Dink, Smash, Repeat: Where to Play Pickleball in Destin
As one of the most popular vacation spots on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. This idyllic coastal town is blessed with abundant natural beauty, amazing weather year-round, and a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors — including 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.
If you’re a pickler vacationing in Destin and want to keep active, this Florida gem offers both outdoor and indoor courts where you can play regardless of the weather.
Wondering where to Play Pickleball in Destin, FL? You’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the best pickleball courts in Destin and beyond.
Before we start, a little about us…
At RealJoy Vacations, we’ve been in the Destin hospitality game for years. Whether you’re looking for spacious beachfront houses or luxurious resorts, we’ve got a wide range of options along the Emerald Coast. All our properties come with top-notch amenities to make your stay unforgettable.
As local experts, we know the scene inside out. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Destin and the Emerald Coast — from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides and reasons to consider living in Destin year-round. We’ve got you covered.
Now, let’s dive into the world of Pickleball in Destin and find the best spots for some fun and friendly competition!
Pickleball Courts in Destin, FL
Destin Community Center
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. Racquets 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 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.
Address: 101 Stahlman Ave, Destin, FL 32541
Buck Destin Park
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.
Address: 724 Legion Dr, Destin, FL 32541
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.
Address: 200 Beach Drive, Destin, FL 32541 Contact: (850) 837-2021
Pickleball Courts Nearby 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.
Address: 824 Country Club Ave NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
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.
Address: 224 Holmes Blvd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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.
Address: 226 Ponce De Leon Street, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
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, FL?
Thinking about traveling to Destin, FL yourself? Then stay like a local by booking one of our RealJoy Vacations rentals.
From spacious beachfront houses to luxurious resorts, we offer a wide selection not just in Destin but along the Emerald Coast. All our properties come with top-notch amenities that will make your experience unforgettable.
Book now with RealJoy Vacations and have the ultimate vacation on the Emerald Coast.