Think surfers and sailors in this town have it made? The waves can go flat for weeks at a stretch, and there’s only so much wind and daylight to go around. Tennis players, on the other hand, most certainly do. They can don their pleated skirts and headbands and revel in nearly 365 days—and on lighted courts, nights!—of ground strokes, volleys, serves, and smashes every year.
In the City of San Diego alone, there are 159 courts, more than 140 of which are outfitted with lights for nighttime play. You can find an exhaustive list of courts that includes high schools, parks, and even backboards and practice walls in your neighborhood here. But we’ve rounded up premier places to play. Committing to a club membership is a big deal, but many of these courts are accessible to the public for the amenable price of free.
Tennis Courts in La Jolla and Del Mar
La Jolla Tennis Club
Nine courts in the heart of downtown La Jolla.
Address: 7632 Draper Ave.
Courts: Nine courts
Membership Price: between $95 and $205 depending on time of year for adult membership
Day Pass Price: $10 for non-member adult day pass
Other Amenities: Assorted lessons, clinics, and leagues
University City Racquet Club
These courts are located at the Standley Recreation Center.
Address: 3585 Governor Drive
Courts: Six courts, lighted in weekdays only
Membership Price: $325 annual adult membership; $100 junior membership
Day Pass Price: $10; $8 if playing with member
Other Amenities: Youth and adult classes available
Surf and Turf Recreation Center
Where the surf meets the serve.
Address: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Courts: Eight courts, all lighted
Membership Price: $1,400 annual adult membership or $120 monthly; $950 annual junior membership or $80 monthly
Other Amenities: Lessons, camps, and “cardio tennis” workouts
Tennis Courts in Point Loma and Ocean Beach
Barnes Tennis Center
Adult programs are available but it’s mostly all about the kids at this wonderland of youth after-school tennis programs, teams and tournaments.
Address: 4490 W. Point Loma Blvd.
Courts: 25 hard courts, two clay courts, all lighted
Membership Price: $350 for adult membership
Day Pass Price: $8-15 per adult for a one hour court rental
Peninsula Tennis Club
A spacious complex featuring riverfront public courts.
Address: 2525 Bacon St.
Courts: 12 lighted courts
Membership Price: $185 annual adult membership
Day Pass Price: $10
Other Amenities: Lessons, clinics, and tournaments, weekly and monthly tennis get-togethers
Point Loma/Cabrillo Tennis Club
This club plays on four courts at Point Loma Community Park and two courts at Cabrillo Recreation Center.
Address: 1049 Catalina Blvd. and 3051 Canon St.
Courts: Six
Membership Price: $75 annual individual membership
Day Pass Price: $5
Volo Sports
Volo runs adult leagues for beginners as well as coed mixed doubles at various skill levels starting at all times of the year. Eight-week playing schedules include post-game happy hours at local establishments.
Address: Various Locations
Courts: Volo leagues play at Barnes Tennis Center and Peninsula Tennis Club
Membership Price: Prices vary from about $119 to $185, depending on league
Other Amenities: Make new friends, beat them at tennis
Tennis Courts in Pacific and Mission Beach
Pacific Beach Tennis Club
This 200-member club boasts various leagues and mixers near De Anza Cove.
Address: 2639 Grand Ave.
Courts: Eight courts
Membership Price: $295 annual membership; $34 monthly membership
Day Pass Price: $10; 18 and under are free
Other Amenities: Clubhouse, pro shop, and ball machine ($10 per hour)
Pacific Beach Recreation Center
A pair of lighted courts just waiting for a heated pick-up match.
Address: 1405 Diamond St.
Courts: Two lighted courts
Price: Free
Other Amenities: Youth and adult lessons available
San Diego Tennis and Racquet Club
This 10-acre facility also boasts a pool, racquetball, basketball, volleyball, and table tennis.
Address: 4848 Tecolote Rd.
Courts: 22; 16 are lighted
Price: Contact the club for details
Other Amenities: One stadium court, backboards, and pro shop. Lessons available through Angel Lopez Tennis Academy
Tennis Courts in Balboa Park
Morley Field / Balboa Tennis Club
The Morley Field courts, in volleying distance of the San Diego Zoo, are the site of many tennis tournaments throughout the year hosted by Balboa Tennis Club, which offers a full complement of lessons and leagues. Reservations can be made a week in advance.
Address: 2221 Morley Field Drive
Courts: 25 hard courts, all lit, some with bleachers
Membership Price: $450 yearly adult membership
Day Pass Price: $10 adult day pass
Other Amenities: One stadium court with 1,500 seats, and a clubhouse with lounge, and locker rooms. Membership lets you reserve courts a week in advance and grants access to clubhouse with locker rooms, showers, and the option to play on the club’s teame
Mesa College courts
Tennis Courts in Kearny Mesa and Lake Murray
San Diego Mesa College
The courts are open to the public when not in use for classes, practices, or matches. Check team schedules at Gosdmesa.com, keeping in mind that college team matches can take five hours.
Address: 7250 Mesa College Circle
Courts: Eight
Price: Free
Other Amenities: All the tennis, none of the student loans
Lake Murray Tennis Club
Ten courts in a sublime suburban setting.
Address: 7003 Murray Park Dr.
Courts: 10 courts
Membership Price: $335 adult memberships; $110 kids memberships
Day Pass Price: $10 day pass
Other Amenities: Clubhouse, pro lessons, leagues, tournaments, social gatherings
Tennis Courts in Coronado
Coronado Tennis Center
Tennis is a popular pastime on this island hamlet.
Address: 1501 Glorietta Blvd.
Courts: Eight courts, three are lighted
Day Pass Price: Reservations made five days or fewer before game day are $5 and $15, for residents and nonresidents respectively)
Other Amenities: Clubhouse equipped with a kitchen and free Wifi
Coronado Cays Park
This park is located adjacent to Silver Strand State Beach.
Address: 99 Grand Caribe Isle
Courts: Five courts, all lighted
Price: Free
Tennis Courts in Carmel Valley and Rancho Penasquitos
Carmel Valley Tennis
Located at the Carmel Valley Recreation Center.
Address: 3777 Townsgate Dr.
Courts: Four courts, all lighted
Membership Price: $50 annual adult memberships
Day Pass Price: $5 per person/per hour day rate for nonmembers
Other Amenities: Lessons, camps, and clinics with a heavy emphasis on juniors
Rancho Penasquitos Tennis Center
Get in line, Rafael Nadal! There’s currently an eight-10-month waiting list for memberships but the private nonprofit club generally keeps one court open for public nonmember use with a $5 day pass.
Address: 12350 Black Mountain Road
Courts: 12 courts
Membership Price: $325 adult memberships; $550 family membership; $105 junior memberships
Day Pass Price: $5
Other Amenities: Senior discounts available
