WHERE TO PLAY PICKLEBALL IN ORANGE COUNTY
There’s nothing quite like hitting the court with a beach breeze and the smell of the ocean in the air. That’s probably one of the reasons pickleball is taking over Orange County. With facilities expanding and cities creating courts, there’s always someplace great to play here, whether you’re looking for a members-only club or a local park meetup.
Private Clubs & Memberships:
The Tennis Club at Newport Beach
It’s no coincidence that the Tennis Club at Newport Beach is home to both PPA and Major League Pickleball tournaments: This top-notch facility offers 31 permanent, dedicated outdoor courts, including one with stadium seats. A membership is required to play, but with the construction of a spa, lap pool, yoga pavilion, and fitness center in the works, it will net you plenty of off-court opportunities for fun and relaxation, too.
11 Clubhouse Dr., Newport Beach
949.759.0711
$$$$
Courtside SuperStores
While outdoor pickleball courts are relatively easy to come by, indoor ones can be elusive. Sometimes you want to play without the sun in your eyes! This Irvine location of Courtside SuperStores solves that problem: five indoor first-come first-serve courts for playing pickleball no matter the weather. Locals can get the affordable all-you-can-play membership, while out-of-towners can opt to pay hourly drop-in fees.
79 Technology Dr., Irvine
949.989.4520
courtsidesuperstores.com
$$
Lake Forest Sun and Sail Club
Amidst eucalyptus trees not far from the lake this area is named for, the Sun and Sail Club in Lake Forest has eight permanent, dedicated outdoor pickleball courts where members enjoy group and open play from 8 a.m. to noon almost every day. But members and non-members alike can join the club’s classes and clinics, taught by Shelly and Kevin Booth of Evolve Pickleball.
24752 Toledo Way, Lake Forest
949.586.0860
$$$$$
Nellie Gail Ranch
High in the hills above Laguna, is the Nellie Gail Ranch, a private, equestrian-themed, upscale community that its residents liken to paradise. Especially those who play pickleball, since it’s got eight beautiful permanent, dedicated outdoor courts. You must be a member to play—singles, couples, and family memberships are available to residents and non-residents alike, though folks who call Nellie Gail Ranch home pay less—and all the courts are first-come, first-served.
25281 Empty Saddle Dr., Laguna Hills
949.831.6660
$
Halecrest Park Swim & Tennis Club
Halecrest Park is a Costa Mesa mainstay, and now this family-oriented social club has converted a tennis court to a hybrid, with four taped down pickleball courts available for member play (plus they have portable nets available so you don’t have to bring your own). Courts can be reserved for two-hour increments, and a nominal fee allows members’ guests to join in the fun.
3107 Killybrooke Lane, Costa Mesa
714.557.7234
$$
Parks & Public Spaces:
Felipe Tennis & Rec Center
This clean and well-kept facility in Mission Viejo has four permanent, dedicated, lighted outdoor pickleball courts and a robust community that plays here. Nab a membership (available to anyone, though Mission Viejo residents pay less) and you’ll get court reservation priority, plus free entry to the daily morning drop-in play. They also offer clinics and camps for players of all levels, including a junior pickleball program for the kiddos!
27161 Nogal, Mission Viejo
949.859.4348
$$
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
This gorgeous park in Laguna Niguel surrounds a 44-acre lake, and among its plentiful trails and amenities are four permanent, lighted, outdoor pickleball courts. You don’t need reservations—the courts are available on a first-come first-serve basis with a one-hour max. There is no cost to players, though the park itself requires a nominal entry fee—a small price to pay for one of the area’s best-loved outdoor spaces.
28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel
949.923.2240
$
Portola Springs Community Park
The six permanent, dedicated, outdoor courts at this Irvine park are always bustling—especially Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings when the City of Irvine Team Pickleball League has its hours of play. The city also reserves the courts for year-round lessons—both private and group—taught by local pickleball pros. These lighted courts are free to use and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
900 Tomato Springs, Irvine
949.724.6192
Free
Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park
With four permanent, dedicated courts and another eight hybrid courts taped over tennis courts (that simply require you to bring your own net), this park in Fountain Valley is a pickleball hotspot. Walk up and play or reserve a court in advance at an affordable hourly rate. Players can sign up for open play (organized by play level), or any number of the lessons and camps held here through Fountain Valley’s Agape Tennis Club.
16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley
714.839.8611
$
Veterans Sports Park
With 32 acres of fitness opportunities and amenities, Veterans Sports Park is Tustin’s largest and newest outdoor space. In addition to a skate park, splash pad, and multiple soccer fields, it’s got eight permanent, dedicated, lighted outdoor pickleball courts, available to all players for a nominal hourly rate (one that is even less for Tustin residents).
1645 Valencia Ave, Tustin
714.426.2450
$
Do you have a favorite place to play that you want us to know about? We’d love to hear from you!
