New to Charleston and want to play tennis? Start here:
Charleston has several excellent options for finding tennis partners:
If you're visiting Charleston for a week, you have several excellent options:
Charleston has robust programs specifically designed for beginner to intermediate players:
The primary USTA-affiliated organization serving Charleston, Kiawah, Seabrook, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Goose Creek, and Walterboro. Coordinates all USTA league play including adult, senior, super senior, mixed doubles, combo, and singles leagues at all NTRP levels.
charlestontennisleague.com | Meetup Group
Community-focused organization connecting players throughout Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Offers competitive leagues, doubles leagues, Tennis Partner Program (non-competitive), tennis socials, weekend tournaments, and regular meetups. Active online community where players can post their own meetups.
playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/charleston-sc | Meetup Group
Modern tennis matching platform with 25,000+ members nationwide. Charleston group offers flexible league play with no commitments, skill-based matching, and co-ed meetups welcoming all levels. Find partners in under 30 seconds through their Practice and Match Finders.
America's oldest professional women's tennis tournament - running since 1973. This WTA 500 event features the world's top players competing on green clay courts at LTP-Daniel Island in the 10,200-seat Credit One Stadium. Prize purse exceeds $1 million. Past champions include Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Chris Evert, and Jessica Pegula. Previously known as the Family Circle Cup and Volvo Car Open. The tournament week is the highlight of Charleston's tennis calendar.
Charleston boasts 87 public courts across the city, with 74 lighted for night play and 3 clay courts. All public courts are free (unless otherwise noted) and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492 | 843-849-5300
20 championship courts (14 clay, 6 hard) - all lighted for night play. Public facility owned by City of Charleston, operated by Charleston Tennis LLC. $10 non-member guest fee. Membership options available. Open year-round except during Credit One Charleston Open tournament week and certain holidays. Home to the WTA tournament and Charleston's premier public facility.
Ashley Avenue, Charleston
6 lighted hard courts - Free, open dawn to 10pm. Popular central location.
Congress Street, Charleston
6 lighted hard courts - Free, open dawn to 10pm. City-operated facility with USTA league programs.
Ashley Gardens Boulevard, Charleston
6 lighted courts - Free public access, open dawn to 10pm.
Johns Island, Charleston
6 lighted hard courts - Free, open dawn to 10pm. West Ashley area location.
East Bay Street, Charleston
1 hard court - Free, downtown location near waterfront.
Court Hours: Lighted courts open dawn to 10pm. Unlighted courts open dawn to dusk.
Information: Charleston Tennis Division at 843-849-5300 or visit charleston-sc.gov/Tennis
Mount Pleasant | creeksidetennisandswimclub.com
10 hard courts - Family-friendly private club open to public memberships (subject to availability). Year-round programs, league play, socials, and tournaments.
Daniel Island | danielislandclub.com/tennis-fitness
Private club with comprehensive tennis program. Tennis professionals oversee instructional programs, events, classes, and clinics for members of all ages.
Private membership club serving the Charleston tennis community.
Other Mount Pleasant Area Clubs: I'On Club, The Club at Dunes West, Park West Swim & Tennis Club, Hidden Cove Club, Carolina Park Residents Club
Group and private lessons with expert coaches including former professional players. Adult clinics, weekly round robins, and themed events. Known for quality instruction and friendly competitive environment.
Features former ATP coach for high-level private coaching. Emphasizes technical instruction and personalized lesson plans.
843-849-5300 | familycircletenniscenter.com/adult-programs
Private lessons, Fast Feed clinics, and team clinics for all ages and abilities. Professional staff with tournament-level facility.
cmaynor@tompsc.com | USPTA P-1 since 1989
Experienced professional with 35+ years teaching. Available for private lessons at player's convenience.
tkealy21@gmail.com | 503-475-6226 | USPTA P-1
20+ years of professional teaching experience. Flexible scheduling for private instruction.
bradley.mptc@gmail.com | 913-827-6274 | USPTA Elite
Elite-level certified instructor for advanced players and serious competitors.
playyourcourt.com/locations/charleston-sc-tennis-lessons
Connect with star tennis pros in Charleston area. Browse profiles, read reviews, and book online.
mytennislessons.com/locations/charleston-tennis-lessons
Private lessons averaging $45-65/hour. Easy online booking with verified instructors.
alluvit.com/sports/tennis-lessons/charleston-sc.php
Lists 19+ certified tennis coaches in Charleston area. Compare credentials and pricing.
976 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-284-8977
Premier tennis specialty shop offering finest selection of racquets, accessories, footwear, and apparel. Best-selling services: racquet customization and restringing. Three-day racquet demo program lets you try before you buy. Serves the vibrant Charleston tennis community with expert advice and personalized service.
161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492 | 843-849-5300
familycircletenniscenter.com/pro-shop
Full-service pro shop with stringing services. Carries Dunlop, Wilson, and Solinco strings. Stringing rates: Members receive half-price on Dunlop string cost, non-members pay full string cost, labor $17.50 per racket. Convenient on-site location at Charleston's premier public facility.
Charleston | wrwtennis11.wixsite.com/stringtheorychs
Charleston's only local certified USRSA MRT, CS, and PRA professional stringer. Offers free pick-up and delivery within 5 miles of their two teaching locations. Specialized racquet services and expert stringing.
Mount Pleasant | shopcentrecourttennis.com
Carries all major tennis brands. Committed to serving the Lowcountry tennis community.
Charleston offers a unique combination that makes it exceptional for tennis-loving travelers:
Home to the Credit One Charleston Open, America's oldest professional women's tennis tournament (since 1973). Watch world-class WTA 500 tennis on beautiful green clay courts. The tournament atmosphere permeates the local tennis culture year-round, creating a community that truly values the sport.
Charleston's subtropical climate means comfortable tennis weather 10+ months per year. Mild winters (average 60°F) allow outdoor play when northern courts are covered in snow. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions with lower humidity than summer months.
87 free public courts mean you're never far from a place to play. The Family Circle Tennis Center's 20 championship courts (14 clay!) give visitors professional-level playing conditions. Unlike many cities, Charleston welcomes visitors with affordable access and a $10 guest fee structure.
Multiple active tennis communities (Charleston Tennis League, PlayYourCourt, LCTA) make it easy to find hitting partners within hours of arrival. The local tennis culture is welcoming to visitors - you'll quickly find yourself invited to round robins, socials, and weekend tournaments.
Charleston offers some of the best public clay court access in America. The Family Circle Tennis Center's 14 clay courts and the Credit One Stadium's championship green clay provide a European-style tennis experience rare in the U.S. Perfect for players wanting to improve their clay court game or simply experience the different playing surface.
Charleston's famous hospitality extends to its tennis community. Local organizers, club professionals, and regular players welcome newcomers. The Tennis Partner Programs and social tennis events are designed specifically to help visitors and new residents integrate quickly into the tennis scene.
When you're off the court, Charleston offers historic charm, world-class restaurants, beautiful beaches (Isle of Palms is just 20 minutes away), and rich cultural experiences. Combine your tennis trip with sightseeing in one of America's most beloved cities.
Take advantage of your visit to work with high-level coaches, including former ATP professionals and College of Charleston coaches. Charleston's coaching talent includes professionals who've trained college champions and tour-level players - accessible to visiting players seeking intensive improvement.
Charleston has produced and attracted notable tennis talent:
Day 1: Join PlayYourCourt or Charleston Tennis League online to start connecting with local players
Day 2: Visit Family Circle Tennis Center ($10 guest fee) or a free public court (Moultrie Playground recommended)
Day 3: Book a private lesson with a local pro to get personalized court recommendations
Day 4+: Attend a round robin or tennis social through the communities you joined
Equipment needs: Stop by Holy City Tennis Shop for any gear or restringing