Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico coast, Panama City Beach is one of the most beautiful destinations in Florida. Thanks to stunning beaches boasting crystal-clear waters and white sands, visitors can find a piece of heaven for relaxation and incredible outdoor activities.

But not far from the warm white sands of its pristine shores, Panama City Beach also offers great outdoor recreation opportunities for those who like to stay active while on the road — and that includes pickleball enthusiasts. Although the number of spots is limited, you’re always a short drive from other cities nearby that also offer excellent amenities for you to play.

Does pickleball still sound weird to you? Here are the basics: Pickleball is a popular racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court (about the size of a badminton court), and the sport is gentler on the knees and hips compared to tennis — which contributed to its status as the fastest-growing sport in America. It can be played by people of all ages, and it requires specific equipment (more on that later).

At Emerald Coast Retreat, our love for this coastal haven that is Panama City Beach is translated into our commitment to crafting unparalleled getaways for our guests. We offer a curated selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.

Now, let’s explore these fantastic pickleball courts!

TLDR:

Frank Brown Park (Panama City Beach):

• Features: 3 indoor wood courts, free, first-come, first-serve
• Other amenities: Baseball/softball diamonds, T-ball fields, soccer fields, basketball and volleyball court, tennis courts, walking/biking trails, jogging track, playground, Aquatic Center

Lyndell Conference Center (Panama City Beach):

• Features: 4 outdoor concrete courts, free, first-come, first-serve, lighting for extended play

Oakland Terrace Recreation Center (Panama City):

• Features: 2 outdoor concrete courts, free, first-come, first-serve
• Other amenities: Baseball field, tennis courts, outdoor volleyball sand court, gazebo, picnic tables

Parker Sports Complex (Panama City):

• Features: 4 outdoor concrete courts, free, first-come, first-serve

Sugar Sands Pickleball Club (Mexico Beach):

• Features: 5 outdoor concrete courts, 3 dedicated, 2 on basketball court with portable nets, free, lighting for extended play

Lynn Haven Sports Complex (Lynn Haven):

• Features: 6 concrete courts, 2 indoor with portable nets, 4 outdoor, free, first-come, first-serve, lighting
• Other amenities: Baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, batting cages, playgrounds

South Walton Sports Complex (Santa Rosa Beach):

• Features: 4 outdoor concrete courts, free, first-come, first-serve, lighting
• Other amenities: Multi-use fields, playgrounds, picnic areas
  
  

Pickleball Courts in Panama City Beach, FL

Frank Brown Park

Address: 16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Frank Brown Park is a central recreational hub for both locals and visitors to Panama City Beach, offering a wide range of activities and facilities for all ages and interests. Pickleball players can enjoy the park’s 3 indoor wood courts with permanent lines and portable nets. They are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis and can’t be reserved.

The park also offers other great amenities for visitors who want to boost their energy and stamina levels by engaging in sports activities. It has 9 full-size baseball/softball diamonds, 2 T-ball fields, 6 soccer fields, a basketball and volleyball court, and 4 tennis courts — all lighted for extended play time. Locals and visitors can also enjoy the park’s walking/biking trails, a 1.25-mile lighted jogging track, and a children’s playground.

Extra: The park is also home to the Aquatic Center with indoor and outdoor pools, and a splash park.

Lyndell Conference Center

Address: 423 Lyndell Ln, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Another great option for picklers vacationing in Panama City Beach is the Lyndell Conference Center. There are 4 outdoor concrete courts with permanent lines and nets. They’re all free to the public and can’t be reserved. Locals and visitors can access the courts 7 days a week from early in the morning until dusk — lighting is available for extended play times.

Oakland Terrace Recreation Center

Address: 1900 W 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401

Oakland Terrace Recreation Center is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Panama City, just a 17-minute drive from Panama City Beach. There are 2 outdoor concrete courts with permanent lines and nets. The facility is also well-equipped with clean restrooms, water fountains, and lights. The courts are free on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The center also offers a baseball field, tennis courts, and an outdoor volleyball sand court. After getting the ideal dose of endorphins, you can relax at the center’s gazebo and enjoy some snacks at their picnic tables.

Parker Sports Complex

Address: 4721 US-98 BUS, Panama City, FL 32404

If the courts at Oakland Terrace Recreation Center are busy (and they usually are), a good alternative is Parker Sports Complex. It features 4 outdoor concrete courts with permanent lines and nets. Locals and visitors are free to use them without charge, but they can’t be reserved.

More Courts Nearby Panama City Beach, FL

Sugar Sands Pickleball Club, Mexico Beach

Address: 22nd St, Mexico Beach, FL, 32410, USA

Thanks to the growing popularity of pickleball, courts have been popping up all over, making it easy to find at least one spot to engage in the activity. In Mexico Beach, Sugar Sands Pickleball Club features 5 outdoor concrete courts. Three of them are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets, while two of them are on a basketball court with portable nets available. You can use them free of charge, but reservations are not permitted. They are also lighted, allowing extended play times.

Lynn Haven Sports Complex, Lynn Haven

Address: 2201 Recreation Dr, Lynn Haven, FL 32444

This facility in Lynn Haven is designed to cater to a wide range of sports enthusiasts. Picklers can enjoy its 6 concrete courts — 2 indoor and 4 outdoor. They’re all dedicated courts with permanent lines; however, the indoor courts have portable nets. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, the courts are free and can’t be reserved. Check the complex schedule for specific playtimes indoors and outdoors, but usually, the courts are available from early morning to 9 PM.

Sports enthusiasts can also engage in other activities since the complex offers 5 baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and 10 covered batting cages. Playgrounds for children are available.

South Walton Sports Complex, Santa Rosa Beach

Address: 6435 US Highway 98 E, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

This sports complex in Santa Rosa Beach has 4 outdoor concrete courts for pickleball lovers. These are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets. Extended playtime is possible since they’re all lighted. There’s no fee to play, and they’re available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more activities, the complex is also home to 3 full-sized multi-use fields. It’s a family-friendly spot to bring your family with playgrounds to entertain the little ones and vast green spaces and picnic areas for gatherings and relaxation.

Bonus: Are You New to Pickleball? Here Are the Basics You Need to Know:

What is Pickleball?

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 racquet-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.
• Serving: 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).
• Physical Demand: 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. 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 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 racquet sport.

How Can I Find Other Pickleball Enthusiasts That I Can 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.

Where to Stay in Panama City Beach?

Nestled along the pristine shores of Panama City Beach, we take pride in curating unforgettable vacation experiences for every guest.

As a premier provider of PCB vacation rentals, Emerald Coast Retreats offers a handpicked selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay. Our local team is committed to ensuring that your escape to the Emerald Coast is nothing short of extraordinary.