It’s our very first special edition — made just for you, our subscribers — and we timed it perfectly. The US Open kicks off Saturday, and rumor has it Anna Leigh Waters is teaming up with Andre freaking Agassi for his pro debut. 😮‍💨 

If you’re flying cross-country for a tournament or sneaking games in during your family’s road trip, we’ve got your back (and your paddle). This guide is packed with travel tips, destination ideas, stretch routines, and court recs from real Empower Pickleball players who know how to play and pack.

Let’s get moving! 💼

Top 10 Pickleball Destinations in the U.S.

We dug into the data and talked to our people… these 10 cities are serving serious court energy. From mega hubs to hidden gems, they’ve got it all: community, access, and plenty of places to drop in.

10. Cincinnati, OH

Underrated and affordable. A tight-knit crew, growing number of courts, and tons of community-driven events. It’s giving Midwest magic (if something like that exists..)

9. Tucson, AZ

Chill desert vibes. Plenty of courts, great winter weather, and a friendly, relaxed playing community.

8. Charlotte, NC

Rising star with serious potential. A healthy mix of public and private courts, and lots of rec group options, plus solid BBQ.

7. Mesa, AZ

Desert gold for dedicated players. Mesa has more purpose-built courts than anywhere else (259!) and regularly hosts pro events.

6. St. Louis, MO

One of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets. Second-most facilities in the U.S. with 200+ courts. Big community feel and growing fast.

5. Orlando, FL

Theme parks + third shots. The rec scene is thriving, and you can’t beat the weather (or the post-match Mickey Mouse ears).

4. Chicago, IL

Deep dish and deep court culture. Big-city access with strong local clubs, indoor options for winter, and summer tourney season that’s 🔥.

3. Las Vegas, NV

Play all day, then hit the strip. A ton of facilities, great indoor and outdoor options, and fun rec groups if you’re flying solo.

2. Austin, TX

The fastest-growing pickleball city. With 100+ facilities, league action, and courts that are always busy, Austin’s got that rec + rooftop patio energy.

1. New York, NY

Court central. Over 75 facilities and 279 courts (the most in the country), plus tons of free-to-play spots. If you can dink it here, you can dink it anywhere.

The Ultimate Pickleball Travel Guide

You’re going places, and your paddle is coming with you. From packing smarter to staying fueled and mobile, here’s how to travel smarter, not harder.

Flying With Your Paddle ✈️

• Soft case? Fine. But a hard case protects your paddle from turbulence and overhead bin disasters.

• Check your gear? If you’re packing nets or multiple paddles, double wrap and label everything.

• Bonus tip: Pack balls in your carry-on to save space and avoid digging through your checked bag later.

Packing Your Bag Like a Pro 👜

These are the non-negotiables our team always brings:

• Paddle + backup paddle (weather or matchup dependent)

• Court shoes + slides for post-play snack runs

• Extra grip tape and overgrips

• Reusable water bottle + hydration tabs

• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Lightweight layers for surprise weather

• Stretch band or lacrosse ball (yes, you’ll use it)

Road Trip Add-Ons 🚘

Because yes, the trunk is part of your packing strategy

• Resistance bands for court-side warmups

• Small cooler with snacks + drinks

• Paddle towel (for sweat, spills, or mystery situations)

• Power bank, phone mount, and playlist ready to go

👉 Still stressed about what to bring? Download our Ultimate Packing Checklist and let us do the overthinking for you.

Dream Itinerary: A Pickleball Vacation You’ll Actually Want to Take

Powered by Vibe Getaways

What does a dream pickleball getaway look like? It starts with morning clinics and ends with sunset rallies — sandwiched between beachside lunches, catamaran cruises, and dinners that require zero planing on your part.

Here’s a taste of what a day in paradise might look like:

• Morning ☀️ Group clinics with pros, split by skill level

• Midday 🍴 Beach time or poolside lunch with your crew

• Afternoon 🏝️ Excursions like snorkeling, sailing, or a catamaran cruise

• Evening 🌅 Open play with tips from pros (plus cocktails nearby)

• Night 🎶 Unlimited dining and resort entertainment

Oh, and did we mention it’s all-inclusive?

Does this sound like a trip you want to take? You’re in luck! We’re headed to Turks & Caicos this October and spots are still available. Check availability or sign up here.

Community Courts Worth the Detour

We asked our crew to shout out courts they stumbled upon and loved. Here’s where they said to pull over and play:

• Adlai Horn Park in Cedarburg, WI — “Four courts tucked in a riverside park—peaceful, quiet, and kinda perfect.”

• Belfast City Park in Belfast, ME — “Courts steps from the water with a salty breeze of Penobscot Bay.”

• Little Valley Courts in St. George, UT — “Stunning red rock views and a court vibe that makes you want to stay all day.”

• Memorial Park in Whitefish, MT — “Mountain views, close to town, and mellow pickup play.”

• Towns County Pickleball Complex in Hiawassee, GA — “14 lakeside courts with Georgia charm and a super welcoming local crew.”

Know a hidden gem? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram so we can feature them!

Your Paddle Made the Trip—Don’t Forget Your Eyes

Travel means different courts, brighter skies, and a whole new kind of glare. If your paddle made the packing list, your eyewear should too.

RIA Eyewear makes sunglasses built specifically for pickleball. Their bestselling Court HD+ lenses enhance contrast between the ball and the court without distorting depth like polarized lenses. Translation: better tracking, faster reaction time, and way less squinting in the sun.

They’re shatterproof, stylish, and available with or without a prescription. Toss them in your bag and you’re good to go.

What’s In Our Cooler?

Tournament days are long. These are the snacks and drinks that keep us upright, hydrated, and semi-functional — curated by the Empower Pickleball crew and field-tested on courts across the country.

Hydration Heroes 🥤 The things we mix, sip, and reach for between games.

• Electrolyte powders or tablets — A lifesaver when it’s hot and your third match is running long

• Water bottles — The ones we don’t leave behind

• Vitamin Water — Orange and lemon flavors are top-tier

• Coconut water pouches — Chill ‘em ahead of time; they hit different

Snack MVPs 🥪 Fuel without the fuss.

• Unsalted peanuts, cashews, or walnuts

• Kind bars, RX bars, Larabars — Banana chocolate chip is the fan favorite

• Hummus + pretzels — TSA-friendly and protein-packed

• PB&J on slider buns — Mini, mess-proof, and always a good idea

• Tuna + cracker kits — For a protein punch between games

Fresh Picks 🍎 Quick wins that don’t melt of wilt.

• Clementines — Peel-and-play perfection

• Apples — They hold up in any bag and still feel fresh

• Grapes — Cold, sweet, and basically hydration in snack form

• Baby carrots + ranch cups — A crunchy standby that never fails

Just a Little Treat 🍫 Because you’re out the doing the most.

• Dark chocolate almonds — Sweet, salty, and satisfying

• Trail mix with M&Ms — Addictive, in a good way

• Energy bites — Homemade or pre-packaged, they always disappear fast

• Gum — Yes, it counts — we’re obsessed

Stay Loose on the Go

Brought to you by VKTRY Insoles
Long car ride? Red-eye flight? Year, your hips noticed. We pulled together a few mobility moves that help your body stay happy during tournament travel — because tight backs and stiff legs are not part of your strategy.

✨ Highlights include:

• Lunges to mimic kitchen-line movement

• Resistance band steps at rest stops

• A perfect unhinged neck roll pep talk mid-flight (you’ll see)

• Mini stretch routines that actually feel good

👉 Read the full stretches here or just screenshot it and pack it with your snacks.

Bonus: What Your Pickleball Travel Bag Says About You

Because how you pack is kind of a personality test.

We’ve seen it all on the courts — bags that could survive the apocalypse, others that barely zip, and a few that match every outfit perfectly. Here’s our unofficial (but highly accurate) breakdown of the bags we spot most often.

The Mesh Drawstring Bag 🎒 You’re chill. You probably showed up in slides. You brought snacks but didn’t tell anyone. You’re here for a good time, not a gear check — and somehow, you still win most of your games.

The Oversized Rolling Duffel 🧳 You are not here to mess around. You’ve got backups for your backups, a mini pharmacy in one pouch, and a paddle just for warmups. Someone has already borrowed something from your bag, and you’re cool with it. This bag doesn’t fit in an overhead bin.

The Canvas Tote with No Zipper 🏖️ You’re not worried. You tossed in some balls, a visor, your favorite shades, and a pickleball-themed Stanley cup. No checklist, no stress. Your bag’s open, but your energy is unmatched. Effortless in all the best ways.

The Fashionable Statement Bag 🎯 You’re here to look good and land dinks. The bag matches your outfit, your paddle, and probably your manicure. Functional? Yes. Styled? Absolutely. Bonus points if your paddle has its own monogrammed cover.

The Overstuffed Mega Backpack 🎒 From the outside, it’s chaos. From the inside, it’s… still chaos, but you know exactly where everything is. Towels? Stuff in the side pocket. Extra grips? Bottom compartment, under the snacks. Sunscreen? Might take a minute, but it’s in there. You’ve packed like you’re playing for five weeks and maybe moving to the courts, but somehow… it works.

We’re working on a full feature with our favorite travel bag soon — keep an eye out for it. 😉

That’s it for our first Special Edition. We hope it sparked a few travel ideas, gave you something to stash in your paddle bag, or just made you dream a little bigger about where the game can take you.

Want to tell us more? Just hit reply — we’re all ears.

See ya on the courts!

The Empower Pickleball Team