6 Pickleball Vacation Ideas For Your Next Trip

View of a full size tennis/pickleball court with mountain backdrop at a luxury, upscale estate in Indian Wells, California.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It's no wonder people love pickleball: It's an easy and fun way to get moving and be social. The good news for pickleball fans? Playing doesn't have to be limited to a weekly get-together or occasional game — it's also a perfect choice for a vacation.

If you want to ensure your next trip includes a physical activity a group can enjoy, you can easily incorporate pickleball into your travels, whether it's by making it the trip's main focus or by including it often in the schedule.

Here are some ideas for pickleball getaways that will leave you feeling fit, healthy and, best of all, entertained.

1. Immerse yourself in a pickleball retreat

If you want your trip to revolve solely around pickleball, sign up for a pickleball retreat. Yes, these exist, and they're for people who want to spend their time playing the game and improving moves. Not only will you learn better techniques, but you'll hang out with people who have a similar passion, making it an excellent way to make new friends.

Options: Pickleball in Paradise is a vacation planning service that helps combine pickleball games with a luxury all-inclusive Caribbean getaway (prices start at $3,499 for an upcoming trip to Jamaica, for example).

If you want to cut out the middleman, Sandals Resorts has 64 courts at 14 of their all-inclusive resorts in such locations as Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Bahamas. It's an easy way to integrate pickleball into a dreamy beach trip.

If you'd rather devote your day solely to pickleball training, consider LevelUp Pickleball Camps, which teach players of all skill levels who want to temporarily eat, drink and breathe pickleball. You'll spend a weekend training with top experts for up to six hours a day.

From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance

Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just ~~$107.88~~ $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues

CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/y99mlvgqmn1763972420.png

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

To get a feel for pricing, the cost for an upcoming weekend in Sarasota, Florida is $675. There are plenty of options for whatever experience you're seeking.

2. Catch a pickleball tournament

Carlos Alcaraz and Milan Rane play pickleball during the 2024 Palace Invitational hosted by Lotte New York Palace at Lotte New York Palace.

If you love watching the game as much as playing it, consider planning a trip around a major pickleball tournament, in much the same way tennis fans travel between Melbourne, New York, Paris and London.

Options: The 2025 USA Pickleball (USAP) nationals took place in November in San Diego, and the APP (Association of Pickleball Players) 2025 International Championships is coming up in December in Fort Lauderdale. Of course, the biggest domestic event of the year is the US Open — Pickleball Championships, that is. The next one is in April 2026 in Naples, Florida.

While many tournaments are in Florida, others take place around the country — from Texas and California to Michigan — and you could even venture abroad to Dubai and Spain.

Not only will you get to see the top players in the world show off their skills, but you'll also meet like-minded fans. Maybe you can take the time to play with your new friends at local courts while watching the pros.

3. Relax on a pickleball cruise

Maybe you want to play pickleball during your travels, but you'd also like all the trappings of a relaxing, no-stress vacation. That's exactly what can happen on a luxurious cruise.

Options: Any of the major cruise lines boast pickleball courts on their ships, including the likes of Royal Caribbean and Holland America. These can cost anywhere from $350 to more than $3,000 per person, depending on when you sail and where — allowing you to enjoy island destinations, pool time, world-class shows and amazing food, along with daily pickleball games, of course.

If you want more of a focus on pickleball, Pickleball Cruises allows you to create a private group trip or set sail with fellow enthusiasts of the sport.

4. Rent a place with your own pickleball court

image of a pickleball court with ball and paddle

Looking for a less elaborate option where you don't have to shell out for a luxury retreat or a week on a cruise? Search Airbnb or VRBO for a vacation home that comes with its own pickleball court.

This way, you can play privately and at your leisure. You can play with friends, and there's no need to figure out local court rules. This option also gives you time to explore local attractions and relax in a fancy residence.

Options: This Florida home boasts a pickleball court, hot tub and beach access for $722 a night on VRBO, for example, while this massive home in upstate New York offers a private pool, lake access, karaoke and a batting cage in addition to a court, for about $2,300 a night. Prices vary based on when you're looking to book.

5. Stay at a hotel resort with a court

If hunting for the right place on Airbnb isn't your jam, reserve a hotel or resort that features pickleball courts. While it's a little less private, that could be a perk — you can find new people to play with.

Staying at a hotel typically means access to pools, spas, gyms and fine dining, so you can mix it up when you've finished your games for the day.

Options: Many popular hotel chains (such as the Marriott resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico) boast about their pickleball access. The Holiday Inn Resort in Grand Cayman, for example, prides itself on its pickleball court, and guests get complimentary access — as well as cabanas on the beach, a gorgeous pool and a golf course. A two-bedroom suite in February goes for about $1,300 a night.

If you prefer forest vibes over the tropics, The Broadmoor is a luxury resort in Colorado Springs that has six pickleball courts as well as four instructors to help you pick up new skills. They're even hosting a women's doubles tournament in March 2026.

6. DIY — Make your own pickleball court!

Group of people shaking hands ending pickleball game

One of the best aspects of pickleball is that it requires very little equipment. If you don't want to go through the trouble of seeking accommodations with a pickleball court or making it the focus of your vacation, you can still bring pickleball on your trip.

Options: It's not difficult to create a makeshift pickle court, and you can use areas such as playgrounds, tennis or basketball courts, and even backyards to build the space you need for a game. In addition to your own paddles and balls ($128.99 for a set on Amazon), you'll want sidewalk chalk ($12.99) or electric tape ($5.99) to draw out your court - and , of course, a net ($24.99).

If you're flexible and a little prepared, any vacation can become a pickleball vacation!

Becca van Sambeck is a writer and editor with experience in many fields, including travel, entertainment, business, education, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in outlets like NBC, Oxygen, Bravo, the University of Southern California, Elite Daily, CafeMom, Travel For Teens, and more. She currently resides in New York City.