In the Panhandle, pickleball has been steadily growing, fueled by a mix of retirees, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts who love staying active. Cities like Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Panama City have embraced the sport, with more courts popping up in parks and recreation centers. The vibe here is laid-back and welcoming, with a strong community of locals eager to introduce newcomers to the game. Many beachside communities, such as those along the Emerald Coast, host social pickleball events, making it a perfect blend of sport and coastal relaxation.
Not long ago, I had no clue what pickleball was. Now? I’m absolutely hooked! This fun, fast-paced sport has become my go-to way to stay active, make new friends, and challenge myself in ways I never expected.
If you live in Northwest Florida—including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Wakulla, Leon, and Jefferson Counties—you’re in a great region to play! Whether you’re new to the game or looking for new courts and partners, I’ve got you covered.
Why Pickleball?
At first, I thought pickleball was just an easy version of tennis. But I quickly realized:
✔ It’s Easy to Learn – You can start playing real games within minutes!
✔ It’s a Social Sport – Pickleball players are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet.
✔ It’s a Low-Impact Workout – Perfect if you want exercise without the strain of high-impact sports.
✔ It’s for All Ages – I’ve played with teenagers and seniors—everyone can enjoy it!
Where to Play in Northwest Florida
There are more courts than ever popping up in this region! Here are some of the best places to play in each county:
Escambia County (Pensacola)
Roger Scott Tennis Center (Pensacola) – The premier pickleball facility in Pensacola, with dedicated courts and active open play.
Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Community Center – A great indoor option for all skill levels.
Lexington Terrace Park – A hidden gem with a great pickleball community.
Santa Rosa County (Milton, Gulf Breeze, Navarre)
Gulf Breeze Community Center – One of the busiest places to play in the area.
Navarre YMCA – Offers indoor courts with scheduled pickleball sessions.
Optimist Park (Milton) – A great outdoor facility with dedicated courts.
Okaloosa County (Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville)
Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center – Regular open play and a welcoming community.
Destin Community Center – Indoor courts available for play throughout the week.
Niceville Recreation Complex – A growing pickleball scene with active players.
Walton County (DeFuniak Springs, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach)
South Walton Courts (Santa Rosa Beach) – A beautiful location with plenty of pickleball action.
Freeport Regional Sports Complex – Great courts and friendly competition.
DeFuniak Springs Community Center – A solid option for local play.
Holmes County (Bonifay)
Bonifay Recreation Center – Small but growing pickleball community.
Washington County (Chipley, Vernon)
Chipley Recreation Center – A good spot for beginner and intermediate play.
Bay County (Panama City, Panama City Beach)
Frank Brown Park (Panama City Beach) – One of the top places to play, with a great pickleball community.
Lynn Haven Sports Complex – Several dedicated courts with a growing group of players.
Oakland Terrace Park (Panama City) – A popular pickleball hub in the area.
Gulf County (Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka)
Port St. Joe Pickleball Courts – A great outdoor location for open play.
Calhoun County (Blountstown, Altha)
Blountstown Recreation Center – Growing interest in pickleball, with new players joining regularly.
Jackson County (Marianna, Graceville)
Marianna Recreation Center – Indoor courts available for play.
Chipola College Wellness Center – A great option for organized games.
Gadsden County (Quincy, Chattahoochee)
Quincy Community Center – A solid place for casual games.
Liberty County (Bristol)
Liberty County Recreation Complex – Small but active pickleball community.
Franklin County (Apalachicola, Carrabelle)
Apalachicola Bay Community Center – Beautiful setting and great play opportunities.
Wakulla County (Crawfordville, St. Marks)
Wakulla Community Center (Crawfordville) – A great indoor option for new and experienced players.
Leon County (Tallahassee)
Tom Brown Park (Tallahassee) – One of the best places to play in the state, with multiple courts and tons of players.
Forestmeadows Park and Athletic Center – Indoor and outdoor courts with a large pickleball community.
Jack McLean Community Center – A good indoor facility with scheduled play times.
Jefferson County (Monticello)
Jefferson County Recreation Complex – Limited courts but a growing interest in the sport.
Finding Games & Pickleball Partners
One of the biggest challenges when I started was finding people to play with. Luckily, these tools make it easy:
✅ PlayTime Scheduler – The best way to find local games.
✅ Pickleheads – Great for finding courts and clubs.
✅ PicklePlay App – A mobile-friendly way to track games.
✅ Places2Play – USA Pickleball’s official court directory.
I personally use PlayTime Scheduler the most—it’s a game changer for knowing exactly where and when people are playing.
Tips for New Players
Start with Open Play – Most courts have designated times where anyone can drop in and play. It’s the best way to meet people!
Get a Good Paddle – A beginner-friendly paddle ($40–$80) will help your game without breaking the bank.
Don’t Stress About Scoring – The rules and scoring can be tricky at first, but after a few games, it all makes sense. Check out our guide here on pickleball rules and scoring.
Have Fun! – Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, pickleball is all about having a great time.
Ready to Join the Pickleball Craze?
If you’re in Northwest Florida and haven’t tried pickleball yet, now is the perfect time! Courts are popping up everywhere, players are always looking for new partners, and the sport is more popular than ever. Whether you’re looking for a social hobby, a way to stay active, or some friendly competition, pickleball is for you.
So grab a paddle, find a court, and let’s play! (And if you see me out there, don’t hit the ball at my feet too hard—I’m still working on my reflexes!
