Welcome to the ultimate pickleball paradise! As the sun rises over the stunning shores of St. Pete/Clearwater, anticipation fills the air for an extraordinary opportunity that combines the thrill of pickleball with the allure of a dream vacation. We're thrilled to bring you the Pickleball in the Sun Getaway, a collaboration between Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Pickleball Central, Pickleball in the Sun, and TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, offering pickleball enthusiasts and travel aficionados the chance to win an unforgettable escape to America's Best Beaches. 

To enter, visit PickleballintheSun.com/stpetegetaway. 

Ends 2/28 at 11:59pm

In our quest to uncover what makes this destination a haven for pickleball lovers, we sat down with the minds behind the scenes. Join us as we dive into the details of this incredible giveaway, discover the exciting pickleball scene in St. Pete/Clearwater, and uncover why this destination is a must-visit for lovers of the game and seekers of sun-drenched adventures. From pristine beaches to world-class pickleball courts, get ready to serve, volley, and indulge in the vacation of a lifetime. Let the pickleball paradise journey begin!

1. What makes St. Pete/Clearwater and TradeWinds Island Resorts a unique destination for pickleball enthusiasts?

Looking for the perfect place to play pickleball? Look no further than St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida! With 361 days of sunshine and beautiful beach backdrops (St. Pete Beach was named Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Beach in the U.S. in 2021), it is always pickleball weather here! The area boasts a plethora of indoor and outdoor courts available to the public. Additionally, many of the beautiful resorts in the destination have pickleball courts onsite, such as the Island Grand, a TradeWinds Beach Resort with three brand-new pickleball courts. Additionally, hotel guests can reserve a court up to seven days before arrival, and paddles and balls are included in their hotel stay.

2. Can you share insights into the pickleball facilities in St. Pete/Clearwater?

According to a 2023 Trust for Public Land (TPL) study, the City of St. Pete is among the top five municipalities in the U.S. for pickleball courts per capita. The pro-parks study showed that St. Pete features 19.6 courts per 100,000 residents, the second most in the nation! St. Pete offers 38 outdoor courts and 11 indoor courts; Clearwater alone has 11 outdoor courts and 10 indoor courts available to players of all ages. Pickleball Aficionados of all levels can enjoy year-round leisurely play, as well as fit camps, classes and socials available at the various indoor and outdoor courts in the area. For more information on where to play in the Sunshine City, log on to VisitStPeteClearwater.com/Pickleball-stpeteclearwater.

3. How does TradeWinds cater to both seasoned pickleball players and beginners?

TradeWinds Island Grand welcomes all levels of pickleball players to their brand-new courts! There are group and private lessons available for those that want to sharpen their skills and even a weekly Round Robin organized by the hotel’s activities department for in-house guests. Whether you are a novice or an expert, TradeWinds offers something fun for pickleball players of all levels.

4. What other leisure activities complement the pickleball experience in St. Pete/Clearwater? 

St. Pete/Clearwater offers a number of diverse activities to complement your pickleball experience. Miles of white-sand beaches promise days of sun-soaked fun. Mind-blowing museums and galleries immerse you in art and culture. Boating, golf and pro sports invite you to partake in the action. Nightlife, events and open-air fests are cause for year-round revelry. Not sure where to start? Click here for a lowdown of all there is to do in St. Pete/Clearwater!

At TradeWinds Island Resorts, the main attraction is its white sand beach directly on the Gulf of Mexico, but a close second is its extensive list of family-friendly activities. Exciting resort offerings include a three-story High Tide Slide and Zing Ray Zipline on the beach, Floating Water Park, RedBeard the Pirate Show, paddle boats, mini golf, nightly S’mores, an on-site kid’s club and a plethora of daily programming that includes pool games, dive-in movies, crafts and much more. And those that want to explore the area can pick the trolley up right in front of the resort.