Best Pickleball Courts in the South Bay (2026 Guide)

The South Bay has quietly become one of the best pockets of pickleball in all of Los Angeles. From Manhattan Beach down through Torrance, beach cities that have always been defined by volleyball nets and surf breaks now have pickleball courts filling up before 9 AM on weekday mornings. The combination of year-round sunshine, a fitness-oriented population, and city parks departments that have been responsive to demand means the South Bay now has everything from free outdoor courts to a premium indoor social club -- and the scene is only getting bigger.

What makes playing pickleball in the South Bay special is the variety. You can drop into serious competitive play at Manhattan Heights Park on a Tuesday morning, hit free public courts in Torrance after work, or book a climate-controlled indoor court at California Smash in El Segundo and grab a craft cocktail afterward. Whether you live here or you are visiting the beach cities, this guide covers every court worth knowing about -- with the kind of local details that will save you a wasted trip.

Quick Picks

Court	Area	Courts	Indoor/Outdoor	Cost	Best For
Manhattan Heights Park	Manhattan Beach	6	Outdoor	$12-$16/hr	Organized play, all levels
Kelly Courts	Hermosa Beach	2	Outdoor	Free (residents)	Quick casual sessions
Perry Park	Redondo Beach	3	Outdoor	Free	BYON pickup games
South Bay Tennis & Pickleball Center	Torrance	21	Outdoor	$10-$15/hr	Serious players, lessons
Walteria Park	Torrance	6	Outdoor	Free	Morning open play
Sur La Brea Park	Torrance	4	Outdoor	Free	Evening play with lights
Dee Hardison Sports Center	Torrance	2	Indoor	Free	Weekday drop-in
El Segundo Recreation Park	El Segundo	8	Outdoor	Free-$10/hr	Residents, evening play
California Smash	El Segundo	9	Indoor	$40-$80/hr	Premium experience, social

Manhattan Heights Park

Address: 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Courts: 6 outdoor courts (3 dedicated + 4 additional with painted lines during drop-in hours, totaling up to 7 during peak sessions)

Surface: Hard court, permanent lines

Lighting: Yes

Cost: $12/hour (Manhattan Beach residents), $16/hour (non-residents)

Hours: Drop-in play Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Manhattan Heights Park is the flagship pickleball facility in the South Bay beach cities. The city invested in proper dedicated courts here, and it shows. During weekday morning drop-in hours, the park expands to seven courts to accommodate demand, with five designated for open play and one specifically set aside for beginners. That beginner court is a thoughtful touch -- you do not often see cities carve out dedicated space for newer players, and it makes a real difference for people who might otherwise feel intimidated jumping into a fast-paced rotation.

Reservations can be made up to four days in advance for Manhattan Beach residents and three days ahead for non-residents. The reservation system means you can guarantee your court time, but the morning drop-in window is where the real community action happens. The regulars here are a mix of retired South Bay locals who have been playing for years and newer players who got hooked during the pandemic boom and have been steadily leveling up since. The skill range during open play runs from solid 3.0 to competitive 4.5-plus, and the atmosphere is welcoming but organized.

Best for: All levels, from beginners (dedicated court) to competitive players looking for consistent morning games and an active community.

Local tip: The Monday-Friday 8 AM drop-in is the best deal in the beach cities -- you get access to seven courts and a structured rotation without needing a reservation. Arrive by 7:45 to grab your spot. Parking in the lot off Manhattan Beach Blvd fills up fast, so consider biking if you live nearby. The community center on-site has restrooms and water.

Manhattan Beach Middle School Courts

Address: 1501 N Redondo Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Courts: 6 outdoor courts

Surface: Hard court

Lighting: No

Cost: Free

Hours: Weekdays 4:00 PM - dusk, Weekends 8:00 AM - dusk

The middle school courts are the local secret that Manhattan Beach regulars know about. Six courts open to the public during non-school hours, completely free. The catch is the limited window -- weekdays you cannot get on until 4 PM, and once the sun sets, you are done since there are no lights. But on weekends, the courts open at 8 AM and you have a full day of free play ahead of you.

These courts do not have the same organized drop-in structure as Manhattan Heights, so this is more of a bring-your-own-group situation. That said, weekend mornings reliably attract enough players for pickup games, and the informal vibe makes it easy to jump in. The courts are in good condition and the school's location in a quiet residential neighborhood means parking is not a problem.

Best for: Players looking for free courts in Manhattan Beach, weekend warriors, and groups who want to play without paying hourly fees.

Local tip: Saturday mornings between 8 and 10 AM are the sweet spot here -- enough players show up for natural pickup rotations, but it never gets as crowded as Manhattan Heights. Bring extra balls; there is no pro shop or equipment rental nearby.

Kelly Courts -- Hermosa Beach

Address: Valley Drive (next to Clark Field), Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Courts: 2 outdoor courts

Surface: Hard court

Lighting: Yes (courts open 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM)

Cost: Free for drop-in; Pickleball Membership Program available (Hermosa Beach residents only)

Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily

Hermosa Beach keeps things small and straightforward. The Kelly Court complex sits on Valley Drive next to Clark Field and includes two dedicated pickleball courts alongside a tennis court and basketball courts. Two courts is not a lot, and during peak hours you will likely wait your turn, but the lights extend play to 9 PM, which is a real advantage in a beach city where most outdoor courts shut down at dusk.

The City of Hermosa Beach runs a Pickleball Membership Program that gives residents priority access and reservation privileges. If you are not a Hermosa resident, you can still play during open hours on a drop-in basis, but members get first dibs. The courts are well maintained and the Clark Field location puts you within walking distance of downtown Hermosa's restaurants and bars -- making it easy to combine a session with dinner on Pier Avenue afterward.

Best for: Hermosa Beach residents who want walkable courts, casual evening sessions, and anyone who wants to play and then grab food downtown.

Local tip: The membership program fills up, so if you are a Hermosa resident, apply early by emailing hbconnect@hermosabeach.gov or calling (310) 318-0280. For non-residents, weekday mornings tend to have open courts since most members play evenings and weekends. Street parking on Valley Drive is usually available.

Perry Park -- Redondo Beach

Address: 2301 Grant Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Courts: 3 outdoor courts (shared with basketball)

Surface: Asphalt (basketball court overlay)

Lighting: No

Cost: Free

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Redondo Beach has been slower than its neighbors to build dedicated pickleball infrastructure, and the courts at Perry Park reflect that. The three pickleball courts are painted onto the existing basketball courts, which means you are sharing space with hoops players and the surface is standard basketball asphalt rather than a dedicated court surface. The city does not provide nets or equipment at any of its pickleball locations, so you need to bring your own portable net.

That said, free is free, and if you have your own net and a group ready to play, Perry Park is a perfectly functional option. The park is in a pleasant residential area of North Redondo with a playground, picnic tables, and street parking that is rarely a problem. Franklin Park (three courts, also shared with basketball) and Anderson Park (one court on the half-court basketball area) are Redondo's other options, but Perry Park has the most courts and the best layout of the three.

Best for: Self-sufficient players who bring their own nets and want a free, no-frills court in Redondo Beach. Good for groups who do not mind a basketball court surface.

Local tip: The BYON (bring your own net) situation is a dealbreaker for some players, but it also means these courts are almost never crowded. If you own a portable net, Perry Park can be your private court on a weekday morning. Coordinate with other South Bay players on Meetup or Facebook to organize group sessions here.

South Bay Tennis & Pickleball Center

Address: 25924 Rolling Hills Rd, Torrance, CA 90505

Courts: 21 pickleball courts (9 dedicated + additional courts with blended lines on 8 tennis courts)

Surface: Hard court, pro-quality surface

Lighting: Yes

Cost: $10/hour (members), $15/hour (non-members)

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sat-Sun 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This is the big one. South Bay Tennis & Pickleball Center is the premier pickleball facility in the entire South Bay, and it is not particularly close. With 21 total pickleball courts -- nine brand-new dedicated courts plus additional blended-line courts across the tennis side -- this family-run center in the hills of Torrance has more court capacity than most cities' entire park systems combined.

The facility has a proper pro shop, offers private and group lessons for all ages and skill levels, and runs organized play sessions that draw players from across the South Bay and beyond. The court surfaces are well maintained, the lighting system supports evening play through 9 PM on weekdays, and the overall atmosphere feels like a real tennis and pickleball club rather than a municipal park. If you are serious about improving your game, the coaching programs here are among the best in the area.

Court reservations are available for both members and non-members through their online booking system. Membership brings the hourly rate down and gives you access to member-only events and clinics. For the quality of the facility and the depth of programming, the $15/hour non-member rate is a solid value.

Best for: Serious players who want a club-quality experience, players looking for coaching and structured improvement, and anyone who wants guaranteed court availability on a large campus.

Local tip: Book courts through their website or the PlayByPoint app. Weekend mornings fill up fast, so reserve a few days ahead. The Rolling Hills Road location is up in the Torrance hills, so it is not walkable from much of the South Bay -- plan to drive. The payoff is a facility that feels miles away from the crowded beach city parks. Ask about their intro clinics if you are new; the coaching staff is excellent.

Walteria Park

Address: 3855 242nd St, Torrance, CA 90505

Courts: 6 outdoor courts

Surface: Asphalt with chalk lines

Lighting: No

Cost: Free

Hours: 9:00 AM - dusk

Walteria Park offers six free outdoor pickleball courts in the southern end of Torrance, near the Walteria neighborhood and not far from the Palos Verdes border. The courts have chalk lines rather than permanent paint, which gives the facility a slightly scrappier feel than the dedicated courts at Manhattan Heights or South Bay Tennis Center, but the price -- free -- makes it an attractive option for regular players who do not want to pay hourly fees.

The city sets up nets on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 AM to noon for organized open play, and those sessions have become a reliable gathering point for local players, especially the 50-and-over crowd. Outside of those net-provided hours, you will need to bring your own net. Restrooms and water are available on-site, and the park has ample free parking.

Best for: Morning players looking for free courts and organized open play. The Monday/Thursday sessions are particularly good for seniors and intermediate players looking for a social game.

Local tip: The Monday and Thursday morning sessions with city-provided nets are the time to come. You will find a welcoming group of regulars, and the play level is typically solid 3.0 to 3.5. Outside of those sessions, coordinate with friends since you will need your own net. The park is close to the intersection of Hawthorne Blvd and Pacific Coast Highway, making it accessible from most of the South Bay.

Sur La Brea Park

Address: 23610 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

Courts: 4 outdoor courts

Surface: Asphalt

Lighting: Yes

Cost: Free

Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sur La Brea Park is one of the more underrated pickleball spots in Torrance. Four free courts with lights -- that combination alone makes it worth knowing about. While many of the South Bay's free courts shut down at dusk, Sur La Brea's lighting system keeps courts usable until the park closes at 10 PM, which is a major advantage for anyone with a 9-to-5 schedule.

The courts are located in Old Torrance, a walkable neighborhood near downtown Torrance with plenty of restaurants and shops within a few blocks. The park also has restrooms on-site. The courts do not have organized open play sessions, so this is a bring-your-own-group situation, but the combination of free play, lights, and a convenient location makes Sur La Brea an excellent weeknight option.

Best for: After-work players who need lighted courts, budget-conscious players, and anyone in the central Torrance area looking for a convenient free option.

Local tip: Weeknight evenings between 6 and 8 PM are when you will find the most action here. The courts are near downtown Torrance's growing restaurant scene on Cabrillo Ave, so plan to grab dinner after your session. Free street parking is plentiful in the surrounding residential blocks.

Dee Hardison Sports Center

Address: 2400 Jefferson St, Torrance, CA 90501

Courts: 2 indoor courts

Surface: Wood (gymnasium floor)

Lighting: Yes (indoor)

Cost: Free

Hours: Pickleball drop-in on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

For free indoor pickleball in the South Bay, Dee Hardison Sports Center is your only option -- and it is a surprisingly good one. The city runs a drop-in program on Monday and Wednesday midday with two courts set up in the gymnasium. Balls are provided, though you need to bring your own paddle. The wood gym floor plays faster than outdoor asphalt courts, which takes some adjustment, but it is a welcome option on the rare rainy day or during summer heat.

With only two courts and a four-hour drop-in window, capacity is limited. But the program is free and draws a friendly, regular crowd that skews toward seniors and intermediate players. If you are looking for a low-key, social game in a no-cost indoor setting, this is it.

Best for: Players who want free indoor courts, midday availability, and a social atmosphere. Ideal for seniors and intermediate players.

Local tip: Arrive by 10 AM to make sure you get court time -- with only two courts, the rotation can get long if a lot of players show up. The gym is air-conditioned, which is a real perk during Torrance's occasional heat waves. Bring a paddle; balls are provided but paddles are not.

El Segundo Recreation Park

Address: 401 Sheldon St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Courts: 8 outdoor courts

Surface: Hard court

Lighting: Yes

Cost: Free before 5 PM (public), $10/hour for reservations (2-hour max)

Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

El Segundo Recreation Park packs a lot of pickleball into a small city. Eight dedicated outdoor courts with lights make this one of the largest free public pickleball facilities in the South Bay. The courts are open to anyone until 5 PM, after which access is restricted to El Segundo residents who must reserve in advance. That split system rewards locals while still giving the broader South Bay community access during daytime hours.

The park is centrally located in El Segundo, close to Main Street's restaurants and shops. Reservations can be made online at esrec.org, and the booking system is straightforward. The eight courts mean you will rarely have trouble finding a game during open hours, and the facility sees a good mix of skill levels throughout the day.

Best for: Daytime players who want free access to a large, well-maintained court facility. El Segundo residents benefit most from evening reservation access.

Local tip: If you are not an El Segundo resident, plan your sessions before 5 PM to take advantage of free public access. Weekday mornings between 9 and 11 AM tend to have open courts with minimal wait. The park has ample parking, restrooms, and is walkable from Main Street if you want to grab coffee or lunch nearby.

California Smash

Address: 815 N Nash St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Courts: 9 indoor courts

Surface: Padded indoor surface

Lighting: Yes (indoor, climate-controlled)

Cost: $40-$80/hour depending on time slot

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

California Smash is the South Bay's answer to the question: what if pickleball were a lifestyle experience? This 30,000-square-foot indoor facility opened in 2025 and immediately became the most talked-about pickleball venue on the Westside. Nine premium padded courts sit inside a climate-controlled space, flanked by a full bar and restaurant serving modern American food, craft cocktails, and beer on tap. A beach-style cabana lounge -- the "Social Island" -- runs between the court rows where players and spectators can eat, drink, and socialize.

The courts themselves are top-notch. Padded surfaces reduce joint stress and fatigue compared to outdoor hard courts, and the indoor environment eliminates wind, sun glare, and every other weather variable that outdoor players deal with. Court rentals range from $40 to $80 per hour depending on peak vs. off-peak time slots. Paddles and balls are available for an additional rental fee if you do not bring your own. California Smash also runs open play sessions, leagues, coaching programs, and social events.

This is not the spot for budget-conscious daily play -- at these prices, you are paying for a premium experience. But for a special outing, a date night with a twist, or a group event that combines athletic competition with a social club atmosphere, California Smash delivers something no public park can match.

Best for: Players who want a premium indoor experience, social groups, date nights, corporate events, and anyone who prefers climate-controlled courts with food and drinks on-site.

Local tip: Off-peak hours (weekday mornings and early afternoons) offer the lowest court rates. Book online through their website at calismash.com. The venue gets busy on weekend evenings, so reserve ahead if you want a specific time slot. Even if you are not playing, the restaurant and bar are open to non-players -- it is a great spot to watch games and grab a drink. Parking is available in the building's lot off Nash Street.

South Bay Pickleball Community

The South Bay has a growing network of pickleball groups and communities that organize play, share court intel, and help newcomers find games.

• South Bay Tennis and Pickleball Meetup -- Active Meetup group that organizes weekly sessions at various South Bay courts. Great for finding playing partners and getting plugged into the local scene.
• South Bay Over 50 Social Pickleballers -- A Meetup group specifically for players over 50 who want social, friendly play. Regular sessions for beginners and intermediates.
• Los Angeles County Outdoor Pickleball -- Broader LA group that frequently organizes events at South Bay courts. Paddles available if you are just starting out.
• Torrance Pickleball Community -- Local Torrance players who coordinate through Facebook and the city's rec department. Good resource for Walteria Park and Sur La Brea Park sessions.
• South Bay Tennis & Pickleball Center programs -- The center runs its own leagues, clinics, and social events that serve as a built-in community for members and regular players.

If you are new to the area, the Meetup groups are the fastest way to find regular games at your skill level. Most are welcoming to newcomers and will point you to the right courts and sessions based on how you play.

Best Times to Play in the South Bay

Weekday mornings (8 AM - 11 AM): The golden window. Drop-in at Manhattan Heights, open play at Walteria Park (Mon/Thu), and uncrowded courts at El Segundo Rec Park. This is when the retirees and remote workers hold court, and the skill level tends to be the highest.

Weekday afternoons (12 PM - 4 PM): Courts thin out across the board. Sur La Brea, El Segundo Rec Park, and the middle school courts (after 4 PM) are your best bets for finding open space without a wait.

Weekday evenings (5 PM - 9 PM): The after-work rush hits Sur La Brea and El Segundo Rec Park hard. Kelly Courts in Hermosa stay usable until 9 PM. South Bay Tennis Center runs evening sessions through 9 PM on weekdays. California Smash is a premium evening option with indoor courts open until 10 PM.

Weekend mornings (8 AM - 11 AM): Every popular court will be busy. Manhattan Heights and South Bay Tennis Center fill up the fastest. Manhattan Beach Middle School courts open at 8 AM for free play and are a solid alternative.

Weekend afternoons (1 PM - 4 PM): Crowds ease up. The free Torrance parks -- Walteria and Sur La Brea -- are your best bets for open courts without planning ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I play pickleball for free in the South Bay?

Several South Bay cities offer free public pickleball courts. In Torrance, Walteria Park (6 courts), Sur La Brea Park (4 courts with lights), and Dee Hardison Sports Center (2 indoor courts, Mon/Wed only) are all free. In Redondo Beach, Perry Park, Franklin Park, and Anderson Park have free courts painted on basketball surfaces, though you need to bring your own net. Manhattan Beach Middle School has 6 free courts open during non-school hours. El Segundo Recreation Park is free before 5 PM. Kelly Courts in Hermosa Beach are free for drop-in play.

Is there indoor pickleball in the South Bay?

Yes, there are two indoor options. California Smash in El Segundo (815 N Nash St) has 9 premium indoor courts with a full bar and restaurant -- court rentals run $40-$80/hour. For a free indoor option, Dee Hardison Sports Center in Torrance (2400 Jefferson St) offers drop-in pickleball on 2 gymnasium courts every Monday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Balls are provided at Dee Hardison, but you need your own paddle.

Do I need to be a resident to play at South Bay courts?

Most South Bay pickleball courts are open to everyone, though some have resident advantages. Manhattan Heights Park charges $12/hour for residents and $16 for non-residents. El Segundo Recreation Park is free and open to the public before 5 PM, but evening access requires an El Segundo resident reservation. Hermosa Beach's Kelly Courts Pickleball Membership Program is limited to Hermosa residents. All Torrance and Redondo Beach public courts are open to anyone, no residency required.

What is the best pickleball facility in the South Bay?

It depends on what you are looking for. For the most courts and a club-quality experience, South Bay Tennis & Pickleball Center in Torrance has 21 courts, coaching, and a pro shop. For the best indoor premium experience, California Smash in El Segundo is hard to beat with 9 padded courts and a social club atmosphere. For the best free organized play, Manhattan Heights Park in Manhattan Beach runs structured drop-in sessions with up to 7 courts and a dedicated beginner court.

Where should beginners play pickleball in the South Bay?

Manhattan Heights Park in Manhattan Beach reserves one court specifically for beginners during morning drop-in hours (Mon-Fri 8 AM - 12 PM), which is rare and ideal for new players. The Walteria Park Monday and Thursday morning sessions in Torrance draw a friendly crowd at the 3.0-3.5 level. Dee Hardison Sports Center's free indoor drop-in is low-key and welcoming. South Bay Tennis & Pickleball Center offers introductory clinics and group lessons if you want structured instruction. California Smash also runs beginner-friendly coaching programs.

Do Redondo Beach parks provide pickleball nets?

No. The City of Redondo Beach does not provide nets or equipment at any of its pickleball locations (Perry Park, Franklin Park, or Anderson Park). The court lines are painted on shared basketball surfaces, and you need to bring your own portable net, paddles, and balls. This is a significant difference from Manhattan Beach and Torrance, where the city provides permanent or session-based nets at most locations.

Find More Courts Across LA

The South Bay is one of the fastest-growing pickleball regions in Los Angeles, but there are great courts all across the metro area. For a broader look at where to play, check out our complete guide to courts in Los Angeles. If you are looking for courts that will not cost you a dime, our free pickleball courts guide covers every no-cost option in the city. And for year-round play regardless of weather, see our indoor pickleball courts guide.