Best Pickleball Courts in Long Beach (2026 Guide)

Long Beach has earned its reputation as one of the best pickleball cities in the LA metro area, and it is not hard to see why. The harbor city sprawls along miles of coastline, backed by a network of well-maintained parks that have embraced pickleball with open arms over the past few years. From converted tennis courts at neighborhood rec centers to dedicated facilities that draw players from across the South Bay and Orange County border, Long Beach pickleball offers something for everyone.

What sets Long Beach apart from other parts of Los Angeles is the combination of accessibility and community. The city's parks department has been proactive about adding pickleball infrastructure, and the local player base has responded by building one of the most active and welcoming scenes in Southern California. You will find organized drop-in sessions, casual weekend games, and competitive ladder play happening across the city on any given day. The weather cooperates year-round -- mild coastal temperatures mean you are rarely too hot and almost never rained out.

This guide covers the best pickleball courts in Long Beach and the surrounding harbor area, including Signal Hill, Lakewood, and Seal Beach. Whether you are a Long Beach local searching for your home court, visiting from elsewhere in LA, or crossing the Orange County line from Seal Beach, these are the spots where the games are happening in 2026.

If you are exploring the wider LA pickleball scene, check out our complete guide to pickleball courts in Los Angeles for coverage across the entire metro area. New to the sport? Our how to play pickleball guide will get you up to speed on rules and strategy before you hit the courts.

Quick Picks

Court	Location	Courts	Cost	Best For
El Dorado Park	Long Beach	8	Free	All levels, biggest facility in the area
Heartwell Park	Long Beach	6	Free	Morning regulars, organized drop-in
Recreation Park	Long Beach	4	Free	Central location, after-work play
Marine Stadium Area / Bayshore Playground	Long Beach	4	Free	Casual games, waterfront setting
Seal Beach Tennis Center	Seal Beach	6	Free	OC border players, dedicated courts
Mayfair Park (Lakewood)	Lakewood	4	Free	Lakewood residents, low crowds

El Dorado Park

Address: 2800 N Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815

Courts: 8 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball)

Surface: Asphalt with permanent lines, permanent nets

Cost: Free (park entrance is free for the east side courts)

Hours: Dawn to dusk (lighted courts available until 10 PM)

El Dorado Park is the flagship pickleball destination in Long Beach and one of the largest public facilities in all of LA County. The city invested in converting a section of the park's tennis complex into eight dedicated pickleball courts, complete with permanent nets, proper line markings, and lighting for evening play. The result is a facility that rivals anything you will find on the Westside or in the Valley.

The player community at El Dorado is deep and well-organized. On weekday mornings you will find 30 to 40 players rotating through games, with a natural sorting by skill level across the eight courts. Courts 1 through 4 tend to attract the more competitive players -- solid 3.5 to 4.5 level -- while courts 5 through 8 run more recreational games and welcome beginners. Nobody enforces these divisions formally, but the regulars keep things flowing smoothly and will point you to the right court if you ask.

The park itself is one of Long Beach's crown jewels. Over 400 acres of green space, lakes, playgrounds, and sports facilities surround the pickleball courts. Restrooms and water fountains are nearby, and the large parking lot off Studebaker Road handles the morning rush without much trouble. The east side of the park where the pickleball courts sit does not require the vehicle entry fee that the nature center side charges, so you are truly playing for free.

Best for: Anyone looking for the best pickleball experience in the Long Beach area. The eight-court setup means shorter wait times, and the range of skill levels means you will find competitive games no matter where you are in your pickleball journey.

Tip: The most popular organized sessions run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 7:30 AM to 11 AM. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, weekday afternoons between 1 PM and 4 PM are the sweet spot -- the morning group has cleared out, and the after-work players have not arrived yet. The lighted courts are a major advantage during fall and winter when daylight fades early. Bring a light jacket for evening play; the marine layer can roll in and drop temperatures quickly after sunset.

Heartwell Park

Address: 5801 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815

Courts: 6 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball lines)

Surface: Concrete with permanent lines, permanent nets

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Heartwell Park is the second major pickleball hub in Long Beach, and many local players actually prefer it to El Dorado for the slightly smaller scale and tighter community feel. Six dedicated courts sit along the park's western edge near the golf course, and the morning regulars here have built a welcoming culture that makes it easy to show up alone and get into a game within minutes.

The courts were resurfaced and re-lined in late 2024, so the playing surface is in excellent condition. The concrete is smooth and consistent, with good ball bounce and clean markings. Permanent nets are properly maintained and at regulation height -- a detail that matters more than you might think after playing on sagging nets at some other parks.

Heartwell's player community skews toward the 3.0 to 3.5 range, with a core group of retirees and work-from-home players who anchor the weekday morning sessions. The vibe is social and encouraging. If you are an intermediate player looking to improve, this is an ideal environment -- the regulars are generous with tips and happy to rally with you rather than just run through competitive games.

The park itself is spacious and well-maintained, with a walking path that loops around the perimeter, a large playground, and the Heartwell Golf Course adjacent. Parking is available in the lot off Atherton Street, and it rarely fills up even during peak playing hours.

Best for: Intermediate players and anyone who values a tight-knit community atmosphere. An excellent choice if El Dorado feels too large or competitive for your taste.

Tip: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8 AM to 10:30 AM are the most consistent organized play windows. The group uses a paddle-stacking rotation system, so just put your paddle in the queue when you arrive and you will be on the court within one or two games. Atherton Street can get busy during school drop-off hours around 8 AM, so plan your arrival accordingly or park on one of the residential side streets to the south.

Recreation Park (Rec Park)

Address: 4900 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90804

Courts: 4 outdoor courts (dual-lined with tennis)

Surface: Asphalt, portable nets

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Recreation Park -- Rec Park to everyone in Long Beach -- sits in the heart of the city near Belmont Shore and the traffic circle, making it one of the most centrally located options for pickleball in town. The courts here are dual-lined with tennis, and pickleball players bring out portable nets during designated play times. What Rec Park lacks in dedicated infrastructure it makes up for in convenience and a lively player community.

The central location draws a diverse crowd. You will see college students from Cal State Long Beach, Belmont Shore locals walking over after coffee, and retirees who have been playing here since pickleball first appeared on the courts. The atmosphere is casual and inclusive, and the after-work crowd on weekday evenings adds an energetic dimension that some of the morning-only courts lack.

Rec Park is a historic Long Beach landmark with a lot more than pickleball. The park spans over 160 acres and includes a bandstand, a casting pond, community gardens, and multiple sports facilities. The pickleball courts are near the tennis complex on the park's east side, close to the 7th Street entrance.

Best for: Central Long Beach residents, after-work players, and anyone who wants a quick game in a convenient location. Good for all skill levels in an informal setting.

Tip: Pickleball has established priority on the courts during weekday mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM and weekday evenings from 5 PM to 7 PM. Outside those windows, you may need to negotiate court time with tennis players. The portable nets are stored in a bin near the courts -- arriving early ensures they are set up and ready. Street parking on 7th Street and the surrounding neighborhood is usually easy to find. If you are coming from the 2nd Street corridor in Belmont Shore, the park is a five-minute bike ride along the neighborhood streets.

Marine Stadium Area / Bayshore Playground

Address: 5415 E Eliot St, Long Beach, CA 90803

Courts: 4 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball)

Surface: Concrete, permanent nets

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

The courts near Marine Stadium and Bayshore Playground are Long Beach pickleball's best-kept secret for waterfront play. Tucked along the edge of the Marine Stadium channel in the Naples/Belmont Shore area, these four courts offer a playing environment that feels closer to a beach vacation than a park workout. You are steps from the water, with views of the rowing course and the bay, and the ocean breeze keeps conditions comfortable even on warm days.

The city added these courts in response to community demand, and they were purpose-built for pickleball with permanent nets and proper dimensions. The concrete surface is in good shape, and the relatively new construction means the lines are crisp and the court layout is optimized rather than squeezed onto a repurposed tennis footprint.

The player community here is smaller than El Dorado or Heartwell, which is part of the appeal. You are more likely to get extended court time without a long rotation, and the regulars are a mix of Naples Island residents, Belmont Shore locals, and players from nearby Seal Beach who cross the bridge for a change of scenery. The atmosphere is laid-back and social.

Best for: Players who want a scenic, low-key setting with less competition for court time. Great for casual games with friends or a relaxed hit-around.

Tip: Morning play tends to be calmer wind-wise, as the afternoon sea breeze can pick up along the channel and affect ball flight. The parking lot at Marine Stadium has free spaces and is rarely full on weekdays. On weekends, especially during rowing events, the lot can fill up -- in that case, street parking along Appian Way or in the Naples neighborhood is your backup. After your game, Belmont Shore's 2nd Street is a short walk south and has all the coffee shops and restaurants you need for a post-game meal.

Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center

Address: 3900 Lampson Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Courts: 6 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball)

Surface: Acrylic hard court, permanent nets

Cost: Free for Seal Beach residents; small fee for non-residents during organized programs

Hours: Dawn to dusk (lighted courts available until 9 PM)

Seal Beach sits just across the San Gabriel River from Long Beach, technically in Orange County, but it functions as part of the same pickleball ecosystem. The Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center on Lampson Avenue has invested in six dedicated pickleball courts with acrylic hard court surfaces -- the same material used in professional tournament play. The surface quality here is a notch above what you will find at most public park courts, with a consistent bounce, good traction, and cushioning that is easier on your joints during long sessions.

The Seal Beach pickleball community is active and well-organized. The city recreation department runs regular programming including beginner clinics, intermediate skill sessions, and organized round-robin play. Drop-in sessions happen multiple days per week, and the community is friendly to newcomers. Many Long Beach players make the short drive to Seal Beach for the court quality and the organized programming.

The facility has lighting, which extends play into the evening and is a real asset during the shorter days of fall and winter. Restrooms, water, and a shaded seating area are all on-site. The center is set back from the main road in a residential area, so the atmosphere is quiet and focused.

Best for: Players who prioritize court quality and organized programming. An excellent option for Long Beach residents willing to drive 10 minutes for a premium playing experience.

Tip: The organized drop-in sessions are the best way to get plugged into the Seal Beach community. Check the city's recreation department website for the current schedule, as times shift seasonally. Non-residents can participate in most drop-in sessions for a nominal fee -- usually a few dollars. Lampson Avenue has street parking that is easy to find, and the center's lot has about 30 spaces. If you are coming from Long Beach, take PCH south across the river and turn left on Lampson -- it is a straight shot.

Mayfair Park (Lakewood)

Address: 5720 Clark Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712

Courts: 4 outdoor courts (dual-lined with tennis)

Surface: Concrete, portable nets

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Lakewood borders Long Beach to the north, and Mayfair Park has become the go-to pickleball spot for residents of both cities who live on that boundary. The courts are dual-lined with tennis, and the pickleball community has established regular play times that give them reliable access. The Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Department has been supportive of the growing demand, and there is talk of adding dedicated courts in the near future.

The player scene at Mayfair Park is smaller and more neighborhood-oriented than the bigger Long Beach venues. You will find a core group of morning regulars -- mostly retirees and self-employed players with flexible schedules -- who show up consistently and keep the games running. The atmosphere is friendly and low-pressure, and the smaller scale means you get more playing time per visit with less waiting.

Mayfair Park is a clean, well-maintained community park with everything you would expect: restrooms, water fountains, a playground, and a community center. The surrounding Lakewood neighborhood is quiet and residential, and the park never feels overcrowded.

Best for: Lakewood and north Long Beach residents who want a local court without driving to El Dorado or Heartwell. Good for beginners and casual players.

Tip: The most consistent pickleball play happens weekday mornings from 8 AM to 10 AM. Bring your own balls -- the regulars share but appreciate when everyone contributes. The portable nets are available from the community center during business hours. Clark Avenue has a parking lot at the park entrance with plenty of free spaces. If you are coming from Long Beach, take Carson Street west to Clark Avenue and head north -- the park is right there.

Organized Play and Community

The Long Beach pickleball community has grown rapidly, and finding organized play is easier than ever. You do not need to know anyone to get started -- just show up at the right time and place.

The Long Beach Pickleball Club is the most established group in the area. They coordinate regular drop-in sessions at El Dorado Park and Heartwell Park, with play organized by skill level so you are matched with appropriate competition. The club communicates through a combination of Facebook, Instagram, and messaging groups, and joining is as simple as showing up to a session and introducing yourself.

Facebook groups like "Long Beach Pickleball" and "South Bay Pickleball Players" are active and post regular updates on meetups, court conditions, and local events. These groups are a good way to find playing partners, ask questions about courts, and stay in the loop on new facilities opening in the area.

For those who want structured improvement, several local coaches and instructors offer private and group lessons at various Long Beach courts. The Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center also runs city-sponsored clinics that are open to non-residents for a small fee. If you are trying to move from a 3.0 to a 3.5 or beyond, investing in a few lessons can accelerate your progress significantly.

The competitive scene is active too. Long Beach players regularly participate in USAPA-sanctioned tournaments across Southern California, and local groups organize informal round-robin tournaments at El Dorado Park several times a year. These events are open to all skill levels and are a fun way to test your game in a structured format.

One thing worth noting: the harbor area pickleball community has a strong culture of inclusivity. Whether you are 25 or 75, a complete beginner or a tournament player, you will find a group that welcomes you. That community spirit is what keeps people coming back to the courts day after day.

Getting Around the Harbor Area Courts

Long Beach is a spread-out city, and having a sense of geography helps when you are planning where to play. Here is a quick orientation.

El Dorado Park is in the northeastern part of Long Beach, close to the 605 freeway and convenient for players coming from Cerritos, Cypress, or the inland suburbs. Heartwell Park is just south of El Dorado, still in east Long Beach, and easily accessible from the same freeway corridor. Rec Park sits in central Long Beach near the traffic circle and Belmont Shore, making it the most convenient option for downtown residents and anyone near the coast. Marine Stadium is in the southeast corner near Naples Island, right on the water. Seal Beach is a quick drive south across the San Gabriel River into Orange County. And Mayfair Park in Lakewood is northwest of Long Beach, close to the 91 and 605 interchange.

For most Long Beach residents, the farthest you will drive to any of these courts is about 15 minutes. The 7th Street corridor, PCH, and Studebaker Road are your main connectors between courts. Biking is also a realistic option for getting between the closer courts, especially along the Long Beach bike path that connects Belmont Shore to Marine Stadium and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best pickleball in Long Beach?

El Dorado Park at 2800 N Studebaker Rd is the top pickleball destination in Long Beach. With eight dedicated courts, permanent nets, lighting for evening play, and the most active player community in the area, it is the place to go if you want the full Long Beach pickleball experience. The facility draws players from across the harbor area and accommodates all skill levels. If you can only visit one court in Long Beach, make it El Dorado.

Are pickleball courts in Long Beach free?

Yes, all public park pickleball courts in Long Beach are free to use, including El Dorado Park, Heartwell Park, Recreation Park, and the Marine Stadium area courts. There are no reservation fees or hourly charges. In nearby Seal Beach, the courts are free for residents, with a small fee for non-residents participating in organized city programs. Lakewood's Mayfair Park courts are also free. The only costs you will encounter are for your own equipment -- a paddle and balls.

Can beginners find pickleball games in Long Beach?

Absolutely. The Long Beach pickleball community is known for being welcoming to new players. Heartwell Park and Mayfair Park in Lakewood are particularly beginner-friendly, with patient regulars who are happy to help you learn. El Dorado Park's eight-court setup naturally sorts by skill level, so beginners can play on courts 5 through 8 without feeling out of place. The Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center also runs beginner clinics through the city recreation department. If you are brand new to the sport, check out our how to play pickleball guide to learn the basics before heading to the courts.

Are there lighted pickleball courts in Long Beach for evening play?

El Dorado Park has lighted courts available until 10 PM, making it the best option for evening pickleball in Long Beach. The Seal Beach Tennis and Pickleball Center also has lighting until 9 PM. Most other Long Beach courts -- including Heartwell Park, Rec Park, and the Marine Stadium area -- are limited to daylight hours. If evening play is important to you, El Dorado and Seal Beach are your go-to spots, especially during fall and winter when the sun sets early.

What is the best time to play pickleball in Long Beach?

Weekday mornings between 7:30 AM and 11 AM are the most active times at most Long Beach courts, with the largest organized groups and the best chance of finding a game at your skill level. If you prefer fewer players and more court time, weekday afternoons from 1 PM to 4 PM are the quietest window. Weekend mornings are popular at every location, so expect longer rotations. The Long Beach coastal climate is mild year-round, but summer afternoons can get warm inland at El Dorado and Heartwell -- morning or evening sessions are more comfortable during July and August.

Is there indoor pickleball near Long Beach?

Dedicated indoor pickleball facilities in the immediate Long Beach area are still limited, though the landscape is changing as the sport grows. Some local gyms and community centers offer indoor court time on converted basketball courts -- check with the Long Beach YMCA and local fitness clubs for current availability. For the closest purpose-built indoor experiences, players typically look to facilities in the greater LA and Orange County areas. As demand continues to grow, expect more indoor options to open in the Long Beach and harbor area over the next year.

Find More Courts Across LA

Long Beach is one piece of the larger Los Angeles pickleball landscape. From the coast to the Valley, from the Westside to the San Gabriel foothills, there are hundreds of courts spread across the metro area.

For a broader view of where to play, check out our complete guide to pickleball courts in Los Angeles, which covers courts across the city from Venice Beach to Griffith Park and everywhere in between.

Know a court in the Long Beach area that we missed? We are building the most comprehensive guide to pickleball in the harbor area, and we want to hear from players who know these communities best. If your favorite park or hidden gem is not listed here, let us know so we can add it and help more players find their next game.