From Tampa to Sarasota, the Central West region is a hotspot for pickleball, with numerous clubs, leagues, and even professional-level play. Tampa Bay’s active community, ranging from young professionals to retirees, has fully embraced the sport. Sarasota and The Villages (Central FL) have some of the largest pickleball communities in the country, featuring massive complexes, instructional programs, and competitive play at all levels. The social aspect of pickleball here is huge, with post-game gatherings at local cafes and breweries being just as important as the matches themselves.
Not too long ago, I had no idea what pickleball was. Now? I’m completely hooked! As a midlife newbie, I was looking for something fun, social, and active that didn’t require marathon training or a PhD in sports strategy. Enter pickleball—a game that’s easy to learn, wildly fun, and booming across Central West Florida.
If you’re in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, or Charlotte County, you’re in luck! There are fantastic places to play, tons of friendly players, and plenty of ways to get involved. Whether you’re brand new or looking for more places to play, here’s everything you need to know about the pickleball scene in Central West Florida!
Why Pickleball?
Before I played my first game, I thought pickleball was just “tennis for retirees.” I was so wrong. Here’s why I (and millions of others) love it:
✔️ Easy to Learn – I picked it up in minutes! No years of lessons required.
✔️ Great for All Ages – I’ve played with 20-year-olds and 80-year-olds—and everyone has fun.
✔️ A Social Sport – You’ll meet amazing people both on and off the court.
✔️ A Sneaky Good Workout – You’ll be sweating, but too busy laughing to care.
Where to Play in Central West Florida
After playing across the region, here are some of the best spots in each county. Whether you’re looking for public courts, private clubs, or competitive play, there’s a place for you.
Citrus County (Crystal River, Inverness)
Whispering Pines Park (Inverness) – Six beautiful, dedicated pickleball courts.
Bicentennial Park (Crystal River) – A popular spot with four courts.
Central Ridge Community Center (Beverly Hills) – Indoor play for those hot Florida days.
Hernando County (Brooksville, Spring Hill)
Delta Woods Park (Spring Hill) – Six great courts, with plenty of open play times.
Anderson Snow Park (Spring Hill) – A growing pickleball hotspot.
Brooksville Parks & Rec – Various locations with drop-in play.
Pasco County (New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills)
Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex – Six well-maintained courts.
Veterans Memorial Park (Hudson) – Four outdoor courts with lighting.
Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center (Zephyrhills) – High-end courts with a great social atmosphere.
Hillsborough County (Tampa, Brandon, Plant City)
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park (Tampa) – Eight stunning courts with a great city view.
HCC Tennis Complex (Tampa) – Dedicated pickleball courts with league play.
Plant City Family YMCA – Indoor pickleball for year-round play.
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo)
Walter Fuller Park (St. Pete) – One of the best places for serious players.
Crest Lake Park (Clearwater) – Eight dedicated courts in a scenic setting.
Largo Recreation Center – A popular indoor pickleball spot.
Manatee County (Bradenton, Palmetto)
GT Bray Park (Bradenton) – Six outdoor courts and a great mix of casual and competitive play.
Palmetto Tennis Courts – Tennis courts lined for pickleball.
John H. Marble Park – A fantastic place for beginners to get started.
Sarasota County (Sarasota, Venice, North Port)
Payne Park (Sarasota) – One of the most popular pickleball hubs in the area.
Bypass Park (Venice) – 12 dedicated courts and a fantastic community.
Narramore Sports Complex (North Port) – A growing spot for pickleball.
DeSoto County (Arcadia)
DeSoto County Recreation Center – Limited courts, but a great place for casual play.
Arcadia Community Center – Check their schedule for open play times.
Charlotte County (Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte)
Gilchrist Park (Punta Gorda) – A gorgeous waterfront setting with 16 courts!
Harold Avenue Regional Park (Port Charlotte) – A popular indoor pickleball option.
South County Regional Park – Four courts, often used for open play.
Finding Games & Pickleball Partners
One of the best parts of pickleball is how easy it is to find a game! These online tools make it even simpler:
✅ PlayTime Scheduler – The easiest way to see when and where people are playing.
✅ Pickleheads – A court finder and event directory.
✅ PicklePlay App – A mobile-friendly way to track games and scores.
✅ Places2Play – USA Pickleball’s official court locator.
PlayTime Scheduler is my personal favorite—I can check for open games in my area and join with a single click!
Tips for New Players
Start with Open Play – You’ll learn faster and meet people who can show you the ropes.
Get a Decent Paddle – Skip the cheapest ones and go for a solid beginner paddle ($40–$80).
Don’t Stress About the Score – The rules seem confusing at first, but it all makes sense after a few games.
Most Importantly—Have Fun! – Whether you’re playing competitively or just for laughs, enjoy the ride.
Ready to Join the Pickleball Craze?
If you’re in Central West Florida and haven’t tried pickleball yet, now is the time! There are courts everywhere, new friends to meet, and endless fun waiting for you. Whether you want a social hobby, a great workout, or a little friendly competition, pickleball has something for everyone.
So grab a paddle, find a court, and let’s play! (And if you see me on the courts—go easy on me, I’m still learning
