Obsessed with pickleball? Join the crowd--it’s the fastest growing sport in America. Millions of people are playing the game. Courts are popping up everywhere. Professional tournaments are on TV. Even pickleball travel is a thing. Resorts are offering all kinds of programs from social meet-ups to intense training sessions. Where are the best places to go? Whether you are interested in a pickleball trip to improve your skills, or simply a trip with pickleball (who wants to go a week without playing?), we’ve got you covered.
Source: Palmetto Oceanfront Resort
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Squad goals: Rally your favorite doubles partners together and book a villa at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort community in Hilton Head. At the southern tip of the South Carolina coast, Hilton Head is famous for its unspoiled coastline and leisure-centric lifestyle. With 24 pickleball courts and 17 tennis courts, The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center is the hub of racquet sports activity in the area. The facility offers a full menu of pickleball clinics and match play opportunities. Dream team vacation: Palmetto Dunes’ Ladies Sports Getaway package includes 4 nights in a villa (hours of court time, golf, free bike rentals, a pickleball clinic and round robin play.)
Source: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Omni HIlton Head Oceanfront Resort
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, part of the Palmetto Dunes Resort complex with access to the same courts, provides a more traditional hotel setting (rather than the villa and home rentals.) Just steps from the Atlantic, it’s perfect for those seeking equal parts pickleball and beach vacay. Families have lots to do with a choice of pools, a spa and miles of sugary sand.
Source: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
The all-new Pickleball Center at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is a picklers paradise. With 17 courts, a pro shop, instruction and group play for multiple levels, this recently renovated resort is the perfect retreat for pickleball enthusiasts. Players can enjoy the full-service spa and five pools during game breaks, and the courts are lit for evening matches, if the sun gets too hot. After a few days, you’ll be wondering what’s more magnificent—your third shot drop, or the desert sunset.
Source: The Boulders Resort and Spa
The Boulders Resort and Spa
The pickleball-curious should consider a trip to The Boulders Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This gorgeous facility caters to all levels but features clinics targeted to complete newbies. After a few beginner sessions, participants will be ready for match play. This crash-course is the perfect preparation for joining pickleball groups back home. And if you’re still in the mood for trying new things, the Boulders provides access to a wide variety of desert-centric adventures, including rock-climbing, horse-back riding and hot air ballooning.
Source: Sage Hill Inn and Spa
Sage Hill Inn and Spa
Those looking for a more boutique pickleball vacation should consider this low-key luxury of the Sage Hill Inn and Spa in Kyle, Texas. Set on 88 acres of pristine Texas Hill country outside of Austin, the hotel is comprised of just 20 unique living units, ranging from individual rooms to adorable cottages. It’s almost surprising that Sage Hill offers a Pickleball Pavilion with four lighted courts and a busy schedule of pickleball activities, including lessons, clinics, camps with guest pros and ‘experience packages,’ such as Pickle and Poison (pickleball and distillery tours) and Pickle and Poker. We like the sound of the Dink and Drink—a complimentary event for guests, featuring music, BBQ, frozen sangria and hours of open play on Sunday afternoons (held twice each month).
Source: Omni Amelia Island Resort
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Known for its world-class tennis instruction, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Fernandina Beach, Florida now offers seven pickleball courts and on-staff instructors to help perfect your game. Progressive clinics here are designed to keep pace as your skills improve, preparing you for ‘Match Madness.’ This pro-guided ‘open play’ clinic allows players to test their skills in a match setting—keeping score and following all rules. Celebrate victory (or recover from loss) with a dip in the ocean, a massage at the spa, or a poolside cocktail. All-of-the-above works for us!
Source: Plaza Hotel & Casino
The Plaza Hotel & Casino
Up for rooftop pickleball? The Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada offers 13 courts on its fifth-floor rooftop pool deck – the most of any resort in Las Vegas. The Plaza organizes clinics and open-play sessions tailored to different skill levels, hosts corporate events, and guests at the hotel are offered a free lesson. The courts are also used for tournaments and pro play, so the facilities are first-rate. Oh, and when you’re not playing pickleball, there might be a few other things to do…. in Vegas. Yes, there’s a casino on site and multiple dining options so players can refuel.
Source: Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Eight pickleball courts are available to guests at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa, an idyllic retreat off the coast of San Diego. Technically a sandy peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean, Coronado Island has long lured beach lovers to its shores. Now, pickleball fanatics can enjoy the laid-back vibe and sparkling coastline (there is mica in the sand, so the beaches truly sparkle) when they aren’t working on their dinks, drives and drop shots. Open play is available on Monday and Thursday mornings, and lessons can be arranged.
Source: The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor
With four instructors on staff offering a full schedule of lessons, drills, clinics, camps and tournaments, The Broadmoor, located in Colorado Springs, is serious about pickleball. They offer themed Adult Pickleball Camps, such as the upcoming Pickleball, Pasta and Pizza weekend, which includes three of our favorite things so we are all for it. The courts are covered during the winter, so pickleball racquet sports are available all year at this historic mountain resort. The resort also offers a wide range of off-court activities that make the most of this spectacular location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Beginner Falconry anyone?
With their innovative designs and durable materials, Doubletake pickleball bags are ideal for travel. They provide ample storage space for all your gear while keeping it organized and easily accessible. Whether you opt for the convenient pickleball backpacks, stylish totes, or spacious duffels, Doubletake has you covered for all your travel needs.