10 Best San Diego Public Tennis Courts

In this article, we will explore some of the top public tennis courts in San Diego. If you’ve played in San Diego you’ll know that there aren’t many top quality courts where you don’t have to pay a fee. Thankfully, in most cases you can pay a one time fee for the to play avoiding any membership fees. While there are free courts that make this list, the “clubs” in San Diego are a notch above any park courts in the city. So grab your racquet and get ready to enjoy the sunny SoCal weather at these quality public tennis court locations.

1. Balboa Park Tennis Club

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 2221 Morley Field Dr, San Diego, CA 92104
• Access: Public access, fee ($10 adult day pass), membership available
• Courts: 25 Outdoor Courts
• Details: hosts tennis programs, camps, and membership deals

Nestled in the north-eastern corner of historic Balboa Park, the Balboa Park Tennis Club (BTC) is a tennis lover’s paradise. With 25 lit hard courts, including a stadium court that seats 1,500 people, BTC offers one of the most vibrant and accessible tennis experiences in San Diego.

The club’s three challenge courts ensure players can always find a game, while its friendly staff is happy to help you get started or improve your skills. BTC also hosts a range of adult and junior programs, private lessons, and even summer camps.

Since it’s on this list, as a part of the general public you can grab a day pass for $10 for the day. If you were interested in a membership however Balboa has over 1,600 members so you’ll be getting a combination of high-quality facilities and a welcoming community. Players enjoy unlimited year-round play with membership perks like seven-day court reservations, free parking, and access to social events.

2. Lake Murray Tennis Club

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 7003 Murray Park Dr, San Diego, CA 92119
• Access: Public access, fee ($10 day pass), membership available
• Courts: 10 Outdoor Courts
• Details: Great location outside of downtown area, open every day

Lake Murray Tennis Club is a hidden gem for tennis enthusiasts in San Diego away from downtown. This public facility, nestled on the serene shore of Lake Murray, boasts 10 well-maintained outdoor courts with excellent lighting for evening play.

The courts are open 362 days a year (rain being the only exception), making it one of the most reliable places to play tennis year-round.  Public access is a standout feature for our purposes, with affordable guest passes but memberships are also available.  Amenities include a cozy clubhouse with restrooms, a pro shop for gear and supplies, and professional coaching.

3. Peninsula Tennis Club Inc

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 2525 Bacon St, San Diego, CA 92107
• Access: Public access, fee ($10 per person), $185 annual membership available
• Courts: 12 Outdoor Courts
• Details:

 With 12 lighted outdoor courts and public access, this facility is perfect for evening matches that include a cool ocean breeze. PTC’s welcoming atmosphere and top-notch courts make it a standout destination for tennis lovers in San Diego. For nearly 40 years, PTC has served the San Diego tennis community with affordable rates and excellent programs. Memberships are available, but non-members can still enjoy the courts at a reasonable fee. One of the best perks? Juniors under 19 years old can become members for free, making it an excellent choice for families.

4. Carmel Valley Tennis Club

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 3777 Townsgate Dr, San Diego, CA 92130
• Access: Public access, fee ($5 per person), $50 annual membership fee available
• Courts: 4 Outdoor Courts
• Details: Women-owned club

With four well-maintained outdoor courts equipped with lights for evening play, this facility is a fantastic spot for both beginners. It’s certainly less known than some of the bigger clubs in the area, and the lower price reflects that as well. Public access means you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the courts, as rentals are available for a nominal fee. However, memberships come with perks such as easier court reservations.

If you are looking for a public court but also more than a hit about, they do offer classes and clinics as well. Even if it doesn’t have as many courts as some of the bigger tennis clubs, they do have a pro shop and the court quality is top of line.

5. Tierrasanta Tennis Club

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124
• Access: Public access, fee ($10 per person), $18/month membership fee available
• Courts: 4 Outdoor Courts
• Details: non-profit that maintains the park courts and puts on tennis programs throughout the year

 With four lighted outdoor courts available for up to 14 hours a day, this community-focused club offers a perfect blend of quality and accessibility. The club is a non-profit that exists to maintain the courts at Tierrasanta Community Park but they have plenty of programs available that help develop local’s tennis game. The courts are well-maintained, and despite the smaller setup, their high quality and friendly atmosphere help make up for any potential wait times. A small clubhouse and amenities like lessons and tennis camps further enhance the experience

6. Barnes Tennis Center

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
• Access: Public access, fee ($8-$15 per adult per hour)
• Courts: 23 Outdoor Courts
• Details: Downtown location, where you can also play on clay courts

With 23 hard courts and 2 rare clay courts, Barnes Tennis Center is one of the few facilities in San Diego where you can have it all. If you are really trying to expand your game playing on Clay could go a long way. And situated between Mission Beach and OB, it’s a perfect location if you’re someone who likes to be in the thick of it.

Although Barnes Tennis Center offers programs for adults, it truly shines as a hub for youth tennis. Owned and operated by Youth Tennis San Diego, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping kids thrive physically, mentally, and socially through tennis. Visitors rave about the top-notch courts, including the clay ones, and the friendly atmosphere. There’s also a pro shop with everything you need.  Parking can be tight during large events, but an extended gravel lot ensures you’ll find a spot.

7. Mountain View Sports & Racquet Club

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 6401 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
• Access: Public access, fee ($10 for 1 day pass)
• Courts: 7 Outdoor Courts
• Details: USTA affiliation, one of the only locations in the area

Nestled in the heart of Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Mountain View Sports & Racquet Club (MVSRC) is a great location for tennis lovers in San Diego. Founded in 1975, MVSRC has been a cornerstone of the San Diego tennis community for over 50 years. It operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and takes pride in maintaining the Martin Luther King Jr. Park tennis courts.

Thanks to their close collaboration with organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) foundation, MVSRC offers a variety of coaching, leagues, and tournaments for all ages and skill levels. As a racquet club, the courts, nets, and facilities are consistently maintained which make it a top spot for tennis no matter your needs.

8. University City Racquet Club

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 3585 Governor Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
• Access: Public access, fee ($10; $8 if playing with member)
• Courts: 6 Outdoor Courts
• Details: Newly renovated, “neighborhood” club

With six newly resurfaced, lighted outdoor courts, players of all skill levels can enjoy day or night games in a welcoming and well-maintained environment. This member-run, nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting public tennis within the University City community, making it a standout spot for those living in that area.

The club’s modern features include a recently renovated clubhouse with restrooms, a pro shop offering stringing services, and refreshments like snacks, water, and drinks. For players looking to elevate their game, UCRC provides a ball machine for rent, along with diverse programs for adults and juniors.  while membership offers great perks, it’s not required for most programs or events—public access is a key feature, ensuring that anyone can enjoy the courts with a simple CourtReserve registration

9. Linda Vista Park Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 7064 Levant St, San Diego, CA 92111
• Access: Free to use; first-come, first-served basis
• Courts: 4 Lighted outdoor tennis courts
• Details: Free well-maintained city park

Welcome to the free portion of the list. Many of the courts that cost money are quite well maintained but have great courts that are a top pick for evening play. With 4 hard courts that are lit every day until 10 pm, you can play in the cool night.

The lighted tennis courts at Linda Vista Park provide a safe and accessible space for tennis players of all levels. With clean facilities and fantastically maintained courts, you could do a lot worse for free in San Diego.

10. Colina Del Sol Park Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• Address: 5319 Orange Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
• Access: Free to use; first-come, first-served basis
• Courts: 6 Lighted outdoor tennis courts
• Details: Free well-maintained city park

This hidden gem in City Heights is a tennis lover’s dream. They have six outdoor tennis courts that are free and open to the public. The courts have lights that stay on until 9:30 PM, giving you plenty of time for those after-work matches or cool evening games.

People who visit Colina Del Sol Park tennis courts say the courts are quality. They’re well-maintained and perfect for both casual games and more serious practice sessions. Whether you’re meeting friends for a friendly match or working on your skills solo, these courts have got you covered.

San Diego Public Tennis Courts Compared 

Court	Address	Access	Facilities
Balboa Park Tennis Club	2221 Morley Field Dr, San Diego, CA 92104	Public access, fee ($10 adult day pass)	25 Outdoor Courts
Lake Murray Tennis Club	7003 Murray Park Dr, San Diego, CA 92119	Public access, fee ($10 day pass)	10 Outdoor Courts
Peninsula Tennis Club Inc	2525 Bacon St, San Diego, CA 92107	Public access, fee ($10 per person)	12 Outdoor Courts
Carmel Valley Tennis Club	3777 Townsgate Dr, San Diego, CA 92130	Public access, fee ($5 per person)	4 Outdoor Courts
Tierrasanta Tennis Club	11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124	Public access, fee ($10 per person)	4 Outdoor Courts
Barnes Tennis Center	4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107	Public access, fee ($8-$15 per adult per hour)	23 Outdoor Courts
Mountain View Sports & Racquet Club	6401 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114	Public access, fee ($10 for 1 day pass)	7 Outdoor Courts
University City Racquet Club	3585 Governor Dr, San Diego, CA 92122	Public access, fee ($10; $8 if playing with member)	6 Outdoor Courts
Linda Vista Park Tennis Courts	7064 Levant St, San Diego, CA 92111	Free	4 Outdoor Courts
Colina Del Sol Park Tennis Courts	5319 Orange Ave, San Diego, CA 92115	Free	6 Outdoor Courts