Over the past few years pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in the United States, creating high demand for public courts and opportunities to invest in the sport. In SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County), you’ll find the perfect mix of high quality/scenic courts and laid-back luxury to make your next pickleball vacation unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to play with friends, explore the world-class wineries our county has to offer, or unwind by the beach, SLO CAL has everything you need for a long weekend getaway designed around your favorite game.
Why SLO CAL is Perfect for a Pickleball Getaway
Few destinations in the state of California offer a balanced mix of active days and relaxing evenings quite like SLO CAL. The county stretches from the wine country of Paso Robles down to the coastal charm of Pismo Beach, Avila and Cambria, with San Luis Obispo right in the middle. That means no matter where you play, you’re close to incredible food, wine, natural beauty and experiences suited for every kind of person.
SLO CAL offers diverse courts across the county from Paso Robles to Cambria allowing you to play in almost every town in the area and explore the region while fiercely competing in pickleball matches.
Another factor that sets SLO CAL apart from most other pickleball hotspots is our mild, year-round weather that makes outdoor play easy and fun. Nobody wants to melt in the hot sun or have to wear layers when playing pickleball. This region is the perfect destination for people who enjoy a balanced climate. The coastal breeze mixed with the inland heat creates an ideal playing climate and visitors have the freedom of playing in whichever climate they feel like during the day with only a short drive separating each.
Wine, Wellness, Boutiques & More
On top of the amazing pickleball opportunities SLO CAL also offers a unique wine & wellness culture that matches the interests of many pickleball players. Who wouldn’t want a nice spa day and massage with beach/vineyard views after a long day of hitting the courts?
SLO CAL also offers a unique variety of local shops where visitors can take up time shopping and seeing what the region has to offer. Apart from boutiques, wine & craft beverage shops and lifestyle stores, you'll also find a selection of stores where visitors can shop for the latest pickleball gear and get expert opinions on products that will certainly up your game! Tennis Warehouse is a favorite in this category with an extensive collection of paddles, clothes and pickleballs to try out and purchase.
Long Weekend Itinerary: 4 Days in Pickleball Paradise
Day 1 – Arrival & Your First Match in Paso Robles
Back to Top of ListStart your vacation in Paso Robles, a region known primarily for wine, olive oil and now, pickleball.
Morning: Check into the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, which offers Mediterranean-style luxury and a central location.
Afternoon: Play your first games at Centennial Park (600 Nickerson Dr) or Larry Moore Park (2975 Union Rd). These popular courts are a hub for locals and visitors alike.
Evening: Reward your hard work on the court with a glass of wine and locally sourced dinner at IL Cortile Ristorante in downtown Paso Robles. Alternatively, feel free to also explore any of the highly ranked wineries in the state such as DAOU Winery, Justin Vineyards and Booker for an unforgettable tasting paired with exceptional meals that will have you coming back for more.
Day 2 – Courts, Wine and Wellness
Back to Top of ListToday is all about mixing play with relaxation.
Morning: Head south to Templeton Tennis Ranch (345 Championship Ln), a beautiful facility with well-maintained courts.
Midday: Treat yourself to a leisurely wine tasting and lunch at Niner Wine Estates or Cass Winery nearby.
Afternoon: For a balance of activity and relaxation, stop by Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa (6699 Bay Laurel Pl, Avila Beach). Enjoy a few rounds of pickleball, then unwind with a spa treatment or a dip in the pool at their stunning facility near the beach.
Evening: End the night in Avila Beach at Blue Moon Over Avila, a European Inspired French Wine Bar & Bistro that offers wines from around the world and expertly prepared dishes.
Day 3 – San Luis Obispo & South Coast Charm
Back to Top of ListSpend your third day exploring the heart of the county.
Morning: Visit Tennis Warehouse in San Luis Obispo (181 Suburban Rd #140) — the perfect spot to shop for paddles, gear, accessories and browse the best products on the market. In downtown San Luis Obispo, tackle the wide variety of shops selling local products that cannot be found anywhere else. Walk down iconic Higuera St and we guarantee you will find something you like!
Midday: Grab lunch in San Luis Obispo, where farm-to-table restaurants like Novo Restaurant & Lounge or Luna Red offer fresh local flavors. Some other iconic spots in downtown are Finney’s, Firestone and Giuseppe’s all offering some of the locals’ favorite foods and meals you do not want to miss.
Afternoon: Head to the coast for a casual game at Palisades Park (3450 Shell Beach Rd) or Mentone Basin Park in Grover Beach (1500 Trouville Ave). The ocean breeze will allow for a refreshing match and stunning views.
Evening: Take a sunset stroll on the Pismo Pier, then enjoy dinner at Ventana Grill, which is known for its coastal views and creative food options. Looking for an after dinner activity? Check out SLO CAL’s only drive in movie theater Sunset, and relax in the comfort of your own vehicle.
Day 4 – Cambria & Coastal Goodbyes
Back to Top of ListFinish your pickleball trip with a scenic north-coast adventure.
Morning: Drive up Highway 1 to Cambria and play at the Cambria Pickleball by the Sea Courts (1350 Main St). This small town is full of charm and coastal character. After a couple of games, drive no more than 15 minutes north to see the famous elephant seals in action at Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon.
Midday: Grab a coffee and light bite at Linn’s Restaurant, famous for its olallieberry pie. Not a coffee person? No problem! Stop by one of the best ranked eateries in Cambria, Hidden Kitchen, for superfood smoothies and blue corn waffles.
Afternoon: Take a relaxing walk along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk before heading home. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a long weekend of active fun.
Where to Play: Pickleball Courts Across SLO CAL
For those who want flexibility in planning, here’s a list some of the courts across the county:
- Arroyo Grande–Elm Street Park (1221 Ash St)
- Atascadero–Colony Park (5599 Traffic Way)
- Avila Beach–Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa (6699 Bay Laurel Pl)
- Cambria–Cambria Pickleball Courts (1350 Main St)
- Grover Beach–Mentone Basin Park (1500 Trouville Ave)
- Morro Bay–Del Mar Park (3044 Ironwood Ave)
- Nipomo–Nipomo Regional Park (904 W Tefft St)
- Paso Robles–Centennial Park (600 Nickerson Dr), Larry Moore Park (2975 Union Rd)
- Pismo Beach–Palisades Park (3450 Shell Beach Rd)
- San Luis Obispo–French Park (1040 Fuller Rd)
- Templeton–Templeton Tennis Ranch (345 Championship Ln)
Pickleball in SLO CAL
SLO CAL provides the ideal mixture of relaxation, competitive play and natural beauty. You can combine your love of pickleball with an amazing vacation in a variety of ways, such as rallying in wine country, recovering at a spa or enjoying the sea breeze.
So grab your paddle, get your buddies together and find out for yourself why SLO CAL is the best place to go for a pickleball vacation!
