Why Airbnb Hosts Are Adding Pickleball Courts (And Why Guests Love It)

Five years ago, a pickleball court at a vacation rental was a fun surprise. Today, it’s a booking magnet.

Across Airbnb, VRBO, and luxury vacation platforms, “pickleball court” has become one of the fastest-growing amenity searches in the United States. Listings with courts are seeing higher occupancy, higher nightly rates, and longer average stays. The demand is so strong that property owners who add a court are calling it their best investment decision of the year.

So what does this trend reveal about travelers, about the sport, and about the future of short-term rentals?

Let’s break it down.

1. Pickleball Has Shifted From Hobby to Lifestyle

Pickleball is no longer something people casually play if they “run into a court.” It’s a lifestyle sport part fitness, part fun, part social connection.

Travelers increasingly choose destinations that allow them to maintain that lifestyle. Just like yoga studios and golf courses became major draws for resort guests, pickleball courts are becoming a deciding factor for families, couples, friend groups, and active travelers.

People aren’t just booking a house. They’re booking an experience.

2. Courts Create Built-in Entertainment (That Costs Owners Little To Maintain)

From an owner’s perspective, amenities like hot tubs and pools are great, but they require ongoing maintenance and constant monitoring.

A pickleball court is a one-time investment that turns into an evergreen attraction. Sure, there is some minor ongoing maintenance that has to be done to keep it in prime condition, but it's minimal compared to other amenities.

Families love it because it gives kids and adults something to do together. Groups love it because it creates instant memories. And owners love it because guests use it nonstop and leave rave reviews because of it.

3. Pickleball Appeal to Every Age and Ability

This is one of the biggest reasons the amenity is exploding.

A Single Airbnb Court Can Serve:

• kids

• teens

• seniors

• competitive athletes

• first-timers

There is no other sport amenity that checks every demographic box the way pickleball does. As a result, homes with courts attract more types of travelers and more multi-generational groups.

If you manage a vacation rental, this kind of broad appeal is marketing gold.

4. Travelers Want Homes That Create Connection

After years of digital overload, guests are craving experiences that feel real: playing together, laughing, gathering outside, trying something new.

Pickleball delivers that immediately.

A court becomes the heartbeat of a rental property where people start their mornings, reconnect after a day of exploring, or wind down under the lights in the evening.

Owners report that their guests spend more time on-site, treat the home with more care, and are more likely to rebook because of these shared experiences.

5. Pickleball Courts Increase Booking Rates and Property Value

Early Data From STR Analysists Show:

• Properties with pickleball courts have higher average occupancy

• They command premium nightly rates

• They receive more visibility on listing platforms

• They achieve higher guest satisfaction scores

And beyond the rental side, a beautifully designed court permanently improves the property itself. Unlike trend-dependent amenities, pickleball’s growth trajectory is still rising.

Travelers are not “over” pickleball—if anything, they’re doubling down.

6. The Trend Shows What Pickleball Has Become

If luxury vacation rentals are a forecast of where culture is heading, pickleball has officially arrived as a mainstream recreational priority. Not niche. Not trendy. Not temporary. A staple.

A sport people now organize:

• their weekends around

• their travel around

• their real estate around

That’s significant and it signals that pickleball is becoming one of the defining leisure activities of this generation.

Thinking About Adding A Court to Your Rental Property?

Whether you have acreage or a compact yard, there are creative ways to build a premium pickleball experience that boosts your rental appeal and increases your ROI.

A Court Planning Specialist can evaluate your property, share layout options, and help you understand what’s possible often more than owners expect.

Contact to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation today.

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