Pickleball Magazine 6-1 | Page 39

Easy to learn but much harder to master , Pickleball is the perfect blend of exciting competition and leisurely play . And Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach is quickly becoming Florida ’ s hottest destination for Pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels . That ’ s because the area offers some of Florida ’ s best outside adventures , from gorgeous island beaches to sprawling nature trails , all alongside a state-of-the-art Pickleball facility known as the PicklePlex .
From professional competitions to friendly games between beginners , the PicklePlex is a beautiful facility open to anyone interested in the game of Pickleball . In recent years , the PicklePlex has hosted some of the world ’ s most renown Pickleball events , including the Global World Pickleball Championship , Association of Pickleball Professionals ( APP ) Punta Gorda Open , and Level-Up Pickleball Camps . But it ’ s the incredible variety of exciting and relaxing outside adventures that makes any area visitor a winner on or off the Pickleball court .
Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach combines the best of Florida ’ s outside experiences in one place . Without a doubt , its crown jewel is the area ’ s 12 miles of picturesque beaches where visitors of all ages can relax , play , and search for fossilized shark teeth before enjoying a breathtaking Gulf of Mexico sunset . From on-the-water activities , including leisurely paddleboard tours , exciting boat rides , and fishing expeditions , to gorgeous mainland adventures , such as hiking lush nature trails or biking one of four routes ranging from 17 to 31 miles , it ’ s no wonder Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach says , Our Best Side is Outside .
But outside experiences are only the beginning for this one-of-a-kind Florida destination . Beautiful accommodations can be found on and off the water , including beach-front rooms perfect for couples and families . The area ’ s unique blend of specialty stores creates a shopping experience unlike anywhere else . However , it ’ s the waterfront dining that truly makes Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach a destination you can ’ t miss . Ranked # 2 in the 2020 USA Today Best Small Town Food Scenes 10Best list , savor Gulf-fresh seafood while dining on the water .
And if you crave more sporting activity outside of Pickleball , you ’ ll love the area ’ s offering of golf courses . Golf along the Gulf in Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach , ranked the “ 3rd Best Place in the Country to Live and Play Golf ” by Golf Digest . This diverse pool of courses also features two 4 ½ star courses , including Riverwood Golf Club , which was recently ranked by Golf Advisor as the # 26 course in the U . S . and the # 4 course in Florida . Or catch a baseball game at the Charlotte Harbor Sports Park , the spring training home for the Tampa Bay Rays .
Whether you ’ re coming for a game of Pickleball at the PicklePlex , or to explore the entire area , there are plenty of ways to play . Come find out why Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach says , Our Best Side is Outside .
To learn more about the PicklePlex visit : PicklePlex . org
Learn more about Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach at : PureFlorida . com