1. The Pacific Northwest Road Trip
Starting in Seattle, this road trip takes you through some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, you can stop at various pickleball courts in cities such as Portland, Spokane, and Vancouver, and even make a detour to the picturesque San Juan Islands.
Explore the cities and towns on the Pacific Northwest Road Trip
- Seattle: Known for its coffee culture, the Space Needle, and Pike Place Market, Seattle is a vibrant city with many pickleball courts to choose from.
- Portland: Portland is a foodie’s paradise and has been ranked as one of the best cities for pickleball in the US. Check out the Eastmoreland Courts or Irving Park for a game.
- Spokane: Spokane has a growing pickleball community with over 70 courts to play at. Don’t miss the opportunity to play at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex.
- Vancouver: Vancouver is a beautiful city with many parks and outdoor recreation options. Check out the Esther Short Park for some outdoor pickleball action.
Top Pickleball Courts on the Pacific Northwest Road Trip
- San Juan Island Pickleball: Make a detour to San Juan Island and check out their beautiful pickleball courts with stunning ocean views.
- West Seattle Tennis Club: This club has six outdoor pickleball courts and a friendly community of players.
- Delta Park Sports Complex: Located in Portland, this complex has 24 pickleball courts and hosts several tournaments throughout the year.
- Mead High School: This high school in Spokane has six outdoor courts and is open to the public on weekends.
2. The California Coast Road Trip
Starting in San Diego and ending in San Francisco, this road trip takes you up the California coast, with plenty of opportunities to play pickleball along the way. From beachside courts in Santa Barbara to mountain view courts in Big Sur, this road trip is perfect for pickleball players who also enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery.
Discover the cities and towns on the California Coast Road Trip
- San Diego: Start your journey in sunny San Diego and check out the Pacific Beach Recreation Center for a game.
- Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara has some of the best beachside pickleball courts in California. Try the courts at Dwight Murphy Field or Ortega Park.
- Monterey: Monterey has several pickleball courts with ocean views. Check out the courts at Del Monte Beach for a unique playing experience.
- San Francisco: End your journey in the vibrant city of San Francisco and head to the Dolores Park courts for a game.
Top Pickleball Courts on the California Coast Road Trip
- Encinitas Community Park: This park in San Diego has six outdoor pickleball courts and is free to the public.
- Santa Barbara Tennis Club: This club has four indoor pickleball courts and four outdoor courts, making it a great option for any weather.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: This park has two outdoor pickleball courts nestled in the mountains with stunning views of the coastline.
- Golden Gate Park: The courts at Golden Gate Park are free to the public and offer a unique playing experience in the heart of San Francisco.
3. The Southwest Road Trip
Starting in Phoenix, this road trip takes you through the Southwest, where you can play pickleball in some of the most unique and interesting locations. From the red rock canyons of Sedona to the historic Old Town of Albuquerque, there are plenty of pickleball courts to check out along the way.
Explore the cities and towns on the Southwest Road Trip
- Phoenix: Start your journey in Phoenix and head to the Paseo Highlands Park for a game.
- Sedona: Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations and has several pickleball courts with mountain views.
- Albuquerque: Albuquerque has a rich history and culture and is home to several pickleball courts, including the Jerry Cline Tennis Center.
- Flagstaff: Flagstaff is a charming mountain town with several pickleball courts to check out.
Top Pickleball Courts on the Southwest Road Trip
- Paseo Highlands Park: This park in Phoenix has eight outdoor pickleball courts and is free to the public.
- Posse Grounds Park: This park in Sedona has six outdoor pickleball courts with views of the red rock formations.
- Jerry Cline Tennis Center: This center in Albuquerque has six outdoor pickleball courts and is a popular spot for tournaments.
- Northern Arizona University: This university in Flagstaff has several outdoor pickleball courts that are open to the public.
FINAL THOUGHTS
No matter which road trip you choose, make sure to pack your pickleball gear and plenty of snacks for the journey!
Tips for Traveling with Pickleball Gear
Packing your pickleball gear for a road trip can be a challenge, but with a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your equipment arrives safely and ready to use. Here are some tips to help you pack your gear efficiently and safely:
1. Use a Pickleball Bag
Invest in a good quality pickleball bag to store all of your gear. A bag with separate compartments for your paddles, balls, and shoes will help keep everything organized and prevent items from getting lost or damaged.
2. Use a Sturdy Paddle Case
Your paddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll bring on your trip. Protect it by using a sturdy paddle case, which will keep it safe from scratches and other damage.
3. Consider Shipping your Gear
If you’re flying to your destination or have limited space in your vehicle, consider shipping your gear ahead of time. This will save you the hassle of lugging heavy bags through the airport or cramming them into your car.
4. Pack Light
Traveling with too much gear can be a burden. Be sure to only pack what you need for your trip and leave unnecessary items at home.
5. Check the Rules for Airline Travel
If you’re flying with your gear, check the airline’s rules and regulations for transporting sports equipment. Some airlines may require that you pack your gear in a specific way or charge extra fees for oversized or overweight items.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pickleball gear arrives safely and in good condition, so you can focus on playing your best game on the road.
