In the 2010s, pickleball started to emerge as a new way for people to enjoy racquet sports without the physical demands of other such activities like tennis or racquetball. Compared to tennis, it offered a slower pace, smaller courts, and even had simpler rules. During the pandemic, pickleball picked up steam among millennials and Gen Z who, along with adopting a new sport, also took to the courts to find their next love interest.
By 2023, pickleball became a $1.5 billion sport globally, being played by individuals of all fitness levels and ages. But now, a new activity is gaining popularity in the US and across the pond: padel. Originating in Mexico, the sport blends elements of tennis and squash and is played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court.
Padel typically is played in doubles on courts surrounded by glass and wire mesh walls. The ball must bounce on the ground before hitting the walls and can touch the glass but not the metal fence post bounce. It can also only touch the turf once before being returned. Points are scored when the ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side.
With underhand serves and stringless padel racquets, it’s a fun game of strategy more than just skill. Today, there are more than 30 million padel players worldwide and an estimated 90,000 in the US—with California and New York being among the first to adopt the sport.
Thankfully, our city already has seven padel courts to play on if you’re looking to learn more or are already a devoted enthusiast. Check out our list below of where to play padel in San Diego so you can earn some bragging rights about enjoying it when it was still “under-the-radar.”
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Already considered one of the best resorts for tennis aficionados, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa recently added three new padel courts to their racquet sports roster in partnership with sporting goods company, Wilson. Designed by Spain-based company Grupo Padel Galis World, guests can find a number of ways to enjoy the courts including drop-in sessions; beginner, intermediate, and advanced clinics; and monthly Americano tourney play. Or, reserve a private instruction with a USPTA certified professional starting at $125 for 60 minutes or $185 for 90 minutes.
5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar recently debuted its new padel court in partnership with Taktika padel, a group aiming to expand the sport throughout the US, starting with San Diego. Taktika will now manage all of the resort’s racquet programming with its certified Paquito Navarro Academy coaching staff. With one main padel court and two shared pickleball courts, players can book group clinics, private lessons, tournaments, join leagues, or participate in other events by calling 858.314.2000 or visiting the hotel’s website.
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, Del Mar
Barnes Tennis Center
Home of the official San Diego Padel team, the Stingrays, Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma is equipped with seven padel courts alongside 25 tennis courts. Club memberships start at $350, but non-members can reserve courts for $52 for an hour. The tennis center also hosts pro padel events throughout the year so keep an eye on their schedules.
4490 West Point Loma Blvd, Ocean Beach
La Valle Coastal Club
Along with a 27-hole championship golf course, a driving range, eight tennis courts, and eight pickleball courts, the members-only La Valle Coastal Club now offers two padel courts for players of all skill levels. The Rancho Santa Fe club hosts a variety of programs including Padel 101 for beginners wanting to master the basics and Challenger Clinic which helps individuals advance their game on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Members can also book private lessons or participate in padel events and tournaments throughout the year.
5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe
King of Padel
Sprawled out across six indoor pickleball and padel courts, King of Padel in Bay Ho offers $15/hr open play Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6-9 p.m.; Saturday 11-2 p.m.; and Sundays from 2-5 p.m. Guests can also choose a monthly membership for $59 which includes priority booking six-days-a-week, unlimited open play, and a five percent discount at the pro shop. Players can also participate in seasonal leagues which guarantee a set number of matches on weekends, prizes, and women’s- and men’s-only leagues or mixed groups.
4370 Jutland Dr, Bay Ho
Padel California
Padel California was founded to bring the sport to cities across the state, starting with San Diego and Los Angeles. The club features two padel courts, coaching, tournaments, social events, and membership packages starting at $180 per person for three months and up to $500 a person for a full year. Memberships include perks such as private coaching lessons, shop merch, 20 percent off retail products and services, guest passes and exclusive tournaments. Non-members can book a 90-minute session for $88 per court.
222 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside
Padeln9ne
Opening soon, Padeln9ne will be a 100,000-square-foot wellness facility in Sorrento Valley featuring eight padel courts, two tournament courts with stadium seating, a fitness and wellness complex, on-site dining, and more. This massive facility is set to become a hub for serious players.
9955 Barnes Canyon Rd, Sorrento Valley
