Orange County has quietly become one of the best places to play pickleball in Southern California. With over 200 public courts spread across beach towns, master-planned communities, and suburban parks, OC offers a range of playing experiences you won't find anywhere else in the LA metro -- from brand-new dedicated facilities in Irvine to casual free courts steps from the ocean in Huntington Beach. The year-round mild weather, strong community groups, and steady investment from city recreation departments have turned Orange County into a true pickleball destination.
Whether you live in OC, are visiting from LA, or just crossing the county line from Long Beach, this guide covers the best pickleball courts across the region. We have focused on the areas closest to Los Angeles -- Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Anaheim, Fullerton, and Costa Mesa -- so you can find courts without driving deep into south county. Every court listed here has been verified with current details for 2026.
If you are exploring other parts of the metro, check out our complete guide to pickleball courts in Los Angeles and our Long Beach and harbor area guide for courts north of the OC border.
Quick Picks
| Court | Area | Courts | Indoor/Outdoor | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington Beach Pickleball | Huntington Beach | 24 | Outdoor | $7 drop-in | Largest facility in OC, all levels |
| Mike Ward Community Park | Irvine | 8 | Outdoor | Free | Newest courts in Irvine, great amenities |
| The Tennis & Pickleball Club | Newport Beach | 31 | Outdoor | $200/mo membership | Premium experience, serious players |
| Anaheim Tennis & Pickleball Center | Anaheim | 10 | Outdoor | $20 drop-in | Organized programs, competitive play |
| Edison Park | Huntington Beach | 7 | Outdoor | Free | Free courts, lighted, casual play |
| Bonita Canyon Sports Park | Newport Beach | 4 | Outdoor | Free | Free public courts, morning drop-in |
| Portola Springs Community Park | Irvine | 8 | Outdoor | Free | Family-friendly, well-maintained |
| Costa Mesa Tennis Center | Costa Mesa | 8+ | Outdoor | Varies | Central OC location, growing scene |
| Pickleball Haven | Lake Forest | 14 | Indoor | Membership | Indoor play, climate-controlled |
Huntington Beach Pickleball (Golden West College)
Address: 15744 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Courts: 24 outdoor dedicated pickleball courts
Surface: Acrylic hard court with permanent lines and nets
Lighting: Yes
Cost: $7 open play; $35 for 1 hour 45 minute court reservation; $5 optional parking fee to Golden West College
Hours: Mon--Thu 8:00 AM -- 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM -- 10:00 PM; Fri--Sun 8:00 AM -- 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM -- 9:00 PM
This is the big one. Huntington Beach Pickleball at Golden West College is the largest dedicated pickleball facility in Orange County, and it operates like a proper club without the country-club price tag. Twenty-four brand-new courts with lighting, permanent nets, and quality surfaces make this the go-to destination for players across the region. The facility offers open play, leagues, lessons, clinics, and classes -- essentially everything you need under one roof.
The scale of the facility means you will almost always find a game at your level. During morning open play sessions, courts naturally sort by skill, with the stronger players gravitating toward the far courts and recreational games running closer to the entrance. The afternoon and evening sessions draw a younger crowd, including a lot of post-work players who take advantage of the lights.
What makes HB Pickleball special beyond the court count is the programming. Beginner classes run every Wednesday evening at 6 PM in four-week blocks for $130, which is a solid value for structured instruction on quality courts. The leagues provide competitive structure for players who want more than casual drop-in, and the clinics cover everything from dinking to advanced strategy.
Best for: Any player who wants the biggest and most active pickleball facility in Orange County. The 24-court setup means minimal wait times, and the range of programming serves everyone from first-timers to tournament players.
Local tip: Morning open play from 8 AM to 12:30 PM is the busiest window, especially on weekends. If you want shorter waits and more court time, the 4 PM evening session on weekdays is your best bet. The $5 parking fee goes to Golden West College, not the pickleball facility -- some players park on nearby residential streets to avoid it, but the lot is convenient and worth the five bucks. Bring water and sunscreen for morning sessions; the courts are fully exposed with no shade structures.
Mike Ward Community Park -- Woodbridge
Address: 20 Lake Road, Irvine, CA 92604
Courts: 8 outdoor dedicated pickleball courts
Surface: Hard court with permanent lines and nets
Lighting: Yes
Cost: Free
Hours: 6:00 AM -- 10:00 PM daily; reservations and drop-in play available 8:00 AM -- noon and 4:00 PM -- 10:00 PM
Mike Ward Community Park in Irvine's Woodbridge neighborhood opened eight brand-new pickleball courts in February 2026, making it the newest facility in Orange County. The City of Irvine went all out on this one -- the courts include four shade structures, picnic tables, benches, hydration stations, upgraded restrooms, and a sound-dampening barrier around the perimeter to keep the neighbors happy. Two courts are available for reservations, and four are designated for drop-in play, so you always have options.
The Woodbridge location is centrally placed in Irvine, surrounded by the neighborhood's signature lakes and walking paths. It is an easy drive from anywhere in the city, and the park's established infrastructure -- parking, restrooms, landscaping -- makes it a comfortable place to spend a morning or evening.
Because the courts are brand new, the surfaces are pristine and the amenities are top-tier. The lighting is excellent for evening play, and the shade structures are a welcome addition that most OC outdoor courts lack. Expect this facility to become one of the busiest in Irvine as word spreads throughout 2026.
Best for: Irvine residents looking for the newest and best-equipped courts in the city. The free cost, modern amenities, and mix of reservation and drop-in courts make this an ideal home court.
Local tip: As a brand-new facility, court etiquette and community norms are still forming. Show up early to morning sessions to help establish the rotation system. The sound-dampening barriers mean you can play into the evening without worrying about noise complaints. Reserve courts through the City of Irvine's website at yourirvine.org -- the reservation system fills up quickly on weekends, so book a few days ahead.
The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach
Address: 11 Clubhouse Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Courts: 31 outdoor dedicated pickleball courts
Surface: Hard court with permanent lines and nets
Lighting: Yes
Cost: $200/month membership; $35 drop-in fee (limited hours, must be accompanied by a member); $30 guest fee
Hours: Mon--Fri 8:00 AM -- 8:00 PM; Sat--Sun 8:00 AM -- 6:00 PM
If you are willing to invest in a membership, The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach is the premium pickleball experience in Orange County. Thirty-one dedicated courts make it one of the largest pickleball facilities in all of Southern California, and the club-level amenities -- pro shop, food service, restrooms, and professional coaching staff -- create an environment that feels more like a resort than a municipal park.
The membership model means the courts are never as crowded as the busiest public facilities, and the player community tends to be committed and consistent. You will see the same faces regularly, which builds the kind of relationships and regular playing partnerships that make pickleball more than just exercise. The coaching programs here are top-notch, with professional instruction available for all levels.
The $200 monthly membership is not cheap, but for serious players who want quality courts, reliable competition, and a full-service experience, it represents good value -- especially compared to what you would pay at a private tennis or fitness club. The drop-in option at $35 lets you try before you commit, though the limited hours and member-accompaniment requirement make it more of a guest experience than true open access.
Best for: Serious and committed players who want a premium, club-level experience with consistent court quality and a strong player community. Worth the investment if pickleball is a central part of your fitness routine.
Local tip: Ask about trial memberships or introductory rates before committing to the full $200 monthly. The club occasionally runs promotions for new members. Evening play on weekdays is often the least crowded window. The Clubhouse Drive location is tucked into the Newport Beach residential area near Fashion Island, so traffic getting in and out can be tight during peak shopping hours -- plan your route accordingly.
Anaheim Tennis & Pickleball Center
Address: 975 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806
Courts: 10 outdoor dedicated pickleball courts
Surface: Hard court with permanent lines, permanent nets
Lighting: Yes
Cost: $20 drop-in (Mon/Wed/Fri evenings 6--10 PM); memberships available with $250 processing fee ($125 for Anaheim residents)
Hours: Mon--Fri 7:00 AM -- 9:00 PM; Sat--Sun 7:00 AM -- 6:00 PM
The Anaheim Tennis & Pickleball Center is a family-owned facility that has embraced pickleball with purpose. Ten permanent, lighted courts provide a dedicated pickleball experience alongside the center's tennis operations. The facility runs a full slate of programming including clinics, private lessons, and organized drop-in sessions that make it easy to get into a game even if you don't know anyone in the area.
The membership model rewards regular players with unlimited drop-in play, free court reservations, and free clinics. For Anaheim residents, the $125 processing fee is a reasonable entry point. The drop-in evenings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6 to 10 PM are the best way to experience the facility without committing to a membership -- $20 gets you four hours of organized play with a community that skews competitive but welcoming.
Located on State College Boulevard, the center is easily accessible from the 5 and 57 freeways, making it a convenient option for players across north Orange County and the Anaheim/Fullerton/Placentia corridor. The facility is well-maintained and the staff is knowledgeable about pickleball, which is not always the case at centers that started as tennis-only operations.
Best for: North Orange County players looking for a well-run facility with structured programming. Great for intermediate to advanced players who want consistent competition and coaching access.
Local tip: The Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening drop-in sessions are the best value and the most social. Arrive by 5:45 PM to get checked in and warmed up before play starts. If you are considering membership, attend a few drop-in sessions first to make sure the community is a good fit. The center is about 10 minutes from Disneyland, so if you are visiting Anaheim with family, you can sneak in a morning session while everyone else sleeps in.
Edison Park
Address: 21377 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Courts: 7 outdoor dedicated pickleball courts
Surface: Asphalt with permanent lines
Lighting: Yes
Cost: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk (lights extend play into evening)
Edison Park is the best free pickleball option in Huntington Beach, and it holds its own against paid facilities across OC. Seven dedicated courts with permanent lines and lighting give you a real pickleball experience without spending a dollar. The courts sit within Edison Community Park, a well-maintained neighborhood park with restrooms, water fountains, and wheelchair accessibility.
The community at Edison Park is active and self-organized. Drop-in play happens regularly, with morning sessions drawing the largest and most consistent groups. The seven-court setup provides enough space for natural skill-level sorting without the chaos that can happen at smaller four-court locations. The city has been engaged with the pickleball community here, even soliciting input from players on court rules and etiquette -- a sign that Huntington Beach takes its pickleball infrastructure seriously.
The asphalt surface is functional and well-maintained, though it does not have the cushioning or consistency of a premium acrylic surface. For free public courts, the quality is solid. The lighting extends your playing window into the evening, which is a major advantage that most free courts in OC do not offer.
Best for: Budget-conscious players and Huntington Beach residents who want free, lighted courts with a reliable community. A great home court for regular play without membership fees.
Local tip: Weekend mornings get crowded, so weekday sessions offer more court time per visit. The courts are on the east side of the park off Magnolia Street -- enter from the main parking lot and head toward the tennis area. If you are playing in the evening under lights, bring a light layer; the marine layer from the coast a few miles west can drop temperatures quickly after sunset. Contact the Edison Community Center at (714) 960-8870 for information on organized play schedules.
Bonita Canyon Sports Park
Address: 1990 Ford Rd, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Courts: 4 outdoor dedicated pickleball courts
Surface: Hard court with permanent lines and nets
Lighting: No
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon--Fri 7:00 AM -- 8:00 AM and noon -- dusk; Sat 7:00 AM -- 9:00 AM and noon -- dusk; Sun 7:00 AM -- dusk
Bonita Canyon Sports Park is where the OC Pickleheads Club got its start back in 2021, and it remains one of the most community-driven pickleball spots in Newport Beach. Four individually gated courts with permanent nets and quality windscreens create a focused playing environment. The courts cannot be reserved, so it is first-come, first-served -- which keeps things simple and accessible.
The gated court design is a small detail that makes a big difference. Each court is enclosed, so balls stay on your court rather than rolling across three others. The windscreens are high quality and help tame the ocean breeze that can affect ball flight at exposed coastal courts. These details add up to a better playing experience than you might expect from a free public park.
Morning drop-in play runs Monday through Saturday and draws a consistent group of local players. The community is friendly and organized, with paddle-stacking rotations that keep games moving. Bonita Canyon's location near the intersection of Ford Road and San Joaquin Hills Road places it in the heart of Newport Beach's residential areas, with easy access from both PCH and the 73 toll road.
Best for: Newport Beach residents who want free courts with a strong local community. The intimate four-court setup fosters relationships and regular playing partnerships.
Local tip: The morning windows before 8 AM on weekdays and before 9 AM on Saturdays are reserved play times with organized groups -- arrive early to get into the rotation. After noon the courts open up for general play and are less structured. No lights means you lose the courts at dusk, so plan accordingly during winter months when sunset comes early. Bring your own paddle from the city's approved list -- check newportbeachca.gov/sports for the current requirements. Parking is plentiful and the restrooms are well-maintained.
Portola Springs Community Park
Address: 900 Tomato Springs, Irvine, CA 92618
Courts: 8 outdoor courts (6 dedicated pickleball, 2 dual-lined on tennis courts)
Surface: Concrete with permanent lines and nets on dedicated courts; portable nets on dual-lined courts
Lighting: Yes
Cost: Free
Hours: Reservations and drop-in available 8:00 AM -- noon and 4:00 PM -- 10:00 PM
Portola Springs Community Park in Irvine's eastern neighborhoods offers eight pickleball courts in a family-friendly park setting. Six of the courts are fully dedicated to pickleball with permanent nets and lines, while two additional courts are lined on the existing tennis courts and use portable nets. The facility is free to use and includes lighting for evening play, restrooms, and water stations.
The park sits in one of Irvine's newer master-planned communities, which means the infrastructure is modern and well-designed. The courts are part of a larger sports complex within the park, and the surrounding neighborhood provides a safe, clean, and quiet environment. Two courts are available for reservation through the city's yourirvine.org website, while the remaining courts operate on a drop-in basis.
Portola Springs draws a mix of families, retirees, and recreational players from the surrounding neighborhoods. The scene is more casual than the organized groups at Heritage Park or Mike Ward, which makes it a good fit for players who prefer a relaxed atmosphere without the intensity of competitive drop-in rotations.
Best for: East Irvine families and recreational players who want free, lighted courts in a well-maintained park. A solid choice for casual games and practice sessions.
Local tip: Courts 5 and 6 are reservable through the city website -- book ahead for guaranteed court time on busy weekends. The dedicated pickleball courts (with permanent nets) play better than the dual-lined tennis courts, so aim for those if you have a choice. The park is in a newer part of Irvine east of the 133, so it is less crowded than Heritage Park but a longer drive from central Irvine and the coast.
Heritage Community Park
Address: 14301 Yale Ave, Irvine, CA 92604
Courts: 5 outdoor courts
Surface: Concrete with permanent lines, portable nets
Lighting: Yes
Cost: Free
Hours: Reservations and drop-in available 8:00 AM -- noon and 4:00 PM -- 10:00 PM
Heritage Community Park is one of Irvine's most established pickleball locations, with five courts in a centrally located park that has been a community hub for decades. The park's pickleball courts are part of a larger sports complex that includes tennis, basketball, and a community center. The central location on Yale Avenue makes it accessible from virtually anywhere in Irvine, and the mature trees and landscaping give it a more established feel than the newer parks.
The player community at Heritage is one of the most active in Irvine. Morning sessions draw a consistent group of regulars who have been playing together for years, and the welcoming culture makes it easy for newcomers to jump in. The five-court setup provides enough space for good rotation without the sprawl of a 24-court mega facility.
Heritage Park has the advantage of being surrounded by a full-service community park -- restrooms, water, playground, walking paths, and ample parking. The courts have lighting for evening play, and the central Irvine location means you are never far from restaurants, coffee shops, and post-game provisions.
Best for: Central Irvine residents and players who want a community-oriented experience at an established park. Good for all levels in a welcoming environment.
Local tip: The portable nets require setup and takedown, so arriving a few minutes early to help with nets earns you goodwill with the regulars. Morning sessions from 8 AM to noon are the most organized, with established rotation systems. The park is near the Woodbridge Village Center and the Irvine Spectrum, so you have plenty of options for food and errands before or after your game.
Costa Mesa Tennis Center
Address: 880 Junipero Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Courts: 8+ outdoor pickleball courts (converted from tennis)
Surface: Hard court with permanent lines
Lighting: Yes
Cost: Varies (check current rates)
Hours: Mon--Thu 8:00 AM -- 9:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM -- 7:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM -- 5:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM -- 3:00 PM
Costa Mesa has been expanding its pickleball infrastructure, and the Costa Mesa Tennis Center on Junipero Drive is leading the charge. The city restriped several tennis courts for pickleball in late 2024, bringing the total to over 13 courts across the city, with eight or more at the Tennis Center alone. Online court reservations are available, and the facility offers a mix of structured programming and open play.
The Tennis Center is centrally located in Costa Mesa, within easy reach of the 55 and 405 freeways. The facility has lighting for evening play and standard amenities including restrooms and parking. Agape Tennis Academy has assumed interim management of the center, and they bring an organized approach to scheduling and programming.
For indoor pickleball in Costa Mesa, the Downtown Recreation Center at 1860 Anaheim Ave offers three indoor courts with adult open gym pickleball available Tuesday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 11:30 AM and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Best for: Central Orange County players who want convenient access and flexible scheduling. The combination of outdoor courts at the Tennis Center and indoor courts at the Downtown Rec Center gives Costa Mesa players options for any weather.
Local tip: The Sunday hours are short -- courts close at 3 PM -- so plan accordingly for weekend play. The Downtown Recreation Center's indoor courts are a hidden gem for weekday morning play and are significantly less crowded than outdoor courts. Check costamesaca.gov for the latest programming schedule, as the management transition may bring new offerings throughout 2026.
Fullerton Tennis Center
Address: 110 E Valencia Mesa Dr, Fullerton, CA 92835
Courts: 4 outdoor pickleball courts (dual-lined on tennis courts)
Surface: Hard court
Lighting: Yes
Cost: $8 -- $12 depending on day and time
Hours: Mon--Fri 7:00 AM -- 9:00 PM; Sat--Sun 7:00 AM -- varies
Fullerton Tennis Center offers a smaller-scale pickleball experience in north Orange County. The center has four pickleball courts lined on its tennis court facility, with lighting for evening play. The rates are reasonable at $8 to $12 per session depending on the day and time, and the facility is well-maintained by the City of Fullerton Parks and Recreation Department.
While the court count is modest compared to larger OC facilities, Fullerton Tennis Center fills an important gap for players in the northern part of the county. The location on Valencia Mesa Drive is accessible from the 57 freeway, and the facility serves the Fullerton, Brea, and Placentia communities.
Best for: North Orange County players in the Fullerton/Brea/Placentia area who want a local court without driving south to Irvine or Huntington Beach.
Local tip: Call ahead at (714) 773-5750 to confirm pickleball availability, as the courts are shared with tennis and scheduling can vary. Weekday morning slots tend to be the easiest to book. The center is close to Cal State Fullerton, so you may encounter student players during the academic year.
Pickleball Haven (Indoor)
Address: 25871 Atlantic Ocean Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Courts: 14 indoor climate-controlled courts
Surface: Indoor sport court
Lighting: Full indoor lighting
Cost: Membership required (contact for current rates)
Hours: Mon--Sun 7:00 AM -- 10:00 PM
Pickleball Haven is Orange County's premier indoor pickleball facility, and it solves the one problem that outdoor courts cannot -- weather, wind, and sun. Fourteen climate-controlled courts mean no cancellations for rain, no squinting into the afternoon sun, and no wind affecting your dink game. The facility features PlaySight video technology for game analysis, a full JOOLA Pro Shop, and the kind of consistent playing conditions that outdoor courts simply cannot match.
While Lake Forest is in south Orange County rather than the north OC areas closest to LA, Pickleball Haven is worth the drive for players who want an indoor experience. The 14-court facility is large enough to accommodate significant traffic without long waits, and the membership model builds a consistent community of returning players.
Best for: Players who want indoor, climate-controlled play regardless of weather. Ideal for serious players who value consistent conditions and video technology for improvement.
Local tip: If you are driving from north OC or LA, take the 5 south to Lake Forest -- it is about 30 minutes from Irvine and 45 from Anaheim in normal traffic. Contact the facility at (949) 414-5090 for current membership rates and trial options before committing. The indoor environment is a game-changer during summer when outdoor courts bake in the afternoon heat and during the occasional winter rain.
Community Groups and Resources
Orange County's pickleball community is organized, active, and growing fast. Here are the best ways to connect with local players and find games.
OC Pickleball (ocpickle.com) is the central hub for Orange County pickleball information, maintaining a comprehensive court directory and club listings across the county. Their website is the best starting point for finding courts and groups in your specific area.
OC Pickleheads Club (ocpickleheads.org) grew out of meetups at Bonita Canyon Sports Park in 2021 and has expanded into one of the most active clubs in the county. They organize regular play sessions and welcome players of all levels.
OC Pickleball Club (ocpickleballclub.com) is another established group that coordinates play across multiple OC locations and provides a community for regular players.
Meetup.com groups like the Orange County Indoor Pickleball Group and OC Pickleball Clinics and Play offer structured meetups with coaching components. These groups are an excellent entry point for newer players who want instruction alongside social play.
Facebook groups for Orange County pickleball are active and post regular updates about court conditions, group meetups, partner searches, and local events. Search for "OC Pickleball" on Facebook to find the most active groups.
Tustin Pickleball (tustinpickleball.org) maintains 10 outdoor courts in Tustin and runs community events for central OC players.
For players crossing the county line from LA, many of these groups welcome non-OC residents. The OC pickleball community is generally inclusive and happy to have new faces on the courts.
Getting Around Orange County Courts
Orange County is a driving county, and understanding the geography helps you plan your pickleball outings.
North OC (Anaheim, Fullerton) is closest to LA and accessible via the 5 and 57 freeways. The Anaheim Tennis & Pickleball Center is the standout facility in this zone. Central OC (Irvine, Costa Mesa) is the densest concentration of courts, with Mike Ward, Portola Springs, and Heritage Park all within a 10-minute drive of each other. Coastal OC (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach) offers the biggest facilities -- HB Pickleball's 24 courts and Newport's Tennis & Pickleball Club with 31 -- along the PCH corridor. South OC (Lake Forest) is where you will find the indoor option at Pickleball Haven.
From central Irvine, you can reach any court in this guide within 20 to 25 minutes. From Anaheim, add another 10 to 15 minutes for the coastal locations. If you are coming from LA, expect 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and your specific destination. The 405, 5, 55, and 73 freeways connect the major pickleball zones, and avoiding rush hour on the 405 is always good advice regardless of your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best pickleball in Orange County?
Huntington Beach Pickleball at Golden West College is the best overall pickleball facility in Orange County. With 24 dedicated, lighted courts, organized programming, lessons, clinics, and leagues, it offers the most complete pickleball experience in the region at a reasonable $7 drop-in fee. For a free option, the brand-new Mike Ward Community Park courts in Irvine are the best public courts in OC. For a premium club experience, The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach's 31 courts are hard to beat.
Are there free pickleball courts in Orange County?
Yes, several excellent free courts are available across OC. In Irvine, Mike Ward Community Park (8 courts), Portola Springs Community Park (8 courts), and Heritage Community Park (5 courts) are all free and lighted. In Huntington Beach, Edison Park offers 7 free lighted courts. Bonita Canyon Sports Park in Newport Beach has 4 free courts. Costa Mesa's Downtown Recreation Center has 3 free indoor courts. You will not have trouble finding free pickleball in Orange County.
Is there indoor pickleball in Orange County?
Pickleball Haven in Lake Forest is the largest indoor facility with 14 climate-controlled courts, open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. Costa Mesa's Downtown Recreation Center offers 3 indoor courts with drop-in play Tuesday through Saturday mornings. Several gyms and fitness clubs across OC also offer indoor court time -- check with Life Time Fitness locations and local recreation centers for current availability. Indoor pickleball options in OC are expanding, with more facilities planned for 2026 and beyond.
What is the best time to play pickleball in Orange County?
Weekday mornings from 8 AM to noon are the most active window at most OC courts, with the largest organized groups and the best chance of finding games at your level. Weekday evenings from 4 PM to 8 PM draw a strong after-work crowd at lighted facilities. Weekend mornings are the busiest times at every location -- expect longer waits and bigger rotations. For the shortest waits and most court time, weekday afternoons between 1 PM and 4 PM are the quietest period at most courts. The OC climate is mild year-round, but summer afternoons can push past 90 degrees inland, making morning and evening sessions more comfortable from June through September.
Can beginners find pickleball games in Orange County?
Absolutely. Huntington Beach Pickleball offers beginner classes every Wednesday evening for $130 over four weeks, which is the most structured entry point in OC. The Anaheim Tennis & Pickleball Center runs clinics for all levels. For free beginner-friendly courts, Edison Park in Huntington Beach and the Irvine city parks have welcoming communities where new players can join drop-in sessions and learn from regulars. The OC Pickleheads Club and Meetup groups like OC Pickleball Clinics and Play also cater to newer players with organized instruction and social play. If you are brand new, check out our how to play pickleball guide before heading to the courts.
What new pickleball courts are coming to Orange County in 2026?
The biggest development is the planned 24-court pickleball complex at the Great Park in Irvine, which will include a championship court, spectator amenities, and parking. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026. Mike Ward Community Park in Irvine already opened its 8 new courts in February 2026. Costa Mesa continues expanding its court count across multiple facilities. The trend across OC cities is clear: pickleball infrastructure is growing, and more courts are on the way throughout 2026 and 2027.
Find More Courts Across LA
Orange County is just one piece of the Southern California pickleball landscape. From the coast to the Valley, there are hundreds of courts spread across the greater LA 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. If you are near the county line, our Long Beach and harbor area guide covers courts just north of OC in Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Lakewood.
Know a court in Orange County that we missed? We are building the most comprehensive guide to pickleball in OC, 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.
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