Best Pickleball Courts in Pasadena & the San Gabriel Valley

If you live on the east side of Los Angeles, you already know the San Gabriel Valley has its own rhythm -- quieter than Hollywood, less crowded than the Westside, and backed by some of the most dramatic mountain views in Southern California. Pasadena sits at the center of it all, a city with tree-lined streets, historic neighborhoods, and a growing pickleball community that has been steadily claiming court space across the region.

The SGV pickleball scene does not get the same attention as Venice Beach or Griffith Park, but that is part of the appeal. Courts here tend to be less packed, the regulars are welcoming, and the setting is hard to beat. On a clear morning you are playing with the San Gabriel Mountains filling the skyline, and the weather in this part of LA is about as close to perfect for outdoor sports as it gets -- warm days, cool mornings, and very little rain to cancel your plans.

Over the past couple of years, cities across the San Gabriel Valley have responded to demand by converting tennis courts, adding permanent pickleball lines, and in some cases building dedicated facilities. Whether you are a Pasadena local looking for your home court, or you live anywhere from Arcadia to La Canada Flintridge and want to know where the action is, this guide covers the best spots to play pickleball in the SGV.

Quick Picks

Court	Location	Courts	Cost	Best For
Victory Park	Pasadena	6	Free	All levels, organized play
Robinson Park	Pasadena	4	Free	Beginners, neighborhood play
Arcadia Park / Dana Gym	Arcadia	4	Free	Morning regulars, consistent groups
Olberz Park	La Canada Flintridge	4	Free	Foothill communities, evening play
Singer Park	Altadena	2	Free	Casual games, low crowds

Victory Park

Address: 2575 Paloma St, Pasadena, CA 91107

Courts: 6 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball lines)

Surface: Asphalt, permanent nets

Cost: Free

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

Victory Park is the heart of Pasadena pickleball. The city converted a set of underused tennis courts into six dedicated pickleball courts, complete with permanent nets and proper line markings, and the local community has built a strong culture around them. On any given weekday morning, you will find 20 to 30 players rotating through games, with a mix of skill levels from beginners finding their feet to 4.0-plus players running fast-paced rallies.

What makes Victory Park stand out is the combination of court quality and community. The Pasadena Pickleball Club uses this as their home base, organizing regular drop-in sessions and skill-level play throughout the week. The atmosphere is inclusive -- if you show up solo, you will get pulled into a game within minutes. The regulars here genuinely enjoy bringing new players into the fold.

The park itself is well-maintained, with restrooms, water fountains, and a parking lot that handles the morning crowd without too much stress. The courts have lighting, which opens up evening play during the longer days of spring and summer.

Best for: Anyone looking for Pasadena's most active and organized pickleball scene. Works for all skill levels thanks to the size and the regular rotation format.

Tip: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8 AM to 11 AM are the most popular organized drop-in windows. If you want a mellower experience, try late afternoon on weekdays -- the courts thin out around 3 PM before the after-work crowd arrives. The east-facing courts (1 and 2) get shade from the surrounding trees first in the afternoon, which matters on hot days.

Robinson Park

Address: 1081 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

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

Surface: Concrete, portable nets

Cost: Free

Robinson Park is a neighborhood gem in northwest Pasadena. The courts here are dual-lined for tennis and pickleball, and while that means you are sometimes sharing space, the pickleball community has carved out reliable playing windows. The park's recreation center coordinates scheduling, and pickleball players have established a consistent presence, particularly on weekday mornings and Saturday early sessions.

The setting at Robinson Park is classic Pasadena -- mature trees, a relaxed neighborhood feel, and enough space in the surrounding park that it never feels cramped. The courts are not as polished as Victory Park's dedicated setup, but the trade-off is lower crowds and a more laid-back vibe. If you are newer to pickleball and want a pressure-free environment to learn, Robinson Park is an excellent choice.

The recreation center adjacent to the courts occasionally runs beginner clinics and introductory sessions through the Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department, so it is worth checking their seasonal schedule if you are just starting out.

Best for: Beginners and intermediate players who prefer a quieter, neighborhood atmosphere. Also convenient for residents of northwest Pasadena and Altadena.

Tip: The portable nets are stored in the recreation center and are available on a first-come basis during operating hours. If you are planning to play on a weekend, arrive by 8 AM to make sure nets are set up and you have your pick of courts. Fair Oaks Avenue has street parking that is generally easy to find, even on busy mornings.

Arcadia Park and Dana Gym

Address: 406 S Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006

Courts: 4 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball)

Surface: Concrete, permanent lines and nets

Cost: Free

Arcadia has invested in pickleball infrastructure over the past two years, and the courts near Dana Gym at Arcadia Park are the result. Four dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets sit adjacent to the gym, drawing a steady crowd of morning players from Arcadia, Monrovia, and the surrounding communities. The Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department has been responsive to the growing demand, and it shows in the court condition and upkeep.

The player community at Arcadia Park skews toward experienced recreational players -- think solid 3.0 to 3.5 level -- with a core group of morning regulars who have been playing together for a while. That said, the atmosphere is friendly rather than cliquish. Newcomers who show up ready to play will find open spots in the rotation, especially midweek.

Arcadia Park is a large, well-equipped public park with everything you would expect: restrooms, water, ample parking, and shaded picnic areas where you can cool down between sessions. The surrounding neighborhood is quiet and residential, and the park itself never feels overcrowded.

Best for: Consistent morning players who want dedicated courts and a reliable group. A strong choice for anyone in the central SGV.

Tip: The most active play window is weekday mornings from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The regular group tends to self-organize into skill-based courts, so do not be shy about asking which court matches your level when you arrive. Parking in the lot off Santa Anita Avenue is free and rarely an issue. If you are coming from the 210 freeway, the Santa Anita Avenue exit drops you right there in under two minutes.

Olberz Park (La Canada Flintridge)

Address: 4715 New York Ave, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

Courts: 4 outdoor courts (dedicated pickleball)

Surface: Asphalt, permanent nets

Cost: Free

La Canada Flintridge is a small foothill community just northwest of Pasadena, and Olberz Park has become its pickleball hub. The city added four dedicated pickleball courts that have quickly developed a loyal following among residents and players from neighboring La Crescenta and Montrose. The courts are well-maintained, with clean surfaces and proper equipment, reflecting the community's investment in the sport.

Playing at Olberz Park feels different from the larger SGV courts. The setting is distinctly foothill -- the park is nestled in a residential area with views of the Verdugo Mountains, and the atmosphere is community-oriented in the best sense. The player base is smaller and more tight-knit, which means you get to know the regulars quickly and games have a social quality that larger venues sometimes lack.

The courts do not have lighting, so play is limited to daylight hours. That said, during the warmer months the long evenings give you plenty of time for after-work games, and the cooler foothill temperatures make La Canada one of the more comfortable places to play in the SGV during summer.

Best for: Foothill community residents and anyone who prefers a smaller, community-driven pickleball scene. Great for intermediate players.

Tip: Mornings and late afternoons on weekdays are the sweet spots for finding games. Weekend mornings attract the biggest crowds, though "biggest" at Olberz Park still means a manageable number of players. New York Avenue has street parking, and the park lot has around 20 spaces -- usually enough. If you are driving from Pasadena, take Foothill Boulevard west and turn north on Angeles Crest Highway, then left on New York Avenue. The drive is about 10 minutes from Old Town.

Singer Park (Altadena)

Address: 3033 N Marengo Ave, Altadena, CA 91001

Courts: 2 outdoor courts (dual-lined with tennis)

Surface: Concrete, portable nets

Cost: Free

Singer Park rounds out the SGV options with a low-key spot in Altadena, just north of Pasadena. The courts here are modest -- two dual-lined courts with portable nets -- but they serve a real purpose for Altadena residents who do not want to drive to Victory Park or Arcadia for a game. The park is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, and pickleball access has been growing as the community has advocated for more court time.

The player scene at Singer Park is informal and small. You are unlikely to find a big organized drop-in session, but if you bring a partner or a small group, you will have courts to yourselves more often than not. The park sits in a quiet residential area with mountain views to the north, and the overall vibe is relaxed and unhurried.

Best for: Altadena locals, casual players, and anyone who wants a quiet court without the drive to a larger facility.

Tip: Because the nets are portable, check with the park office about availability before heading out. Weekday afternoons tend to be the emptiest if you want guaranteed space. The park has a small lot on Marengo Avenue with easy parking.

Organized Play in the SGV

One of the best things about pickleball in the San Gabriel Valley is the growing network of organized play. You do not have to know anyone to get started -- just show up at the right time and place.

The Pasadena Pickleball Club is the most established group in the area. They run structured drop-in sessions at Victory Park multiple days per week, with play organized by skill level so you are matched with players at your speed. The club communicates through a combination of social media and messaging groups, and joining is as simple as showing up to a session and introducing yourself.

Beyond the club, several informal groups have sprung up across the SGV. Arcadia's morning regulars coordinate loosely through group chats, and the La Canada Flintridge players have a community email list that shares court schedules and weekend plans. Facebook groups like "Pickleball SGV" and "Pasadena Pickleball Players" are active and post regular updates on meetups, new courts, and local events.

If you are looking for something more structured, the Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department and Arcadia Recreation and Community Services both offer seasonal pickleball programming, including beginner clinics, round-robin tournaments, and skills workshops. These city-run programs are affordable -- usually free or under $20 for a multi-week session -- and are a great way to learn the game in a supportive environment.

For competitive players, several SGV players participate in USAPA-sanctioned tournaments in the greater LA area, and local groups occasionally organize their own informal tournaments at Victory Park and Arcadia Park. Keep an eye on club announcements if tournament play interests you.

The bottom line: wherever you are in the San Gabriel Valley, there is an organized group or session within a short drive. The community is growing fast but still small enough that you will recognize faces quickly and build a network of regular playing partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best pickleball in Pasadena?

Victory Park at 2575 Paloma St is widely considered the best pickleball destination in Pasadena. It has six dedicated courts with permanent nets, lighting for evening play, and the most active organized play community in the city. The Pasadena Pickleball Club runs regular drop-in sessions there, and the mix of skill levels makes it welcoming for everyone from beginners to experienced competitive players. If you only have time for one court in Pasadena, Victory Park is the one.

Are there indoor pickleball courts near Pasadena?

Dedicated indoor pickleball facilities in the immediate Pasadena area are still limited, though the situation is changing as demand grows across Southern California. Some local gyms and community centers offer indoor court time on converted basketball or volleyball courts -- check with the Pasadena YMCA and local fitness clubs for current availability. For the closest purpose-built indoor pickleball experience, players in the SGV typically head to facilities in the greater LA area. As the sport continues to boom, expect more indoor options to open in the SGV over the next year or two.

Is there organized pickleball play in the San Gabriel Valley?

Yes, and it is growing quickly. The Pasadena Pickleball Club organizes structured drop-in sessions at Victory Park multiple days per week, with games sorted by skill level. Arcadia Park has a consistent group of morning regulars, and La Canada Flintridge players coordinate through a local email list. Facebook groups like "Pickleball SGV" post regular updates on meetups and events. The Pasadena and Arcadia Parks and Recreation departments also run seasonal programming including beginner clinics and round-robin tournaments. You do not need to know anyone to get started -- just show up to an organized session and you will be playing within minutes.

How much does it cost to play pickleball in Pasadena?

All of the public park courts in Pasadena and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities are free to use. Victory Park, Robinson Park, Arcadia Park, Olberz Park in La Canada Flintridge, and Singer Park in Altadena are all free and open to the public. The only costs you will encounter are for your own equipment -- a paddle and balls -- and any optional fees for city-run clinics or programs, which typically run under $20 for a multi-week session. There are no reservation systems or hourly fees at SGV public courts.

What should I bring to play pickleball at a Pasadena park?

Bring your own paddle, outdoor pickleballs, and water. Most courts have water fountains nearby but it is always smart to carry a bottle, especially during warmer months. Wear court shoes with non-marking soles for better lateral support and to protect the court surface. Sunscreen and a hat are essential for morning and midday play -- the SGV sun is strong even on mild days. If you are heading to a court with portable nets like Robinson Park or Singer Park, arrive early to make sure nets are available from the recreation center.

Find More Courts Across LA

The San Gabriel Valley is just one piece of the LA pickleball puzzle. From the coast to the Valley, there are hundreds of courts spread across the metro area, each with its own character and community.

Exploring more of LA? Check out our complete guide to pickleball courts in Los Angeles for coverage of courts across the city, from Venice Beach to Griffith Park and everywhere in between.

Know a court in the SGV that we missed? We are building the most comprehensive guide to pickleball in the San Gabriel Valley, 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.