Pack your paddles for this list of Florida hotels pickleball fanatics will love
If you know what a “dink shot” is, you’re probably a “pickler.” The game of pickleball continues to be one of the fastest growing sports worldwide, and hotels and resorts are on a rapid-fire course to build on-property courts to keep up with the craze and to cater to guests who want to stay and play.
Florida is a haven for the pickleball obsessed — thanks to its warm, mild weather which makes year-round outdoor play possible — and it has the courts to prove it.
“Florida is a top pickleball destination in the United States, if not the world. It has more pickleball courts than any other state and boasts the most private pickleball clubs,” says Amanda Marquez, a St. Pete, Florida resident who founded the pickleball travel agency, JetSet Pickleball, after witnessing an increase in friends, family, and clients who were seeking pickleball-friendly escapes. “It’s such a fun, and convenient, sport to play while traveling. Paddles take up hardly any room in luggage, and while my favorite resorts and destinations to recommend are those with pickleball-specific courts, it is a sport that can be played on most hard surfaces.”
Pack your paddle for a getaway at these top-notch Florida hotels that are perfect for mixing pickleball with pleasure.
ORLANDO
“For families traveling to Orlando, I recommend the Ritz-Carlton or JW Marriott properties at Grande Lakes,” Marquez advises. “In addition to elevated surroundings and excellent dining, travelers have access to dedicated pickleball courts and regularly scheduled clinics.”
Sports enthusiasts will also find sparkling new pickleball courts at Caribe Royale Orlando, which is popular for its spacious suites and sprawling pool. The pickleball courts are part of the resort’s brand-new Sport Court, which includes state-of-the-art padel (pop tennis), tennis and basketball. Looking to learn? The hotel’s head coach, Angel Espadas helps educate first-timers and assists pickleball pros. Hotel guests can play for free, and paddles and balls are provided. Open matches are available if guests wish to be paired up with other players.
PALM BEACH
While golf is the main attraction, PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens has become just as popular for its six new pickleball courts at the Racquet Sports Club. Even after dark, you’ll hear the “tock” sounds of the ball as locals and guests take over the courts, while observers camp out in rocking chairs to watch.
“These new courts complement our existing world-class tennis facilities, offering a complete racquet sports experience for players of all levels,” says Joseph Fisher, Managing Director of PGA National Resort, adding that there are also 18 Har-Tru tennis courts, with 11 lighted for night play. From beginners’ clinics to advanced strategy sessions, the resort’s team of certified professionals can help players better their pickleball game.
The Breakers Palm Beach is also doubling down on the popularity of the racket sport. The luxe oceanfront resort is currently renovating its tennis and racquet facilities, adding 16 state-of-the-art, open-air courts that will include tennis, pickleball and padel, and the facility is designed to be just as posh as the resort. The two pickleball courts will be completed by the end of 2024. “I couldn’t be more excited about the debut of this facility. One of America’s most iconic resorts will now have legendary racquet programming, too,” Marquez says.
Omni Amelia Island Resort, Amelia Island
Vacationers can mingle extreme natural beauty with pickleball at Omni Amelia Island Resort. The oceanfront resort is beloved for its stunning beach, hiking trails and abundance of nature-rich activities, but it’s also a pickleball dream. Carve out time in your vacation for friendly competition at the seven pickleball courts at Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, which are flanked by a canopy of oak trees. Players of all levels can join clinics that range from Pickleball 101 to Skills and Drills, along with open play.
FLORIDA KEYS
Talk about mixing sports with idyllic pleasure, Hawks Cay on secluded Duck Key is a pickleball playground. While the resort is popular for its on-property dolphin experience and aquatic adventures — there’s so much to do that you’ll never have to leave the property — Hawks Cay now boasts eight new pickleball courts at their Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center. The courts are located just steps from the main resort and near the guest villas, so it’s easy to meander over for a quick game. There are weekly adult pickleball clinics, with drills and live ball games, and experienced players can opt for a game of singles or doubles.
It’s also hard to beat the scenery at The Islands of Islamorada, a residential-style resort in the Upper Florida Keys, which is home to two palm-shaded pickleball courts. Play is on a first come, first served basis, and all the equipment is provided at the courts. (If you want more pickleball action, head over to nearby Founders Park for lessons or group play.) When you’re not engaged in friendly competition on the courts, The Islands of Islamorada offers two pools, a private beach and loads of watersports, from paddle boarding to fishing.
NAPLES
Last, but certainly not least, Naples is known as the unofficial capital of pickleball of the world, due to The Naples Pickleball Center, which boasts the largest dedicated pickleball facility in one location. Players will find 64 courts at East Naples Community Park, which are open to residents and visitors, and the park is also home to the Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championship. If you’re looking to match beach walks and epic sunsets with a game of pickleball at a hotel, Naples Park Central Hotel has one pickleball court. Hotel guests can reserve a time on the court, and the hotel offers paddles and balls for guests.
This story was originally published October 17, 2024 at 4:46 PM.
