New Resort in Mendocino County Embraces Pickleball Trend
Mendocino Cove: A New Destination for Pickleball Enthusiasts
The popularity of pickleball in the United States is significantly influencing the hospitality sector, prompting resorts and vacation spots to create specialized facilities for the sport. This trend is evident along the northern California coast, where a new resort, Mendocino Cove, is set to open with a strong emphasis on pickleball.
Located between Caspar and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, this newly renovated resort is expected to welcome guests in early June. The property spans 11 acres along Highway 1, and its eight newly constructed pickleball courts have already garnered considerable local interest, having opened in April.
Theresa Raffo, the managing partner, explained that the resort was designed for active travelers, with pickleball being a key element due to its community-building aspect. She stated, “Pickleball is unique; it fosters community engagement and can be enjoyed by anyone, whether a seasoned player or a beginner.”
Originally established in 1938 as the Pine Beach Motel, the site later became known as the Pine Beach Inn, a popular family destination for those traveling from the Bay Area. After experiencing a decline and a period of vacancy, Raffo and her business partner Chris Hougie acquired the property in 2020, aiming to completely revamp the resort.
The redesigned resort merges modern accommodations with outdoor activities. In addition to the pickleball courts, it features gardens, beach trail access, and a Nordic-inspired spa equipped with a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge facilities. The highlight of the investment is the construction of eight regulation-size pickleball courts with joint-friendly concrete surfaces.
Local coach Julie Lanzarin has initiated a women’s pickleball league at the venue prior to its official opening. The weekly event, dubbed “Women’s Wednesdays,” has successfully introduced many local players to the new facility. Lanzarin noted, “Few communities have courts like these.”
Once fully operational, guests at Mendocino Cove and the nearby Mendocino Grove will enjoy complimentary access to the courts, while the public can utilize the facility via day passes. Plans for coaching clinics, private lessons, and pickleball-themed retreats are also in the works for later this year.
The resort will also collaborate with the local Mendocino Coast Pickleball Players group to host round-robin tournaments, reflecting the increasing demand for organized pickleball events in the area. This development underscores how the swift growth of pickleball is shaping tourism, real estate, and recreational planning across the United States, with many destinations recognizing the sport as both a community activity and a significant travel draw.