The 10 Best Cities for Pickleball in America (2026 Rankings)

Pickleball fever has swept across America, but some cities have embraced the sport more than others. We analyzed court data from across the country to identify the top destinations for pickleball enthusiasts. Whether you're planning a move, a pickleball vacation, or just curious how your hometown stacks up, here are the 10 best cities for pickleball in 2026.

How We Ranked These Cities

Our rankings consider several factors:

• Total number of courts and facilities
• Percentage of public (free) courts
• Court density relative to population
• Variety of playing options
• Community engagement and growth

1. Austin, Texas - The Undisputed Champion

Courts: 48 | Public: 45 (94%)

Austin has emerged as America's pickleball capital. The Texas capital boasts an incredible 48 pickleball courts, with 94% of them open to the public. The city's parks department has been aggressive in adding dedicated pickleball facilities, and the local community has responded enthusiastically.

What makes Austin special is the combination of year-round playable weather, a health-conscious population, and a culture that embraces outdoor activities. Courts at places like the South Austin Recreation Center and Northwest Recreation Center are buzzing with activity from dawn to dusk.

Best for: Year-round outdoor play, vibrant community, public court access

2. Seattle, Washington - The Pacific Northwest Hub

Courts: 34 | Public: 28 (82%)

Seattle proves that pickleball thrives even in rainy climates. The city's 34 courts are spread across neighborhoods from Ballard to Beacon Hill, with the majority offering free public access.

Seattle's pickleball scene benefits from an active parks department and passionate player community. The Amy Yee Tennis Center and various community centers offer covered and indoor options for those inevitable rainy days.

Best for: Community atmosphere, mixed indoor/outdoor options, dedicated player base

3. Bainbridge Island, Washington - Small Town, Big Pickleball

Courts: 35 | Public: 23 (66%)

Bainbridge Island might be the most surprising entry on our list. This island community of just 25,000 people boasts 35 pickleball courts - that's roughly one court for every 700 residents, an incredible ratio.

The island's active retirement community and health-focused culture have made pickleball the de facto local sport. The Bainbridge Island Recreation Center serves as the hub of activity.

Best for: Court availability, tight-knit community, escaping crowds

4. Marco Island, Florida - Sunshine and Pickleball

Courts: 32 | Public: 30 (94%)

Florida is pickleball country, and Marco Island exemplifies why. This Gulf Coast paradise offers 32 courts with nearly all of them publicly accessible. The warm climate means year-round play, and the active retiree population ensures courts are always busy.

The YMCA of Marco Island and Mackle Park are popular gathering spots where players of all skill levels can find games.

Best for: Winter play, retirees, beach lifestyle combined with pickleball

5. Los Angeles, California - Star Power

Courts: 32 | Public: 28 (88%)

Los Angeles brings celebrity appeal to pickleball. With 32 courts across the sprawling metro area, there's always somewhere to play. Parks like Cheviot Hills and Rancho Park have become hotspots for the LA pickleball scene.

The city's entertainment industry connections have brought significant investment and attention to the sport, with celebrities frequently spotted on local courts.

Best for: Celebrity sightings, diverse playing options, perfect weather

6. Chicago, Illinois - Midwest Momentum

Courts: 29 | Public: 27 (93%)

Chicago leads the Midwest in pickleball adoption. Despite harsh winters, the city has built a robust pickleball infrastructure with 29 courts. The Chicago Park District has converted numerous tennis courts and built dedicated facilities to meet growing demand.

Indoor options at park district facilities keep players active year-round, while summer months see packed outdoor courts along the lakefront.

Best for: Urban accessibility, strong park system, passionate midwest community

7. St. George, Utah - Desert Paradise

Courts: 28 | Public: 25 (89%)

St. George in southern Utah has become a pickleball destination. The desert climate offers 300+ days of sunshine annually, and the city has invested heavily in court infrastructure. With 28 courts serving a population of under 100,000, court availability is excellent.

The Little Valley Pickleball Complex is a crown jewel, offering tournament-quality facilities that attract players from across the region.

Best for: Consistent weather, tournament facilities, snowbird destination

8. Mesa, Arizona - Retirement Community Revival

Courts: 26 | Public: 22 (85%)

Mesa and the greater Phoenix area have long been popular with retirees, and pickleball has become a cornerstone of the active adult lifestyle. The city's 26 courts are well-distributed across parks and recreation centers.

The warm winter climate makes Mesa particularly attractive for snowbirds looking to maintain their pickleball habit during northern winters.

Best for: Winter escape, active retirement community, consistent availability

9. Charlotte, North Carolina - Southern Growth

Courts: 25 | Public: 23 (92%)

Charlotte represents the rapid growth of pickleball in the Southeast. The Queen City has added courts at an impressive rate, with 25 facilities now available. The mild climate allows for comfortable play most of the year.

The Charlotte Pickleball Club has been instrumental in organizing the community and advocating for more court construction.

Best for: Growing community, moderate climate, southern hospitality

10. Portland, Oregon - Pacific Northwest Alternative

Courts: 25 | Public: 21 (84%)

Portland rounds out our top 10 with 25 courts and a characteristically enthusiastic local community. The city's parks department has been responsive to demand, converting underutilized tennis courts and building new dedicated facilities.

Montavilla Park and Grant Park are popular outdoor venues, while various recreation centers offer indoor options during the rainy season.

Best for: Eco-conscious community, indoor options, quirky local culture

Honorable Mentions

Several cities narrowly missed our top 10:

• Houston, Texas (25 courts) - Rapidly expanding infrastructure
• San Diego, California (22 courts) - Perfect weather year-round
• Denver, Colorado (20 courts) - Growing altitude pickleball scene
• Phoenix, Arizona (19 courts) - Part of the larger Mesa/Phoenix metro boom

What Makes a Great Pickleball City?

Beyond raw court numbers, the best pickleball cities share common traits:

Strong Community Organizations

Cities with active clubs and player groups tend to have better court maintenance, more organized play sessions, and faster infrastructure growth. These organizations advocate for new facilities and help newcomers find games.

Parks Department Support

Municipal investment matters. Cities where parks departments actively support pickleball - through dedicated courts, quality maintenance, and programming - create better playing experiences.

Mixed Public/Private Options

The best cities offer both free public courts for casual play and private facilities for those seeking premium experiences. This diversity serves players at all commitment levels.

Year-Round Playability

Whether through favorable climate or indoor facilities, top cities enable consistent play regardless of season. This keeps skills sharp and communities engaged.

Planning Your Pickleball Trip

If you're considering a pickleball-focused vacation, keep these tips in mind:

1. Check court etiquette locally - Paddle queue systems and rotation rules vary by location
2. Bring indoor and outdoor balls - You never know what conditions you'll encounter
3. Connect with local groups beforehand - Facebook groups and Meetup can help you find games
4. Consider off-peak times - Popular courts can be crowded on weekend mornings
5. Try multiple facilities - Each location has its own character and player community

The Future of Pickleball Cities

Every major city in America is now investing in pickleball infrastructure. Cities that aren't yet on this list are actively building courts and developing communities. By 2027, we expect this ranking to look quite different as more cities recognize the social, health, and economic benefits of supporting the sport.

Whether you're in a top-10 city or a small town just getting started, the beauty of pickleball is its accessibility. All you need is a paddle, a ball, and a court - and increasingly, that court is just around the corner.

Data sourced from WherePickleball.com court database. Rankings reflect court counts as of January 2026. Have we missed courts in your city? Contact us to help us improve our data.