Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America, and it not only offers a fun way to stay physically fit but also fosters a myriad of brain health benefits.
From enhancing brain plasticity to promoting socialization, this hybrid sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong to create a unique experience that improves both physical and cognitive well-being.
As with any form of exercise, pickleball has been shown to increase levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the brain.
BDNF is a vital protein that helps maintain the health of nerve cells, promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses, and improves the overall function of the neural network.
Pickle ball courts are beginning to sprout up around 30A and South Walton. It’s quickly become one of the most popular sports and athletic pastimes in the area. Pickleball rules!
You’ll probably need a coffee and a snack on your way out to play. Here’s a list of the best local coffee shops.
Let’s take a look at the best pickleball locations near 30A and surrounding areas.
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Walton Sports Complex
240 Mc Davis Loop, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Four lighted asphalt pickleball courts can be found near Dune Lakes Elementary, off Highway 98 W in Santa Rosa Beach. The courts are open from 8am – 9pm. Lights are automatically turned off at 9pm. All levels of play are welcome. Skilled players typically play between 8am and 11am.
Call Walton Sports Complex for more info at (850) 892-8700.
Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast
80 Boys and Girls Wy, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Open recreation pickleball. Six indoor courts available.
Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $5 to play or join the Fall Ball League for $75.
Seaside Swim and Tennis Club
394 Forest St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Three courts have opened at Seaside and are available to rent. Rentals are $48/hr if reserved in advance and $50/hr for walk-ins.
Homeowners’ Collection members are eligible for one complimentary hour daily. Membership card required.
Call 850-231-2214 to book your court.
For pickleball lessons, contact Tracy at [email protected].
Camp Creek Inn
684 Fazio Dr, Inlet Beach, FL 32461
The all new Camp Creek Inn is now accepting reservations for travel dates beginning August 1st. The Inn offers 8 brand new pickleball courts (pictured below).
WaterColor Tennis by MatchPoint
976 Western Lake Dr, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Open since 2018, the tennis courts of WaterColor offer pickleball reservations for homeowners and guests staying in WaterColor.
Lessons are available to anyone inside or outside of the community.
Call the Pro Shop at 850-400-3696 to prepay and reserve your court. Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Drills and lessons can be reserved any time.
Court Cost – $30/hr per guest
Paddle Rental – $10
Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort in Miramar Beach
9815 Hwy 98 West Miramar Beach, FL
In December 2023, five new pickleball courts were announced at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort in Miramar Beach. The resort offers two clay courts and three new asphalt courts.
Seniors tend to prefer the clay courts while the new asphalt courts are popular for players of all skill levels.
7 Days a Week:
- Daily (except Sunday) Open Drop-In Tennis Clinics 8:30-10:00. $30 per player.
- Daily (except Sunday) Open Play Pickleball 9:00-11:00. $8/player off-property; $6/player on-property guest / $4/player on-property homeowner
- Match Arranging (Like-level)
Call for more info 850-269-2590
Legion Park in Miramar Beach
226 Ponce De Lean Street, Miramar Beach , FL 32550
More information coming soon…
Sandestin Tennis Center
53 Bayside Tennis Ct, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
The Sandestin Tennis Center offers 12 hydrogrid clay and 3 hard tennis courts in addition to 6 pickleball courts. One local pickleball player tells me that you can reserve a time slot and it’s only $5/hr per player. That’s quite a deal.
For more info call (850) 267-7060.
Driftwood Estates Park
275 E. Shipwreck Rd, Santa Rosa Beach
This location is available, but NOT a recommended pickleball court. Locals and visitors have complained that the courts have lots of cracks and would not recommend it.
However, it’s listed in case you are really on the hunt for a free pickleball destination and the other options are too busy.
Performance Pickleball Emerald Coast
21 Racetrack Road NE, Destin, FL
West of Destin, located in Fort Walton Beach, is Performance Pickleball Emerald Coast. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available at Performance Pickleball. In addition to lessons, they have an excellent player match maker service that will match you with players, pros, courts, and activities.
Beginner and New Player Lessons:
1 hr lesson – 1 on 1 or up to 4 people $25-$40
90 min lesson -1 on 1 or up to 4 people $35-$60
Improver Lessons:
1 hr. lesson 1 on 1 or up to 4 people ($35-80)
90 min lesson-1 on 1 up to 4 people ($60-$100)
Advanced Player Improvement:
1 hr session (1 or 2 players) $65
1.5 hr session $95
850-533-0937
Buck Destin Park
724 Legion Dr, Destin, FL 32541
If you happen to be in Destin shopping or visiting other attractions, you’ll find several pickleball courts. One option is at Buck Destin Park.
The courts aren’t fancy. But you’ll find pickleball lines inside the tennis court.
Open 8am – 9pm
ECT Pickleball Courts
1214 Oakmont Dr, Niceville, FL 32578
If you happen to be visiting Niceville, just north of the Bay from Destin, you’ll find pickleball courts at ECT.
Connect with the local pickleball community
For more information about local pickleball matches, activities, and events, join the SOWAL Pickleball community on Facebook.
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