June 24, 2023
25 Great Places to Play Pickleball
From ocean breezes to mountaintop views, finding outdoor pickleball courts open to the public is as easy as one, two, dink! We’ve compiled a list of just some of the wonderful places to play pickleball in the open air around the country.
By Britt Fresa
What’s new in the world of pickleball? More than likely it’s the ongoing improvement, renovation, and creation of new venues coast-to-coast where pickleball enthusiasts are welcome, from beginner to advanced levels. So, check out our playlist for some prime outdoor public pickleballing!
The Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle Club, Encinitas, CA (22 courts)
875 Santa Fe Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
bobbyriggs.net/pickleball-reservations
A pickleball facility with a lot of courts and open to everyone? What more could Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle offer? Located in Encinitas, CA, this venue includes 22 pickleball courts. Privately owned but no membership required, the facility has fun socials, a full clinic schedule for adults and juniors, and private lessons, too.
Central Park Pickleball, New York City, NY (14 courts)
Southeast corner of Central Park
59th Street and Sixth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Primetime pickleball with city views! Welcome to Wollman Rink in Central Park in the heart of New York City. The traditional ice rink is converted into 14 outdoor pickleball courts from April through October. Online registration allows for public play, lessons, leagues and more. Lockers, seating, and cabanas are all available options.
Chicken N Pickle (Multiple locations)
With seven locations, in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas—and eight more scheduled to open soon—Chicken N Pickle has made its mark in the industry. Combining food and friendly competition has put this chain of public pickleball-themed restaurants in the “fun” category. Enjoy the casual dining experience and a game of pickleball on the indoor/outdoor dining courts.
Dave White Regional Park, Casa Grande, AZ (12 courts)
2121 North Thornton Road
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
casagrandeaz.gov/246/Recreation or call 520.421.8677
Courts open to the public from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.! That’s what you’ll find in Casa Grande at Dave White Regional Park. Part of Mountain Park, the 12 dedicated hard-surface courts have lights and are open to the public. Bathrooms and water access are also available.
DETA Pickleball Club, Miami, FL (16 courts)
6401 Kendale Lakes Drive
Miami, FL 33183
If you’re looking to play pickleball in one of the liveliest cities in the country, Miami’s got a great hotspot. The DETA Pickleball Club at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club are 16 hard-surface pickleball courts, with lights to enjoy evening play. Additional amenities include water and ice access near the courts, trainers or lessons, wheelchair accessibility, a pro shop, food, and restrooms. Registration is free, and no memberships are required.
East Naples Community Park, Naples, FL (65 courts)
3500 Thomasson Drive
Naples, FL 34112
239.252.4414
Most pickleball players, even those new to the sport, know about the largest pickleball venue in the country. The courts at East Naples Community Park are a “go to” for every enthusiast. Home to the US Open and many other annual tournaments, the 65 Decoturf surface pickleball courts with lights offer hours of fun in the Florida sun.
G.T. Bray Recreation Center Pickleball Courts, Bradenton, FL (20 courts)
5502 33rd Avenue Drive West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941.742.5973
Opened in 2022, the new C.V. Walton Raquet Center pickleball courts at the G.T. Bray Recreation Center are a terrific place to play. There are 20 courts, 14 of which are covered and include large ceiling fans to keep the air circulating during the hot summer months. Reservations for the outdoor courts may be made six days in advance. The reservation line opens at noon. Open play available daily.
Gilbert Regional Park Pickleball Courts, Gilbert, AZ (16 courts)
3005 East Queen Creek Road
Gilbert, AZ 85298
gilbertaz.gov/GilbertRegionalPark
If dinking out west is on your rodeo list, take a trip to Gilbert Regional Park. All 16 pickleball courts are dedicated concrete surfaces with lights and free to the public. Restrooms and water access, along with plenty more to do in the park, make this a great place to play.
Graham Park, Cranberry Township, PA (19 courts)
260 Graham Park Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
724.779.4386
Just north of the city of Pittsburgh is UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park. It recently expanded to 19 courts, six of which are dome-covered for winter play, with more to come, and is one of the largest dedicated pickleball venues in western Pennsylvania. The courts are regulation two-tone surface with fences between them to minimize ball interference, and the baseline-to-fence-line distance of almost 11 feet allows for full movement in the backcourt. A plaza area includes several benches to rest and relax, along with a dinking practice wall. There are restrooms, water fountains and bottle-filling fountains as well.
Incline Village Tennis & Pickleball Center, Incline Village, NV (15 courts)
980 Incline Way
Incline Village, NV 89451
yourtahoeplace.com/parks-recreation/tennis-center
Set alongside a creek near Lake Tahoe, the Incline Village Tennis & Pickleball Center offers 15 permanent pickleball courts available from mid-May through October, weather permitting. Clinics, socials, mixers, tournaments, and youth camps are offered throughout the summer months, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Special features at this venue include a new sun deck/patio with beautiful new landscaping around the courts, renovated restrooms, and a newly enclosed kitchenette.
Little Valley Pickleball Complex, St. George, UT (24 courts)
2330 Horseman Park
St. George, UT 84790
435.627.4530
Topping many lists is Little Valley Pickleball Complex. Surrounded by views of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Little Valley has 24 hard-surface dedicated pickleball courts with nets and lights. And while the facility hosts a variety of pickleball events including lessons, clinics, leagues, youth pickleball, and tournaments, courts can be reserved and are free. The complex also has water fountains and bathrooms near the courts.
Manzano Mesa Pickleball Courts, Albuquerque, NM (18 courts)
501 Elizabeth Street SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/pickleball
In Albuquerque, playing pickleball is easy—just head to Manzano Mesa Pickleball Courts. Featuring 18 dedicated hard-surface courts (12 with lights), this complex is the largest in New Mexico, hosts many local and regional tournaments, and is a must-stop for pickleball players. Play is free and the complex has shaded areas, water, access to bathrooms, an adjacent playground, and is a short distance to local eateries on world famous Route 66. Even better, the complex is about to get a major expansion in 2023-2024, which will add 15 new courts and other amenities.
Mentor Pickleball Courts, Civic Center Park, OH (15 courts)
8523-8649 Munson Road
Mentor, OH 44060
A true grassroots effort has put Mentor, Ohio, on the list for great places to play in the U.S. The Mentor Pickleball Courts, located in Civic Center Park, have grown from one in 2012 to 15 today. Mentor Pickleball hosts clinics, lessons, leagues, and tournaments, and the courts are open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Monument Valley Park, Colorado Springs, CO (15 courts)
170 West Cache La Poudre Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/tennis-and-pickleball or call 719.385.6023
Monument Valley Park, spread across more than 150 acres in Colorado Springs, has some of the most scenic views in the United States. And what better way to enjoy them than during a game of pickleball! Located at the southern end of the park, the 15 dedicated hard-surface courts are sure to please any avid or new player. Water, lights, bathrooms and wheelchair access are available as well.
Newnan Pickleball Complex, Newnan, GA (15 courts)
4 Joseph Hannah Boulevard
Newnan, GA 30263
About 40 miles southwest of Atlanta, Newnan has put southern charm into its new pickleball courts. The HOP (House of Pickleball), as it’s called, is host to 15 acrylic-surface dedicated courts with lights, and a chilled water fountain and thermos fill station near the courts. Described by some as pristine in its presentation, Newnan Pickleball Complex has women’s and men’s leagues along with open play several days a week. Two courts can be reserved through the City of Newnan.
Oasis Pickleball Club, Rockwall, TX (42 courts)
5757 State Highway 205
Rockwall, TX 75032
oasispickleballclub.com or call 972.772.7768
Oasis Pickleball Club in Rockwall, Texas, is home to the largest facility in the state. It includes 42 outdoor pickleball courts, eight of which are covered, and two Champion pickleball courts. The facility also hosts classes for every level, national tournaments, mixers and open play times.
Opelika Sportsplex Pickleball Courts, Opelika, AL (24 courts)
1001 Andrews Road
Opelika, AL 36801
opelika-al.gov/852/Opelika-Pickleball-Facility
Play for free in Opelika! The 24 courts are open to the public and located behind the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatic Center. They include LED lighting, a large canopy covering the entire facility, ample parking, and access to bathrooms. The only request—please turn off the lights at night.
Pickleball Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA (25 courts)
928 South Birdneck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Pickleball Virginia Beach is dedicated to making its venue the center of pickleball in the area. With 33 dedicated hard-surface courts, players will find leagues, lessons, and tournaments as part of the experience. The amenities include showers with locker rooms, some shaded courts and open play for the public.
PicklePlex®, Punta Gorda, FL (24 courts)
26300 Airport Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
pickleplex.org or email info@pickleplex.org
The PicklePlex® is the perfect place for amateurs to discover a love of pickleball. The 24-court facility with ample spectator seating can hold some of the world’s largest pickleball tournaments. Surrounded by beautiful blue skies, gorgeous island beaches, and a variety of outdoor activities, PicklePlex® is a great place to play. Additional features include LED tournament-level lighting, fences separating each court, ample complimentary parking, canvas sails to provide shade, courtside bleachers and umbrella-covered tables.
Pictona at Holly Hill, Holly Hill, FL (49 courts)
1060 Ridgewood Avenue
Holly Hill, FL 32117
Pictona at Holly Hill is a 49-court pickleball facility serving the greater Daytona Beach, Florida, area. The venue includes 12 covered courts, plus a covered championship court seating 1,200 for pickleball events and 1,600 for entertainment events. In addition, there is a restaurant (The Kitchen), a concession stand (The Depot), clubhouse, education center, and many other amenities open to members and the public.
Sawyer Point Pickleball Courts, Cincinnati, OH (24 courts)
815 East Pete Rose Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Sawyer Point provides the public with an outstanding pickleball facility for players of all skill levels. It offers lessons, training videos, ball machines, clinics, leagues, and tournaments. The venue has a total of 24 courts with nets, 18 of which are dedicated courts. New LED lighting for nighttime play, seating for 250 spectators, and a webcam for live court conditions are some of the amenities. Court access is always open and free to everyone.
Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, Tucson, AZ (12 courts)
4001 North Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
tucsonracquetclub.com/pickleball
If Tucson is a go-to destination for pickleball, look no further than Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club. Family-owned since 1967, it has 12 lighted courts, daily open play, and a rentable ball machine. Other amenities include punch cards for organized drop-in play, men’s and women’s clubs, and mixed ladder leagues, beginner and intermediate clinics, and round robins.
USTA National Training Center, Orlando, FL (12 courts)
10000 USTA Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32827
ustanationalcampus.com/en/home/play/pickleball.html or call 407.675.2500
The USTA National Campus features 98 racquet sport courts across 64 acres in Lake Nona, Florida. There are 4 dedicated pickleball courts and 8 multi-use tennis courts lined for pickleball in the Nemours Family Zone. Programs include leagues, private lessons, camps, and social play. The National Campus also offers the Net Post Grill café and locker rooms with showers on-site. Reservations are available 48 hours in advance.
Willow Pass Community Park, Concord, CA (14 courts)
2748 East Olivera Road
Concord, CA 94519
cityofconcord.org/649/Pickleball
With 14 dedicated pickleball courts, the City of Concord is home to one of the largest pickleball complexes in northern California. The courts are lit for night play, and are free and open to the public between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. The general philosophy on the courts is: “Remember to pay it forward—everyone was once a beginner. It was because others took the time to help that our more advanced players have developed.”
Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, Griffin, GA (18 courts)
1301 Cowan Road
Griffin, GA 30223
spaldingcounty.com/parks-public-grounds-leisure-services/sports
Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park’s 18 dedicated courts, four of which are covered, represent a great opportunity for the public to play pickleball. The complex is complete with restrooms, a pro shop, concession stand, and shade awnings. The Spalding County Pickleball Association hosts several tournaments throughout the year. The courts have lights for nighttime play, and they are free to the public. •
Hit the Roof!
Experience these spectacular, one-of-a-kind rooftop pickleball courts!
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI
187 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
amwaygrand.com/amenities/rooftop-pickleball or call 616.776.3279
Grand Rapids, Michigan, just got hot! On the fourth floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel are four dedicated pickleball courts open to guests and the public. Take in the city views and the other amenities, like courtside seating and lights for nighttime play, to make it a truly unique rooftop pickleball experience.
Ballantyne Pickleball Courts, Charlotte, NC
11405 North Community House Road
Charlotte, NC 28277
goballantyne.com/things-to-do/wellness/pickleball-hayes
In the south, there is such a color as “Carolina blue.” Experience it at the new rooftop pickleball courts in Ballantyne. The two courts are open to the public and located on the top level of the Hayes parking deck on a first-come, first-served basis. Pickleball supplies are available on-site and must be returned to the storage bin adjacent to the courts after use.
Celebrity Oceanfront Estate, La Jolla, CA
5212 Chelsea Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Bluewater Vacation Homes: info@bwvh.com
At more than 9,000 square feet, this vacation rental home is the perfect place to stay and play pickleball on a rooftop court with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean coastline in San Diego, California. The eight-bedroom, 7.5-bath private home features two living rooms, a 12-seat dining room, a six-seat dining nook, and two fully stocked kitchens—one on the upper level and one on the middle floor near the swimming pool area—with Viking Professional appliances.
Other amenities include an oceanfront swimming pool and hot tub, fire pit, movie theater, a gym with a dry sauna, game room, and in-home elevator. There’s even a street-legal golf cart included for easy village and beach access or a quick trip to the neighborhood coffee roaster or grocery store.
Kendall Square Rooftop Garden, Cambridge, MA
325 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
kendallcenter.com/pickleball-court
Find your competitive side on the pickleball court at Urban Park Roof Garden. Inside the urban garden on the fifth floor of Kendall Center Green Garage, take in city views of Cambridge while playing pickleball. The court is free and open to all on a first-come, first-served basis. It has dedicated lines and a permanent net. Restrooms are available.
Kimpton La Peer Hotel Pickleball Court, West Hollywood, CA
627 North La Peer Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069
lapeerhotel.com/events/center-court
Boutique pickleball anyone? Center Court is the newest addition to Kimpton La Peer’s rooftop paradise in West Hollywood. This unique venue boasts a rooftop pickleball court, handcrafted cocktails, breathtaking city views, and an unforgettable atmosphere. On weekends, it transforms into “Disco Court,” creating a one-of-a-kind experience, complete with DJs and special cocktails.
The Plaza Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
1 North Main Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
plazahotelcasino.com/pickleball
What happens in Vegas stays on the roof! The Plaza Hotel and Casino has 12 permanent hard-surface courts and one stadium-size court on the roof of the parking garage. A go-to for many pickleball players in Las Vegas, this venue has all the amenities including food, restrooms, and lights for nighttime play. •
Britt Fresa is a freelance writer and national camp manager at LevelUp Pickleball.
Photo Credit - Incline Village General Improvement District
