The 5 Best States For Pickleball

First things first, whatever state you live in and play pickleball is the best state for pickleball, obviously! Pickleball is well represented in all 50 of our amazing states, but some have shot out of the gates a little faster than others and some have perfect playing weather that’s sunny and warm 24/7/365! Here’s a list of the 5 best states to play pickleball. 

Pickleball States

Honorable Mention: Missouri

Home to JustPaddles, the best place to buy pickleball paddles, Missouri is a must-visit when touring the country on a pickleball vacation. With the best BBQ in the country, friendly midwest folks, and two Chicken ‘N Pickle facilities (in Overland Park, KS, and Kansas City), Missouri is a low-key pickleball powerhouse that has to be on your list to visit! 

#5: California

The Golden State is home to thousands of pickleball courts, from San Diego to San Francisco. From small towns on the coast to big cities in the valley, California is often a top destination for outdoor sports because of its warm climate and beautiful scenery. You might have to battle the heat in the valley and the wind near the coast, but these are a small price to pay to play in one of the top states for pickleball! If you’re looking for a tournament to travel to in California, check out the WPT San Diego Open, or the USA Pickleball Nationals in wonderful Palm Springs, CA! 

4: Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that doesn’t exclude pickleball! Texas is also home to courts spread across major cities and small towns. Texas’s ‘relatively’ mild winters provide the potential to play almost year-round, and with a population of over 29 million, there’s no shortage of potential partners and fierce competition! If you’re looking for a place to play in Texas and you’re in the Grapevine, Grand Prairie, or San Antonio areas, check out Chicken ‘N Pickle, one of the most unique and fun places to stop in for a game! 

3: Utah

You might not expect Utah to make the list, but here we are! Home to some of the top players in the world; Callie Jo Smith, Allyce Jones, Tyler Loong, and more, Utah has quickly risen up the ranks to be one of the best states for pickleball in the US. One of the most active states in the US (mostly to do with their mountains that offer biking, hiking, skiing, boarding, running, and more), Utahns have found comfort in hitting pickleballs in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, to the Wasatch Range, and everywhere in between. If you’re looking for a tournament in Utah, check out the World Pickleball Tour event in St. George, UT in 2024! 

2: Arizona

Arizona is a real HOT bed for pickleball (pun and no pun intended)! Arizona is well known for being one of the first states to fully embrace pickleball, with courts exploding in the early 2010s and the first-ever USA Pickleball Nationals in Buckeye, AZ in November 2009. Since 2009, AZ has shown no signs of slowing as courts continue to be built in cities all over the state. And yes, before you say it, we’ll say it! Retirement communities are an important part of the rise of pickleball in Arizona. One thing you’ll learn if you travel to Arizona to play some ball, you might want to schedule your matches before 9 AM or after 7 PM to avoid the heat! 

1: Florida

No drum roll necessary - Florida as the most popular state for pickleball is a surprise to no one. Naples is specifically well known as one of the most popular places to pickle, and one of the most court-dense cities per capita to play America’s fastest-growing sport. Also home to the US Open of Pickleball, Naples is just one of the many places to play in the Sunshine State. A little too hot for you? Don’t fret, indoor facilities are sprinkled around the state and offer a way to stay out of the humidity and play in a cool indoor court before spending the rest of your time in the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for a spot to play in FL, have no fear - the PPA, APP, WPT, or a quick Google search will land you in a competitive game in absolutely no time. 

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Well, there you have it, the best states to play the best game! Now that you know where to play, you have to know what to use! If you have any additional questions about anything paddle-related, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles are here to help. You can call/text 866-382-3465, email experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're here for you from Click To Court!