The Grand Slams get all the attention, but some of the best tennis-watching in the United States happens at smaller tournaments, where spectators can see players up close—both on practice courts and during matches—and crowds (and prices!) are infinitely more manageable.

From a mini-Wimbledon on grass in Newport, Rhode Island to the best women in the world playing on clay in Charleston, South Carolina, here are the tournaments worth building a trip around, both for exceptional tennis and off-court activities.

We’ve included hotel suggestions for each location but advise checking each tournament’s website for accommodation deals and offers. And if you’re planning to stay for more than a week, or have children with you, we recommend exploring vacation home rentals for additional space and ease.

1. BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, California
Late February through mid-March

Nicknamed “Tennis Paradise,” this is the largest combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event outside the four Grand Slams — meaning virtually every top player in the world is there. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden was purpose-built for the fan experience, with three stadium courts that let you move freely between matches, all set against a stunning desert mountain backdrop.

Add to that the upscale on-site food, including Nobu, plus sightseeing in nearby Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park, and Indian Wells is a must-visit for any tennis fan!

Hotels

2. Miami Open, Miami Gardens, Florida
Mid to late March

Miami is another combined ATP and WTA Masters 1000 event, meaning the top tier of the sport is in attendance. Paired with Indian Wells as tennis's “Sunshine Double,” Miami brings its own energy — South Florida heat, a stacked social calendar around the matches, and an electric atmosphere that's distinct from any other stop on tour.

With tournament dates often falling around spring break, and so many food, fun, and cultural activities to take advantage of in and around Miami, this is a great stop for families with children.

Hotels

3. Credit One Charleston Open, Charleston, South Carolina
Late March through early April

The Charleston Open is the largest women's-only professional tennis tournament in North America, played on green clay courts — a unique surface you won't see anywhere else.

The tournament has been named WTA Tournament of the Year four years running, largely because of how accessible it makes the players — expect on-site player interviews, a “Girls & Women in Sports Night,” and a level of proximity to the athletes that bigger tournaments simply can't offer.

Given Charleston’s fabulous shopping and restaurants, we recommend this tournament as a fun location for women’s trips: get your best tennis friends together and schedule your dinners and spa appointments in advance!

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4. Cerity Partners Hall of Fame Open, Newport, Rhode Island
Early to mid-July

The only tour-level grass event in North America, played on the historic courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the original home of the U.S. National Championships dating to 1881. The refined setting is gorgeous: Gilded Age architecture, sweeping lawns, a walkable museum campus, and a sundress-and-straw-hat atmosphere that feels more like a garden party than a professional sporting event.

Good to know: Newport is a Challenger 125 level tournament, so you won’t see top-20 stars here: go for the dreamy New England summer setting and the rising talent, not marquee names. Given Newport’s summer popularity, hotel prices are high.

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5. Mubadala DC Open, Washington, D.C.
Late July through early August

A smaller, more intimate WTA and ATP 500 event that consistently draws top-tier talent — this year's tournament crowned Taylor Fritz and Alexandra Eala as winners. If you're based on the East Coast and want elite tennis without the scale (or price) of a Masters 1000 event, this is the one to watch.

For families with children, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of summer break to visit Washington, D.C. museums and attractions and take in high-level tennis.

Hotels

6. Cincinnati Open, Mason, Ohio
Mid to late August

America's oldest professional tennis tournament, dating to 1899, is the final major tune-up before the US Open. Tickets here are consistently more affordable than comparable seats in New York or Miami, making it one of the best-value ways to see elite tennis up close.

One thing to plan around: the Lindner Family Tennis Center is in Mason, about 25 miles northeast of downtown Cincinnati, so expect a 30–35-minute drive each way.

Hotels