The Best Tennis Courts in Boston: 10 Top Picks

Boston is full of great tennis courts, but finding the right one for you makes the game more fun than ever. 

There are tons of options to choose from, but our team made it easy for you and filtered it down to the top ten. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, a serious tennis enthusiast, or just wanting to play a casual game on the weekend, these Boston tennis courts will give you the best playing experience. 

Our Top 10 Boston Tennis Courts

These tennis courts in Boston are all over the city and offer unique features like indoor/outdoor options, freshly painted courts, and more. Our team has selected a range of neighborhoods that helped us decide on our top picks for the best places to play tennis in Boston.

1. Boston Common Tennis Courts

Boston Common Tennis Courts is part of one of the oldest public parks in the area. There are two courts centrally located on the Boston Common, and they have a high-energy atmosphere that makes it almost essential to play there. These Boston tennis courts are surrounded by historic beauty, and also the city sounds, so you can play with tourists and locals walking by. 

This location is also great to be near public transportation. The only drawback is that it does tend to get quite busy, purely from the popularity. With only two courts to choose from, there may be a potential wait, especially on weekends and sunny evenings. However, for the experience of playing in such an iconic setting, it’s often worth it.

2. Prince Street Park Tennis Courts

Want to play tennis when it starts to get dark outside? 

Prince Street Park is the perfect place to do it. It’s super well-lit and located in the North Station vicinity. These courts have great views with an urban atmosphere to match. You’re able to see the city skyline right when you hit a backhand. 

The biggest issue people have with these courts is that they tend to have a bit of a wait before getting to play on them because they’re everyone’s favorite. Also, some mention a slight incline grade on the courts, but it doesn’t seem that noticeable. Overall, playing a match here as the sun sets is a quintessential Boston experience for any tennis lover.

3. Moakley Park

Moakley Park is one of Boston’s largest waterfront parks. It’s full of activity at almost all hours of the day, and this includes the tennis courts too. These tennis courts in Boston are well-maintained and offer great views of Carson Beach and the harbor. If it’s a hot day out, playing tennis here near the ocean air might give you a way to cool off while playing. 

Also, the courts are partially surrounded by trees, providing some welcome shade during hot summer days. One of the best things this park offers is accessibility. The park is easily reachable via the JFK/UMass Red Line stop and offers plenty of parking. With amenities like restrooms and the beach right by, you can easily make a full day of it. 

4. MIT Outdoor Tennis Courts

These premium facilities are technically in Cambridge, but Boston is right across the way, so it wouldn’t be too far a trek to play some great tennis matches. The MIT Outdoor Tennis courts are what a lot of tennis experts deem the gold standard. With twelve meticulously maintained courts, this is one of the largest and best-equipped tennis centers in the area.

The only downside is that they’re not free. Because it’s a part of MIT’s campus, they do require reservations that should be made up to a few days in advance, with rental rates starting at $25 per hour. With how nice these Boston tennis courts are, we think the fee is well worth it. Not only are you playing with other players at your skill level, but if you get the reservation set, you’re guaranteed a spot at whatever time you prefer. You can’t say the same for some other courts in the nearby area. 

5. Franklin Park Tennis Courts

If you’re looking for a peaceful playing experience, Franklin Park is the perfect spot. It doesn’t have as much city noise as the others and can give you a great view of nature, the Franklin Park Zoo, and other cultural landmarks. There are two sizable tennis courts to choose from with free parking and restrooms. 

If you’re just starting out in the tennis space or just want to play a casual game with friends, this is the best location in our opinion. It’s perfect for players who want to escape the city’s hustle and immerse themselves in a more natural setting. Also, after your match, you can enjoy the park’s many walking trails and historic features.

6. Amory Park

On the subject of nature and peaceful parks, Amory Park is also a great choice to play tennis on a sunny, slow day. There are six clay courts to choose from, but they require a small fee for court use. Overall, the park is dog-friendly and has a lively, community feel.

The only difference between these courts is that they are clay, which can create a different tennis playing experience. Some say it’s easier on the joints and slows the ball down for longer rallies, but it depends on how the individual player feels at the moment. Clay tennis courts may be your preference, and if so, Amory Park is the best public-access option around. 

7. Mel Stillman Tennis Center

One of the places in Boston that keeps its tennis courts immaculate is the Mel Stillman Tennis Center. This spot is close to the Charlestown High School and is a great spot for young players still learning how to play. 

The only hiccup is that there is a fee for court time here, with rentals starting at $20 per hour, which helps maintain the quality of the facility. The urban backdrop provides a unique visual contrast to the green courts.

8. Peters Park

Toward more of the quieter area of Boston in the South End, you’ll find Peters Park. It has one tennis court, but it does seem to be a favorite among local tennis lovers. What makes this spot stand out is that it is right beside two backboard courts that can be used to practice serves, solo strokes, and more while you wait for the main court to open up. 

Having one court is not exactly ideal, but this Boston tennis court is surrounded by the classic architecture of the South End, making for a pleasant environment. While having only one court can lead to waits, the lighting allows for evening play, extending the available hours. The park also has restrooms and street parking, adding to its convenience.

9. East Boston Memorial Park

If you can’t decide between the city view and nature, East Boston Memorial Park is a bit of a combination of both. These two tennis courts in Boston have a huge recreational space that includes a baseball field, green space, and shady spots to spend an afternoon enjoying the fresh air. 

This park has a great location near the Airport T station on the Blue Line, which makes it popular among people visiting and wanting to get a small game in before they head back home. Altogether, the combination of open space, city views, and easy transit access makes these courts a top pick.

10. Southwest Corridor Park

Want a place to play tennis in Boston that checks all the boxes? Check out Southwest Corridor Park.

This greenway is over 4 miles long and connects several Boston neighborhoods. It has two very well-made tennis courts to choose from, with a lush community garden nearby to make you feel like you’re really a part of the neighborhood. 

Also, these Boston tennis courts​ are incredibly easy to get to, with the Green Street and Forest Hills Orange Line stations nearby. The park itself is always active with cyclists, walkers, and families, creating a dynamic and friendly atmosphere. It’s a perfect example of how recreational spaces can be woven directly into the fabric of the community.

Indoor Tennis Courts in Boston​ vs. Outdoor Tennis Courts

The weather in Boston can be rough, or at least unpredictable. 

With this in mind, finding a dry, outdoor tennis court can be quite difficult. This is where indoor tennis courts in Boston can really shine. Most indoor courts will charge a fee to play, but they can give players of any skill type a consistent environment year-round, rather than having you scramble at the last minute to find a decent court based on the forecast. 

Also, indoor courts are especially popular during the fall and winter months when outdoor play becomes uncomfortable or even impossible. You don’t have to worry about wind affecting your serve or cold air stiffening your muscles. The lighting is steady, the surface stays dry, and your game can stay consistent. For serious players or anyone training regularly, that reliability makes a big difference.

Pros of Outdoor Tennis Courts in Boston

Outdoor tennis has its own perks and appeal. There’s something you can’t replace when you’re playing under the open sky on a beautiful spring or summer day. 

Fresh air, natural light, and the overall atmosphere can make the experience feel more relaxed and enjoyable. Outdoor courts are also more accessible and affordable, especially at public parks throughout the city.

In the end, it really comes down to what you look out for most in a game of tennis. If consistency and year-round play matter to you, indoor courts are a smart choice. If you love the feel of being outside and don’t mind working around the weather, outdoor tennis in Boston can be just as rewarding. Many players find the best balance is enjoying both, depending on the season.

What To Expect From Outdoor Tennis in Boston

Boston has a lot of different kinds of outdoor tennis courts. You’ll mainly find three types of outdoor tennis courts: hard, clay, and grass. 

In Boston, most public outdoor courts, like those at Boston Common Tennis Courts and Joe Moakley Park, are hard courts, which offer a consistent bounce and are great for all-around play. Clay courts are softer and slower, creating longer rallies, while grass courts are the fastest and less common in the area. Each surface changes the pace and feel of the game, so it often comes down to personal preference.

Gearing Up for Your Tennis Game

Now that you know where to play tennis in Boston, you’ll need to have the right tennis gear for the ultimate experience. 

Boston Ski + Tennis has everything you need, no matter what Boston tennis court you decide to plant your flag on. We offer racquet restringing, court shoes, high-performance grips, comfortable apparel, and more. 

Overwhelmed with all the options? Let our experts help you find the perfect equipment to match your playing style.

It doesn’t matter if you’re exploring options for indoor tennis courts in Boston for the winter or enjoying the beautiful outdoor facilities in the summer, Boston Ski + Tennis is here to support your passion for the game. Stop by one of our locations or visit our website before your next match to get geared up and ready to play your best.