If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, chances are you will soon. The sport is the fastest-growing in America, with millions of people playing regularly and Major League Pickleball popping up in Austin.
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.
That’s what we’re here for. Here are nine 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 20 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. | $4-$16
This center is the largest in Austin, with eight pickleball courts and 10 tennis courts. Singles players can play up to 90 minutes for $8, while doubles teams can play for as long as two hours for $16 total.
For the happy hour athlete
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.
Bouldin Acres | 2027 S. Lamar Blvd. | $10-$20 per half hour
After playing, grab a drink at the bar, order food from CM Smokehouse, and soak in the sun on this dog-friendly patio — the site also features a playground and dog park.
Ski Shores Cafe | 2905 Pearce Rd. | Free
The pickleball court at this Austin institution (which has been serving Austinites since 1954, barring small closures) is first-come, first-served. Plus, you can play while munching on some fried okra and drinking a piña colada.
For the competitive athlete
Austin Pickle Ranch | Multiple locations | $12-$20 per hour, $99-$149 per month
Sign on for open play and make some new pals, play on a private court with some of your athletic friends, or join as a member to compete indoors at the Braker Lane location or on the rooftop on West 6th Street for stunning views of Downtown.
Austin Sports and Social Club | Multiple locations | $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.
Eastside Paddle Club | 979 Springdale Rd., Ste. #115 | $50 per day, $155-$269 per month
With 30,500 sqft and 10 pickleball courts (six indoor and four on the rooftop), this facility is one of the largest in Austin. Plus, it offers corporate memberships and family memberships as well.
Other Racquet Social Club | 2717 Manor Rd. | $25-$40 one-time booking, $200-$300 per month
Play at your leisure or train intensely at one of this exclusive club’s three courts, while spectators watch form cabanas. Membership includes access to a private lounge, complete with a cold plunge + sauna, plus clinics from pickleball professionals.
