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The 23 Best Outdoor Pickleball Courts in The US!

Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by Molly Egan

New York Central Park Outdoor Pickleball Courts; image by Molly Egan

Summer is the time to find the best outdoor pickleball courts near you or your next vacation! This sport can be played outside year-round, depending on where you are in the US.

You often have the choice of indoor and outdoor court. We highly recommend outdoor pickleball courts from the West Coast, Rocky Mountains, East to Maine, New York City, and South to North Carolina, Atlanta, and Florida!

What is Pickleball? 

First the fastest-growing sport in the world – by 159% over three years to 8.9 million in 2022! Some say it crosses ping pong, badminton, and tennis.

In 1965 pickleball was created and is played with oversized paddles and a plastic ball that travels slower than tennis. The slower speed of the ball has made this a sensation!

pickleball rackets; image by molly egan

Top Picks for the Best Outdoor Pickleball:

Is Pickleball like Tennis?

Pickleball is a paddle sports competition that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. A pickleball court is often next to tennis courts due to the recent uptick of the sport and conversion of these courts.

The court is divided into left and right halves by a centerline – similar to tennis. On both sides of the net, you will find The “kitchen” in a non-volley zone.

Pickleball points are accrued when the opponent fails to return the ball on your serve – hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds.

central park pickleball courts; image by molly egan

What are the Rules? 

On a badminton-sized court with a net, games are often played to 11 points. However, they can be more until a team wins by 2.

You must serve in an upward arc motion when the ball is struck, not an underhand serve.

Volleying is prohibited within the non-volley zone within 7 feet on both sides of the net, called “the kitchen.”

What are the Levels or Skill Ratings?

The pickleball skill ratings range from 1 to 5.5. From a beginner with minimal understanding of rules to top caliber player winning tournaments.

Best 23 Outdoor Pickleball Courts in The US! 

  1. Wollman Rink Pickleball Courts in Central Park, New York, NY

  2. Golden Peak Pickleball Courts, Vail, CO

  3. Sharon Lester Tennis Center at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA

  4. Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center, Hilton Head, SC

  5. Naples Pickleball Center, FL

  6. Indian Wells Tennis Garden, CA

  7. Boulders Resort Scottsdale, AZ

  8. Delray Beach Tennis Center, FL

  9. Bend Pickleball Club, Bend, OR

  10. Mill Race Park, Salt Lake City, UT

  11. Lakeshore Sports and Fitness Pickleball Rooftop, Chicago, IL

  12. Voca Pickleball Courts, Sedona, AZ

  13. Park City Pickleball Courts, Park City, UT

  14. Carter Park, Breckenridge, CO

  15. Iselin Pickleball Courts, Aspen, CO

  16. Ocean Edge. Cape Cod, MA

  17. Highlands Recreation Courts, Highlands, NC

  18. Moultrie Playground Pickleball Courts, Charleston, SC

  19. Big Canoe Pickleball Court, Jasper, GA

  20. Wild Dunes Pickleball Court, Isle of Palms, SC

  21. King Green Leaf Park Pickleball Court, DC

  22. Fort Williams Park Pickleball Courts, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
  23. Bobby Riggs Racket and Paddle Club Encinitas, California
image by molly egan

Wollman Rink Pickleball Courts, Central Park, NY

These pickleball courts are the most memorable and photogenic, with the New York Skyline behind you and amid the infamous Central Park! 

  • Central Park at 59th Street and 6th Avenue

image from vail recreation

Golden Peak Pickleball Courts, Vail, CO 

It is nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views of Vail Mountain. The town of Vail is very crowded during the ski season; however, it is gorgeous and full of non-ski activities in the Summer.

While in Vail, check out the best breakfast spots to fuel you for the day and celebrate your victory at one of these best bars in Vail!

  • 461 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, Colorado

image from piedmont park sharon lester center

Sharon Lester at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA

The luscious green park and gorgeous Atlanta skyline backdrop make this a memorable outdoor pickleball court for your pickleball game.

The South East has a very active Tennis community that plays all year round. With the uptick in the sport, it’s only a matter of time until the region plays Pickleball just as often!

  • 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309