Where to Play on Grass Tennis Courts in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s best grass tennis courts offer players a unique experience on natural grass surfaces. Known for their fast pace and lower bounce, these courts provide tennis lovers a traditional and exciting atmosphere. The best grass tennis courts in Philadelphia are found at three historic clubs: the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the Merion Cricket Club, and the Germantown Cricket Club. These private institutions offer meticulously maintained grass courts, providing players with a unique and traditional tennis experience. While access is typically limited to members, these clubs are renowned for their exceptional facilities and rich sporting heritage. For those interested in improving their game, there are excellent Philadelphia tennis classes available to help players of all skill levels. Each court highlighted here will be evaluated based on quality, accessibility, and community involvement, helping you find the best spots to enjoy tennis on grass in the city.

Best Grass Tennis Courts in Philadelphia

• Germantown Cricket Club: Clay, Grass, and Hard Courts in One Place
• Philadelphia Cricket Club: Luxurious Tennis Experience 
• Merion Cricket Club: Elite Tennis in the Suburbs

1. Germantown Cricket Club: Clay, Grass, and Hard Courts in One Place

Tucked away in the historic Germantown neighborhood, Germantown Cricket Club (GCC) is a true hidden gem for tennis lovers. With an impressive 46 courts featuring all three major surfaces—grass, clay, and hard—this club offers a unique playing experience that few places in the world can match. Whether you’re looking to test your skills on the traditional elegance of grass courts, enjoy the slower pace of clay, or stick to the familiar bounce of hard courts, GCC has it all in one stunning location.

Founded in 1854, GCC is the second-oldest cricket club in the U.S., but today, it has evolved into one of Philadelphia’s top destinations for tennis, squash, swimming, and social events. The club is known for its welcoming and diverse community of professionals, families, and athletes who come together to enjoy world-class facilities and programs. Beyond tennis, members can take advantage of seven squash courts, two pools, a fitness center, a bowling alley, and a variety of dining options, including poolside service.

For those seeking the rare thrill of playing on grass courts, GCC stands out as the premier option in Philadelphia. Grass tennis is a unique experience, offering fast-paced play and a connection to the sport’s storied past. Whether you’re an experienced player or just looking to try something new, GCC provides a pristine setting to enjoy the game on beautifully maintained grass courts.

Key Things to Know:

• Court Surfaces: Enjoy grass, clay, and hard courts all in one place.
• Historic & Prestigious: Founded in 1854, it’s one of the nation’s oldest cricket clubs, now a top tennis destination.
• More Than Just Tennis: Offers squash, swimming, a fitness center, dining, and a vibrant social scene.

2. Philadelphia Cricket Club: Luxurious Tennis Experience

For a truly luxurious tennis experience, the Philadelphia Cricket Club (PCC) is second to none. With 21 beautifully maintained grass courts PCC offers one of the most exclusive and elegant settings for tennis in Philadelphia. Located in Chestnut Hill, this historic club provides members with world-class facilities, a rich sporting tradition, and an unmatched playing experience on pristine grass courts.

Founded in 1854, PCC is the oldest country club in the United States and has grown into a premier destination for tennis enthusiasts. In addition to its impressive grass courts, the club features nine fast-dry Har-Tru courts (some equipped with lights for night play) and two indoor courts, ensuring year-round access to the sport. Whether you’re stepping onto the fast and smooth grass surface for a classic Wimbledon-style match or perfecting your game on the Har-Tru courts, PCC offers an exceptional environment for every level of play.

Tennis at PCC is more than just a game—it’s a lifestyle. Members enjoy top-tier coaching, team practices, leagues, and social events throughout the year. From Friday night socials to club tournaments, there are endless opportunities to connect with fellow players. The club also offers a top-notch junior tennis program, making it a fantastic place for families to develop a love for the sport.

Beyond tennis, PCC boasts elite squash facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a lively pickleball community, and a range of social activities. Whether you’re here for tennis, fitness, or simply to unwind with friends in the club’s elegant pavilions and dining areas, PCC delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Key Things to Know:

• Court Surfaces: Home to 21 meticulously maintained grass courts plus Har-Tru courts.
• Year-Round Tennis: Offers 30 outdoor courts plus two indoor courts for winter play.
• More Than Just Tennis: Features squash, fitness, pickleball, bridge, and a vibrant social calendar.

3. Merion Cricket Club: Elite Tennis in the Suburbs

For those seeking an elite tennis experience just outside the city, the Merion Cricket Club (MCC) in Haverford offers a blend of history, prestige, and top-tier facilities. Located just 11 miles from downtown Philadelphia, this private club has been a Main Line fixture for over 150 years, providing a world-class setting for tennis, cricket, and other racquet sports.

One of the club’s standout features is its expansive Great Lawn, a beautifully maintained five-acre grass surface composed of Bent and Poa grasses. This historic lawn is seasonally configured for tennis, offering members the rare opportunity to play on a lush, traditional grass court—an experience reminiscent of Wimbledon. The fast-paced, smooth grass courts provide a unique challenge for players who appreciate the finesse and speed of classic grass-court tennis.

In addition to its prestigious grass courts, MCC boasts 16 clay courts (11 regulation and five mini courts) for those who prefer a slower surface, as well as four indoor courts for year-round play. The club also offers three paddle courts and a cricket pitch, further enhancing its reputation as one of the most well-rounded sports clubs in the region.

Beyond the courts, MCC is a hub for social gatherings and sporting events. Members enjoy a historic clubhouse, originally designed by famed Philadelphia architect Frank Furness, and a welcoming atmosphere that blends tradition with modern amenities. Whether you’re playing a friendly match on the Great Lawn, competing in a tournament, or simply relaxing in the club’s elegant surroundings, MCC delivers a truly elite tennis experience in Philadelphia’s suburbs.

Key Things to Know:

• Historic Grass Tennis Experience: Play on a five-acre grass lawn with a storied legacy.
• Comprehensive Tennis Facilities: Offers 16 clay courts, four indoor courts, and three paddle courts.
• More Than Just Tennis: Features cricket, croquet, social events, and a stunning historic clubhouse.

Philadelphia Grass Tennis Courts Compared

Court	Best For	Address	Facilities	Access
Germantown Cricket Club	Classic Grass Court Play	411 Manheim St, Philadelphia, PA 19144	46 tennis courts in total (including grass and Har-Tru), indoor courts, swimming pool, squash, clubhouse, social events	Private (Members Only)
Philadelphia Cricket Club	Luxurious Tennis Experience	415 W Willow Grove Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118	30 outdoor courts (21 grass, 9 Har-Tru), 2 indoor courts, pavilion, pickleball, squash, fitness center, social events	Private (Members Only)
Merion Cricket Club	Elite Tennis in the Suburbs	325 Montgomery Ave, Haverford, PA 19041	5-acre grass lawn, 16 clay courts (11 regulation, 5 mini), 4 indoor courts, 3 paddle courts, cricket, croquet, historic clubhouse	Private (Members Only)

Methodology for Picking the Best Grass Tennis Courts in Philadelphia

Since grass tennis courts are rare in Philadelphia, we focused on the few clubs that offer them. Our goal was to highlight the best places where players can enjoy this classic surface.

We selected Philadelphia Cricket Club, Merion Cricket Club, and Germantown Cricket Club because they are the only clubs in the area with well-maintained grass courts. These clubs also provide a high-quality playing experience, excellent facilities, and a rich history in the sport.

While all three are private, they offer top-tier tennis programs and a unique opportunity to play on grass—something few places can provide.

Philadelphia Grass Tennis Courts Takeaways

Grass tennis courts are a rare find, but the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Merion Cricket Club, and Germantown Cricket Club offer some of the finest in the region. These clubs aren’t just the best in Philadelphia—they’re among the most prestigious in the entire area. With their well-kept grass surfaces, top-tier facilities, and deep-rooted tennis traditions, they provide an exclusive playing experience that’s hard to match. Philadelphia’s grass tennis courts not only provide a unique playing experience but also foster a strong sense of community. For those looking to enhance their skills, there are excellent tennis lessons in Philadelphia available, catering to all levels of experience.

While all three clubs are private, they are well-known in the tennis world and have a long history of hosting competitive matches, social events, and training programs. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Merion, the expansive courts at Philadelphia Cricket Club, or the classic setting of Germantown, these clubs offer a rare chance to play on the same surface as Wimbledon legends. If you’re serious about grass-court tennis, these are the places to be.