Downtown Los Angeles and the east side neighborhoods have quietly become one of the most exciting pickleball corridors in the entire LA metro area. The opening of Pickle Alley LA in the Arts District brought world-class indoor and outdoor courts to a part of the city that was previously underserved, and a massive new social sports club is coming to The Bloc later this year. Meanwhile, the network of public parks stretching from Echo Park through Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and into East LA has been steadily adding pickleball infrastructure to meet surging demand.
What makes this part of Los Angeles special for pickleball is the diversity of options packed into a relatively compact area. Within a 20-minute drive you can go from a premium indoor facility with cushioned pro-grade surfaces to a free neighborhood park court where the morning regulars have been playing together for years. The east side pickleball community is growing fast -- new players are showing up at parks every week, and the mix of casual drop-in culture and organized programming means there is a place for every skill level.
This guide covers the best pickleball courts in Downtown LA, the Arts District, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and the surrounding east side neighborhoods. Whether you live in a DTLA loft, a Craftsman in Highland Park, or a bungalow in Eagle Rock, these are the courts where the games are happening in 2026. For a broader view of the LA pickleball scene, check out our complete guide to pickleball courts in Los Angeles.
Quick Picks
| Court | Area | Courts | Indoor/Outdoor | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickle Alley LA | Arts District/Boyle Heights | 14 (9 in, 5 out) | Both | Membership / Day Pass | Serious players, all levels |
| Ballers DTLA (Coming Summer 2026) | DTLA / The Bloc | 17 | Indoor | Membership / Drop-In | Social sports, padel + pickleball |
| LA Pickle Club -- Griffith Park | Los Feliz/Griffith Park | 4+ | Outdoor | Varies by program | Organized play, clinics |
| Montecito Heights Rec Center | Montecito Heights | 2 | Outdoor | Free | Casual games, east side locals |
| Eagle Rock Recreation Center | Eagle Rock | 2 | Outdoor | Free | Neighborhood play, beginners |
| Elysian Valley Recreation Center | Elysian Valley | 2 | Outdoor | Free | Frogtown locals, casual play |
| Lincoln Park Recreation Center | Lincoln Heights | 2 | Outdoor | Free | East LA access, community |
| Glassell Park Recreation Center | Glassell Park | 2 | Outdoor | Free | Northeast LA locals |
Pickle Alley LA
Address: 350 S Anderson St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Courts: 14 total -- 9 indoor courts and 5 outdoor courts
Surface: Cushioned pro-grade hard court
Lighting: Full indoor lighting; outdoor courts lit for evening play
Cost: Memberships from $179/month to $229/month; day passes and drop-in sessions also available (contact facility for current non-member rates)
Hours: Monday through Saturday 7:00 AM -- 10:00 PM, Sunday 7:00 AM -- 9:00 PM
Phone: (424) 474-2553
Website: picklealleyla.com
Pickle Alley LA is the crown jewel of east side pickleball and one of the most impressive facilities in all of Southern California. Occupying a transformed 60,000-square-foot warehouse just outside the Arts District in Boyle Heights, Pickle Alley opened in early 2026 and immediately raised the bar for what a pickleball center in Los Angeles could be. This is not a converted gym with temporary lines and portable nets -- it is a purpose-built pickleball destination designed from the ground up.
The nine indoor courts are the main attraction. The cushioned surfaces are built to professional tournament standards, with consistent bounce, excellent traction, and enough give to keep your knees and ankles happy during long sessions. The lighting is dialed in for competitive play -- bright and even, with no shadows or dead spots. The five outdoor courts offer the same build quality with the added bonus of natural light and fresh air during those perfect LA weather days.
Beyond the courts, Pickle Alley has a 2,800-square-foot fitness gym for warming up, cross-training, or working on the strength and mobility that makes a difference in your game. The pro shop carries paddles, shoes, and gear. Showers, locker rooms, and free parking round out the amenities. The facility offers court reservations, drop-in open play sessions, pro clinics, private coaching, leagues, and tournaments -- essentially everything under one roof.
The membership tiers are structured around how much you play. The $179/month tier gets you up to 2 active court reservations, 10-day advance booking, unlimited open play, 1 guest pass per month, 10% off lessons, and gym access. The $229/month tier bumps that to 4 active reservations, 14-day advance booking, 3 guest passes, 20% off lessons, towel service, and ball machine access. Non-members can buy day passes or book individual sessions.
Best for: Players of any level who want the best court experience available on the east side. The indoor courts are a game-changer for year-round play, and the programming -- from beginner clinics to advanced drilling sessions -- means you can build your game systematically. If you are serious about improving, this is where you should be playing.
Local tip: Weekday mornings before 10 AM tend to be the least crowded times for open play. The facility is right off the 101 freeway at 4th Street, so it is surprisingly easy to reach from Silver Lake, Echo Park, or Highland Park -- you are looking at 10 to 15 minutes outside of rush hour. Street parking on Anderson Street fills up fast during peak evening hours, but the facility has its own free lot. After your session, the Arts District is steps away with excellent coffee and food options along 3rd Street and Traction Avenue.
Ballers DTLA (Coming Summer 2026)
Address: 750 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (The Bloc)
Courts: 17 pickleball courts (plus padel courts, golf simulators, and soccer fields)
Surface: TBD (purpose-built indoor facility)
Lighting: Full indoor lighting
Cost: Memberships starting at $99/month; non-members can book courts and access social spaces
Hours: TBD (expected to open late summer 2026)
Ballers is about to make a major splash in the heart of Downtown LA. The Philadelphia-based social sports company is taking over more than 100,000 square feet in the former Macy's building at The Bloc, transforming it into a multi-sport recreation and social club anchored by 17 pickleball courts. This will be Ballers' flagship West Coast location and the largest indoor pickleball facility in DTLA.
The concept goes well beyond court time. Ballers is positioning itself as a social club where sports, fitness, food, and nightlife converge. The DTLA location will feature the first padel courts in Downtown LA, five golf simulators, two indoor soccer fields, two full bars, a high-end retail shop, and a recovery lounge with saunas, cold plunges, and compression therapy. The membership model at $99/month includes access to locker rooms, fitness and recovery spaces, and special programming and events.
If you have been to their Philadelphia location, you know the vibe -- it is a high-energy, design-forward space that attracts a younger, social crowd. The DTLA location will aim for the same energy, positioned to draw from the massive residential population in the downtown core, the nearby Financial District, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Best for: Players who want pickleball as part of a broader social and fitness experience. The combination of 17 courts, multiple sports, bars, and recovery amenities will make Ballers a destination rather than just a place to play. Also great for anyone working in DTLA who wants to squeeze in games before or after the office.
Local tip: The Bloc is directly connected to the 7th Street/Metro Center station, making this one of the most transit-accessible pickleball facilities in all of LA. If you are commuting downtown by Metro, you can literally walk from the platform to the courts. Keep an eye on their website at ballers-us.com for opening date announcements and founding membership deals.
LA Pickle Club -- Griffith Park
Address: 3401 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Court 10 at the Griffith Park LA Tennis Center)
Courts: 4 outdoor courts (converted from tennis)
Surface: Hard court (asphalt)
Lighting: Available at the tennis center complex
Cost: Varies by program -- group clinics, round robins, and private coaching available (approximately $50/hour for group court time)
Hours: Park open 5:00 AM -- 10:30 PM; pickleball programming scheduled through LA Pickle Club
LA Pickle Club is the first and only officially recognized pickleball operator in City of Los Angeles parks, and their Griffith Park location is the closest dedicated pickleball programming to the east side neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Atwater Village. Founded in 2020, the club has built a strong community around organized play and coaching at the Griffith Park LA Tennis Center.
The courts sit within the larger tennis center complex, which means you are playing in one of the most scenic settings in the city. Griffith Park's hills and trees provide a backdrop that makes any weekday morning game feel like a retreat. The courts are standard hard court surfaces, well-maintained as part of the tennis center infrastructure, with proper pickleball lines and nets during programmed sessions.
What LA Pickle Club does best is organized programming. Rather than just providing courts and hoping people show up, they run structured group clinics, round-robin tournaments, private coaching sessions, and social events. Their certified coaches work with players at all skill levels, from first-timers to competitive tournament players. The round robins are particularly popular -- they draw a regular crowd and are a great way to meet other players and get competitive games at your level.
Best for: Players who want organized programming and coaching rather than purely casual drop-in play. Excellent for intermediate players looking to level up with structured instruction. The Griffith Park setting makes this a uniquely enjoyable place to play.
Local tip: Getting to the tennis center from Los Feliz or Silver Lake is quick -- take Los Feliz Boulevard west to Riverside Drive and you are there in under 10 minutes. The parking lot at the tennis center has ample free spaces on weekdays. Weekend mornings can fill up because of hikers and other park visitors, so arrive early. After your game, the Los Feliz Village shops and restaurants along Vermont Avenue are a 5-minute drive east.
Montecito Heights Recreation Center
Address: 4545 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Courts: 2 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball with permanent nets)
Surface: Hard court (concrete) with permanent lines
Lighting: Limited -- best for daytime play
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk, open daily
Montecito Heights Recreation Center is one of the best-kept secrets for free pickleball on the east side. Tucked into the hillside neighborhood between Highland Park, El Sereno, and Lincoln Heights, this small park punches above its weight with two dedicated pickleball courts that have permanent lines and permanent nets -- a rarity for LA public parks where many courts still rely on portable setups and shared tennis lines.
The dedicated infrastructure makes a real difference in the playing experience. You show up, and the courts are ready to go -- no setting up nets, no arguing about whether the tennis players have dibs. The concrete surface is in decent condition, and the permanent lines eliminate any confusion about court boundaries. It is first-come, first-served with no reservations, which keeps things simple.
The player community here is small but consistent. You will find a handful of regulars who play weekday mornings and a few more who come out on weekends. The atmosphere is casual and neighborhood-oriented -- the kind of place where people know each other's names and stick around to chat after games. For east side residents who do not want to drive to Griffith Park or pay for a membership at Pickle Alley, Montecito Heights is an excellent free option.
Best for: East side locals looking for free, hassle-free pickleball with dedicated courts and a laid-back neighborhood vibe. Good for beginners and intermediate players.
Local tip: The park is on Homer Street between Montecito Drive and Avenue 43. Street parking is free and usually easy to find. Restrooms and water are available at the recreation center building. If you are coming from Highland Park, take Avenue 43 south and turn onto Homer -- it is a quick trip. The morning regulars tend to play between 8 AM and 10 AM on weekdays, so that is your best window to find a game without coordinating in advance.
Eagle Rock Recreation Center
Address: 1100 Eagle Vista Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Courts: 2 outdoor courts (shared with tennis, taped lines)
Surface: Hard court (asphalt)
Lighting: Yes (lighted courts)
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk; adult pickleball lessons on Wednesday afternoons
Phone: (323) 257-6948
Eagle Rock Recreation Center is a historic WPA-era facility nestled in the hills above Colorado Boulevard, and it has become the local hub for pickleball in the Eagle Rock and northeast LA neighborhoods. The center offers two courts with taped pickleball lines on the existing tennis courts. It is a shared-use setup -- the lower court doubles as a tennis court -- so timing and etiquette matter.
The court situation is not perfect, and Eagle Rock players will be the first to tell you. Taped lines wear off and need refreshing, and you will need to bring your own portable net for the pickleball courts. But the community that plays here has made it work, and the recreation center has been responsive to the growing demand. The adult pickleball class on Wednesday afternoons, run through the LA Parks winter and spring schedule, is a good entry point if you are new to the sport or new to the Eagle Rock scene.
What Eagle Rock Recreation Center does have going for it is location and atmosphere. The center sits in a beautiful park with mature trees, a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, and the classic architecture of the original 1930s building. The neighborhood itself is walkable and full of character -- you can grab coffee on Colorado Boulevard before your game and tacos on Eagle Rock Boulevard after.
Best for: Eagle Rock and northeast LA residents who want a local court within walking or biking distance. Good for casual play and beginners, especially those who attend the Wednesday afternoon classes.
Local tip: The Wednesday afternoon pickleball lessons are popular and sometimes fill up -- call the recreation center at (323) 257-6948 to check availability and register. If you are bringing your own net, the upper court tends to be more available for pickleball since the lower court sees more tennis traffic. Parking is free in the small lot off Eagle Vista Drive, but it fills quickly on weekday afternoons when youth sports programs are running. Street parking on the surrounding residential streets is your backup.
Elysian Valley Recreation Center
Address: 1811 Ripple St, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Courts: 2 outdoor courts
Surface: Hard court
Lighting: Limited
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM -- 9:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM -- 5:00 PM, Sunday closed
Phone: (323) 666-5058
Elysian Valley Recreation Center -- known to locals as the Frogtown rec center -- sits along the east bank of the LA River in one of the city's most rapidly changing neighborhoods. The center offers pickleball as part of its sports programming, with two outdoor courts available for community play. Frogtown's location between Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and Griffith Park makes it a convenient option for east side players who want a free, no-frills place to hit.
The pickleball scene at Elysian Valley is still developing compared to some of the more established east side locations, but that is part of the appeal. You are more likely to get court time without waiting, and the smaller player base means you will quickly become a regular and get to know the community. The recreation center staff can point you to the current pickleball schedule and connect you with other players.
Best for: Frogtown, Atwater Village, and Silver Lake residents looking for a nearby free court. A good option if you want to avoid the drive to Griffith Park or the commitment of a Pickle Alley membership.
Local tip: After your game, take a walk or bike ride along the LA River path -- the Elysian Valley section between Fletcher Drive and the Hyperion Bridge is one of the most scenic stretches of the revitalized river corridor. The Spoke Bicycle Cafe and several other Frogtown businesses are within walking distance of the rec center. Note that the center is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly for weekend play.
Lincoln Park Recreation Center
Address: 3800 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Courts: 2 outdoor courts
Surface: Hard court
Lighting: Available
Cost: Free
Hours: Check with recreation center for current pickleball schedule
Phone: (323) 847-1726
Lincoln Park is one of the oldest parks in Los Angeles and sits at the gateway to East LA, right where Lincoln Heights meets the 5 freeway corridor. The recreation center offers pickleball among its sports programs, with courts available in the park's multi-sport complex. The park itself is a significant green space in a neighborhood that does not have many -- its lake, rose garden, and mature trees make it one of the more pleasant settings for outdoor pickleball on the east side.
Lincoln Park's location makes it one of the most accessible courts for players coming from East LA, Boyle Heights, and the eastern reaches of Downtown. The park is right off the 5 and 110 freeways, and the Gold Line's Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park station is nearby for Metro riders.
Best for: East LA and Lincoln Heights residents who want a free local option. The central location between DTLA and East LA makes it a natural meeting point for players from both sides.
Local tip: Lincoln Park can get busy on weekends with families, soccer games, and other park activities, so weekday mornings are your best bet for uninterrupted court time. The surrounding Lincoln Heights neighborhood has some excellent Mexican and Chinese restaurants -- Avenue 26 Night Market (when running) and the restaurants along Broadway are all within a short drive.
Glassell Park Recreation Center
Address: 3650 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Courts: 2 outdoor courts
Surface: Hard court
Lighting: Limited
Cost: Free
Hours: Check with recreation center for current schedule
Glassell Park Recreation Center rounds out the network of free public pickleball courts in the northeast LA corridor. Located on Verdugo Road between Eagle Rock and Atwater Village, the center offers two courts for community pickleball play. The facility is part of the LA Parks system and follows the standard model of free, first-come-first-served access.
The Glassell Park courts are a solid neighborhood option for players who live between Eagle Rock and Silver Lake. The community is small but growing, and the recreation center has been adding more programming to meet demand. It is a no-frills setup -- show up, play, and go home -- which is exactly what many casual players want.
Best for: Glassell Park and northeast LA locals who want a free court close to home without driving to Griffith Park or Eagle Rock.
Local tip: Verdugo Road can be tricky to navigate during rush hour, so plan your drive accordingly. The courts see the most action on weekend mornings when locals are out and about. If you are combining a game with errands, the nearby shops and cafes along Eagle Rock Boulevard and Fletcher Drive are convenient stops.
Community and Organized Play
The east side pickleball community is decentralized compared to some other parts of LA, but it is vibrant and growing fast. Here are the best ways to get connected.
LA Pickle Club is the most established organization on the east side. Their Griffith Park programming is the closest thing to a structured pickleball club in this part of the city, and they run clinics, round robins, and social events. Check their website at lapickleclub.com for schedules and registration.
Pickle Alley LA is building its own community around the Arts District facility. Their leagues, tournaments, and regular programming are creating a hub for competitive and social play. Follow them on Instagram and check the OpenCourt app for session availability and events.
Facebook and Meetup groups are the connective tissue for casual east side pickleball. Search for groups like "East LA Pickleball," "DTLA Pickleball," or "Northeast LA Pickleball" on Facebook to find local players and pickup game announcements. Meetup groups in the Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and Silver Lake areas periodically organize pickleball sessions at local parks.
LA City Parks programming continues to expand across east side recreation centers. The Department of Recreation and Parks runs pickleball classes and open play sessions at multiple locations, often at no cost. Check recreation.parks.lacity.gov/pickleball for the latest schedule of programs at east side parks.
For players who want to improve, private coaching is available through LA Pickle Club, Pickle Alley, and independent instructors who operate across east side courts. A few sessions with a certified coach can make a significant difference, especially if you are trying to break through the 3.0 to 3.5 barrier.
Getting Around the East Side Courts
One of the advantages of the DTLA and east side pickleball scene is that the courts are relatively close together. Here is how the geography works.
Pickle Alley sits at the southern edge of the east side corridor, near the junction of the Arts District and Boyle Heights. From there, Lincoln Park is 5 minutes north on the 5 freeway, and Montecito Heights is just a few minutes further up Homer Street. Griffith Park and LA Pickle Club are a 15-minute drive northwest via the 5 or surface streets through Atwater Village. Eagle Rock and Glassell Park are northeast of Griffith Park, reachable in 10 to 15 minutes via the 2 freeway or Eagle Rock Boulevard. Elysian Valley sits between Silver Lake and Griffith Park along the LA River, accessible from either direction.
The Metro Gold Line (L Line) runs through the heart of this corridor, with stations at Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park, Highland Park, and Southwest Museum. If you are car-free or want to skip traffic, the Metro is a viable option for reaching Lincoln Park, and a short rideshare from any Gold Line station will get you to most other courts.
For drivers, the 5 freeway is the main north-south connector, and the 2 freeway links Eagle Rock and Glendale to the rest of the east side. Surface streets like Figueroa, York Boulevard, and Eagle Rock Boulevard are the scenic routes through the neighborhood heart of each community. Rush hour traffic on the 5 through DTLA can be brutal, so plan morning games before 7 AM or after 9:30 AM if you are driving through the downtown core.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pickleball facility in Downtown LA?
Pickle Alley LA at 350 S Anderson St is currently the top pickleball facility in the DTLA area. With 14 pro-grade courts (9 indoor and 5 outdoor), a full gym, pro shop, and comprehensive programming, it offers the most complete pickleball experience on the east side. When Ballers DTLA opens at The Bloc later in 2026, it will add another 17 courts to the downtown landscape. For free outdoor play, Montecito Heights Recreation Center and Lincoln Park Recreation Center both offer dedicated courts within a short drive of downtown.
Are there free pickleball courts near Downtown LA?
Yes. Several LA City Parks recreation centers in the DTLA and east side area offer free pickleball courts. Montecito Heights Recreation Center (4545 Homer St) has two dedicated courts with permanent nets. Lincoln Park Recreation Center (3800 Valley Blvd), Eagle Rock Recreation Center (1100 Eagle Vista Dr), Elysian Valley Recreation Center (1811 Ripple St), and Glassell Park Recreation Center (3650 Verdugo Rd) all offer free outdoor courts. These are first-come, first-served with no reservations or fees. You just need to bring your own paddle and balls -- and at some locations, your own portable net.
Can beginners find pickleball games on the east side of LA?
Absolutely. Pickle Alley LA offers beginner clinics and structured programming designed for new players. LA Pickle Club runs group clinics at Griffith Park that welcome all skill levels. Eagle Rock Recreation Center holds adult pickleball classes on Wednesday afternoons through the LA Parks system. For casual play, the smaller neighborhood courts at Montecito Heights and Elysian Valley are low-pressure environments where you can learn at your own pace. Check out our how to play pickleball guide to learn the basics before heading to the courts.
Is there indoor pickleball in Downtown LA?
Yes. Pickle Alley LA has 9 indoor courts with cushioned pro-grade surfaces, climate control, and professional lighting. When Ballers DTLA opens at The Bloc in summer 2026, it will add 17 indoor courts in a massive 100,000-square-foot social sports facility. For a deeper look at indoor options across the city, see our guide to indoor pickleball courts in Los Angeles.
What are the best times to play pickleball on the east side?
At the free public parks, weekday mornings between 8 AM and 10 AM are the most active times for organized and casual play. The morning regulars at Montecito Heights and Eagle Rock are most consistent during this window. Weekend mornings are also popular but expect more competition for court time. At Pickle Alley LA, weekday mornings before 10 AM tend to be the least crowded for open play, while evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM are the busiest. The east side benefits from LA's mild climate year-round, but summer afternoons can get hot -- morning sessions are more comfortable from June through September.
Is Pickle Alley LA worth the membership cost?
If you play regularly -- three or more times per week -- the membership at Pickle Alley pays for itself quickly compared to per-session fees. The $179/month tier includes unlimited open play, court reservations, gym access, and lesson discounts. The indoor courts are a major advantage for year-round play without weather interruptions, and the cushioned surfaces are noticeably easier on your body than the concrete at public parks. For players who only play once or twice a week, the day pass and drop-in options let you access the facility without a monthly commitment. For budget-conscious players, the free public courts at Montecito Heights, Eagle Rock, and other east side parks are solid alternatives that cost nothing.
Find More Courts Across LA
Downtown LA and the east side are just one slice of the enormous Los Angeles pickleball landscape. The sport has exploded across the metro area, and there are hundreds of courts spread from the coast to the Valley to the San Gabriel foothills.
For a broader look at where to play, check out our complete guide to pickleball courts in Los Angeles, which covers the entire metro area. Looking for indoor options? Our indoor pickleball courts guide covers climate-controlled facilities across LA County. Want to explore the Valley? Check out our San Fernando Valley pickleball courts guide. And if you want to save money, our free pickleball courts in LA guide has you covered.
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