Desert Living — Tennis
Tennis in the Desert
Coachella Valley's Premier Tennis Destination — Home of the BNP Paribas Open, the World's 5th Slam
Coachella Valley's Premier Tennis Destination — Home of the BNP Paribas Open, the World's 5th Slam
"The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the largest combined men's and women's tennis event outside the four Grand Slams — known as the 'Fifth Slam' — drawing the world's top 100 players every March to the Coachella Valley."
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is one of the most spectacular sports venues in the world. With a 16,000-seat main stadium, 29 courts of tournament-quality hard court surfaces, and mountain views that no roofed arena can match, this facility hosts the BNP Paribas Open each March — an event that has been dubbed the "Fifth Slam" for its prize money, field depth, and production quality. Living in the Coachella Valley means this world-class event is your annual backyard spectacle.
But the BNP Paribas Open is just the annual highlight of a year-round tennis culture that permeates the valley. With over 1,000 tennis courts spread across 45 miles of communities — at public parks, resort facilities, private country clubs, and community developments — the Coachella Valley offers more court access per capita than virtually any other region in the country.
The private club tennis scene here is particularly distinguished. Mission Hills Country Club has long been one of the most prestigious tennis addresses in Southern California, home to LPGA legends and a legendary 34-court complex. Rancho La Quinta, Tamarisk Country Club, Eldorado CC, and The Reserve all offer serious tennis facilities with professional instruction, league play, and the social infrastructure that serious players value.
Public access tennis has also flourished in the valley. Desert Recreation District courts, city park facilities in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta offer free and low-cost options for casual players. The Palm Springs Tennis Center provides exceptional public facilities with professional teaching staff and organized league play accessible to all skill levels.
From the world's greatest outdoor stadium to neighborhood public courts
Home of the BNP Paribas Open — the 5th Slam. 29 tournament courts including a 16,000-seat Stadium 1. Year-round club memberships available with court reservations, professional instruction, and practice clinics. The valley's tennis heartbeat and a global landmark.
$$ – $$$$34 courts in a historic private club setting, long home of LPGA legends. Hard courts, clay courts, and a professional staff running daily clinics, league play, and round robins. Membership-based with an active tennis community that spans all skill levels.
$$$$The valley's premier public tennis facility. 16 lighted hard courts, a professional teaching staff, organized leagues, USTA-rated tournaments, and welcoming drop-in play for visiting players. Affordable rates make this a favorite for year-round local players.
$A 16-court tennis complex within one of La Quinta's most active country club communities. Clinics, round robins, inter-club matches, and an energetic social scene around the sport. Also features one of the valley's growing dedicated pickleball facilities.
$$$ – $$$$A historic 1952 club with an intimate private atmosphere and serious tennis infrastructure. 8 hard courts, clay court option, and a professional staff serving a members-only community that values tradition, excellence, and a close-knit tennis culture.
$$$$Free and low-cost public tennis courts maintained by the DRD at parks throughout Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, and other communities. Many courts are lighted for evening play. A great option for casual players and beginners exploring the sport.
$DRD public courts, city park courts. Free to $10/reservation. Palm Springs Tennis Center group clinics from $20. Great for casual and beginning players.
Indian Wells TG club membership, resort courts at Westin, Marriott. $50–$200/month membership fees. Professional instruction, leagues, and good facilities.
Semi-private country club tennis memberships. $3,000–$10,000 initiation. Pro staff, clay and hard courts, organized competitive play and social events.
Mission Hills CC, Tamarisk, Eldorado, Thunderbird. Initiation $25K–$100K+. Exclusive members-only access, top-ranked local players, and the valley's finest court conditions.
Payal Patel knows which communities offer the best tennis access, the strongest club culture, and the closest proximity to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in the Coachella Valley.