Where are the pickleball travelers going?
The convergence of professional pickleball’s explosive growth and the expansion of dedicated pickleball resort experiences creates a perfect storm for spring 2026 pickleball travel. With the PPA Masters recently hitting 1 million peak viewers on CBS and Major League Pickleball’s upcoming season starting May 22-25 in Dallas, the sport’s momentum translates directly into better facilities, more tournament options, and luxury resorts competing for pickleball travelers’ attention.
As we shared on our Instagram this week, the spring calendar features back-to-back PPA Tour stops in dream destinations where you can combine spectating world-class play with your own court time. World No. 1 men’s doubles player Gabe Tardio and the newly Franklin-sponsored Anna Leigh Waters will be competing across multiple spring venues, giving fans unprecedented access to professional pickleball while enjoying vacation-worthy locations.
Top Spring Break Pickleball Destinations for 2026
Costa Rica: Dual Luxury Options
Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo
The Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo has elevated the pickleball resort experience with their brand-new Papagayo Park featuring dedicated pickleball courts. This multi-generational luxury property combines ocean-view suites with world-class amenities, making it perfect for families where some members play competitively while others prefer beach time. The courts integrate seamlessly into the resort’s wellness programming, with professional instruction available for players of all levels.
What sets this property apart is the attention to detail in court construction and maintenance. The outdoor courts feature professional-grade surfaces that play true even in Costa Rica’s tropical climate, while strategically positioned shade structures and ocean breezes keep players comfortable during midday sessions. Book on Expedia to secure ocean-view accommodations within walking distance of the courts.
Invictus Pickleball Club, Uvita
For travelers seeking an immersive, all-pickleball experience, Invictus Pickleball Club in Uvita delivers exceptional value. Starting at $1,300 plus VAT for all-inclusive packages, this dedicated pickleball facility features four covered courts designed specifically for serious play. The covered design means rain never interrupts your game, a significant advantage during Costa Rica’s microclimates.
The clinic programming at Invictus focuses on skill development with small group sizes and personalized coaching. Between sessions, the property’s proximity to Uvita’s stunning beaches and the famous Whale’s Tail formation provides perfect recovery activities. The all-inclusive model covers meals, accommodations, and unlimited court time, making budgeting straightforward. Check out our Instagram for behind-the-scenes footage of the Invictus courts and player testimonials.
Related: Costa Rica Pickleball Resorts: Complete Guide
Mexico: Options for Every Player Type
Los Barriles: The New Tournament Hub
Los Barriles, Mexico has emerged as a serious contender in the pickleball travel space with their brand-new 24-court facility. This impressive complex caters to both recreational players seeking clinics and competitive players looking for high-level matches. The facility’s scale allows for simultaneous programming at multiple skill levels, meaning you’ll always find appropriate competition.
The town’s existing infrastructure of vacation rentals, restaurants, and activities means you’re not limited to a single resort experience. Players can rent beachfront properties, enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, and still access world-class pickleball facilities daily. The competitive play opportunities attract serious players from across North America, creating a dynamic environment where you’ll improve simply by playing challenging matches.
Pickleball Getaways Mayan Riviera
Running February 6-20, Pickleball Getaways’ Mayan Riviera experience ($2,850 all-inclusive) represents the sweet spot between luxury resort amenities and dedicated pickleball programming. The structured schedule includes morning clinics, afternoon competitive play, and evening social events that build community among participants.
What distinguishes this package is the quality of the professional instruction. Coaches break down advanced techniques, such as the foam-core paddle characteristics that dominate 2026 equipment, helping you understand how to maximize the new technology in your game. The all-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, court time, and instruction, eliminating surprise expenses.
Caribbean Excellence: Club Med and Sandals
Club Med Turkoise, Turks & Caicos
Club Med Turkoise’s Premium Pickleball Program ($350 per person) accommodates up to 190 players with daily clinics structured around skill progression. The resort’s existing all-inclusive model includes pickleball programming, meaning your $350 fee provides unlimited instruction, court time, and organized play throughout your stay.
The Turks & Caicos location provides unparalleled beach beauty between pickleball sessions. The resort’s social atmosphere naturally helps you find playing partners at your level, while the professional staff ensures the courts are maintained to high standards. The combination of Caribbean luxury and dedicated pickleball infrastructure makes this a standout option for players who want resort amenities without sacrificing court quality. Book on Expedia for package deals that include flights.
Sandals Resorts Multi-Destination Options
Sandals’ expansion of pickleball across their Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Antigua properties with dedicated courts and in-house pros creates decision paralysis—the good kind. Each property features professional-grade courts integrated into the signature Sandals luxury experience, with certified pros offering instruction as part of the all-inclusive package.
The Jamaica properties provide the most extensive programming with multiple courts and the longest-running pickleball tradition in the Sandals system. St. Lucia offers the most dramatic scenery with courts positioned for mountain views, while Antigua and Bahamas deliver the calmest waters for post-game beach recovery. Related: Caribbean Pickleball Resorts Compared
International Adventures
New Zealand North Island (March 3-11)
For players seeking to combine pickleball with bucket-list sightseeing, the New Zealand North Island tour delivers both. The March 3-11 itinerary includes pickleball at Waiheke Island’s scenic venues, sessions at Lake Taupo facilities, and even a visit to Hobbiton between matches. This represents adventure travel meeting structured pickleball in ways that create unforgettable experiences.
The organized tour format means logistics are handled while you focus on playing and exploring. Local New Zealand players participate in sessions, offering cultural exchange alongside competitive play. The March timing catches New Zealand’s late summer weather, providing ideal outdoor playing conditions.
Vietnam (February 24-March 3)
The Vietnam pickleball tour ($2,980) targets adventurous players interested in emerging international pickleball communities. While Vietnam’s pickleball infrastructure is developing compared to established destinations, the cultural experience and affordability create unique value. The tour includes organized play with local Vietnamese clubs, where you’ll witness the sport’s rapid international growth firsthand.
PPA Tour Spring Calendar: Spectate World-Class Play
February 9-15: PPA Cape Coral Open
Kicking off our spring calendar, the PPA Cape Coral Open transforms Cape Coral, Florida into pickleball’s center of gravity this week. As highlighted in our Friday Instagram post, this tournament features the sport’s top professionals competing in Southwest Florida’s beautiful winter weather. Cape Coral’s venue provides excellent spectator amenities with close court access that makes you feel part of the action.
Strategic planning allows combining tournament attendance with playing opportunities at Cape Coral’s extensive public court system. The city’s 20+ court complexes mean you can watch professionals in the morning and apply what you learned that same afternoon. Area accommodations range from waterfront vacation rentals to hotel chains, with February being peak Southwest Florida season.
February 16-22: PPA Mesa Cup
The Carvana-sponsored PPA Mesa Cup in Mesa, Arizona extends the spring tournament season into the desert Southwest. Mesa’s purpose-built pickleball facility provides professional-tournament infrastructure while maintaining accessibility for spectators. The Arizona weather in mid-February delivers near-perfect conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and minimal rain probability.
Mesa’s position in the Greater Phoenix area means extensive accommodation options and side trip possibilities. Scottsdale’s resort district sits just minutes away, allowing luxury hotel stays combined with tournament attendance. The desert landscape provides a dramatic contrast to Florida’s tropical setting just one week earlier.
March 2-8: PPA Newport Beach Open
California’s pickleball scene takes center stage March 2-8 with the PPA Newport Beach Open. Orange County’s coastal venue brings professional pickleball to one of California’s most affluent communities, elevating the tournament experience with Southern California flair. The proximity to Newport Beach’s famous coastline creates opportunities for beach activities between tournament sessions.
Newport Beach’s concentration of high-end restaurants and shopping makes this tournament particularly appealing for non-playing travel companions. The venue’s position allows easy day trips to other Orange County attractions while maintaining tournament access. March timing catches California’s spring weather as it emerges from winter.
March 9-15: PPA Texas Open
McKinney, Texas hosts the PPA Texas Open March 9-15, bringing professional pickleball to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Texas’s explosive pickleball growth creates enthusiastic local crowds that generate electric tournament atmospheres. McKinney’s facility design emphasizes spectator experience while maintaining professional competition standards.
The DFW location provides major airport access and extensive accommodation options at various price points. Texas’s pickleball community turns out in force for professional events, creating networking opportunities with players across skill levels. The timing positions perfectly as spring training ramp-up before Major League Pickleball’s May season start.
March 23-29: PPA Greater Zion Cup
Ivins, Utah’s PPA Greater Zion Cup (March 23-29) combines professional pickleball with access to some of America’s most spectacular national parks. The Southern Utah location places Zion National Park minutes from tournament venues, while Bryce Canyon and other geological wonders sit within day-trip distance. This represents the ultimate combination of pickleball spectating and outdoor adventure.
The March timing catches Southern Utah as spring emerges, with moderate temperatures and desert wildflowers beginning to bloom. Tournament breaks allow hiking Zion’s famous trails or exploring the area’s red rock landscapes. Accommodation options range from Springdale’s boutique hotels to St. George’s chain properties, all within easy tournament access.
Related: Complete PPA Tour 2026 Schedule
What to Pack: Essential Gear for Spring 2026
Packing for spring pickleball travel requires balancing equipment needs with luggage limitations. The 2026 paddle revolution centered on foam core technology means equipment decisions matter more than ever, while clothing and accessories must adapt to varying spring climates from Caribbean heat to Southwest deserts.
Paddles: The Foam Core Revolution
Selkirk LABS Boomstik Elongated ($333)
The Selkirk LABS Boomstik Elongated represents the pinnacle of foam core engineering. Its floating EP foam core delivers exceptional power and spin, making it ideal for players who’ve mastered fundamentals and want maximum performance. The $333 price point positions it as a premium investment, but the performance justifies the cost for serious players planning extended spring travel where paddle reliability matters.
The elongated shape provides extended reach, particularly valuable in doubles play where covering the court efficiently improves results. As we discussed in Wednesday’s Instagram post, the Boomstik’s grit texture maintains effectiveness longer than previous generation paddles, meaning it performs consistently throughout multi-week trips. Shop at JustPaddles for authentic Selkirk products with warranty protection.
Six Zero Coral ($200)
The Six Zero Coral ($200) delivers exceptional value in the foam core category. Its floating EP foam core provides the performance characteristics players expect from premium paddles at a more accessible price point. The all-court designation means versatility whether you’re playing power-oriented baseline rallies or touch-focused kitchen exchanges.
For travelers worried about paddle damage or loss during spring break trips, the Coral’s pricing makes it less stressful to pack while still delivering pro-level performance. The paddle’s grit texture—Six Zero’s Diamond Grit—provides excellent spin generation without the durability concerns of some aggressive textures. Browse Pickleball Central for Six Zero’s complete lineup.
LZ Inferno and Tornazo
LZ Pickleball’s new elongated foam paddles, the Inferno and Tornazo, target players seeking maximum reach without sacrificing the foam core benefits. These paddles excel in doubles play where covering angles matters, making them particularly suitable for resort play where you’re often paired with partners of varying skill levels.
The elongated design creates a learning curve for players accustomed to standard shapes, but the performance benefits emerge quickly with practice. Spring travel provides the perfect opportunity to adapt to new equipment with extensive court time in relaxed settings.
Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF
The Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF continues dominating performance rankings with a new long-handle variant expanding options. This paddle’s reputation for consistency makes it trusted equipment for traveling players who need reliable performance across varying court conditions from humid Caribbean venues to dry desert facilities.
The long-handle variant accommodates players with two-handed backhand techniques or those preferring extended grip length for added leverage. Honolulu’s Permagrit texture technology maintains its bite longer than competitive options, crucial for extended trips where paddle performance degradation could affect play.
Backup Paddle Strategy
Experienced traveling players pack backup paddles, particularly when flying internationally where replacement options may be limited. Choose a backup that complements your primary paddle—if your main paddle emphasizes power, consider a control-oriented backup that forces you to adjust your game beneficially. Find on Amazon for paddle travel cases that protect multiple paddles.
Apparel: Good Dink and Technical Fabrics
Jackie Redmond’s Good Dink apparel line addresses the intersection of performance and style that pickleball travelers demand. Technical fabrics manage moisture while maintaining appearance for resort settings where you transition from courts to restaurants. Pack enough outfits for twice-daily court sessions, as spring destinations often feature morning and evening playing opportunities.
Layering proves essential for spring travel spanning multiple climates. Lightweight long-sleeve options protect against sun exposure while remaining breathable. Many destinations feature air-conditioned indoor facilities for inclement weather, where temperature regulation becomes important.
Accessories Checklist
Essential Items:
- Court shoes with excellent lateral support (pack two pairs to alternate, reducing moisture buildup)
- High-SPF sunscreen (Caribbean and desert venues require serious sun protection)
- Wide-brimmed hat or visor
- Polarized sunglasses with retention strap
- Moisture-wicking socks (pack 7-10 pairs for twice-daily sessions)
- Cooling towel
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 32oz capacity)
- Blister prevention supplies
- Electrolyte tablets or powder
- Athletic tape
- Portable ball pump with pressure gauge
- Practice balls (outdoor specifically if applicable)
Nice-to-Have Items:
- Portable net for practice opportunities
- Training aids (target zones, agility ladder)
- Video recording equipment for swing analysis
- Massage roller for recovery
- Compression sleeves for arms/legs
- Anti-chafe products
- Insect repellent (particularly for Costa Rica and Mexico)
Find on Amazon for complete accessory kits designed for traveling pickleball players.
Planning Your Spring Break Pickleball Trip
Timing Considerations
Spring break timing varies by region, with most educational institutions scheduling breaks between late February and early April. Book accommodations 3-6 months in advance for popular destinations, particularly resort properties with limited pickleball-adjacent rooms. Tournament weekends require even earlier booking, as spectators and players competing in amateur brackets fill local accommodations.
Weather patterns matter significantly across spring destinations. Caribbean properties face minimal weather variation during this period, while Southwest U.S. venues can experience temperature swings requiring flexible packing. Costa Rica’s microclimates mean researching specific property weather patterns rather than relying on general country forecasts.
Budget Planning
Spring pickleball travel budgets vary dramatically based on destination choice and accommodation style. Luxury resort packages with all-inclusive pickleball programming range from $2,500-$5,000 per person weekly, while independent travel to tournament cities with public court access and standard hotels can cost $1,000-$2,000 weekly.
The all-inclusive model provides budget certainty, eliminating meal and activity expense surprises. Independent travel offers flexibility but requires more planning to identify court access, instruction opportunities, and playing partners. Consider total costs including flights, accommodations, meals, court fees, instruction, equipment, and activities when comparing options.
Solo Travel vs. Group Trips
Organized pickleball tours solve the solo traveler challenge of finding playing partners and handling logistics. Properties like Club Med and Sandals with dedicated pickleball programming naturally facilitate meeting other players, while independent travel to public courts requires more initiative to connect with local communities.
Group travel with existing playing partners provides comfort and guaranteed court time but may limit meeting new players and experiencing different playing styles. Many traveling players combine approaches—joining organized groups for part of a trip, then exploring independently for variety.
Maximizing Court Time
Strategic scheduling maximizes court time during spring travel. Morning sessions typically offer cooler temperatures and less wind, while late afternoon play provides softer light and often emptier courts as casual players transition to evening activities. Reserve court time when possible, particularly at resort properties where demand concentrates during peak hours.
Balance intense playing time with recovery to avoid overuse injuries that could derail trips. Plan rest days or lighter activity days between tournaments if attending multiple PPA events. Many destinations offer alternative activities—beach time, hiking, sightseeing—that provide active recovery while maintaining vacation enjoyment.
Making the Most of Tournament Attendance
Attending professional tournaments enhances your own game through observation and analysis. Position yourself court-side during matches featuring players whose styles match your aspirations. Note shot selection, positioning, communication, and strategic adjustments between games.
Many professional players offer clinics or private instruction around tournament schedules. These opportunities provide insights impossible to gain through observation alone. Book instruction before traveling, as spots fill quickly once on-site. Tournament venues often feature vendor booths where you can demo new equipment, including the latest foam core paddles discussed in our gear section.
Networking opportunities abound at professional tournaments. Connect with players from other regions, learn about their local scenes, and build relationships that may lead to future playing opportunities. The pickleball community’s welcoming nature makes tournaments ideal for expanding your network beyond your home area.
Conclusion: Your Spring 2026 Pickleball Adventure Awaits
Spring break 2026 represents an unprecedented moment in pickleball travel. The convergence of professional tour expansion, luxury resort investment in dedicated facilities, and revolutionary equipment technology creates opportunities that didn’t exist even two years ago. Whether you’re seeking a dedicated pickleball resort experience, combining tournament spectating with vacation, or embarking on international pickleball adventures, this spring offers something extraordinary.
The destinations covered range from accessible Caribbean luxury to adventurous international travel, each providing unique benefits for different player types. The PPA Tour’s spring schedule positions professional pickleball in vacation-worthy locations where attending tournaments enhances rather than dominates trip planning. And the 2026 paddle revolution means packing the right equipment significantly impacts your playing experience across all these venues.
Start planning now—the best accommodations near tournament venues and resort pickleball programming fill months in advance. Use this guide to match destinations with your playing style, budget, and travel preferences. Check our Instagram throughout the week for additional destination spotlights, gear demonstrations, and player testimonials from these spring break destinations. Link in bio for booking resources and equipment recommendations.
Spring 2026 will be remembered as a watershed moment in pickleball travel. Position yourself to experience it firsthand by committing to at least one of these incredible opportunities. Your spring break pickleball adventure awaits—the only question is which destination you’ll choose first.
