Ultimate Guide: 10 Best Places To Play Beach Volleyball in St. Pete

North shore Beach Volleyball Courts

Where:

901 North Shore Dr. NE. St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Location Details:

• Free Parking: YES
• Number of Courts: 6 sand courts, 2 womens, 2 mens, 2 coed
• Sand Consistency: Semi Shallow (meaning it is more compact)
• Bathrooms: Park bathrooms, on location site (1 male, 1 female on each side) fairly well kept
• Showers: 1 (blue) outside shower station, wheelchair accessible--location is behind the  bathroom building on the side closest to water. 
• Water Station: water fountains on the side of restroom building
• Dog Friendly: YES
• Courts labeled: 2 closest to the bathrooms are Women’s courts, 2 middle courts are 
• Men’s courts, 2 closest to the Aquatic Center are Coed. 
• General Game Play: 2vs2

What Level: 

Intermediate (BB)-Open level player

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

BB-A Level: evenings after 5pm, Coed courts. Weekend mornings

A-AA Level: evenings after 5pm, Women's/Men's Courts, Mornings 7-9am

Open Level: evenings after 5pm, Women's/Men's Courts, Mornings 7-9am

Exact Location/Parking: FREE

To get to these courts, you will park in one of the FREE parking lots on either side of the courts. If you type in the address, it will generally take you to the front parking lot, closest to the North shore Aquatic Complex. 

If this lot is full (can be after 5:00 pm on weekdays or weekend mornings), there is another free lot on the north side of the courts. This free lot is next to the North Shore tennis courts and Elva Rouse Park. To park in this lot, you can type in Elva Rouse Park to your GPS. 

Popularity: 9/10

These courts are likely the most popular courts to play at for all levels. It is especially popular for a solo player because the court etiquette at this location is tailored towards solo show ups as well as teammates. See Court Etiquette section. 

Average Weekly Schedule: 

Weekday: These courts will be filled with civilians every week night 5pm-10pm. 5:30-7:00 pm being the busiest time for these courts. Approx. 30-45 people out on these nights. 

Weekend: Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am-1pm people generally will be out playing. Approximately 15-30 people generally out playing/lounging.

Club organization practice times at this location:

Optimum Beach- Youth/Junior/Pro Beach Volleyball club

• Weekday mornings approx. 7am-11am (courts 5&6)
• Weekday evenings approx. 4-6pm (courts 5&6)

Transportation: 

FREE parking, can take the Sunrunner, rollerblade/walk friendly, bike friendly

Court Etiquette: Flop System

Flop system- Each player has a shoe as their placeholder in line for games. When you arrive, put your shoe at the end of the “flop line” (line of different shoes next to the net pole). 

The general idea is “workup courts” since each division (women, men’s, coed) has 2 courts to their respective label. The closest court to the water is the starter court. When your “flop” is called, they will grab the “flop” next to yours and you will play with the person who’s “flop” that is and you will play the other 2 flops in line. 

When you win on the starter court, you advance to the court furthest from the water. The loser of the “winning” court is off and has to put their “flop” or shoe down again to get called on the starter court again. As the games continue, if you keep winning, you keep playing, if you lose, you’re out and put another “flop” down to get another game. 

Court Aesthetic: 7/10

These courts are right on the bay beach, next to the water,  5 minutes from Downtown St Pete, right along the North shore boardwalk, tennis courts, bathrooms, aquatic center and Coffee Pot Park. Very popular place to walk/bike/exercise/hammock.

Woodlawn Sports Complex Courts

Where:

1600-1699 19th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

Location Details:

• Free Parking: YES, street parking
• Number of Courts: 6 sand courts, any gender for any court
• Sand Consistency: Deep. Courts 1&2 are deepest sand, courts 3&4 Semi deep sand and courts 5&6 are shallow (meaning it is more compact)
• Bathrooms: Park bathrooms, slightly far from the beach courts, still on site. 1450 16th St. N  Brown roof building near the softball court. 
• Showers: N/A, hose attached to faucet along fence near court 3&4.
• Water Station: hose attached to faucet
• Dog Friendly: YES
• Courts labeled: 2 closest to the corner of the street are #1 & #2 , 2 middle courts are #3  & #4, and 2 courts closest to the softball courts are #5 & #6. 
• General Game Play: 2vs2, 4vs4 on Court 5&6
• Lights: YES
  
  

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

BB-A Level: evenings after 6pm on Court 5&6. Saturday mornings, Sunday evenings

Not generally random pickup. 

Exact Location/Parking: FREE

To get to these courts, you will park on the street for FREE. If you type in the address,  1600-1699 19th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 it will take you to the closest street parking next to the courts. It is on the corner of 16th Ave N and 17th Ave N. 

Popularity: 6/10

These courts are mainly rented out by clubs to train athletes on. The general level of  these courts during the week are semi-beginner to advanced. Majority youth players have practices on courts #1-#4. Not as beginner friendly or solo show up friendly due to lack of flop system. 

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

These courts tend to be busiest from 6:30am-9am and 4pm-9pm. There should always be one court open to the public to use or rent. That court is either #5 or #6. 

Weekday:

• Courts #1-#4: almost every weekday morning 6:30-9am.
• Courts #1-#4: almost every weekday evening 5pm-9pm.
• Court #5 or #6: open all morning.
• Generally all courts are free and open 10am-3pm. 

Weekend:

• Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am-1pm people generally will be out playing.
• Easy to grab a free court on weekends at this location. Approximately 10-15 people generally out playing. 

What Level: 

BB-Open Level Player

Transportation: 

FREE parking, can take the Sunrunner, rollerblade/walk friendly, bike friendly

Court Etiquette:

Rented courts for clubs with coaches or show up with a premade group to play with.

Not many solo show ups

Court Aesthetic: 6/10

These 6 courts arguably have the “nicest” (deepest sand) in St. Pete which is great for diving/etc and training for competition. These courts are in the middle of the city, not on the water, but do have fencing around the complex. The bathrooms are far from the courts, no shower station besides a hose, not very popular for random solo players. 

JW Cate (Northwest Park)

Where:

5801 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Location Details:

• Free Parking: YES, lot parking
• Number of Courts: 1 sand court
• Sand Consistency: Semi-shallow
• Bathrooms: Park bathrooms, the building on site, just past the playground, right side of the building, next to vending machines and water fountain.
• Showers: N/A
• Water Station: Water fountain by bathroom
• Dog Friendly: YES
• General Game Play: 2vs2
• Lights: YES

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

Not generally random pickup. 

Exact Location/Parking: FREE

To get to these courts, you will park in the lot for FREE. If you type in the address, 5801 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710, it will take you to the lot next to the basketball court. Once you turn into the location, go to the right of the building to park. It is on the corner of 22nd Ave N and 58th St N. 

Popularity: 4/10

This court is not incredibly popular because there is only 1 court, it is less social than the rest. Whoever is there has the right to the court unless court is rented prior. There are no fences around the court, just grass and the baseball field to the left of the court. This is a good location to bring a small group of friends to play. 

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

These courts tend to be busiest from 6pm-9pm if someone has it rented. Otherwise, this court is more rarely being used, often it is free. 

Weekday:

• Monday/Wednesday 6-7:30PM
• Tuesday 6:30-9PM 

Weekend: 

• Saturday: 8:30-11AM

What Level: 

Any level! You would need to show up with a group. 

Transportation: 

FREE parking, can take the sunrunner, rollerblade/walk friendly, bike friendly

Court Etiquette:

Priority is to clubs if rented, or it is first come, first serve with a premade group to play with. 

Court Aesthetic: 5/10

This court has decent sand, not terribly hard or hard to walk in (deep). These courts are in the middle of the city, not on the water, but in a park. The bathrooms are near the courts, no shower station, not mega popular for randoms. This court is good because it is moreso under the radar and open more often. 

Coconut Charlie’s

Where:

6100 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Location Details:

• Free Parking: NO, it is beach parking. 
• Number of Courts: 1 sand court
• Sand Consistency: Semi-deep
• Bathrooms: Bar/restaurant bathrooms, the building on site, steps from court
• Showers: 1 blue next to court/food truck
• Water Station: bring your own, the bar has a water jug!
• Dog Friendly: YES
• General Game Play: 2vs2, 4vs4
• Lights: No
  
  

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

BB-A Level: weekday evenings after 6pm .

A-Open: Saturdays/Sundays 1pm-Sunset

Hit or miss, best to bring a premade group especially on weekdays. 

Exact Location/Parking: BEACH PARKING

Avoid using the Hilton’s parking section in front of Coconut Charlie’s. There are streets a few blocks in from the beach to park, behind 7/11, Postcard Inn Parking, etc. You will have to pay for parking unless you find a gem of a spot. 

Popularity: 7/10

This court is popular on Thursday evenings, Friday evenings, Saturdays 2pm-6pm and Sundays 2pm-6pm. Solo show ups are welcome but it is a risk that you won't find anyone to play with on weekdays.

Rented Court Weekly Schedule:

None beyond occasional Hotel engagements.

These courts tend to be busiest from 5pm-8pm on weekdays and 2pm-6pm on weekends.

What Level: 

Any level! 

BB-A: Weekday evenings

A-Open: Weekends

Transportation: 

Beach parking, can take the SunRunner bus for free (get off at the Slyce Pizza location and walk 1 block to Coconut Charlie’s), bike semi-friendly

Court Etiquette:

Flop system is used when enough people are at Coconut Charlie’s (previously named Toasted Monkey). 

Flop system- Each player has a shoe as their placeholder in line for games. When you arrive, put your shoe at the end of the “flop line” (line of different shoes next to the net pole). When your “flop” is called, they will grab the “flop” next to yours and you will play with the person who’s “flop” that is and you will play the other 2 flops in line. As the games continue, if you keep winning, you keep playing, if you lose, you’re out and put another “flop” down to get another game. 

Court Aesthetic: 10/10 

This court has great sand, not terribly hard or hard to walk in. This court is steps from the actual beach. There is a “hammock garden” where there are about 10 hammocks to relax and watch volleyball with live music every night. The bathrooms are very well kept. 1 Shower station. Court is managed by the bar/restaurant/hotel so there is plenty of food and drink if you’d like to picnic. Only drawback is beach parking. 

Gulfport Courts

Where:

5500 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707

Location Details: 

• Parking: YES, lot and street parking available
• Number of Courts: 6 sand courts, any level/gender
• Sand Consistency: Semi deep
• Bathrooms: Park bathrooms, on location site (2 male, 2 female), one to the right of courts, one to the left. 
• Showers: 2 (blue) outside shower station, wheelchair accessible--location is to the right of the bathroom building on the water side. 
• Water station: poor water pressure- bring plenty of water!
• Dog Friendly: YES
• Courts labeled: All for any level/gender
• General Game Play: 4vs4
• Lights: yes-sufficient 
• DISCLAIMER: need to bring your own lines and antennas 

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

Beginner-A Level: Wednesday evenings 5pm-11pm

Not generally random AA-open level pickup here.

Exact Location/Parking: FREE

To get to these courts, you will park in one of the FREE parking lots in front of or on the right side of the courts. If you type in the address, 5500 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, it will take you to the front parking lot. 

Popularity: 7/10

These courts are likely the most popular courts to play at for beginners. It is fairly popular for a solo player because the court etiquette at this location is tailored towards solo players as well as teammates. Can vary depending on day whether it is a flop system or first come first serve. See Court Etiquette section. Beginner Wednesdays and Gulfport Fun Fridays for beginners are very popular. 

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

These courts are all first come, first serve.

Weekday: Busiest from 6-11pm on Wednesday and Friday’s. Varies on other days. 

Weekend: Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am-1pm people generally will be out playing. Approximately 10-20 people depending on time of year. 

What Level: 

Beginner-Open Level

Transportation: 

FREE parking, can take the sunrunner, rollerblade/walk friendly, bike friendly

Court Etiquette:

First come, first serve. If it is a Wednesday, it will generally be flop system. 

Court Aesthetic: 7/10

These courts are right on the bay beach, on the water, in the heart of Downtown Gulfport, right across the street from multiple good restaurants and bars. Beautiful area, especially for sunset volleyball. O’Maddy’s has good Karaoke on Thursday nights after you’re done playing! 

FLAW: need to bring your own lines and antennas 

Rec Dec

Where:

380 105th Terrace NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33716

Location Details:

• Free Parking: Yes, 1 lot
• Number of Courts: 5 sand courts
• Sand Consistency: Semi-deep
• Bathrooms: Bar/restaurant bathrooms, the building on site, steps from court
• Showers: 1 hose on the side of the bar building 
• Water Station: The bar has a water jug!
• Dog Friendly: YES
• General Game Play: 2vs2 or 4vs4
• Lights: Yes
  
  

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

Sundays AM & PM: 1-2 courts open for pickup games.

Not generally random AA-open level pickup here.

Exact Location/Parking: 

If you type in the address, 380 105th Terrace NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, it will take you straight to the parking lot. 

Popularity: 9/10

These courts are extremely busy almost every day of the week. Tampa Bay Club Sport runs leagues on these courts 6pm-11pm every night. During the day at least 1 or more courts are free. Weekend mornings there is occasional open courts

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

These courts tend to be busiest from 5pm-11pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends.

Weekday: M-F 5:30-11pm. 

Weekend: Varies on the weekend.

See Rec Dec Full Schedule here! https://www.recdecstpete.com/calander

What Level: 

Any level! Mainly beginners-advanced. Not a ton of organized open level play unless you premake the group before arrival. 

Transportation: 

Lot parking, can take the SunRunner bus for free, not very bike friendly

Court Etiquette:

Rented courts for clubs most evenings. For free play use the Flop system.

Flop system- Each player has a shoe as their placeholder in line for games. When you arrive, put your shoe at the end of the “flop line” (line of different shoes next to the net pole). 

There will be a designated starter court. When your “flop” is called, they will grab the “flop” next to yours and you will play with the person who’s “flop” that is and you will play the other 2 flops in line. 

When you win on the starter court, you advance to the designated winner court. The loser of the “winning” court is off and has to put their “flop” or shoe down again to get called on the starter court again. As the games continue, if you keep winning, you keep playing, if you lose, you’re out and put another “flop” down to get another game. 

Court Aesthetic: 7/10

This court has great sand, not terribly hard or hard to walk in. This court is steps from a bar/restaurant. There are lounging chairs to relax and watch volleyball. The bathrooms are very well kept. 1 Shower station. Court is managed by the bar/restaurant/hotel so there is plenty of food and drink if you’d like to picnic. Only drawback is it’s nowhere near water/ocean. 

Denver Park

Where:

 Denver St NE & Ohio Avenue Northeast, St. Petersburg, FL 33703

Location Details:

• Free Parking: Yes, 1 lot right in front
• Number of Courts: 1 sand court
• Sand Consistency: Semi-shallow
• Bathrooms:  N/A
• Showers: N/A
• Water Station: N/A
• Dog Friendly: YES
• General Game Play: 2vs2 or 4vs4
• Lights: Yes

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

Not generally random pickup here.

Exact Location/Parking: 

If you type in the address, Denver St NE & Ohio Avenue Northeast, St. Petersburg, FL 33703 it will take you straight to the parking lot. 

Popularity: 4/10

These courts are not busy often, and varies day to day. 

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

These courts vary on schedule. Tuesday evenings are rented.

Weekday: Fairly free

 Weekend: Fairly free

What Level: 

Any level! Premade groups are best to bring to this location, solo show ups may not have any one to play with depending on day. 

Transportation: 

Lot parking, can take the SunRunner bus for free, bike friendly

Court Etiquette:

First come, first serve.

Court Aesthetic: 5/10

This court has average sand. The net is quality, but there are no bathrooms, shower stations or water stations. There tends to be bugs and has had complaints of mosquitos, bring your bug repellent! This court is open often so that is an advantage to this location.

Postcard Inn on the Beach

Where:

6300 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Location Details:

• Free Parking: NO, it is beach parking. They do have a lot, usually $10-$30 to park in
• Number of Courts: 2-4 sand courts, occasionally they will have more nets put up if a tournament is occuring
• Sand Consistency: Shallow sand (that means compact)
• Bathrooms: Bar/restaurant bathrooms, the building on site, steps from court
• Showers: Yes, right next to the bar closest to bathroom.
• Water Station: bring your own, the bar has a water jug, but can be busy.
• Dog Friendly: No
• General Game Play: 2vs2 or 4vs4
• Lights: No

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

These courts tend to be busiest from 4-7pm on weekdays and 2pm-6pm on weekends. You can join and play during those times, those are usually all civilians playing (beginner-intermediate). The court is free during the day majority of the time. 

Weekday:  Available during the days, varies per night, usually available. Not a ton of people for random pickup on weekdays.

Weekend: Very busy 12pm-Sunset both days, everyone is available to join those games unless a tournament is being hosted that day. 

Exact Location/Parking: 

You can park in their lot. There are streets a few blocks in from the beach to park, behind 7/11, etc. You will have to pay for parking unless you find a gem of a spot. 

Popularity: 8/10

These courts are extremely popular on weekends from 2pm-sunset. Generally popular for the younger 21-28 year old crowd due to the bar atmosphere. During the week, 1-4 courts might be set up, occasionally being used. No lights.

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

Only rented on weekends when tournaments are being held there

What Level: 

Any level! Mainly beginners-intermediate.

Transportation: 

Beach parking, can take the SunRunner bus for free (get off at the Slyce Pizza location), bike semi-friendly

Court Etiquette:

Majority of time: Play a game, winner stays on, next team takes winners on. 

Occasionally use the flop system

Flop system- Each player has a shoe as their placeholder in line for games. When you arrive, put your shoe at the end of the “flop line” (line of different shoes next to the net pole). When your “flop” is called, they will grab the “flop” next to yours and you will play with the person who’s “flop” that is and you will play the other 2 flops in line. The loser of the “winning” court is off and has to put their “flop” or shoe down again to get called on the starter court again. As the games continue, if you keep winning, you keep playing, if you lose, you’re out and put another “flop” down to get another game. 

Court Aesthetic: 7/10

This court has great shallow, shelly sand. This court is steps from the ocean. There is no real casual seating to relax and watch volleyball, play beach games, etc besides the ground. The bathrooms are average for beach bathrooms. Court is managed by the bar/restaurant/hotel so there are plenty of food and drink options if you’d like to dine. Only drawback is beach parking and hard sand. 

Chris’s Beachside Bar

Where:

4506 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Location Details:

• Free Parking: NO, it is beach parking. 
• Number of Courts: 2 sand courts
• Sand Consistency: Semi-deep
• Bathrooms: Bar/restaurant bathrooms, the building on site, steps from court
• Showers: N/A
• Water Station: bring your own, the bar has a water jug!
• Dog Friendly: YES
• General Game Play: 2vs2
• Lights: No

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

These courts tend to be busiest from 5pm-sunset on weekdays and 2pm-6pm on weekends. 

Weekday: Occasional, but rare pickup games occur from 5pm-sunset. Rest of day is usually available.

Weekend: After 2pm on weekends, people will come to the beach to play doubles or coed 4vs4. 

Exact Location/Parking: 

Can use the restaurant/bar’s parking lot if you are going to be a customer. Avoid using the Hilton’s parking section in front of Coconut Charlie’s. There are streets a few blocks in from the beach to park, behind 7/11, Postcard Inn Parking, etc. You will have to pay for parking unless you find a gem of a spot. 

Popularity: 6/10

This court is popular for beach goers and in the evenings on occasion 5pm-sunset. This is one of the more tucked away, secret locations for beach volleyball courts.

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

This court has no rentals. 

What Level: 

Any level! Mainly beginners-A level.

Transportation: 

Beach parking, can take the SunRunner bus for free, bike semi-friendly

Court Etiquette:

First come, first serve!

Court Aesthetic: 9/10

This court has great sand, not terribly hard or hard to walk in. This court is steps from the actual beach. There are lounging chairs and beach games to play. The bathrooms are very well kept. Court is managed by the bar/restaurant/hotel so there is plenty of food and drink if you’d like to dine. Only drawback is beach parking.

Pinellas Park Courts

Where:

7900 60th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781

Location Details:

• Free Parking: Yes, 1 lot next to court
• Number of Courts: 3 sand courts
• Sand Consistency: Semi-deep
• Bathrooms: to the right of the parking lot
• Showers: N/A
• Water Station: N/A
• Dog Friendly: No
• General Game Play: 2vs2
• Lights: Not sufficient

Best Times to Play per Level Pickup

Weekday: Pickup games occur from 5pm-sunset. Rest of day is usually available.

Weekend: Varies 

Exact Location/Parking: 

If you type in the address, 7900 60th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781, it will take you straight to the parking lot. 

Popularity: 5/10

Semi popular, also a currently well kept secret of good volleyball courts.

Rented Court Weekly Schedule: 

Not rentable courts. 

What Level: 

Any level! 

Transportation: 

Car friendly, bike friendly, can take the Sunrunner to multiple bus stops nearby.

Court Etiquette:

First come, first serve!

Court Aesthetic: 7/10

This court has great sand, not terribly hard or hard to walk in. This court has fencing around it so balls rarely fly away. The bathrooms are well kept. Court is managed by the City of Pinellas Park. Free parking, but the drawback is that it is in the middle of the city.