If you’ve been hearing about a new racquet sport lately and wondering what all the excitement is about, you’re not alone. Padel has captured the attention of travelers and athletes across the globe, and it just so happens that you can experience it firsthand during your next visit to Westerly.
Just half a mile from the front door of our New England bed and breakfast, you’ll find the country’s first public municipal padel courts, and one of the only places in the United States where anyone can reserve a court without joining a private club.
Whether you’re already a fan or simply curious to see what everyone is talking about, it’s an unexpectedly fun way to spend an afternoon between beach trips, shopping downtown, and dinner by the water.
So, What Exactly Is Padel?
Think of padel (pronounced pah-DEL) as a dynamic, sophisticated hybrid of tennis, squash, and pickleball. It was invented in Mexico in 1969 by businessman Enrique Corcuera, who adapted his home’s enclosed courtyard into a racquet court when he didn’t have enough room for a full tennis court. Friends quickly caught on, and before long, the game spread to Spain and Argentina, where it became wildly popular.
Today, padel is played by millions of people around the world and is considered one of the fastest-growing sports globally. New courts are opening every year, professional tournaments draw huge crowds, and the game continues to gain momentum across the United States.
The game is played on a court that’s about 25% smaller than a tennis court and surrounded by glass walls. You use a solid, perforated paddle and a ball similar to a tennis ball. The scoring is the same as tennis, but all serves are underhand, and once the ball bounces, it can be played off the walls, adding an extra layer of strategy that’s unlike any other racquet sport. It’s typically played in doubles, and the rallies tend to be longer and more social than traditional tennis.
One of the biggest reasons padel has become so popular is that it’s easy to pick up. The smaller court means less ground to cover, the underhand serve feels less intimidating, and most beginners are able to enjoy a competitive rally within their first game.
What Makes Westerly’s Courts Special
While private padel clubs have been popping up across the country, most require memberships or significantly higher court fees. Westerly took a different approach. As the first municipality in the country to build public padel courts, the town made the sport accessible to anyone who wants to give it a try, whether you’re a local looking for a new hobby or a visitor hoping to experience something you won’t find in many other places in the United States.
The padel courts opened in summer 2025 and were made possible through the generosity of the Royce Family Fund, a longtime supporter of arts, recreation, and community projects in Westerly. During the warmer months, the space welcomes padel players of all skill levels. When winter arrives, the courts are transformed into the Washington Trust Community Skating Center, so the town gets year-round use out of the site.
It’s one more example of what makes Westerly special. Along with beautiful beaches, historic downtown streets, and a thriving arts scene, it’s a town that embraces new experiences while maintaining its welcoming small-town character.
How to Book a Padel Court in Westerly
The courts are open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM during the season. Reservations are required during the busiest playing times, but several off-peak hours are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Court reservations can be made through the Town of Westerly’s PlayByPoint system. If you don’t have your own equipment, paddles and balls are also available to rent on-site for a small hourly fee.
Because reservation policies and pricing can change from season to season, we recommend checking the Town of Westerly’s online booking page before your visit.
What You’ll Need to Play
If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry, you don’t need much to get started. Wear comfortable athletic shoes and clothing you can move in, then reserve your court and rent paddles and balls if you don’t have your own equipment.
The rules are easy to pick up, and there are plenty of beginner tutorials online if you want to watch a few videos before you go. But honestly, the best way to learn is just to get on the court and start playing.
Make a Day of It in Downtown Westerly
The padel courts are right in the heart of downtown, making it easy to turn a match into a full day of exploring.
After your game, wander over to High Street or Canal Street for lunch at one of Westerly’s locally owned restaurants. Cool off with a craft beer in the beer garden at Grey Sail Brewing, treat yourself to a scoop from Pompelmo Gelato or Mel’s Downtown Creamery just across the Pawcatuck River Bridge, or spend a little time browsing the boutiques and galleries downtown. Wilcox Park is also just a short walk away and offers plenty of places to sit and enjoy the shade of its century-old trees.
Still have some energy left? Many of our favorite Rhode Island beaches are all just a short drive away, making it easy to trade your paddle for a beach chair and finish the day by the water.
Return to Margin Street Inn
Of course, there is nothing quite like returning to the quiet comfort of Margin Street Inn after a game or two. Just minutes from downtown, our 6.5-acre property along the Pawcatuck River feels tucked away, even though you’re close to everything you’ve come to see.
Whether padel is the reason you planned your trip or simply something new you decided to try while you were here, we’re always happy to help you make the most of your time in Westerly.
Book your stay and discover what makes our corner of Rhode Island such a special place to visit.