Pickleball and Paradise: A Tour of the Grand Strand's Best Courts

Pack your paddle! The Grand Strand boasts many pickleball courts, including some indoor ones for those hot summer afternoons.

Key Points

• Pickleball was created in 1965 in Washington State, and became its official state sport.

• Pickleball paddles are permitted by TSA to be in carry-on luggage, and made sure to pad them well.

• Grand Palms Resort serves a convenient location to explore courts along the Grand Strand.

The game was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the summer home of Joel Pritchard. Pritchard and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, are given credit with creating the game and establishing the rules. Pickleball is possibly named after the "pickle boat" in rowing, wherein the oarsmen are chosen from the leftovers of other boats. The sport increased in popularity in the Pacific Northwest and gradually grew in popularity elsewhere.

Due to popular demand, we've made up a list of local pickleball courts so you can find the best fit for your game!

Fuller Park

• 1.5 miles from Grand Palms Resort (walking distance from the Surfside Beach Pier)

• 2 Outdoor Courts

• Free to Play

• Lighted Courts

• Restrooms On Site

• Tennis Courts with Pickleball Lines (uses tennis nets)

  
  

  

• Park Amenities include playground, picnic area, shaded green space

• Best For: Casual games, beginners, and guests looking for a quick match close to the beach.

Midway Park

• 5 miles from Grand Palms Resort 

• 10 Dedicated Outdoor Courts

• Free to Play

• Lighted Courts

• Restrooms Available

  
  

  

• Permanent Nets & Court Lines (there are tennis courts on the other side)

• Best For: Beginner-advanced Players looking for open play, larger groups, and competitive matches. 

Litchfield Pickleball

• 13 miles from Grand Palms Resort 

• 11 Courts (7 outdoor & 4 covered)

• Public Booking 

• Covered & Outdoor Play

  
  

  

• Lessons, Clinics & Open Play

• Restrooms Available

• Best For: Players looking for a premier pickleball experience with covered courts, lessons, and organized play for all skill levels.

Pin Point

• 30 miles from Grand Palms Resort 

• 9 Indoor Courts

• Climate-Controlled Facility

• Open Play, Court Reservations & Leagues

• Lessons & Clinics Available

• Full Bar & Restaurant On Site

• Restrooms Available

• Best For: Players looking for a premium indoor pickleball experience with year round play, organized leagues, and professional quality courts. 

For more court options, click here. And for some pickleball-relate packing tips, check out this article.

To begin your action-packed vacation at Grand Palms Resort, click here for direct booking. Or

call 888-913-4477 to reserve your stay. We can't wait to see you!

Kristen Meeker

(She/her)

Kristen spent her childhood on the Grand Strand. She studied English and editing in college, spent time in Appalachia and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Kristen enjoys quilting, reading, and traveling with her family. She makes her way back to the beach as often as she can!