If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, chances are you will soon. The sport is the fastest-growing in America , with 4.8 million people now regularly playing.
Due to the popularity of the sport — which is like a smaller version of tennis, larger version of ping pong, and twist on badminton rolled up into one — reserving a court in Austin can be challenging.
But that’s what we’re here for. Here are five places to play pickleball in Austin, based on your athlete style.
For the athlete on a budget
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Pickleball Courts | Various locations | Free
Austin’s parks department offers nine free pickleball locations around the city. Read the fine print before you go, because some locations are first-come, first serve, but others require a reservation.
Austin Tennis Center | 7800 Johnny Morris Rd. | $6-$12
This center is the largest in Austin, with eight pickleball courts and 10 tennis courts. Singles players can play for 30-90 minutes for $6, while doubles teams can play for as long as two hours for $12 total.
For the happy hour athlete
Bouldin Acres | 2027 S. Lamar Blvd. | $10-20 per half hour
After playing, grab a drink at the bar, order food from CM Smokehouse or Gringo Loco, and soak in the sun on this dog-friendly patio — the site also features a playground and dog park.
5 Soul | 4514 Bob Wire Rd., Spicewood | $25 per hour
This Spicewood spot is a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin, but it contains six outdoor courts, food trucks, and indoor bar space. Bonus: The lawn area boasts some great Hill Country views.
For the competitive athlete
Austin Sports and Social Club | Locations vary | $73+ registration fee
This pickleball league for players of all skill levels guarantees one match per week for seven weeks. Sign up as a team or a single player — paddles, balls, t-shirts, and a league coordinator will be provided.