and very accepting of first timers.
JC
Very unique tennis resort setting with exceptional staff that actually cares about you having fun! We attended a charity tournament and they were exceptional hosts and went out of there way to keep things moving and communicated efficiently with everyone involved. Highly recommend this
HD
A great spot for tennis tournament
CB
Best deal on the beach in the Miramar Beach area.
JH
Great place to Vacation. The Tennis is top notch.
DK
We have been coming to Hidden Dunes since 1985 primarily for the tennis and beach. Recently my wife who did not play tennis learned Pickleball and I switched from tennis to PB. Tennis Match arranging is the best in the US. Clay Court Pickleball not for everyone but we love it. The Resort is also building new Hardcourt PB Courts! The PB has grown tremendously from one year to the next. The Pools are magnificent and the Beach spectacular. Cuisine in the area is fantastic.
DT
Friendly tennis staff . Abilility to group outsiders with good match’s .
DM
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque location to enjoy the beach, tennis, pickle ball or just time to recharge, this is the place for you! The unique lush but natural surroundings of The coastal Northwestern Florida landscape will welcome you and make you feel as though you are at home and in paradise You are footsteps from the beautiful beach with its crystal white sand and emerald and turquoise water! Nothing else quite like it in the world! I never want to leave this place! It offers so much!
HF
Best Tennis resort to find matches and most friendly staff
GG
Beautiful Har-Tru courts. Tennis director, Renee, is outstanding. Pro shop manager, Lizzy, is outstanding. I never been to a facility that does a better job of setting up matches with like level players.
GB
Gary and Renee are the two best tennis pros around…. Always committed to providing exceptional customer service and fun
RF
Excellent coaching and great atmosphere
CA
Hidden Dunes offers a variety of tennis opportunities. The staff is friendly and helps find other players when you want to hit or play in a round robin. The clinics with Renee Bronson, the head tennis pro, are some of the best in our area. And of course it is right on the Gulf of Mexico and close to nearby shopping and restaurants.
VP
If you like to play a lot of tennis or pickleball with different people at different times then this is definitely a great place to come. The pro shop willingly sets up as many matches as you request with a variety of people within in your skill level. The pro shop hosts social events that help people meet new people and expand opportunities for more tennis, pickleball and just new friends. The pro is exceptional, she gives 110% every day and no matter what time the lesson or clinic she gives you her best! We love going to Hidden Dunes. We experienced this resort for the first time in 2018. We have visited other tennis resorts in the area prior to 2018 but have returned to Hidden Dunes the past four years and plan on going back next year.
JT
Great staff – great location – lots of nice players
FW
The tennis staff is best in country. Great courts. I wish more people played tennis. But that’s not Hidden Dunes’ fault. They do manage to get matches every time.
RM
it’s the number one spot for putting matches together AAA+
SG
This is a beautiful resort on the beautiful gulf coast. The resort has two pools and many options in accomodations. The tennis facility is exceptional with six clay courts and four picklyball courts that are well maintained. The staff is very friendly and are very helpful in arranging matches and offering round robins, clinics, and tournaments. We have been going for years and feel like home folks since everyone knows our names and treats us like family.
PP
The tennis courts and instruction at Hidden Dunes are exceptional and have been for decades. It is very reliable for a good tennis.
KB
We would never think of going anywhere else for our winter vacation. Renee and her staff are exceptional. They give us opportunities to get better at our sport, arrange games for us and create social events for us. Hidden Dunes itself is a hidden gem that once you stay there, you will always come back! The beach is right there—no need to go out of the resort. There are pools to use if the beach and gulf swimming are not your thing.
CB
Top level tennis program. Great match arranging at all levels. Tennis instruction is great for players of all levels. The social activity is welcoming to all. Very friendly place to spend a good deal of time.
RP
We have been to Hidden Dunes 12 years straight and it is the high light of our life. We spend 3 months a year there and enjoy the total surroundings. The friends are the greatest.
PS
The setting is beautiful, on the Gulf of Mexico. A variety of accommodations. Tennis and pickleball staff exceptional. Friendly and family oriented atmosphere. Many fine restaurants and activities in the area.
KB
Who said you need more than 6 tennis courts to be among the best? Hidden Dunes is a top 5 facility, hands down. Beautifully maintained clay courts and lush grounds, the intimate setting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Renee’ is truly outstanding with all levels of tennis’ers and pickle ball’ers and her passion for both is unwavering. Whether it be locals, snowbirds or vacationers, everyone returns for more fun and learning with Renee’. Hidden Dunes has quickly become my favorite.
TC
This resort is outstanding!! The staff is very nice and attentive. The pros are very well trained.
LT
Excellent facility with great Pros and excellent service
JK
Best ever at setting up matches. Great clinics and lessons.
GF
The staff is exceptional in making you feel welcome and working hard to set up competitive matches for you. Lots of snowbirds in the winter to socialize and just have a good time! The beach is unsurpassed in beauty. Most beautiful sand and water you’ve ever experienced. Lots of choices between cottages, villas and oceanfront condos for rental. Beautiful grounds…this is truly a hidden gem!
JH
Great match service. Very friendly staff. Great Place for tennis lovers.
MP
A quaint tennis and beach resort that makes you feel right at home and comfortable, surrounded by beach and amazing food.
LK
Tennis facility and staff are excellent. Very fun and welcoming atmosphere. Awesome beach with fantastic views and sunsets. I highly recommend Hidden Dunes.
BG
Renee and George are great at knowing the players that will match up well with my game .Excellent tennis instructional knowledge. Always enjoy playing there
DS
From the incredible pros to the friendly laidback atmosphere, it doesn’t get any better than Hidden Dunes! The concierge service is amazing—all you have to do is say you want to play and matches will be arranged for you. The courts are well maintained and players of all levels are welcomed.
DS
This quaint tennis facility is a truly outstanding experience — matches, instruction, clinics and now Pickleball to round out the overall experience. Staff — Renee, George and Quy provide another level of enhancement due to their personal touch and professional skills .
SB
I absolutely love Hidden Dunes. The staff and pros are amazing. They all know everyone by their name and are so helpful with setting you up with games. I would not consider playing any other place.
PS
We have been going to Hidden Dunes for 15 years. Definitely a favorite spot for us. The variety of accommodations and pools and beach is perfect. The tennis/pickleball staff is great. They will arrange a match for you at your level. The tennis instruction is great. During snowbird season there are socials and everyone is friendly. Couldn’t find a better place to spend your winter. There are a lot of great eating spots in the area and in the warmer weather many other recreational activities.
JD
This is a small to medium size tennis facility that has 7 tennis and 3 pickleball clay courts. The courts are well maintained and a pleasure to play on. The staff and pros are very friendly, accommodating and skilled in instruction. They accept non-residents to play and arrange matches for the guests. The court costs are very reasonable. You will enjoy this place while also working on your game.
GL
The pro shop personnel works very hard to set up comparable matches to your tennis level. They are extremely courteous and makes everyone feel very welcomed. They have very good clinics and excellent one on one lessons.. Cannot say enough good things about this facility.
AB
Great fantastic instructor, Renee Broxson! Shes very detailed and very fun!!! You really come away with a lot of knowledge! Great facility! Will definitely return! This is our 4th straight year, thoroughly worth every minute.
SP
The tennis pros are excellent in assessing players level of play so matches are balanced and so much fun. Pickle ball is growing in popularity With one hard court , they team may offer more pickle ball on the clay courts
RR
The staff is friendly and ver knowledgable. The clay courts are well maintained. The people that play here are extremely friendly and they return every year.
CP
This is a great tennis and beach resort. It has 6 clay courts as well as 2 very skilled And creative pros. They can start a lesson at your level and enhance your skills to a new awareness. The accommodations are supperb.
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248 Reviews on “Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort”
I recently participated in the Hidden Dunes Pickleball Tournament. It was so well organized, and I had a blast. I loved the venue, and Rhett was so friendly and accommodating. I will definitely attend more events with Rhett in the future. I highly recommend attending clinics or tournaments at Hidden Dunes!
This was our first time coming to Hidden Dunes, and we can honestly say we have never met a friendlier bunch of people who immediately felt like family. There is no greater compliment in my book. Rhett, the tennis director, keeps things fun and enjoyable, as well as helping us improve our skills. Lizzy, who runs the pro shop, does a great job of organizing match play, as well as handling anything and everything behind the scenes. We have already booked for next year and can’t wait to come back!
Hidden Dunes tennis facility and staff are the best. Tennis courts were outstanding.
Visit every January for tennis tournament and it is coordinated very well and tennis staff is excellent.
Great staff and well-maintained courts. Staff is always helpful in arranging matches whenever I am in town. Great beaches and outstanding nearby cuisine.
Just participated in an annual memorial tennis tournament and the pros/staff were most accommodating to the over 60 players in attendance. Well run tournament enjoyed by all. Whenever I travel to this location, I call the staff and they arrange as many competitive matches as I want to play during my stay. This Club is a diamond in the rough!
Tennis director outstanding! Grounds crew at tourney outstanding. Pro shop outstanding
Staff always friendly and do an exceptional job at providing an enjoyable experience
Match making outstanding. You can play more often than you really should. Nicest people on earth and very accepting of first timers.
Very unique tennis resort setting with exceptional staff that actually cares about you having fun! We attended a charity tournament and they were exceptional hosts and went out of there way to keep things moving and communicated efficiently with everyone involved. Highly recommend this
A great spot for tennis tournament
Best deal on the beach in the Miramar Beach area.
Great place to Vacation. The Tennis is top notch.
We have been coming to Hidden Dunes since 1985 primarily for the tennis and beach. Recently my wife who did not play tennis learned Pickleball and I switched from tennis to PB. Tennis Match arranging is the best in the US. Clay Court Pickleball not for everyone but we love it. The Resort is also building new Hardcourt PB Courts! The PB has grown tremendously from one year to the next. The Pools are magnificent and the Beach spectacular. Cuisine in the area is fantastic.
Friendly tennis staff . Abilility to group outsiders with good match’s .
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque location to enjoy the beach, tennis, pickle ball or just time to recharge, this is the place for you! The unique lush but natural surroundings of The coastal Northwestern Florida landscape will welcome you and make you feel as though you are at home and in paradise You are footsteps from the beautiful beach with its crystal white sand and emerald and turquoise water! Nothing else quite like it in the world! I never want to leave this place! It offers so much!
Best Tennis resort to find matches and most friendly staff
Beautiful Har-Tru courts. Tennis director, Renee, is outstanding. Pro shop manager, Lizzy, is outstanding. I never been to a facility that does a better job of setting up matches with like level players.
Gary and Renee are the two best tennis pros around…. Always committed to providing exceptional customer service and fun
Excellent coaching and great atmosphere
Hidden Dunes offers a variety of tennis opportunities. The staff is friendly and helps find other players when you want to hit or play in a round robin. The clinics with Renee Bronson, the head tennis pro, are some of the best in our area. And of course it is right on the Gulf of Mexico and close to nearby shopping and restaurants.
If you like to play a lot of tennis or pickleball with different people at different times then this is definitely a great place to come. The pro shop willingly sets up as many matches as you request with a variety of people within in your skill level. The pro shop hosts social events that help people meet new people and expand opportunities for more tennis, pickleball and just new friends. The pro is exceptional, she gives 110% every day and no matter what time the lesson or clinic she gives you her best! We love going to Hidden Dunes. We experienced this resort for the first time in 2018. We have visited other tennis resorts in the area prior to 2018 but have returned to Hidden Dunes the past four years and plan on going back next year.
Great staff – great location – lots of nice players
The tennis staff is best in country. Great courts. I wish more people played tennis. But that’s not Hidden Dunes’ fault. They do manage to get matches every time.
it’s the number one spot for putting matches together AAA+
This is a beautiful resort on the beautiful gulf coast. The resort has two pools and many options in accomodations. The tennis facility is exceptional with six clay courts and four picklyball courts that are well maintained. The staff is very friendly and are very helpful in arranging matches and offering round robins, clinics, and tournaments. We have been going for years and feel like home folks since everyone knows our names and treats us like family.
The tennis courts and instruction at Hidden Dunes are exceptional and have been for decades. It is very reliable for a good tennis.
We would never think of going anywhere else for our winter vacation. Renee and her staff are exceptional. They give us opportunities to get better at our sport, arrange games for us and create social events for us. Hidden Dunes itself is a hidden gem that once you stay there, you will always come back! The beach is right there—no need to go out of the resort. There are pools to use if the beach and gulf swimming are not your thing.
Top level tennis program. Great match arranging at all levels. Tennis instruction is great for players of all levels. The social activity is welcoming to all. Very friendly place to spend a good deal of time.
We have been to Hidden Dunes 12 years straight and it is the high light of our life. We spend 3 months a year there and enjoy the total surroundings. The friends are the greatest.
The setting is beautiful, on the Gulf of Mexico. A variety of accommodations. Tennis and pickleball staff exceptional. Friendly and family oriented atmosphere. Many fine restaurants and activities in the area.
Who said you need more than 6 tennis courts to be among the best? Hidden Dunes is a top 5 facility, hands down. Beautifully maintained clay courts and lush grounds, the intimate setting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Renee’ is truly outstanding with all levels of tennis’ers and pickle ball’ers and her passion for both is unwavering. Whether it be locals, snowbirds or vacationers, everyone returns for more fun and learning with Renee’. Hidden Dunes has quickly become my favorite.
This resort is outstanding!! The staff is very nice and attentive. The pros are very well trained.
Excellent facility with great Pros and excellent service
Best ever at setting up matches. Great clinics and lessons.
The staff is exceptional in making you feel welcome and working hard to set up competitive matches for you. Lots of snowbirds in the winter to socialize and just have a good time! The beach is unsurpassed in beauty. Most beautiful sand and water you’ve ever experienced. Lots of choices between cottages, villas and oceanfront condos for rental. Beautiful grounds…this is truly a hidden gem!
Great match service. Very friendly staff. Great Place for tennis lovers.
A quaint tennis and beach resort that makes you feel right at home and comfortable, surrounded by beach and amazing food.
Tennis facility and staff are excellent. Very fun and welcoming atmosphere. Awesome beach with fantastic views and sunsets. I highly recommend Hidden Dunes.
Renee and George are great at knowing the players that will match up well with my game .Excellent tennis instructional knowledge. Always enjoy playing there
From the incredible pros to the friendly laidback atmosphere, it doesn’t get any better than Hidden Dunes! The concierge service is amazing—all you have to do is say you want to play and matches will be arranged for you. The courts are well maintained and players of all levels are welcomed.
This quaint tennis facility is a truly outstanding experience — matches, instruction, clinics and now Pickleball to round out the overall experience. Staff — Renee, George and Quy provide another level of enhancement due to their personal touch and professional skills .
I absolutely love Hidden Dunes. The staff and pros are amazing. They all know everyone by their name and are so helpful with setting you up with games. I would not consider playing any other place.
We have been going to Hidden Dunes for 15 years. Definitely a favorite spot for us. The variety of accommodations and pools and beach is perfect. The tennis/pickleball staff is great. They will arrange a match for you at your level. The tennis instruction is great. During snowbird season there are socials and everyone is friendly. Couldn’t find a better place to spend your winter. There are a lot of great eating spots in the area and in the warmer weather many other recreational activities.
This is a small to medium size tennis facility that has 7 tennis and 3 pickleball clay courts. The courts are well maintained and a pleasure to play on. The staff and pros are very friendly, accommodating and skilled in instruction. They accept non-residents to play and arrange matches for the guests. The court costs are very reasonable. You will enjoy this place while also working on your game.
The pro shop personnel works very hard to set up comparable matches to your tennis level. They are extremely courteous and makes everyone feel very welcomed. They have very good clinics and excellent one on one lessons.. Cannot say enough good things about this facility.
Great fantastic instructor, Renee Broxson! Shes very detailed and very fun!!! You really come away with a lot of knowledge! Great facility! Will definitely return! This is our 4th straight year, thoroughly worth every minute.
The tennis pros are excellent in assessing players level of play so matches are balanced and so much fun. Pickle ball is growing in popularity With one hard court , they team may offer more pickle ball on the clay courts
The staff is friendly and ver knowledgable. The clay courts are well maintained. The people that play here are extremely friendly and they return every year.
This is a great tennis and beach resort. It has 6 clay courts as well as 2 very skilled And creative pros. They can start a lesson at your level and enhance your skills to a new awareness. The accommodations are supperb.