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10 Best Pickleball Courts in South Florida (And How to Stay Pain-Free While You Play)
- Romell Zabate
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Pickleball is booming across South Florida—from Wynwood to Weston, the pop-pop-pop of paddles has become the sound of every park. Whether you're just getting started or chasing a win streak, this list will point you to the best courts in the region—and share tips for playing smarter, longer, and pain-free.
The Rise of Pickleball (and the Risk of Overdoing It)
It’s official: pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and South Florida is one of its hottest hubs. With year-round sunshine, passionate players, and courts popping up in nearly every city, it’s never been easier to join the fun.
But as physical therapists, we see the flip side too: sore shoulders, tight hips, overworked knees, and one-too-many rolled ankles. So as you explore these awesome courts, keep in mind that recovery and movement quality matter just as much as your serve.
Now—let’s dive into the best places to play.
1. DETA Pickleball Club – Kendale Lakes, Miami
6401 Kendale Lakes Dr. | Miami-Dade’s largest pickleball complex with 16 lighted courts, lesson options, and a full pro shop. PT Tip: Book a lesson if you're new—poor form is the top cause of elbow and shoulder pain.
2. Diadem Pickleball Complex – Coconut Creek
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd. | Nine indoor courts, rentable by the hour, backed by one of the sport’s biggest gear brands. PT Tip: Indoor courts = less heat strain and joint stress. Great for summer play.
3. Holiday Park – Fort Lauderdale
1150 G. Harold Martin Dr. | Six lit courts. Mornings and evenings get competitive fast. PT Tip:Â Warm up before those 5 p.m. matches. Cooler temps = tighter muscles = higher risk.
4. Miami Beach Golf Club Courts – Miami Beach
2301 Alton Rd. | Six open-air courts, free parking, and night lights. First-come, first-serve. PT Tip:Â Playing after sunset? Do mobility drills beforehand to keep your joints prepped in cooler air.
5. Miami Shores Tennis & Pickleball Club – Miami Shores
825 NE 100th St. | Six pickleball courts + seven tennis courts. Membership required. PT Tip:Â Tournaments can push your limits. Schedule recovery days to avoid overuse injuries.
6. Plantation Central Park – Plantation
9151 NW 2nd St. | A whopping 17 public courts, concrete surfaces, and nighttime lights. PT Tip: Mix it up—hard concrete surfaces can be tough on knees and ankles if played on too often.
4301 N. Michigan Ave. | Two peaceful, unlit courts in a quiet neighborhood setting. PT Tip:Â Ideal for beginners easing in. Fewer crowds mean more time to practice proper footwork.
8. Riviera Tennis Center – Miami
9775 SW 8th Ave. | Four permanent and four flexible pickleball courts. Reserve in advance. PT Tip: Mobile nets often mean less consistent court size/feel—go slow and stay aware of footing.
9. Sip and Pickle – Wynwood, Miami
2250 NW 2nd Ave. | Five social courts, food, drinks, and courtside service. Open Thurs–Sun. PT Tip: Don’t skip your warm-up just because the vibe is chill. Social play still stresses joints.
10. Tropical Park – Miami
7900 Bird Rd. | Four lighted, no-frills courts—free to use, next to the tennis complex. PT Tip: Free and popular means crowded. Be patient, hydrate, and stay loose between games.
Play Often. Recover Smarter.
Pickleball is a blast—but your joints, tendons, and back might tell a different story after a few matches. If you’re feeling nagging pain or fatigue after playing, we’re here to help. At Back On Court PT, we help active adults across South Florida stay mobile, strong, and pain-free—on and off the court.
FAQs: Pickleball Players in South Florida
What’s the most common pickleball injury?
Tennis elbow (a.k.a. pickleball elbow), shoulder impingement, and Achilles tendon strain top the list.
Can I still play pickleball with joint pain?
Possibly—with a proper rehab and modification plan. We’ll help you keep moving safely.
Are hard courts bad for your knees?
Not if you recover well and wear proper shoes. Mix in mobility work and strength training to balance it out.
How often should I rest between matches?
Listen to your body. Two to three play days per week with at least one rest day in between is a great rhythm for most.
When should I see a PT for pickleball pain?
If you’ve had pain longer than a week, or if it affects your swing, stride, or sleep—it’s time to get checked.
About the Author: Dr. Romell Zabate, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and sports-related injuries. He holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Seton Hall University and is a certified strength coach with advanced training in exercise physiology. Dr. Zabate integrates evidence-based rehab with strength and conditioning to help active adults return to pain-free movement.