Pickleball is taking over North America! Studies and media reports suggest over 36 million Americans played at least once in 2023. That is over 10% of the country’s population! Pickleball’s low barrier for entry has attracted players of all ages and skill levels, creating a pickleball lifestyle. Enthusiasts of the sport look for pickleball everywhere they go. 

Beyond the pursuit of health and fitness, pickleball fans see it as an opportunity to socialize with their fellow paddlers. Many tie it into their social and travel calendars, discovering places to play wherever they are. With gear that fits in a tote bag and courts that can be set up almost anywhere, pickleball is a very accessible sport. That’s very unlike squash or tennis which require purpose-built courts to play. 

To help you discover places to play wherever you are, here’s a breakdown of your pickleball court and venue options. In keeping with the spirit of pickleball everywhere, I have listed the unusual venues at the top.

Sun, Fun, and Pickleball

With travel picking up again, hotels and resorts are recognizing a golden opportunity to cater to the pickleball boom. Active guests are seeking options beyond poolside relaxation, and many resorts are responding by offering dedicated pickleball courts. These facilities are actively promoted on websites and ads, making pickleball a selling point. Some well-known hotel brands are even taking things a step further, hosting professional pickleball tournaments that attract players and fans, further boosting their property’s appeal. JW Marriott’s “Pickleball in Paradise” program exemplifies this trend. 

Before you book your next vacation, you may want to check if your hotel offers pickleball.

Set Sail with Your Paddle

If you thought cruises were all about buffets, gambling, and Broadway-style shows, think again! Many cruise lines are embracing the pickleball craze by adding courts right on their decks. What’s a better way to get some exercise with a side of spectacular ocean views? Pickleball travel and pickleball on cruise ships are a thing now, with many ocean cruise operators and some river cruises offering full-size pickleball courts on their ships to attract the “pickleball everywhere” crowd. Onboard tournaments and drop-in play aside, some cruise operators have started experimenting with pickleball with the locals as shore excursion alternatives to city tours and beach visits. 

It’s worth noting that occasionally, windy conditions can make pickleball play challenging on a ship.

Where Pickleball Meets Good Eats

The ultimate combo – pickleball and good food! 

Borrowing from the Spin Ping Pong Social Club concept, establishments like Chicken N Pickle are seamlessly combining fun, food, and pickleball. While pickleball is central to the experience, businesses such as Chicken N Pickle provide pickleball enthusiasts a place where families, friends, and colleagues can enjoy delicious food, play pickleball, or simply relax in a festive, backyard atmosphere.

It’s the perfect place for social pickleball nights with friends and family. Look for similar establishments in your area.

Pickleball Joins the Mix at Multi-Sport Facilities

Large sports complexes are also getting in on the action. A facility such as the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa which boasts forty-one pickleball courts along with tennis, baseball, basketball, and other sports is an example. With a focus on serving a wide range of athletes, these facilities provide even more opportunities to play pickleball. For now, such facilities are few and far in between. However, a quick web search will confirm that many more are in various stages of development. 

Look for a multi-sport complex near you.

No-Distraction Pickleball Facilities

As the sport’s popularity explodes, purpose-built pickleball facilities are popping up in many cities. These clubs and facilities often have numerous indoor and outdoor courts, leagues, tournaments, and pro shops for all your pickleball gear! Dedicated pickleball clubs often tend to be privately owned and come at a price. For advanced players, private pickleball clubs offer the opportunity to train with club pros and play in intra and inter-club tournaments. The best thing about dedicated pickleball courts is that they do not have confusing court lines or temporary fixtures that need to be set up and torn down. 

Many club squash and tennis players who looked down upon pickleball have picked up the sport or transitioned to it.

Community Centers: Your Neighborhood Pickleball Hub

Community centers are the backbone of many neighborhoods, and they’ve been quick to adapt to the pickleball boom. Whether it’s dedicated pickleball courts or converted spaces, community centers are often hubs for pickleball games and leagues. Community Centres cater to all levels of play and are great venues for new and senior players to play or learn the game. As multi-purpose facilities Community Center courts often come with confusing lines, requiring you to familiarize them.

Locally, Community Centres are the most affordable options for pickleball today. Contact your local Community Center to see if they offer indoor or outdoor pickleball for members. 

School & College Gyms: Pickleball After Hours

School and college gymnasiums are perfect examples of multi-use sporting facilities that host pickleball leagues and other organized play outside of regular school hours. While the quality of the venues varies, these indoor facilities ensure that weather conditions, especially in colder regions, do not take away from the enjoyment of the game. Schools that do not offer a pickleball program may be open to you renting their space on weekends and after school hours. Assuming they have the court lines, all you need is a foursome and a net.

Check with your local schools if they offer pickleball drop-in times.

Public Courts: Open Courts, Open Play

While there are dedicated pickleball courts in many cities and towns, the growth of public pickleball has largely come at the expense of tennis courts. Since multiple pickleball courts can fit into the space of a single tennis court, this conversion allows cities to increase their offerings to their community. City Council and park officials often struggle to manage the demand for pickleball against the needs of other sports such as tennis. While pickleball’s popularity has led to some noise concerns in certain communities, public parks are still fantastic places to find a game.

Most public pickleball courts tend to be busy and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Apartment Buildings: Your Courts, Your Game

Residents’ demand for pickleball has had many apartment companies add lines to existing tennis courts in their buildings. The relatively inexpensive addition allows building management to offer a new amenity that promotes a sense of community among residents. If you live in an apartment complex with tennis courts that do not already have pickleball lines, you may want to bring it up with your management.

Many buildings have stayed away from pickleball due to the potential for noise complaints.

As you can see, the world truly is your pickleball court! Whether you’re traveling, seeking local options, or just looking for a fun activity, there’s likely a pickleball court waiting for you. So grab your paddle and hit the courts!

Want to find places to play pickleball? Follow this link.