Discover the best pickleball courts in Destin and nearby towns, with both indoor and outdoor options for all skill levels. Play your favorite game on vacation across the Florida Panhandle.
In the Colorado Rockies, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, or along Florida's Gulf Coast, if you love pickleball, it's always a good idea to find a local court so you can stay active and keep the fun going.
As one of the most popular vacation spots on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is not only blessed with natural beauty and great weather year-round, but also packed with outdoor activities, including pickleball!
In this blog, I've rounded up the best pickleball courts in Destin and nearby for first-timers looking to try something new and seasoned players who want to keep practicing while on vacation.
Here's a sneak peek just for you:
- Destin Community Center: 3 indoor wood courts, $3-5 fee, limited slots, equipment available.
- Buck Destin Park: 2 outdoor courts with shared tennis nets, free, no lighting.
- Destin United Methodist Church: 4 indoor courts on wood, $5 fee, reservation needed.
- Mooney Park (Fort Walton Beach): 6 outdoor lit courts, free, open to the public, very popular.
- Jet Drive Park (Fort Walton Beach): 6 outdoor courts, $5/hour for reservations, other amenities onsite.
- Legion Park (Miramar Beach): 1 fenced court, concrete surface, free, bay views, and park amenities.
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Now, let's jump into the details!
What's Pickleball?
For those unfamiliar with the sport, here's a quick rundown: Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The courts are smaller than tennis courts, making the sport easier on the knees and hips. It's no wonder pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States and beyond, with over 60 member nations in the International Federation of Pickleball.
Pickleball Courts in Destin, FL
The Destin Community Center has three indoor wood courts with permanent lines and portable nets where picklers can play. The courts have lines painted on a wooden surface, and since they are indoors, you can play regardless of weather conditions. Rackets and balls are available for use, making them convenient options for players.
The Destin Community Center has three indoor wood courts with permanent lines and portable nets where picklers can play. The courts have lines painted on a wooden surface, and since they are indoors, you can play regardless of weather conditions. Rackets and balls are available for use, making them convenient options for players.
Pickleball sessions are available on specific days and times:
- Mondays: 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- Wednesdays & Fridays: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Note: The courts cannot be reserved, and there's a $3 fee per session for Destin residents and $5 fee per session for non-residents. Also, due to limited space, it's recommended to call the Destin Community Center in advance to register for a time slot.
The center is a multi-purpose space, so if you want to engage in other activities while vacationing in Destin, you'll also find a game room, basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic tables. The center also organizes cultural events throughout the year.
Buck Destin Park may not offer dedicated pickleball courts, but it's a great option for picklers on vacation. It has two outdoor courts where pickleball lines are painted on existing tennis courts, and tennis nets are used for pickleball play. This means that players should be prepared to adapt to playing on these converted courts.
All in all, weather permitting, the outdoor courts provide a great opportunity to play surrounded by a beautiful setting, and they are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Note: The courts don't have lighting, which limits the time you can play.
3. DESTIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Life Center
The Destin United Methodist Church pickleball courts offer a good indoor option for players in the Destin area. It features four dedicated courts, " two for intermediate players and two for more competitive play.
The courts are on a wooden basketball surface with portable nets and taped lines. They're also wheelchair-friendly, making them accessible for players of all levels and abilities. A small $5 fee per session is required, and players need to contact the church to reserve court space.
Pickleball Courts Near Destin, FL
MOONEY PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS, Fort Walton Beach
Just a 13-minute drive from Destin, Fort Walton Beach offers more public courts where you can play pickleball. At Mooney Park, you'll find six outdoor courts built in early 2021. They're brand new and very well-kept, with permanent lines and nets on a concrete surface. The courts are free to the public, and Fort Walton Beach residency is not required.
Unlike the outdoor courts at Buck Destin Park, the courts at Mooney Park have lighting, allowing you to play after the sun goes down. They're open from early morning until 10 PM. These courts have been very popular since opening, with informal yet regular community gatherings making them an attractive option for pickleball enthusiasts in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas.
Note: Since these courts are very popular, they get busy during peak season. If you want to explore other options while visiting the park, it also offers one tennis court, picnic areas, and playgrounds for the little ones.
JET DRIVE PARK, Fort Walton Beach
Jet Drive Park offers high-quality pickleball facilities with its six dedicated outdoor courts with permanent lines and nets. The park provides a range of options for players, from free open play to reservable courts for more serious practice or tournaments. If you want to reserve a court, a $5/hour fee per court is required. To reserve a court or arrange for lessons/tournaments, visitors must go to the FWB Recreation Center on Jet Drive to fill out a form and pay.
The courts are open from dawn to dusk, and Fort Walton Beach residency is not required. The park also has a basketball court, a playground area, and a picnic area.
LEGION PARK, Miramar Beach
Also, just a short drive from Destin, Legion Park in Miramar Beach has one fenced pickleball court that is free for everyone to play. The court has a concrete surface, permanent nets, and is open from dawn to dusk. Legion Park is a multi-use recreational area, so you can also find picnic areas, basketball goals, volleyball courts, playgrounds with swings, a boat and canoe ramp, and beautiful bay views.
Bonus: The World of Pickleball - FAQ
Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.
What Does the Equipment Look Like?
Pickleball uses a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball) and solid paddles larger than ping-pong paddles.
What Are the Main Differences Between Pickleball and Tennis?
Although both sports are racket-based, they have many differences. Here are the main ones:
- Court Size: Tennis courts are significantly larger, measuring 78 feet long and 27-36 feet wide (singles vs doubles). Pickleball courts are much smaller, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles.
- Net Height: Tennis nets are higher, at 3 feet in the center. Pickleball nets are lower, at 34 inches in the center and 36 inches at the sidelines.
- Equipment: Tennis uses larger stringed racquets and felt-covered rubber balls. Pickleball uses smaller solid paddles and perforated plastic balls.
- Serves: Tennis allows overhand serves, which can be powerful scoring opportunities. Pickleball requires underhand serves, making it harder to score directly from a serve.
- Scoring: Tennis uses a 15, 30, 40 scoring system with games, sets, and matches. Pickleball uses a simpler system, playing to 11 points (win by 2).
- Gameplay: Tennis involves more running and court coverage due to the larger court size. Pickleball has a "non-volley zone" (kitchen) near the net, creating unique strategic elements.
- Pace: Tennis generally involves more powerful shots and faster gameplay. Pickleball tends to have a slower pace, focusing more on control and placement.
Is Pickleball More Accessible Than Tennis?
Yes! While tennis can be more physically demanding and may have a steeper learning curve, pickleball is easy to learn, easier on the joints, and more accessible to beginners and players of various ages and fitness levels. These differences contribute to pickleball's growing popularity, especially among former tennis players looking for a less physically demanding but still engaging racket sport.
How Can I Find Other Pickleball Enthusiasts to Play With While on the Road?
PickleUp is a popular mobile application designed specifically for pickleball enthusiasts. Users can search for pickleball courts by city or location name. The app provides details about each location and offers directions. You can even create events and invite others to play, as well as create buddy lists to connect with other players.
Wondering Where to Stay in Destin?
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