Hundreds of tennis courts in South Florida are open to the public for a minimal fee. Most courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and are open from sunrise to sunset. For information and directions, call the City of Miami Beach Recreation, Culture, and Parks Department (tel. 305/673-7730) or the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department (tel. 305/575-5256).

Of the 590 public tennis courts throughout Miami, the three hard courts and seven clay courts at the Key Biscayne Tennis Association, 6702 Crandon Blvd. (tel. 305/361-5263), are the best and most beautiful. Because of this, they often get crowded on weekends. You'll play on the same courts as Lendl, Graf, Evert, McEnroe, and other greats; this is also the venue for one of the world's biggest annual tennis events, the NASDAQ 100 Open. There's a pleasant, if limited, pro shop, plus many good pros. Only four courts are lit at night, but if you reserve at least 48 hours in advance, you can usually take your pick. They cost $6 per person per hour. Courts are open daily from 8am to 9pm.

Other courts are pretty run of the mill and can be found in most neighborhoods. I do, however, recommend the Miami Beach public courts at Flamingo Park, 1001 12th St. in South Beach (tel. 305/673-7761), where there are 19 clay courts that cost $2.50 per person an hour during the day and $3 per person an hour at night. It's first come, first serve.

Hotels with the best tennis facilities are the Biltmore, Turnberry Isle Resort and Spa, the Doral Resort and Spa, and the Inn and Spa at Fisher Island.