In Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, pickleball has exploded in popularity, thanks to an influx of newcomers from all over the country. The sport thrives in both suburban neighborhoods and active 55+ communities, where social play is just as important as competition. Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city, has invested in dedicated pickleball complexes, while St. Augustine hosts social events and leagues that bring together players of all skill levels. The First Coast’s pickleball culture is friendly but competitive, with strong tournament scenes and club memberships.
If you’re in Northeast Florida, including Nassau, Duval, Baker, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns, and Flagler Counties, you’re in one of the fastest-growing pickleball regions in the state! Whether you’re new to the game or looking for more places to play, I’ve got you covered.
Why Pickleball?
At first, I thought pickleball was just for retirees. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Here’s why so many people, from kids to seniors, are picking up a paddle:
✔️ Easy to Learn – I went from clueless to competitive in just a few games!
✔️ Social & Friendly – Pickleball players are some of the nicest people you’ll meet.
✔️ Great for All Ages – Whether you’re 20 or 80, you can have fun and stay active.
✔️ A Low-Impact Workout – It’s easier on the joints than tennis but still keeps you moving.
Where to Play in Northeast Florida
The pickleball scene here is booming, with new courts popping up all the time. Here are some of the best places to play in each county:
Nassau County (Fernandina Beach, Yulee)
Central Park (Fernandina Beach) – A top spot for open play, with dedicated pickleball courts.
Yulee Sports Complex – A growing community of pickleball players with regular meetups.
Amelia Island Plantation Courts – Beautiful private courts available to members and guests.
Duval County (Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach)
Jarboe Park (Neptune Beach) – One of the busiest pickleball spots in the Jacksonville area.
Fort Family Park (Jacksonville) – Great courts with plenty of open play opportunities.
Mandarin Park (Jacksonville) – A welcoming community for players of all levels.
Southside Tennis Complex (Jacksonville) – Tennis courts lined for pickleball, with an active league.
Baker County (Macclenny, Glen St. Mary)
Macclenny Park – Limited courts but a growing interest in pickleball.
Baker County Family YMCA – Indoor play for all skill levels.
Clay County (Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs)
Orange Park Athletic Association Courts – One of the best places to play in the county.
Ronnie Van Zant Park (Lake Asbury) – Six well-maintained courts and a great pickleball community.
Eagle Harbor Tennis Courts (Fleming Island) – Tennis courts lined for pickleball, with active open play.
Putnam County (Palatka, Interlachen)
Palatka Riverfront Park – A scenic setting for casual games.
Putnam County Recreation Center – Indoor courts with scheduled play times.
St. Johns County (St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Hastings)
Treaty Park (St. Augustine) – A pickleball hotspot with six dedicated courts and a fun atmosphere.
Nocatee Community Courts (Ponte Vedra) – A top location for beginner and intermediate players.
Players Community Center (St. Augustine Beach) – Great for social play and clinics.
Flagler County (Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell)
Wadsworth Park (Palm Coast) – One of the most popular pickleball hubs in the county.
Belle Terre Park (Palm Coast) – Multiple dedicated courts and a friendly crowd.
Flagler County Youth Center (Bunnell) – Indoor play options for those hot Florida days.
Finding Games & Pickleball Partners
One of my biggest challenges when starting was finding people to play with. Luckily, these resources make it easy:
✅ PlayTime Scheduler – The best tool for finding open games in your area.
✅ Pickleheads – A great way to locate courts and clubs.
✅ PicklePlay App – A mobile-friendly way to track games and scores.
✅ Places2Play – USA Pickleball’s official court directory.
I personally use PlayTime Scheduler the most—it shows me exactly who is playing, where, and when. No more showing up to empty courts!
Tips for New Players
Start with Open Play – Most courts have times where anyone can join a game. It’s the best way to learn!
Get a Good Beginner Paddle – A solid paddle ($40–$80) will help your game without breaking the bank.
Don’t Stress Over Scoring – It seems confusing at first, but after a few games, it’ll make sense!
Most Importantly—Have Fun! – Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, enjoy the game!
Ready to Join the Pickleball Craze?
If you live in Northeast Florida and haven’t tried pickleball yet, now is the perfect time! There are courts everywhere, welcoming players, and a thriving community that’s ready to grow. Whether you’re looking for a social hobby, a way to stay active, or some friendly competition, pickleball has something for you.
