Discover Pickleball While Visiting the Emerald Coast
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Destin and Miramar Beach, Florida? Look no further than pickleball, a sport that’s taking the nation by storm and quickly becoming a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes pickleball so special, share some fun facts about the game, and guide you to the best places to play in the Destin/Miramar Beach area.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. The game can be played as singles or doubles, and it’s known for being easy to learn, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
Fun Facts About Pickleball
Origins : Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—looking to entertain their bored children during the summer.
Name : The origin of the name “pickleball” is often debated. Some say it was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball, while others believe it’s named after the term “pickle boat,” referring to the last boat to return with its catch in a race.
Popularity : Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with over 3.3 million players nationwide as of 2019.
Competitive Play : There are numerous pickleball tournaments held across the country, including the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, which draw players from around the world.
Where to Play Pickleball in Destin/Miramar Beach
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, there are plenty of places to enjoy a game of pickleball in the Destin/Miramar Beach area. Here are some top spots to check out courtesy of Pickleheads :
Miramar Beach
Pickleball at Seascape : 6 courts
Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort : 5 courts
Sandestin Tennis Center : 6 courts
Hidden Dunes Pickleball Courts : 5 courts
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa : 6 courts
Destin
Buck Destin Park : 2 courts
Destin United Methodist Church : 4 courts
Destin Community Center : 3 courts
Join the Pickleball Craze
Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a community activity that brings people together. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking for a fun way to stay active, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy pickleball in the Destin/Miramar Beach area. So grab a paddle, hit the court, and see why pickleball is the game everyone’s talking about!
For more tips on local activities and to book your stay in Destin or Miramar Beach, visit www.beachbumsdestin.com.
