Updated: June 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Anna Maria Island and can’t bear the thought of missing a game, you’re in luck. This laid-back beach destination has quietly become one of the best spots on the Gulf Coast to play, if you know where to go.
Whether you’re a beginner just discovering the sport, a seasoned player who travels with your paddle, or someone looking to mix in a little competition between beach days, this guide covers every place to play pickleball on Anna Maria Island, what to expect at each one, and how to find a game fast. And if pickleball isn’t your only vacation hobby, I also have guides to Mahjong on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide and Beach Bar Games on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide for when you’re ready to switch things up.
Where to Play Pickleball on Anna Maria Island?
Not sure which court is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown before we dive in:
- Best for beginners and casual play: Anna Maria Island Community Center, organized sessions, welcoming vibe, all skill levels
- Best free outdoor courts: Holmes Beach City Park, quick, easy, right near the beach
- Best for serious players and open play variety: G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton, 20 dedicated courts, structured play, and matches going all day
- Best for avoiding peak-season crowds: Arrive early, or head off-island where there’s more availability
On the Island
Anna Maria Island Community Center
- 407 Magnolia Avenue · Anna Maria
- Reservations: not required
This is the go-to spot for visitors who want a welcoming, organized environment. There are multiple well-maintained outdoor courts suitable for all skill levels, clinics and open-play sessions, plus restrooms, water, and shade. It’s a great choice if you want a structured game or just want to show up and fall into the rotation. Check their website for current pricing and hours.
Holmes Beach
- 62nd Street · Holmes Beach
- Cost: Free
- Reservations: not available
Two outdoor asphalt courts (lines overlaid on tennis courts, so the net runs slightly taller than standard), restrooms, water, and lights for evening play. It’s free, first-come first-served, and close enough to the beach that you can easily work a game into a full beach day. For visitors looking for casual pickleball on Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach City Park is a convenient and accessible option.
Lou Barolo Park
- 4000 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- Cost · Free
- Reservations · not required
One outdoor court at the southern end of the island. Free, no reservations needed, restrooms and water on site. It’s the most low-key option on this list, ideal if you’re staying in Bradenton Beach and want something close.
Off the Island
C.V. Walton Racquet Center at G.T. Bray Recreation Center
- 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West · Bradenton
- Cost · varies · check the website
- Reservations · outdoor courts can be reserved up to six days in advance by calling (941) 742‑5973
This is the real gem. Twenty dedicated outdoor pickleball courts (14 covered with fans, 6 open-air), open play most mornings from 9 a.m. to noon plus afternoons and evenings, courts designated by skill level, and clinics for beginners through advanced players. Check their website for current pricing, hours, and registration details. Courts can be reserved up to six days in advance by calling (941) 742-5973.
If courts on the island are packed (which they will be from January through April), this is your backup plan and honestly might become your first choice. The sheer volume of players here means you’ll almost always find a game at your level.
Local Tips for Playing Pickleball on Anna Maria Island
Play early. Morning games are cooler, less crowded, and far more comfortable in the Florida heat. This applies year-round but especially in summer.
Plan ahead during peak season. January through April, courts fill fast with visitors and snowbirds. Arrive early or have G.T. Bray as your backup.
Bring more water than you think you need and protect your skin. Even a mild January morning on an outdoor court will have you sweating, and the Florida sun is no joke year-round. I keep my favorite sun protection picks stocked in my Amazon storefront if you need a starting point.
Know that some on-island courts are shared. Holmes Beach in particular shares space with tennis, so net height and availability can vary.
Download PicklePlay or Pickleheads. Both apps are great for finding other players, checking court activity, and jumping into open games nearby.
Build a full day around it. An early morning match pairs perfectly with a boat tour in the afternoon. Check out my Best Boat Tours and Charters on Anna Maria Island guide for the top picks. And if you want to wind down at night with something more low-key, Beach Bar Games on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide covers all the best options for adults who want to keep the competitive energy going in a different way.
After an early morning match, grab a caffeine boost or breakfast nearby. My Coffee Guide for Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide highlights the best cafés for espresso, lattes, and island vibes, while my Breakfast on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide shows where to get everything from hearty morning plates to quick bites before your next game.
Coastal Close
Anna Maria Island isn’t a pickleball destination in the traditional sense, but that’s part of what makes it so great. The courts are unhurried, the players are friendly, and you can go from a morning match to your toes in the Gulf in under ten minutes. Whether you’re a daily player keeping up your routine on vacation or someone picking up a paddle for the first time, there’s a spot here for you.
— izzy