The Best Places to Play Pickleball in Miami
While the pickleball craze has swiped the nation, it has become more popular in certain areas than others, particularly Miami. This has seen plenty of associations and clubs creating spaces where residents can come and enjoy this sport. Are you looking for a place you can play pickleball Miami? There are many courts located in different areas. Have a look at some of the best areas.
Haulover Park, Also Known as the ‘Nude Beach’
One of the reasons Haulover Park is popular is that beachgoers aren’t required to put on clothes. How about that? But no! We don’t suggest playing pickleball while naked. The park has eight courts, all free of charge. You only need to get your friends and gear, and you’re good to go.
Haulover Park is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. This scenic park boasts white soft sandy beaches, cerulean waters, and multiple spots for relaxing.
According to Miami New Times, pickleball is becoming a popular sport in Miami. That means you’ll likely meet opponents to play with even if you go to the court alone. You can even make friends who you’ll meet outside the court. The parking spaces are plenty, so you can be sure the park has been designed for your convenience and enjoyment.
Backhand City in Downtown Miami
Another great place to try pickleball in Miami is Backhand City. Located on McFarlane Rd, this sports center offers beautiful courts for pickleball players. Are you looking to play with friends? No problem. You can lease the court and enjoy the game with familiar faces. And if you’re just starting out, you’re covered as well. The courts have trainers who can teach you the basics of pickleball.
Backhand City allows for both group and one-on-one training. Just take your pick. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert, there is something for everyone. The sports center has competitive tournaments. Do you feel you’re a pro and want to join the competition? Sign up with the club.
If you’re interested in playing pickleball in Backhand City, you only need to register online and book a court. While at it, you may also want to sign up for their newsletter to keep up with everything regarding pickleball in Miami.
Salvadore Park Tennis Center
Don’t let the words’ tennis center’ turn you away. The Salvadore Park Tennis Center has 13 clay courts which are used not just for tennis but for pickleball as well. This center allows for opportunities to practice pickleball on your own or with a coach.
Most players come to this center to enhance their skills by practicing on the walls. The court is gated, preventing you from hitting any unsuspecting passersby. Another advantage is that the spaces are usually empty, giving you plenty of room to perfect your pickleball skills.
Unlike most high-end clay courts in Miami, which are a bit costly, the Salvadore Park Tennis Center is cheap. You’ll be charged only $5 per hour if you practice before 5 pm and $9 per hour after 5 pm. Considering the construction of this center is of quality, I’d say that’s a fair price. Book one of the 13 lighted courts online anytime you want to practice. The center is located in a nice neighborhood near Granada, and there’s plenty of parking space.
Bamford Sports Complex
The Bamford Sports Complex sits on a 113-acre piece of land located on Pine Island Road. The complex offers a variety of amenities and programs for the public, including pickleball courts.
Bamford Sports Complex has a total of six lighted courts, allowing you to play even at night. You’ll find them in the far left area, close to the tennis courts. The courts are often not that busy at around noon. But then again, that is the hottest time of day, and you might tire quickly. Ensure you carry water to remain hydrated.
Playing pickleball at this complex is free. You only need to show up with your balls and paddles. There is also plenty of parking spots, and the concession stands sell foods and drinks at affordable prices.
Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center
Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center was opened in 2010, and since then, it has allowed the community to come together, play sports, meet new people and have fun. The facility operates from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm on Monday to Thursday, 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on Friday, and 7:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
According to CBS news, people are embracing pickleball as it is a way to get healthy. This is one of the reasons you will find a lot of pickleball players playing at this center.
This youth center aims to promote health and fitness, which is why it offers multiple recreational facilities. The racquet court is the same space people play pickleball. Alongside pickleball, you can also enjoy a pool, multipurpose gym, an aerobic center, a weight room, and a running track within the facility.
Forest Ridge Tennis Center
The Forest Ridge Tennis center is a high-end facility with well-maintained two pickleball courts. Whether you’re a newbie or an advanced player, the court will cater to your needs.
To access the facility, you need to be a member of the club. However, guests are still welcome if accompanied by a member. All guests are charged $15 and must bring an ID. They must also pass through the reception desk before being allowed admission. Kids under the age of 6 are allowed free admission with a maximum limit of 4 kids. The guest fees allow you to access the facilities at the club for 24 hours.
Scott Rakow Youth Center, The Multi-Faceted Facility
Scott Rakow Youth Center, located on Sheridan Avenue, was constructed in 1976 to serve the youth in Miami. This facility has everything you would want in a youth center, including an ice-skating rink, game room, gymnasium, music room, computer lab, bowling lanes, swimming pool, and pickleball courts. The structure was built to honor Scott Rakow, an undercover officer who died in the line of duty.
The indoor basketball courts share the space with pickleball, and the facility is free for residents. Non-Miami Beach residents get charged $20 to access the facility the whole day and $10 for half the day. This is quite affordable, considering you can access all kinds of facilities.
Aside from sports, there is also a media room and an arts and crafts center. Being a multi-faceted facility, it means this place is ideal for anyone who is looking for other activities to enjoy alongside pickleball.
Scott Rakow Youth Center offers sports classes for adults and kids. If you’re a novice, you’ll be trained. Because of the many facilities this center offers, you’re likely to run into many people and create friends. If your circle of friends doesn’t have anyone who enjoys pickleball, just show up at the court, and you’ll meet fellow players.
To play pickleball at the center, schedule a court from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, and on Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 am. The facilities are closed on Saturday.
CB Smith Park
The CB Smith Park is located in Broward County and sits on 296.2 acres of land. Although it is mainly popular due to Paradise Cove Water Park, it also offers other sporting activities like fishing, battling cages, and pickleball courts.
The park operates from 8 am to 7:30 pm every day. On weekends and holidays, there’s an entrance fee of $1.50, but for kids under the age of 5, entrance is free. It is also clean and organized, and all the facilities are well maintained.
Saga Bay Park
Saga Bay Park is located in Cutler Bay and sits on five acres of land. The park has four multipurpose tennis courts also used to play badminton, pickleball, and other net sports. According to staff members at the park, pickleball is the most common sport played on the court.
If you’re looking for a great neighborhood to play pickleball, Saga Bay Park is the place to be. Schedule your session at the court from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, except for public holidays.
Aside from pickleball courts, the park also offers a paved parking lot, clean restrooms, and outdoor exercise equipment. You’ll have plenty of things to do.
Miccosukee Golf & Country Club
For our friends looking for a high-end facility to play pickleball, this is the place to be. This country club is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Kendale Lake and was the first club in Miami to host a pickleball tournament.
Although the club is popular for playing golf and has hosted golfing events, that isn’t the only sport members can enjoy. If you’re a member, you’ll find 12 tennis courts in the facility where you can play pickleball as well. The facility is open every day from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Once you get tired of playing pickleball, you can enjoy a swim at the Olympic-size swimming pool in the club.
