Pickleball is rapidly expanding in South Florida, blending the region’s fast-paced lifestyle with the sport’s social and competitive nature. In cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, younger players, professionals, and fitness enthusiasts are picking up the sport, making it more mainstream. Many high-end fitness clubs, luxury resorts, and private communities now feature top-tier pickleball courts, and the sport is beginning to rival tennis in popularity. Here, pickleball culture is vibrant, social, and full of energy, often paired with beach outings and nightlife.
Not long ago, I had never even heard of pickleball. Now? I’m obsessed. My paddle practically lives in my car, I schedule my mornings around open play, and I can’t stop talking about dinks and third-shot drops. If you’re in Southeast Florida—Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County—you’re in one of the best places to play!
Whether you’re brand new to the game or a seasoned player looking for new courts, let me take you through the exciting pickleball scene in Southeast Florida!
Why Pickleball?
I wasn’t looking for a new sport—I was just looking for a fun way to stay active. What I found was so much more:
✔ Easy to Learn – I played my first real game within 15 minutes!
✔ A Social Sport – You’ll meet people from all walks of life.
✔ A Fun Workout – Low-impact but surprisingly energizing.
✔ All Ages Welcome – I’ve played with college kids and 80-year-olds—and they’ve all beaten me at least once!
Where to Play in Southeast Florida
I’ve explored pickleball courts all across the region, and these are some of the best places to play in each county.
Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach)
Patch Reef Park (Boca Raton) – One of the busiest places for pickleball, with 16 dedicated courts.
Oceanside Park (Boynton Beach) – A beautiful location with dedicated courts.
Delray Beach Tennis Center – A mix of tennis and pickleball, but great for social play.
Lake Lytal Park (West Palm Beach) – A favorite for friendly matches and open play.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach)
Holiday Park (Fort Lauderdale) – This is THE spot in Fort Lauderdale, with 10 dedicated courts and a huge pickleball community.
Pompano Beach Community Park – Six outdoor courts with lights for evening play.
Brian Piccolo Park (Cooper City) – A great mix of beginner-friendly and competitive players.
Bonaventure Town Center (Weston) – Known for its active and friendly community.
Miami-Dade County (Miami, Coral Gables, Homestead)
Tropical Park (Miami) – One of the most popular places to play in Miami, with a great mix of skill levels.
South Miami Park – A hidden gem with dedicated pickleball courts.
Margaret Pace Park (Downtown Miami) – Waterfront views and a lively atmosphere.
Homestead Sports Complex – A growing pickleball community in South Miami-Dade.
Finding Games & Pickleball Partners
One of my biggest worries when I started was “How do I find people to play with?” Thankfully, there are amazing tools to make it easy:
✅ PlayTime Scheduler – The best way to find and join games in your area.
✅ Pickleheads – A great resource for finding courts and upcoming events.
✅ PicklePlay App – A mobile-friendly way to track games and scores.
✅ Places2Play – USA Pickleball’s official court locator.
I personally use PlayTime Scheduler the most—it’s a game changer for knowing where and when people are playing.
Tips for New Players
Start with Open Play – Most courts have drop-in times where you can play with different people.
Get a Good Beginner Paddle – A decent paddle ($40–$80) will help your game without breaking the bank.
Don’t Stress Over Scoring – The scoring system seems confusing at first, but trust me, it clicks quickly. Check out our guide here on pickleball rules and scoring.
Have Fun! – Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, the key is to enjoy the game.
If you live in Southeast Florida and haven’t tried pickleball yet, now is the time! There are courts everywhere, open-play games every day, and an incredibly welcoming community. Whether you want to meet new friends, stay active, or compete in tournaments, pickleball is for you.
So grab a paddle, find a court, and I’ll see you out there—just don’t smash the ball at me too hard, I’m still working on my defense!
