San Diego has 64+ pickleball locations with nearly 300 courts across the metro area. Year-round sunshine and a strong player community make this one of the best pickleball cities in the country. Here’s where to play.
Best Public Courts
Barnes Tennis Center
- Address: 4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
- Courts: 24 dedicated outdoor courts
- Surface: Hard court (acrylic)
- Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sat 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sun 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Lights: Yes
- Cost: $15/hour court rental; $5 open play (Mon–Fri 9 AM – 12 PM, Mon/Wed/Fri 1:30–4 PM, Sat 12–3 PM)
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, locker rooms, pro shop, café, lessons, wheelchair accessible
- Website: barnestenniscenter.com
Barnes is the biggest dedicated pickleball venue in San Diego proper. It hosts Major League Pickleball and the USA Pickleball National Championships. Open play sessions run multiple times daily and are organized by skill level. The on-site pro shop carries paddles and gear.
Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle
- Address: 875 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Courts: 22 dedicated outdoor courts
- Surface: Hard court
- Hours: Daily, typically 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (check website for current schedule)
- Lights: Yes
- Cost: $16/hour court reservation
- Amenities: Restrooms, food, pro shop, lessons
- Website: bobbyriggs.net
One of North County’s most popular clubs. Leagues run six days a week at all levels. Clinics and private lessons available from experienced pros. Note: the facility is working through permitting and noise mitigation with the city of Encinitas — call ahead to confirm court availability.
Balboa Park Activity Center
- Address: 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
- Courts: 5 indoor courts (wood floor, portable nets)
- Surface: Wood (gym floor)
- Hours: Tue/Thu 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Wed 2:00 – 5:00 PM
- Lights: Yes
- Cost: Free
- Amenities: Parking (paid in Balboa Park), restrooms
- Website: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/bpac
The best free indoor option in central San Diego. First come, first served — no reservations. Closed during high school summer, winter, and spring breaks. Call (619) 235-5997 to confirm availability before heading out.
Indoor Courts
Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Center
- Address: 6845 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
- Courts: 6 indoor courts
- Cost: Membership or day pass required
- Drop-in: Open play available six days a week, split by skill level (East Court: Intermediate/Advanced, West Court: Beginners)
- Extras: Group lessons, private coaching, beginner clinics
- Website: sd.kroccenter.org/pickleball
Carmel Valley Recreation Center
- Address: 3777 Townsgate Dr, San Diego, CA 92130
- Courts: 6 indoor courts (wood floor, portable nets)
- Cost: Free
- Drop-in: Open play Mon/Tue/Fri 9:00 – 11:45 AM (schedule varies — check with center)
- Phone: (858) 552-1616
- Website: sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/carmelvalley
Local Resources
Clubs & Organizations
- San Diego Pickleball Club — Based at Mission Bay Resort, 8 outdoor courts, open play, clinics, leagues
- Pickleball San Diego Facebook Group — 7,000+ members, game postings, local events
- The Pickleball Association of San Diego — Community group for SD players
- San Diego Pickleball Meetup — Events calendar for all levels
Nearby Cities
- Coronado — Marriott Resort courts, public waterfront courts
- Oceanside — Multiple dedicated court facilities in North County
Equipment & Lessons
- Barnes Tennis Center Pro Shop — Paddles, gear, and on-site coaching with certified pros
- The Hub San Diego Pro Shop — 9545 Campo Rd, Spring Valley; 26 courts, full pro shop, lessons and clinics
- Bobby Riggs Pro Shop — Gear and instruction from nationally ranked coaches
Quick Reference
- Total Courts: 296 across 64 locations (city and metro area)
- Free Courts: 29 locations offer free play
- Best Beginner Spot: Balboa Park Activity Center (free, indoor, friendly community)
- Busiest Times: Weekday mornings (9–12 PM) and Saturday open play sessions
- Reservations: Barnes Tennis Center and Bobby Riggs both offer online booking
- City Pickleball Info: sandiego.gov pickleball locations (PDF)
Updated April 2026. For court conditions and closures, check San Diego Parks & Recreation.
