WHERE TO PLAY PICKLEBALL IN LOS ANGELES
The sun’s out, the skies are blue—you must be in L.A.! It’s time to grab your paddle and hit the pickleball courts. From private clubs to public parks, we’ve got a range of recommendations for where to play, whether you’re on the Westside, in the Valley, or want to dink further East. Read on to see which spot’s right for you!
Private Clubs & Memberships:
Riviera Country Club
This serene and sprawling country club—which has been home to PPA Championship matches—is tucked away in the Pacific Palisades on L.A.’s Westside. You have to be a member (or a member’s guest) to play pickleball here, but It’s got all the amenities: eight outside courts, coaching lessons available from pickleball pros Kyle Lewis and Elliot Markowitz, and excellent options for food and drink. Pack your golf clubs, too—when you’re done dinking, you can take a spin around their world-class course.
1250 Capri Dr., Pacific Palisades
310.454.6591
$$$$$
Santa Monica Pickleball Center
This four-court facility is a new addition to the renowned Santa Monica Tennis Center, and it offers one of the nicest places to play at an affordable by-the-hour price. Book private or group lessons with the Center’s pickleball pros, like Julio Rivera and Ho Nguyen, and check out the 2,000 square feet of retail space for all the latest pickleball gear. As they say, “Dink big. Relish life.”
2501 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
310.315.0886
santamonicapickleballcenter.com
$
La Cienega Tennis Center
If you find yourself in Beverly Hills, strike up a match at La Cienega Tennis Center. Their eight lighted outdoor courts are available to rent from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., just remember to bring your own net. You must be a member to reserve a court, but a year-long membership is just over $20 for those who live outside of Beverly Hills, and half that for residents. The courts rent by the hour for a very affordable fee. They also offer private and group lessons from a handful of pros, including Rob Hutchins.
325 La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills
310.285.6825
$
The Paseo Club
If you’re near the Santa Clarita Valley, try this fun and friendly fitness facility. The Paseo Club’s 11 outdoor courts are complemented by the Pickleball Porch, a covered area for being social where you can grab a chair, have a drink or a bite, and stay close to all the action happening on the courts. Members can show up during dedicated drop-in hours, sign up for drills, or play in one of the Club’s leagues or tournaments.
27650 Dickason Dr., Valencia
661.257.0044
$$
Altadena Town & Country Club
Members of the Altadena Town & Country Club, nestled in the San Gabriel Foothills, can make use of the club’s four outdoor courts, perfect for picklers in Northeast L.A. Monday nights are reserved for player drop-ins—members can simply show up and join the mix! Satiate your post-play appetite in the Players Lounge, where a fully stocked bar complements picturesque views.
2290 Country Club Dr., Altadena
626.794.7163
$$$$
Parks & Public Spaces:
Memorial Park
At Memorial Park in Santa Monica, you’ll find four tennis courts painted with pickleball lines, which means there are 16 first-come, first-serve places to play. Bring your own net, or join Santa Monica Pickleball’s open play Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, or Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Plus, you can score three hours of free parking in the park’s adjacent lot!
1401 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica
310.458.8237
Free
El Segundo Parks & Rec
Here’s another Westside hot spot! At one of the nicest parks in sunny El Segundo, there are four dedicated pickleball courts open to the public. All you need to do is make a reservation, keeping in mind the two-hour max. Court time is free for El Segundo locals, but non-residents simply pay a nominal hourly fee to play. Set up an account at esrec.org and you’re good to go!
300 E. Pine Ave., El Segundo
310.524.2700
$
Plummer Park
For those in the West Hollywood area, Plummer Park is the favorite place to play. Its four dedicated pickleball courts (all of which are lighted), plus one multi-use paddle/pickleball court, are up for grabs with a nominal fee. Reservations are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and booking is easy with the Playbypoint app on your phone or at playbypoint.com.
7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
323.848.6530
Free
George Izay Park
If you find yourself in the San Fernando Valley, take your paddles to George Izay Park where 11 outdoor pickleball courts are first-come, first-serve. The park’s gymnasium sometimes hosts 3 indoor courts as well—perfect for playing on SoCal’s handful of rainy days or simply for getting out of the sun. Join the park’s outdoor open group play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.
1111 W. Olive Ave., Burbank
818.238.5300
Free
Arroyo Seco Racquet Club
Los Angeles Eastsiders head to Arroyo Seco Racquet Club to play pickleball, where iPickle runs two outdoor courts tucked into a quiet area of scenic South Pasadena. Non-members pay a small fee for reservations, and anyone can drop in to their Saturday night open-play sessions, which are great for beginners. Newbies and experienced players alike can take advantage of their 6-week instruction sessions.
920 Lohman Ln., South Pasadena
323.258.4178
$
Palisades Recreation Center
Thanks to the work of local USA Pickleball ambassador Pong Nimnual, the Palisades Recreation Center has turned one of its tennis courts into a hybrid pickleball court, where you can play with Nimnual’s Palisades Pickleball Club for a small suggested donation. The Recreation Center also added pickleball to its programming, which transforms the gym into open play, just check their schedule for days and times.
851 Alma Real Dr., Pacific Palisades
310.454.1412
$
Do you have a favorite place to play that you want us to know about? We’d love to hear from you!
