San Diego, California is warm, dog-friendly, and supportive of alternative sports (they celebrate Tony Hawk Day!)...naturally, it's also a great place to play pickleball.
As of late 2022, there were 18 indoor and 9 outdoor public pickleball courts in San Diego for a grand total of 27, a number that's likely already changed drastically.
Rather than list all of those, we figured we'd spotlight a few of the city's most accessible, dedicated pickleball courts and provide everything you need to know about each.
Indoor Pickleball Courts in San Diego
The HUB – 9545 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA
This member-driven facility features 26 courts (yes, you read that right!), a pro shop, restaurant, and instructors. It also hosts all the pickleball events you can think of: open play, challenge court, weekly round robins, leagues, monthly parties, and yearly member tournaments while adding pro exhibitions, and nationally recognized tournaments.
Open times: Open play on Monday 5:15pm to 8:15 pm
Cost: A day pass costs $20
Black Mountain Multipurpose Center – 9353 Oviedo St, San Diego, CA
Free courts are hard to beat, particularly when they're dedicated to pickleball. This center is slowly starting to offer more open play times, so be sure to call ahead at (858) 538-8198.
Open times: Open play on Monday 5:15pm to 8:15 pm
Cost: Free
Balboa Park – 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
Five courts, A/C'd indoor space, and free-to-play are only some of the benefits of playing at Balboa...the rest are purely aesthetic. Look at that building! And that's not even the most picturesque part of the entire park.
Open times: Open Play on Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Wednesday 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Municipal Gym – 2111 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Ok, San Diego. We see you and your gyms which also have NINE pickleball courts.
Open times: Open play Monday & Wednesday 12:00pm – 3:00pm and Saturdays 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Cost: Free
Scripps Ranch Recreation Center – 11464 Blue Cypress Dr, San Diego, CA
It's best to call this location in advance just to make sure: (858) 538-8085.
Open times: Open Play dates and times fluctuate based on usage
Cost: Free
Outdoor-Only Pickleball Courts in San Diego
Pacific Beach Tennis Club – 2639 Grand Ave San Diego, CA
There's nothing like playing on a particularly well-maintained, well-lit court. Even though some higher level players may gather there, the facility is noted for its friendliness towards beginners.
Open times: 2 hour play sessions: Mon/Thurs 10-12:00; Mon/Fri 5:30-7:30; Sat 10-12:00, 12-2:00, 2-4:00; Sun10-12:00/12-2:00
Cost: $32/court for 2 hour session
Coronado Island Marriot – 300 Glorietta Blvd., Coronado, CA
It's not often hotels have dedicated pickleball courts, and even less often that they open their courts to the public. So it's special that these eight lighted courts on Coronado Island's Marriot are available with minimal scheduling. Those interested can call the hotel ahead of time for specific time reservations (for a $24 fee) or just join an open play session.
Open times: Open play is Monday - Thursday, 8am-noon; all other times require reservation
Cost: $6 for open play, $24 for special reservations
