The Pickleball Passport: Why Travelers Are Heading to These Global Hotspots
The Pickleball Boom: Why It’s a Travel Trend in 2025
Pickleball’s meteoric rise is no accident. Its accessibility—simple rules, low physical intensity, and cross-generational appeal—has fueled a 223.5% participation growth in the U.S. over the last three years. Globally, the sport is gaining traction in over 70 countries, with 63 national organizations under the International Federation of Pickleball. The sport’s social nature, combined with its health benefits (like cardiovascular boosts and lower depression levels), makes it a perfect fit for travelers seeking active, community-focused experiences.
In 2025, pickleball is shaping travel trends in several ways:
- Racketeering Tourism: Coined to describe the craze for racket sports, pickleball is inspiring hotels and resorts to build state-of-the-art courts and host clinics.
- Community-Driven Hotspots: Cities with booming player bases, like Austin, Texas, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, are drawing players for their vibrant court scenes.
- Luxury Pickleball Vacations: High-end resorts in the Caribbean and Europe are offering all-inclusive pickleball packages with pro coaching.
- Emerging Global Markets: Countries like Canada, Japan, and Vietnam are seeing rapid growth, with new courts and tournaments popping up.
Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive “picklehead,” these destinations offer a mix of passion, infrastructure, and unforgettable experiences.
Top Pickleball Hotspots in 2025
1. Austin, Texas, USA: The Pickleball Capital
Why It’s Hot: Austin has emerged as a pickleball epicenter, with the Austin Pickle Ranch boasting one of the largest facilities in the U.S. Austin’s vibrant community, with over 2.3 million players in the 25–34 age group, hosts tournaments like the PPA Tour and APP events, drawing global competitors.
What to Expect:
- Courts: Austin Pickle Ranch offers 28 indoor and outdoor courts, with open play and clinics.
- Events: The 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships in nearby Mesa, Arizona, set a precedent for major events, with Austin hosting smaller PPA tournaments in 2025.
- Community: Local clubs and 2,051 USA Pickleball ambassadors foster a welcoming vibe.
Luxury Option: Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin, which recently added two pickleball courts. Rates start at $600 per night, with packages including private coaching ($150/hour).
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from NYC) | $300–$500 | Varies by season; book early for spring tournaments |
| Four Seasons Hotel (per night) | $600–$1,200 | Includes court access; suites are pricier |
| Airbnb (per night) | $100–$250 | Budget-friendly near downtown |
| Court fees (public) | Free–$10 | Austin Pickle Ranch charges for clinics |
| Dining (per day) | $50–$150 | From food trucks to upscale restaurants |
Why Go: Austin blends urban energy with pickleball passion, offering a mix of competitive play and laid-back social games. Its affordability compared to coastal U.S. cities makes it a top pick.
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: The Southeast Asian Surge
Why It’s Hot: Vietnam is experiencing a pickleball explosion, with Ho Chi Minh City leading the charge. Since its introduction in 2018, the sport has grown rapidly, with an estimated 30,000 players nationwide by 2025, nearly doubling since 2024. The city boasts dozens of courts, with new facilities opening weekly, and hosts major events like the Vietnam Pickleball Championship – Hyundai Thanh Cong Cup 2025 (July 4–6). Vietnamese players, like Truong Quang Vu, who won gold at the 2023 World Pickleball Championship, are making waves internationally.
What to Expect:
- Courts: The D-JOY Pickleball Court Complex in District 7 offers state-of-the-art facilities, with indoor and outdoor options. Converted badminton and tennis courts are common, tripling usage.
- Events: The 2025 Asian Semi-Professional Pickleball Championship (June 7–28) will span Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, culminating in finals in Shenzhen, China. Weekly grassroots tournaments are also widespread.
- Community: The Pickleball Saigon Facebook page, with 2,900 members, connects players for social play and coaching. Female participation is notably high, leading the charge in lessons.
Luxury Option: The Vinpearl Landmark 81, a luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, partners with local clubs for court access and offers shuttle services. Rates start at $250 per night, with pickleball packages from $50/day.
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from LAX) | $1,000–$2,000 | Long-haul; deals via Asian hubs |
| Vinpearl Landmark 81 (per night) | $250–$500 | Includes spa and city views |
| Budget hotel (per night) | $50–$150 | Near District 7 courts |
| Court fees | $5–$15 | Per session; coaching $20–$50/hour |
| Dining (per day) | $20–$100 | From street food to upscale |
Why Go: Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic pickleball scene, affordable travel costs, and vibrant culture make it a must-visit for players seeking an emerging hotspot with international flair.
3. Sydney, Australia: The Asia-Pacific Pioneer
Why It’s Hot: Australia’s pickleball scene doubled in 2023, with memberships rising from 4,000 to 9,000. Sydney leads with an estimated 25,000 players and predictions of one million by 2026. The Pickleball Australia Association is pushing for Olympic inclusion, boosting infrastructure.
What to Expect:
- Courts: Sydney’s Tennis World and Pickleball NSW facilities offer dedicated courts, with indoor options for year-round play.
- Events: The 2025 Australian Pickleball Championships in Sydney will draw international players.
- Community: Social play is huge, with clubs hosting weekly meetups.
Luxury Option: The Park Hyatt Sydney, with views of the Opera House, partners with local clubs for pickleball access. Rates start at $800 per night, with court transfers included.
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from LAX) | $1,200–$2,500 | Long-haul; business class ups costs |
| Park Hyatt Sydney (per night) | $800–$1,500 | Harbor views increase rates |
| Budget hotel (per night) | $150–$300 | Near courts in North Sydney |
| Court fees | $10–$20 | Per session; clinics cost more |
| Dining (per day) | $60–$200 | From cafes to fine dining |
Why Go: Sydney’s coastal charm and growing pickleball scene make it a dynamic destination for players seeking both sport and culture.
4. Cancun, Mexico: Luxury Pickleball Paradise
Why It’s Hot: Cancun is a standout for luxury pickleball vacations, with resorts like the AVA Resort offering five dedicated courts and all-inclusive packages. The Caribbean’s pickleball boom, led by companies like Pickleball in Paradise, draws players for its blend of sport and relaxation.
What to Expect:
- Courts: AVA Resort and Sandals resorts provide pro-led clinics and open play.
- Events: Pickleball in Paradise hosts tournaments and cruises, with 2025 trips starting at $4,783 per person.
- Community: Resorts foster a social vibe, with group trips connecting players.
Luxury Option: Sandals St. Vincent offers an all-inclusive pickleball package with coaching from pros like Kyle Yates. Rates start at $1,200 per person for five nights, excluding airfare.
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from Miami) | $200–$400 | Short flight; deals common |
| Sandals St. Vincent (5 nights) | $1,200–$2,500 | All-inclusive; per person |
| Budget resort (per night) | $150–$300 | Less pickleball focus |
| Court fees | Included | Resort packages cover play |
| Dining (per day) | Included | All-inclusive; $50–$100 if off-resort |
Why Go: Cancun’s white-sand beaches and top-tier coaching make it ideal for players wanting a luxurious escape with serious pickleball.
5. Toronto, Canada: The Northern Surge
Why It’s Hot: Canada’s pickleball participation jumped from 1 million in 2022 to 1.37 million in 2023, with Toronto as a key hub. The city’s indoor facilities and community programs cater to a diverse player base, especially women and youth.
What to Expect:
- Courts: Pickleball Canada oversees facilities like the Toronto Pickleball Club, with 10 indoor courts.
- Events: The 2025 Canadian National Pickleball Championships will be held in Toronto.
- Community: Strong female participation (39.5% of players) creates an inclusive scene.
Luxury Option: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto offers pickleball packages with court access at nearby clubs. Rates start at $500 per night.
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from Chicago) | $250–$450 | Short flight; seasonal deals |
| Ritz-Carlton Toronto (per night) | $500–$900 | Includes spa access |
| Budget hotel (per night) | $100–$200 | Near downtown courts |
| Court fees | $15–$25 | Per session; memberships available |
| Dining (per day) | $50–$150 | From food courts to upscale |
Why Go: Toronto’s urban energy and growing pickleball infrastructure make it a top pick for North American players.
6. Tokyo, Japan: The Emerging Asian Hub
Why It’s Hot: Japan, voted the best country in Condé Nast’s 2023 Readers Choice Awards, is seeing pickleball growth at a 12% annual rate. Tokyo’s blend of modern culture and safety makes it a draw for players exploring Asia’s pickleball scene.
What to Expect:
- Courts: Japan Pickleball Association facilities in Tokyo offer outdoor and indoor courts.
- Events: Small tournaments are gaining traction, with plans for a 2025 Asia-Pacific Pickleball Open.
- Community: Younger players (18–34) are driving growth, with social media amplifying interest.
Luxury Option: The Aman Tokyo, a serene urban retreat, partners with local clubs for pickleball access. Rates start at $1,000 per night.
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from SFO) | $1,500–$3,000 | Long-haul; premium cabins pricier |
| Aman Tokyo (per night) | $1,000–$2,000 | Ultra-luxury; book early |
| Budget hotel (per night) | $150–$350 | Near courts in Shibuya |
| Court fees | $10–$20 | Per session; clinics extra |
| Dining (per day) | $60–$200 | From ramen to Michelin-starred |
Why Go: Tokyo’s cultural richness and emerging pickleball scene offer a unique blend for adventurous players.
Luxury Pickleball Experiences: The Most Expensive Destinations
For those seeking the ultimate pickleball vacation, these destinations combine world-class facilities with unparalleled luxury. Costs are high, but the experience is unmatched.
1. Portofino, Italy: Belmond’s Villa Beatrice
Why It’s Exclusive: Opening in 2025, Belmond’s Villa Beatrice in Portofino offers a private palazzo with sea access and pickleball courts, blending intimacy with Splendido hotel services. Rates start at $5,000 per night for the villa, with pickleball packages including pro coaching ($200/hour).
What to Expect:
- Private courts with Mediterranean views.
- Tailored clinics with European pickleball pros.
- Access to Splendido’s dining and spa.
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from NYC) | $1,500–$4,000 | Business class recommended |
| Villa Beatrice (per night) | $5,000–$10,000 | Exclusive-use villa |
| Court fees | Included | Coaching extra |
| Dining (per day) | $150–$400 | On-site or local restaurants |
Why Go: Portofino’s exclusivity and pickleball integration make it a bucket-list destination for affluent players.
2. Bürgenstock Resort, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Why It’s Exclusive: This alpine resort has invested in state-of-the-art pickleball courts, offering clinics and tournaments with stunning lake views. Rates start at $1,200 per night, with pickleball packages from $300 per day.
What to Expect:
- Indoor and outdoor courts with professional setups.
- Wellness programs combining pickleball with spa treatments.
- Access to Olympic-level coaching.
Travel and Stay Costs:
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (from NYC) | $1,800–$5,000 | Long-haul; first-class options |
| Bürgenstock Resort (per night) | $1,200–$3,000 | Suites increase costs |
| Court fees | $50–$100 | Included in packages |
| Dining (per day) | $100–$300 | Gourmet dining on-site |
Why Go: The combination of alpine luxury and pickleball innovation is perfect for players seeking a transformative experience.
Practical Tips for Pickleball Travel in 2025
- Book Early: Pickleball vacations, especially luxury ones, fill up fast. Secure spots six months in advance for tournaments or resort packages.
- Pack Smart: Bring your own paddle (top models retail for $250+), as rentals may not meet competitive standards. In Vietnam, counterfeit paddles are common, so verify equipment quality.
- Check Court Availability: Public courts are often free, but private facilities charge $5–$25 per session. In Ho Chi Minh City, courts are booked solid on weekdays, so reserve early.
- Stay Injury-Free & Get Travel Insurance: Warm-ups and proper footwear are crucial, as pickleball injuries cost $377 million in U.S. healthcare in 2023.
- Leverage Technology: Use apps like Pickleheads to find courts and connect with local players, especially in new markets like Vietnam.
The Future of Pickleball Travel
Pickleball’s trajectory suggests it’s more than a trend—it’s a movement. With discussions about Olympic inclusion and a projected $855 million needed for U.S. court construction over the next 5–7 years, the sport’s global footprint will only grow. Emerging markets like Vietnam, China, and India, with growth rates above 12%, signal new hotspots on the horizon. Vietnam, in particular, is poised to become a regional leader, with plans for a national pickleball federation by April 2025 to formalize governance and elevate the sport’s professionalism. Meanwhile, luxury brands are redefining pickleball travel, offering bespoke experiences that blend sport with cultural immersion.