Pickleball Hotspots: The Best Cities in America to Join the Fun
Pickleball has blown past “trend” status and settled comfortably into American life. The cities on this list have built cultures around the game and can lure you in with scenery so good you might forget the score. Here’s a look at 15 standout places where the action never stops.
Naples, Florida
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You can’t talk pickleball without mentioning Naples. The city, often called the pickleball capital of the world, hosts the US Open of Pickleball and has one of the highest court counts per capita in the country. Matches run all day, indoors and out, so the heat never slows things down.
Goodyear, Arizona
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If you’ve got a competitive streak, PebbleCreek in Goodyear might feel like home. The community’s 36-plus courts are tournament-ready, and the local club has membership numbers that rival small towns. Regular events keep the calendar full, and the desert climate makes it possible to play nearly every day.
The Villages, Florida
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The Villages takes pickleball scale to extremes: more than 200 dedicated courts, each grouped by skill level so games stay evenly matched. In-between plays are filled with clinics and tournaments. You’ll quickly learn your neighbors’ backhand techniques before you learn their last names.
Springdale, Utah
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Just steps from Zion National Park, Springdale’s courts deliver views that could make you forget you’re mid-game. The nearby towering red rock cliffs frame every serve, and the crisp desert air keeps things comfortable. It’s a perfect stop for travelers who like to mix outdoor adventures and indoor games.
Daytona Beach, Florida
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Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach features 13 outdoor hard-surface pickleball courts with permanent nets and lines. You can drop in to play, but you can’t reserve them in advance. The community offers lessons and clinics suitable for beginners, and the setting supports social interaction typical of its active, lifestyle-focused environment.
Maui, Hawaii
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With the Pacific on one side and the West Maui Mountains on the other, it’s easy to lose track of the score while taking in the view. West Maui alone has two county-run venues for pickleball—Napili Park with four courts and the Lahaina Civic Center with another four.
Port St. Lucie, Florida
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PGA Village Verano turns family vacations into pickleball events. Parents join round robins or clinics, then kids learn the game on well-kept courts. Community events and open play create a friendly, inclusive feel. The palm-lined grounds even make for a pleasant setting.
Phoenix, Arizona
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Seventeen pristine surfaces, expert coaching, and over 300 days of sunshine mean pickleball in Phoenix is never an afterthought. Players often follow up morning drills with afternoons by the pool.
Green Valley, Arizona
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Quail Creek is known for its 24 championship-level courts and strong emphasis on welcoming new players. The facility runs daily round robins and beginner programs. Evening lighting extends playing time in the summer, and the club actively works to integrate seasonal residents.
Carmel, California
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The courts at Camel, California, overlook lavender fields and rolling vineyards, so games have a built-in sense of calm. Win or lose, players often trade paddles for Pinot afterward. It’s one of the few places where your toughest decision might be whether to wear court shoes or flip-flops to dinner.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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Steamboat’s alpine courts have a built-in cardio boost, mainly due to the altitude. Many players here pair their matches with outdoor adventures, so don’t be surprised if your doubles partner suggests a river float after the last set.
Mesquite, Nevada
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The Old Mill Pickleball Courts keep things simple: 14 smooth-surfaced, outdoor courts, warm weather most of the year, and a friendly crowd that’s quick to welcome newcomers. The pace can be as laid-back or as competitive as you want.
South Jordan, Utah
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Highland Park’s pickleball setup combines modern design with a mountain backdrop. The courts are clean and well-lit and cater to casual matches as well as local competitions. The surrounding community supports a steady stream of players, and the scenery makes it a popular spot.
Bluffton, South Carolina
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Sun City Hilton Head has more than two dozen professional-quality courts and an active club with over a thousand members. Its covered courts make it playable even in summer heat or rain. Players range from first-timers to seasoned competitors.
Southport, North Carolina
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St. James Plantation in Southport has more than 16 pickleball courts within its waterfront community. The game is a regular part of life here, with organized tournaments for competition and plenty of social play that often carries over into nearby coastal cafés.