Pickleball in San Diego, California is thriving—from beachside courts to indoor gyms. Beginners and seasoned players alike will find plenty of places to play. Discover the top spots to enjoy pickleball in California’s sunniest coastal city.
San Diego, California - Pickleball Shops
We are building out our partnerships so check back often to find updates on where you can find PB5star. Currently we are in the shop at Rally House Pickleball in Carlsbad. 6131 Innovation Way #100, Carlsbad, CA 92009 - website
"Rally House Pickleball now has 1 North County pickleball location with 11 courts in total”
Local Player & Coaches Spotlight
San Diego’s pickleball scene is stacked with talent, and a good coach can change your game faster than a new paddle. A few of us have taken productive lessons with Brittany McNevin, who splits her time between Bobby Riggs, The Bridges, and The Crosby. Reach out directly to the club to book. GeeGee Garvin is another standout, with a sharp eye for technique and a knack for making drills feel like actual fun.
Got a favorite San Diego pickleball coach we missed? Send us your recommendations at social@pb5star.com—we’re always looking to add to the list.
Pickleball Etiquette 101 for San Diego Players
Respect and sportsmanship define San Diego pickleball. Rotate paddles, avoid poaching, and share the court fairly—especially at busy spots like Ocean Beach or Balboa Park. Learn general dos and don'ts in our full guide.
San Diego, California Pickleball Ultimate Guide
Local Pickleball Courts & Clubs
San Diego offers plenty of great places to play pickleball, including Balboa Park Activity Center (5 indoor courts, open Mon–Sat), Pacific Beach Rec Center (outdoor courts, walk-ins welcome), and Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma. These locations provide open play, lessons, and leagues for all skill levels. Please note: Pickleball at Balboa Park is on break for the summer and will resume Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The center does not offer pickleball during summer, winter, or spring high school breaks.
Local Pickleball Community
Join the Pickleball San Diego Group on Facebook—home to 7,000+ members sharing local games and events. North County Pickleball also runs social play in Carlsbad and Encinitas. Many locals meet up weekly at Ocean Beach Rec Center for casual matches.
Local Pickleball Leagues
San Diego offers a variety of local pickleball leagues for players of all skill levels. Groups like the San Diego Pickleball Club at Mission Bay Resort, The HUB Pickleball, and Volo Sports organize seasonal leagues, round robins, and social play across the city. Many leagues feature rotating formats and are open to both recreational and competitive players.
Local Pickleball Training
Improve your pickleball skills at top facilities in San Diego, California. Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma offers private lessons with experienced coaches like Jerry Jaffee, a PPR-certified professional with over 40 years in racquet sports . Additionally, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club hosts weekly clinics ranging from beginner to advanced levels, led by seasoned professionals .
State Pickleball Tournaments
The SoCal Summer Classic, held annually at Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle Club in Encinitas, is a premier event attracting top players from across California. The USA Pickleball National Championships, scheduled for November 15–23, 2025, will take place at Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, featuring a range of divisions and age groups. Additionally, the Newport Beach Open, occurring July 2–6, 2025, at The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach, serves as a Golden Ticket qualifier for the Nationals, offering competitive brackets and prize pools.
Local Pickleball Tournaments
San Diego hosts a variety of local pickleball tournaments throughout the year, welcoming all skill levels. Top events include the San Diego Amateur Open and Gold Cup at Marriott Coronado Island, and the San Diego Senior Games in Oceanside. From competitive brackets to fun round robins, these tournaments keep the San Diego pickleball scene active and inclusive year-round.
ALL YOUR PICKLEBALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Courts & Facilities FAQs
Q: Where are the indoor pickleball courts in San Diego?
Balboa Park Activity Center offers 5 indoor pickleball courts with permanent lines and portable nets. It provides free drop-in play mainly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during daytime hours. Note that pickleball at this center is currently on hiatus from May 29, 2025, to August 19, 2025.
Q: Are there public pickleball courts in San Diego?
Yes, public courts include Ocean Beach Recreation Center, Balboa Park Activity Center, and Pacific Beach Recreation Center. These locations generally offer free or low-cost access and have open play hours throughout the week.
Q: Which parks in San Diego have pickleball courts?
Other parks with pickleball courts include Ellen Browning Scripps Joint-Use Park, Fairbrook Ranch Park, and Cypress Canyon Park. These parks are favored for casual and free play by local players
Lessons, Leagues & Clubs FAQs
Q: Where can I find pickleball lessons in San Diego?
San Diego offers pickleball lessons at various locations, including Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma, La Jolla Recreation Center, and Pacific Beach Rec Center. The Salvation Army Kroc Center also provides indoor lessons six days a week. Additionally, San Diego Pickleball offers group intro lessons for adults to learn basic rules, positioning, and scoring. These facilities feature structured group classes and private sessions for players of all levels
Q: Are there pickleball clinics or training camps in San Diego?
A: San Diego hosts regular pickleball clinics at Barnes Tennis Center and Pacific Beach Rec Center. You can also find clinics through San Diego Pickleball, offering 2-hour clinics for various skill levels with instruction and practice play.
Q: Can I hire a pickleball coach in San Diego, California?
A: Yes, you can book lessons with Coach Jerry Jaffe and Coach Robbie Hill at Barnes Tennis Center. Both are experienced instructors offering private and group sessions for all levels of pickleball players in San Diego.
Events & Facilities Details FAQs
Q: Are there any pickleball tournaments in San Diego or nearby areas?
A: Yes, San Diego is home to several notable pickleball tournaments. These include the World Pickleball Tour San Diego Smash at The HUB Pickleball in Spring Valley and the USA Pickleball National Championships at Barnes Tennis Center. Smaller regional tournaments are also hosted year-round at both venues.
Q: Does San Diego host any annual pickleball events or socials?
A: Yes. Barnes Tennis Center offers leagues, mixers, and holiday round robins throughout the year. The San Diego Senior Games include a popular pickleball event each fall. Community centers like Peninsula Tennis Club and La Jolla Rec Center also host regular social events and friendly matches.
General & Miscellaneous Local Questions
Q: Why is pickleball so popular in San Diego, California?
A: Pickleball is booming in San Diego, California thanks to year-round sunshine, free public courts, and a strong community. The sport appeals to all ages and skill levels, making it easy for locals to join games at parks, rec centers, and social leagues.
Q: How has pickleball grown in San Diego, California in recent years?
A: Pickleball has rapidly expanded in San Diego, California, with new courts added at Pacific Beach Rec Center. Local leagues, tournaments, and Facebook groups have helped grow the sport’s visibility and player base across the city.
Q: What is the pickleball community like in San Diego, California?
A: The San Diego, California pickleball community is friendly, inclusive, and active. Groups like the San Diego Pickleball Group on Facebook organize games, events, and tournaments for casual and competitive players across all age groups.