Traveling is always exciting, but for pickleball enthusiasts, it often comes with one pressing question: Where am I going to find my next pickleball fix? Whether you’re heading to a new city for work, taking a relaxing vacation, or embarking on a road trip, pickleball doesn’t have to take a back seat. In fact, discovering new places to play can add a whole new level of fun to your travels!

From local courts to pickleball-friendly resorts, this guide is all about helping you find pickleball opportunities when traveling. So grab your paddle, pack your bag, and let’s dive into how to keep playing the sport you love, no matter where your adventures take you!

Why Traveling and Pickleball Go Hand in Hand

Before we dive into the how-tos, let’s talk about why finding pickleball opportunities while traveling is such a great idea.

1. Meet New People: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and it’s known for its tight-knit, friendly community. Whether you’re playing with locals or fellow travelers, it’s a great way to meet new friends.
2. Stay Active: Keeping up with pickleball on the road helps maintain your fitness routine without feeling like exercise. After all, what’s better than having fun while breaking a sweat?
3. Explore New Places: Searching for pickleball courts gives you a reason to visit parts of the town or city you might not have otherwise explored.
4. Try Different Playing Styles: Traveling can expose you to different pickleball styles, rules, and competition levels, enhancing your own game.
5. Make Your Trip More Fun: Playing a few rounds of pickleball can be the perfect break from sightseeing, beach lounging, or long business meetings. It’s all about balance!

Now that we’ve got you excited, let’s talk about how to find those opportunities.

1. Plan Ahead: The Art of Researching Pickleball Courts Before You Travel

a. Start With the Basics

When planning your trip, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, it’s always a good idea to research pickleball courts in your destination. Here’s how to get started:

• Google Is Your Friend: A quick Google search for “pickleball courts near me” or “pickleball courts in [city]” is a great starting point. Many local community centers, gyms, and parks have pickleball facilities that you can easily find online.
• Use Court Locator Websites: Websites like Pickleball.com or Places2Play are dedicated to helping players find courts around the world. You can search by city or zip code to find the nearest pickleball locations.
• Check Social Media Groups: Facebook groups for pickleball players are incredibly popular and can be a goldmine for finding local games and courts. Many cities have their own groups where players post about meetups, open play schedules, and tournaments.
• Local Tourism Websites: Some cities and towns highlight sports activities, including pickleball, on their tourism websites. These can give you insider tips on where to play and if there are any pickleball-related events during your stay.

b. Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find out about new places to play. If you’re part of a pickleball club or have friends who play, don’t hesitate to ask if they’ve traveled to your destination and played pickleball there. They might know of a hidden gem or a must-visit court that you wouldn’t find online!

2. Pack Smart: Travel-Friendly Pickleball Gear

When it comes to pickleball, you don’t need much equipment, but packing smart ensures you’re ready to play wherever you find yourself. Here’s a quick packing checklist to keep your gear light and practical:

• Paddle: Bring your own paddle, especially if you’re picky about what you play with. While some places may have loaners or rentals, nothing beats playing with your own gear.
• Balls: Toss a couple of pickleballs in your suitcase. They’re lightweight and don’t take up much space. You’ll be glad you have them if the courts don’t provide any.
• Court Shoes: Pickleball courts vary, and some may be indoors or on hard surfaces, so pack court shoes with good grip to stay safe.
• Comfortable Athletic Clothing: Versatile activewear that you can wear on and off the court is perfect for traveling.
• Sunscreen & Hat: If you’re playing outdoors, be prepared for sunny conditions. A little extra protection goes a long way.

If you’re tight on luggage space, check with local courts to see if they offer paddle rentals. This can save you room, especially if you’re traveling with just a carry-on.

3. Join Local Open Play and Drop-in Games

One of the most fun and convenient ways to get some games in while traveling is by joining open play sessions. Many community centers, gyms, and local parks offer drop-in pickleball games, which are usually open to players of all levels.

How to Find Drop-In Games:

• Community Centers and Parks: Most cities have local parks or community centers that offer open play sessions. These are perfect for travelers because they’re often free or low-cost, and you don’t need to be a member to join in.
• YMCA and Fitness Clubs: Many YMCA branches, LA Fitness clubs, and other fitness centers have pickleball courts with daily open play. If you’re already a member of a national fitness chain, you might even get free access to locations in different cities.
• Local Pickleball Clubs: Some cities have dedicated pickleball clubs that welcome visiting players for drop-in games or social play days. It’s a great way to meet locals and get a feel for the city’s pickleball culture.
• Meetup.com: Check out Meetup.com, where you can find local pickleball groups that organize casual games. Joining a group for a game is an easy way to meet fellow players and have a good time.

4. Look for Pickleball-Friendly Accommodations

More and more hotels and resorts are jumping on the pickleball bandwagon, offering courts and facilities as part of their amenities. If you’re looking for pickleball opportunities without leaving your hotel, consider staying at a place that has its own courts.

How to Find Pickleball-Friendly Accommodations:

• Resorts With Pickleball Programs: Some resorts, especially in vacation hotspots like Florida, Arizona, and California, offer full pickleball programs, including clinics, lessons, and daily open play. Check the resort’s website or call ahead to confirm pickleball offerings.
• Pickleball Hotels: A growing trend among hotels is adding pickleball courts as part of their recreational facilities. When booking your stay, look for accommodations that mention pickleball in their amenities. Websites like Resort Finder can help you search for hotels with pickleball courts.
• Airbnb Experiences: If you’re staying in a vacation rental, don’t forget to check out Airbnb Experiences for local pickleball classes or meetups in your destination.

5. Attend Pickleball Events, Tournaments, and Camps

If you’re an avid pickleball player or just want to take your game to the next level while traveling, attending a pickleball event or camp can be a fantastic experience.

Types of Pickleball Events:

• Tournaments: Many cities host local pickleball tournaments that are open to players of all levels. Whether you want to compete or simply watch, these events can be a highlight of your trip. Sites like PickleballTournaments.com list events happening all around the world.
• Clinics and Camps: Pickleball camps and clinics are ideal for improving your skills while meeting other players. Some destinations even have multi-day camps for vacationers. Check out companies like Pickleball Central for information on upcoming camps and clinics.
• Pickleball Festivals: Yes, there are even pickleball festivals! These events typically feature open play, clinics, exhibitions, and social events for players. If you’re lucky enough to be traveling near a festival, it’s a great opportunity to dive into the pickleball community.

 

 

6. Keep It Flexible: Be Open to Impromptu Games

Not every pickleball opportunity needs to be planned! Sometimes, the best games are the ones you stumble upon by chance. Here’s how to stay open to spontaneous games:

• Chat With Locals: If you see people playing, don’t hesitate to ask if you can join. Most pickleball players are welcoming and happy to have an extra person in the game.
• Check Out Local Parks: While sightseeing or exploring your destination, keep an eye out for local parks. Many parks have courts available for casual drop-in play, and you might find yourself in the middle of an impromptu game.
• Bring a Friend: If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, why not introduce them to the game? All you need is a net (or even some chalk lines on the ground) and a couple of paddles. Pickleball is easy to set up, and you might convert a fellow traveler into a new pickleball fan!

Conclusion: Keep Your Pickleball Passion Alive on the Road

Traveling doesn’t mean you have to take a break from pickleball—in fact, it’s an opportunity to expand your pickleball horizons. Whether you’re researching courts ahead of time, joining local drop-in games, or packing your paddle for impromptu sessions, there are plenty of ways to keep your game going on the road.