You do not need to spend a cent to play pickleball in Los Angeles. The city operates one of the best networks of free public pickleball courts in the country, spread across neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and converted tennis facilities from the Valley to the Westside. Whether you are a beginner picking up a paddle for the first time or an experienced player looking for regular games without a membership fee, LA has you covered.
The LA Department of Recreation and Parks has invested heavily in pickleball infrastructure over the past few years, adding dedicated courts, restriping shared tennis courts, and installing permanent nets at parks across the city. The result is a massive selection of free places to play -- and more keep opening every year. This guide covers the best free pickleball courts in Los Angeles, with the practical details you need to show up and play. For our full roundup of all LA courts including paid facilities, check out our complete guide to the best pickleball courts in Los Angeles.
Quick Picks
| Park | Area | Courts | Surface | Lights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan Pacific Park | Mid-City | 6 | Asphalt | Yes | Evening play, all levels |
| Poinsettia Park | West Hollywood | 4 | Concrete | Yes | Competitive drop-ins |
| Cheviot Hills Rec Center | West LA | 4 | Concrete | No | Families, beginners |
| Mar Vista Rec Center | Mar Vista | 6 | Concrete | No | Neighborhood regulars |
| Echo Park Rec Center | Echo Park | 2 | Asphalt | No | Eastside convenience |
| Griffith Park Rec Center | Los Feliz | 12 | Concrete | Yes | Big groups, competitive play |
| Sherman Oaks Park | Sherman Oaks | 6 | Asphalt | Yes | Valley players, organized sessions |
All courts listed above are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep reading for the full breakdown of each location.
Pan Pacific Park — Mid-City
Address: 7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Courts: 6 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts
Surface: Asphalt with permanent lines and nets
Lighting: Yes
Parking: Free lot off Beverly Blvd with approximately 80 spaces
Restrooms: Yes, inside the recreation center
Open play hours: Daily 7 AM to 10 PM. Organized drop-in sessions run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM.
Pan Pacific Park is one of the best free pickleball locations in all of Los Angeles. Sitting right on Beverly Boulevard in the heart of Mid-City, the park converted several underused tennis courts into 6 dedicated pickleball courts with proper dimensions, permanent nets, and fresh line markings. The asphalt surface plays well and the courts drain quickly after the rare LA rain.
What sets Pan Pacific apart is the combination of court quality and community. The organized morning drop-in sessions draw players from across the city, and the group is genuinely welcoming to newcomers. Skill levels range from solid beginners to 4.0-plus tournament players, and most sessions use a paddle-stacking rotation system so everyone gets games. The courts have lighting, which means evening play is an option year-round -- a big advantage for anyone who works a standard schedule.
The park itself is well maintained, with green space, walking paths, and a playground. The recreation center building has restrooms and water fountains. Street food trucks frequently park along Beverly on weekday evenings, which makes for a convenient post-game meal.
Tip: Saturday mornings from 8 to 11 AM are the most popular sessions and courts fill quickly. Arrive by 7:45 AM to get into the early rotation. Weekday evenings after 6 PM are a good alternative with shorter wait times. The parking lot off Beverly fills up during peak hours, but side streets like Poinsettia Place and Gardner Street usually have spots.
Poinsettia Park — West Hollywood
Address: 7341 Willoughby Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Courts: 4 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts
Surface: Concrete with permanent lines and nets
Lighting: Yes
Parking: Small lot at the park plus street parking on Willoughby and adjacent streets
Restrooms: Yes
Open play hours: Daily 6 AM to 10 PM. Community-organized drop-in play happens Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Poinsettia Park has quietly become one of the most active free pickleball spots on the Westside. The four courts sit at the north end of the park and have been well maintained since the city installed dedicated pickleball infrastructure. The concrete surface is smooth and consistent, and the permanent nets are kept at regulation height.
The player base here trends slightly more competitive than some of the other neighborhood parks. The regular morning crowd includes a lot of 3.5 to 4.5 players, and the games move fast. That said, beginners show up regularly and the community is not exclusive -- people are happy to rally with newer players and share tips. The Monday and Wednesday morning sessions tend to be slightly less crowded than Friday.
The courts have lights, so after-work play is viable. The WeHo location puts you close to restaurants and coffee shops on Santa Monica Boulevard, which is a short walk south. The park also has a community garden, walking paths, and a dog park, so there is plenty to do beyond pickleball.
Tip: Parking is the biggest challenge here. The lot is small and shared with the entire park. Come early or plan to street park. Metered spots on nearby streets have two-hour limits, which is usually enough for a session. If you are new to these courts, the Wednesday morning group is probably the most beginner-friendly of the three weekly sessions.
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center — West LA
Address: 2551 Motor Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Courts: 4 outdoor courts (shared with tennis, dual-lined)
Surface: Concrete
Lighting: No
Parking: Free lot on Motor Avenue
Restrooms: Yes, inside the recreation center
Open play hours: Pickleball-designated hours are Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings from 8 AM to noon. Courts are first-come, first-served during those windows.
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center is nestled in one of the quieter residential pockets of West LA, between Culver City and Century City. The courts are shared with tennis, which means pickleball has designated time slots rather than all-day access. During pickleball hours, temporary nets are set up at proper height and the dual-lined courts work well for play.
The atmosphere here is relaxed and family-friendly. You will find a mix of retirees, parents, and weekend warriors. The skill level trends toward beginner and intermediate, and the vibe is more social than competitive. The rec center runs occasional introductory clinics for new players, which are free and a good way to learn the basics if you are just getting started. If you are looking to learn how to play pickleball, Cheviot Hills is one of the most approachable spots in the city.
The lack of lighting means play is limited to daylight hours, but the designated morning sessions are well organized and rarely feel overcrowded. The park grounds are beautiful, with mature trees, a playground, and open fields. Parking in the lot on Motor Avenue is free and usually has plenty of space.
Tip: The Sunday morning session is the busiest. Wednesday mornings are the quietest and the best time to get consistent court time. Since the courts are shared, always check the current schedule at the recreation center or on the LA Parks website before showing up outside the designated pickleball windows.
Mar Vista Recreation Center — Mar Vista
Address: 11430 Woodbine Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Courts: 6 outdoor courts (shared with tennis, dual-lined)
Surface: Concrete
Lighting: No
Parking: Street parking on Woodbine Avenue
Restrooms: Yes
Open play hours: The rec center is open Wednesday through Sunday. Pickleball has regular play times on weekday mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM.
Mar Vista Recreation Center is a dependable neighborhood park that serves the Westside pickleball community without any fuss. The six courts are shared with tennis but have clear dual lines, and the pickleball regulars have established consistent play times that are respected by both groups. The courts are standard concrete -- nothing fancy, but they get the job done.
The community here is welcoming and unpretentious. Mar Vista draws mostly local residents, and the morning groups have a strong social element. You will see people lingering after games, chatting, and making plans for the next session. For beginners, this is one of the most comfortable places to learn because the regulars are patient and encouraging. Families with kids are common, especially on weekends, since the park also has playgrounds and open green space.
The park connects to the broader Mar Vista neighborhood, which has a growing food and coffee scene along Venice Boulevard. The Sunday farmers market runs a few blocks away, and combining a morning pickleball session with a farmers market visit has become a popular weekend routine for locals.
Tip: Weekday mornings are the sweet spot for open courts and friendly competition. Street parking on Woodbine is easy to find most days. If you are looking for a similar vibe near the coast, check out our guide to pickleball courts in Santa Monica.
Echo Park Recreation Center — Echo Park
Address: 1632 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Courts: 2 outdoor pickleball courts
Surface: Asphalt with permanent lines
Lighting: No
Parking: Small lot plus street parking on Bellevue Avenue and Park Avenue
Restrooms: Yes
Open play hours: Daily during park hours, approximately 6 AM to dusk. No formal organized sessions, though regulars have established informal play most mornings.
Echo Park Recreation Center offers the only dedicated free pickleball courts on the Eastside of LA. The two courts are modest in number but they fill an important gap for players in Silver Lake, Echo Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods who do not want to drive across town to play. The asphalt surface is in good condition and the lines are well marked, though the permanent nets could use some tightening -- a minor complaint.
The pickleball scene here is still growing. You will not find the organized drop-in sessions that exist at bigger parks, but a core group of morning regulars plays most days and is easy to join. The atmosphere is casual and Eastside-cool -- expect a mix of creative types, remote workers fitting in a game before opening their laptops, and retirees who have been playing since the courts went in.
Echo Park Lake is a short walk from the courts, and the surrounding neighborhood has no shortage of coffee shops, taquerias, and breakfast spots. The courts are small enough that you are unlikely to wait long for a game, even on weekends.
Tip: Since there are only two courts and no formal scheduling, it helps to arrive early in the morning for the best chance at open play. Weekday mornings before 9 AM are the most reliable. Street parking on Bellevue can be tight, so check Park Avenue and the side streets off Glendale Boulevard.
Griffith Park Recreation Center — Los Feliz
Address: 3401 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Courts: 12 outdoor pickleball courts
Surface: Concrete with permanent lines
Lighting: Yes
Parking: Free lot near the recreation center, plus overflow along Crystal Springs Drive
Restrooms: Yes
Open play hours: Daily 5 AM to 10:30 PM. Organized drop-in sessions run most mornings and several evenings per week.
Griffith Park is the big one. With 12 courts, it is the largest free pickleball facility in Los Angeles and one of the largest free public pickleball complexes in Southern California. The sheer number of courts means you can almost always get a game, even during peak hours. The courts are concrete with permanent lines and nets, and the facility is well maintained by LA Parks.
The player community at Griffith Park spans the full skill spectrum, but the overall level trends higher than most neighborhood parks. You will regularly see 4.0-plus players running fast-paced games, and organized sessions often group players by skill level. The morning sessions are the most popular, drawing players from the Eastside, Hollywood, Los Feliz, and even the Valley. The evening sessions under the lights are also well attended and popular with the after-work crowd.
The setting is hard to beat. You are playing at the base of Griffith Park with trails, green space, and views of the hills in every direction. After your games, you can walk the trails, grab a coffee on Hillhurst Avenue, or head over to the Griffith Observatory. It is the kind of place where pickleball becomes part of a bigger outing.
Tip: The lot near the recreation center on Riverside Drive is the closest parking, but it fills up fast on weekends. The Crystal Springs lots are a short walk and tend to have more availability. If you are a competitive player, the Saturday morning sessions are where the strongest players gather. For a more relaxed vibe, weekday afternoons are your best bet.
Sherman Oaks Park — Sherman Oaks / Van Nuys
Address: 14201 Huston St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Courts: 6 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts
Surface: Asphalt with permanent lines and nets
Lighting: Yes
Parking: Free lot accessible from Huston Street
Restrooms: Yes
Open play hours: Daily 7 AM to 10 PM. Organized play sessions run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM.
Sherman Oaks Park is the Valley's answer to Griffith Park, offering 6 dedicated pickleball courts that are free, lighted, and well maintained. The park sits on the border of Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys, and it draws players from across the San Fernando Valley. The dedicated courts mean no sharing with tennis, no temporary nets, and no ambiguity about whether it is pickleball time -- you can play whenever the park is open.
The organized Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions are the heart of the community here. A mix of retirees, stay-at-home parents, and remote workers form the core group, with weekend warriors joining on Saturdays. The sessions use a round-robin rotation format, and there is usually a spread from beginner to advanced play happening across the six courts. The asphalt surface plays well and the nets are kept in good shape.
Lighting makes Sherman Oaks Park one of the best options in the Valley for evening pickleball. Summer nights are popular, and the courts stay active until close to 10 PM on warm evenings. The parking lot is generous and rarely an issue, and the park has a playground, sports fields, and walking paths that make it a full-service neighborhood park.
Tip: The Saturday morning session is the busiest and most competitive. If you are newer to the game, the Tuesday morning group tends to be a bit more relaxed. The courts closest to the parking lot (courts 1 and 2) get more foot traffic from spectators and passersby -- if you prefer a quieter game, head to courts 5 and 6 at the far end.
Tips for Playing at Free Public Courts
Free public courts are a fantastic resource, but they come with a few realities that are worth knowing about before you show up.
Bring Your Own Gear
Most free courts have permanent nets, but you will need your own paddle and balls. A quality beginner paddle costs $30 to $60, and a pack of outdoor pickleballs runs about $15. If you are heading to a park where courts are dual-lined with tennis and you are unsure about net availability, consider investing in a portable pickleball net. Decent portable nets cost $100 to $150 and set up in under five minutes.
Arrive Early for Popular Spots
The most popular courts -- Griffith Park, Pan Pacific, and Sherman Oaks -- get busy, especially on weekend mornings. Arriving 15 to 30 minutes before organized sessions start gives you the best chance of getting into the early rotation. Weekday mornings are almost always less crowded than weekends.
Learn the Rotation System
Most organized drop-in sessions at LA parks use a paddle-stacking system. You place your paddle in a queue, and when a game finishes, the next four paddles in the stack form the new group. This keeps things fair and moving. If you are new to a court, just ask someone where to put your paddle and they will walk you through it.
Court Etiquette Matters
Free public courts run on mutual respect. Wait for a point to finish before crossing behind a court to retrieve a ball. Do not coach players who have not asked for advice. If courts are busy, play to 11 and rotate off so the next group can play. Clean up after yourself -- pick up any broken balls and take your water bottles and trash with you.
Check Schedules Before You Go
Shared courts with tennis have designated pickleball hours, and showing up outside those windows means you might not have nets or could face a scheduling conflict. Check the LA Department of Recreation and Parks website or call the specific recreation center for current hours. Schedules change seasonally, especially for lighted courts.
Wear Court Shoes
Concrete and asphalt are hard surfaces, and playing in running shoes does not provide enough lateral support for the quick side-to-side movements in pickleball. Court shoes or tennis shoes with flat, non-marking soles are the way to go. Your ankles and knees will thank you, especially if you play multiple times a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there really free pickleball courts in Los Angeles?
Yes. The majority of public pickleball courts in Los Angeles are completely free. The LA Department of Recreation and Parks operates courts at dozens of parks across the city, including large facilities like Griffith Park (12 courts) and Pan Pacific Park (6 courts). These courts are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need a membership, a reservation, or a permit. Just bring your paddle and balls and show up.
What is the best free pickleball court in LA for beginners?
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center and Mar Vista Recreation Center are both excellent choices for beginners. Both parks have a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere and regulars who are happy to play with newer players. Cheviot Hills also offers occasional free introductory clinics. If you want to learn the game in a supportive environment without any cost, these are the places to start. For more on getting started, see our beginner's guide to playing pickleball.
Do free public courts have lights for evening play?
Some do and some do not. Pan Pacific Park, Poinsettia Park, Griffith Park Recreation Center, and Sherman Oaks Park all have lighted courts that allow play into the evening. Cheviot Hills, Mar Vista, and Echo Park do not have lights, so play is limited to daylight hours at those locations. If evening play is important to you, stick to the lighted facilities.
How crowded are the free courts on weekends?
The most popular locations -- Griffith Park, Pan Pacific, and Sherman Oaks -- can get crowded on Saturday and Sunday mornings, especially between 8 AM and 11 AM. Expect to rotate in and wait a game or two during peak hours. Smaller parks like Echo Park and Cheviot Hills are less crowded but also have fewer courts. The best strategy for avoiding crowds is to play on weekday mornings or weekday evenings at lighted courts.
Can I reserve a court at a free public park?
No. Free public courts in LA operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not accept reservations. If you want guaranteed court time, paid facilities like Manhattan Heights Park in Manhattan Beach offer reservation systems. For free courts, arriving early is the best way to ensure you get play time. Check out our full guide to LA pickleball courts for both free and paid options.
Are there free pickleball courts in the San Fernando Valley?
Yes. Sherman Oaks Park has 6 dedicated free courts with lights, and Balboa Sports Center in Encino has 8 dedicated free courts with lights. Both are excellent facilities that draw players from across the Valley. Sherman Oaks tends to have a strong community of regulars with organized morning sessions, while Balboa is the larger facility with more courts and a wider range of skill levels.
What should I bring to play at a free public court?
At minimum, bring your own paddle, outdoor pickleballs, water, and court shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are essential for daytime play in LA. A small towel is handy for wiping sweat or drying off a paddle grip. If you are heading to a park where courts share space with tennis, check whether permanent pickleball nets are available -- if not, bring a portable net. Most established free court locations in this guide have permanent nets, but it never hurts to confirm.
More LA Pickleball Guides
Looking for courts in a specific area? We have detailed guides for neighborhoods across the LA metro.
- Best Pickleball Courts in Los Angeles -- our comprehensive guide covering free and paid courts across the city
- Pickleball Courts in Santa Monica -- beach-adjacent courts and Westside options
- Pickleball Courts in Long Beach -- South Bay and Long Beach area courts
- How to Play Pickleball -- beginner's guide to rules, strategy, and getting started
Know a free court we missed? We are always updating this guide as new courts open and conditions change. If your favorite free public pickleball spot in LA is not listed here, let us know and we will check it out.
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