From Daytona Beach to the Space Coast and down to Stuart, pickleball has surged in popularity, especially among the large retirement communities and beachside towns. Brevard County, home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, has numerous parks and recreation centers catering to casual and competitive players alike. The region’s laid-back coastal lifestyle makes for a relaxed but socially active pickleball scene, where players often organize sunset matches followed by waterfront dining.
If someone had told me a year ago that I’d be completely obsessed with pickleball, I probably would have laughed. But here I am, paddles in my car at all times, constantly checking my favorite pickleball schedulers for games, and loving every second of it.
In Central East Florida, I’ve discovered that this area is a hidden gem for pickleball lovers. Whether you’re in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, or Martin County, there’s a growing community of players, plenty of courts, and endless fun to be had.
So if you’re new to the game, or just looking for more places to play, here’s everything you need to know about pickleball in Central East Florida!
Why Pickleball?
Like many midlifers, I wanted to find a sport that was:
✔ Easy to Learn – Within minutes, I was playing an actual game.
✔ Social & Fun – The pickleball community is incredibly welcoming.
✔ A Great Workout – Low impact, but don’t be fooled—you’ll break a sweat!
✔ For All Ages – I’ve played with everyone from teenagers to retirees, and it’s always a blast.
Where to Play in Central East Florida
I’ve played on a lot of courts across the region, and here are some of my favorite places in each county. Whether you prefer free public courts, private clubs, or competitive play, there’s something for everyone.
Volusia County (Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, DeLand)
Pictona at Holly Hill – A pickleball paradise with 49 courts, a pro shop, and on-site dining. This place is incredible for both beginners and pros.
Blake Park (Lake Helen) – Six dedicated courts in a quiet, scenic setting.
Leprechaun Park (Deltona) – Four courts, great for casual play.
Port Orange Adult Center – Indoor courts for those humid Florida days!
Brevard County (Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville)
Wickham Park (Melbourne) – 10 dedicated courts, always buzzing with activity.
Viera Regional Park – Popular for both social and competitive play.
Riverwalk Park (Rockledge) – Scenic riverside courts.
Cocoa Beach Country Club – A great place for beginners to learn the game.
Indian River County (Vero Beach, Sebastian)
Pocahontas Park (Vero Beach) – One of the busiest places to play with eight dedicated courts.
Sebastian Community Center – Indoor courts with a fun local crowd.
South County Park – Six well-maintained outdoor courts with lighting for evening play.
St. Lucie County (Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie)
Woodland Trails Park (Port St. Lucie) – Six free-to-play courts, great for all levels.
Noble E. “Tiny” Jones Park (Fort Pierce) – Four beautiful courts, often used for open play.
Whispering Pines Park – A solid spot for friendly matches.
Martin County (Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound)
Halpatiokee Regional Park (Stuart) – A popular spot with a mix of recreational and competitive players.
Langford Park (Jensen Beach) – Eight dedicated courts, one of the best places to play in the area.
Indian RiverSide Park – Smaller but scenic, right along the water.
Finding Games & Pickleball Partners
When I started, I didn’t know where to find people to play with. That changed quickly when I discovered these awesome pickleball schedulers and court finders:
✅ PlayTime Scheduler – My go-to for finding games. You can see when and where people are playing, making it easy to join in.
✅ Pickleheads – A fantastic directory for courts, clubs, and events.
✅ PicklePlay App – A mobile-friendly way to locate courts and schedule matches.
✅ Places2Play – USA Pickleball’s official court locator.
These tools completely changed my experience—no more wandering around hoping to find a game. Now, I can just check my app, grab my paddle, and go!
Tips for New Players
Start with Open Play – Many courts have designated open play times where anyone can join. It’s the best way to meet people and improve your game.
Learn the Basics – Check out our guide here on pickleball rules and scoring.
Get a Good Paddle – You don’t need to spend $200, but a solid beginner paddle ($40–$80) makes a difference.
Be Ready for Addictive Fun – Once you start playing, you won’t want to stop.
If you’re in Central East Florida and haven’t tried pickleball yet, now is the perfect time to start. There are courts everywhere, players of all levels, and an incredible sense of community. Whether you want to stay active, make new friends, or just have some fun, pickleball has something for everyone.
So grab a paddle, find a court, and come join the fun—I’ll see you in the kitchen (pickleballers, you know what I mean)
