10 Best Tennis Courts in San Francisco

From courts surrounded by nature to ones offering city views, these tennis courts in San Francisco cater to players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a quiet hit about, a social match, or tennis lessons, San Francisco tennis courts have something for everyone.

In this article, we highlight 10 of the best tennis courts in the city, each chosen for certain qualities. Some courts are accessible to all while others have great views or storied history. Other factors we considered when creating this guide were court conditions, location, cost, and surrounding amenities. No matter which neighborhood you live in in San Francisco we are confident you’ll find the the perfect court to play tennis in San Francisco.

1. Lisa & Douglas Goldman Tennis Center

Key Things to Know:

• 50 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco, CA 94117
• 16 USTA-regulation tennis courts, plus 5 multi-use mini courts and a dedicated pickleball court
• Modern clubhouse, pro shop, locker rooms, garden seating, and full court lighting
• Online reservations, and reasonable court fees.

Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Tennis Center is one of the best places to play tennis in San Francisco. With 16 full-size USTA-regulation tennis courts with lights and five additional mini courts, this public facility offers high-quality play at an affordable price. They have an easy online reservation system that ensures you get a spot when you want to play.

The Lisa & Douglas Goldman Tennis Center has earned national recognition, receiving the 2023 USTA Outstanding Facility Award and being named the Featured Facility of the Year. Besides the quality courts, there is the 7,800-square-foot Taube Family Clubhouse, which includes a players’ lounge, locker rooms and a pro shop. The pro shop is stocked with gear, stringing services, and rentals.

This is one of the best places in San Francisco to enjoy tennis without breaking the bank. Prices for a court typically range from $10–$12 for residents and $15–$19 for non-residents. Whether you’re dropping in for casual play or joining a league, this public facility has everything you need for an excellent experience.

2. Alice Marble Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 1200 Greenwich St, San Francisco, CA 94109
• Overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.
• No lights so the courts are only available during the day
• Reservations not required but they are popular

Forget just tennis courts. The Alice Marble tennis courts have some of the best views in San Francisco, period. Perched high on Russian Hill, these courts offer breathtaking sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.

Alice Marble has four well-maintained courts but the hard courts are not a standard hard court surface which can be a bit jarring on first use. The courts are part of George Sterling Park, managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and are free on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are no lights to play at night, but you really would rather be there during the day for the views.

3. California Tennis Club

Key Things to Know:

• 1770 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94115
• Established in 1884, the oldest tennis club west of the Mississippi.
• 10 courts, LED lighting, radiant heating, full gym
• Extremely expensive

For those who appreciate tennis history, top-tier facilities, and a welcoming community, the California Tennis Club is a standout choice. Founded in 1884, this is the oldest tennis club west of the Mississippi and one of the 15 oldest private tennis clubs in the U.S. Over the years, it has produced Hall of Fame players, USTA champions, and nationally ranked juniors, making it a true hub of tennis excellence.

The club features 10 outdoor Plexicushion 2000 hard courts, all equipped with new LED lighting (controversial neighborhood additional due to just how bright they are) to play in the evenings. Seven courts even have radiant heating for quick drying, ensuring good playing conditions year-round.

Beyond tennis, the club offers a full gym, personal training, and a vibrant social scene. The gated parking garage is probably the best parking you can find in the city. All that being said, this the most expensive place to play in the city. Huge fee to join and a monthly fee. If you can afford it, you won’t find many better tennis courts in San Francisco.

4. Mission Dolores Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 3753 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
• Six courts, five are first-come first-serve, and one is available for reservation.
• Located in Dolores Park, offering beautiful views
• Free to use, limited lighting, very popular

Set in the heart of the Mission District, the Mission Dolores tennis courts offer one of the best tennis experiences in San Francisco. Located within the iconic Dolores Park, these six outdoor courts provide a perfect blend of tennis and stunning city views. With rolling green lawns, swaying palm trees, and the Mission High tower, playing here feels like a true San Francisco experience.

Besides the premium location these courts are free. Five of the six courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while the far court on Dolores Street is available for reservations. The courts are well-maintained courts but they can be quite windy and a challenge to find parking. Regardless, whether you’re a local or visiting, Mission Dolores tennis courts offer a tennis experience full of San Francisco charm.

5. Glen Park Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 62 Elk St, San Francisco, CA 94131
• 2 quality walled tennis courts
• Located at Glen Park Rec Center, beautiful surrounding area
• Free, lights, newly resurfaced

Most people know Glen Canyon Park as a perfect nature getaway in the midst of the city but it also boasts two high quality tennis courts. The beautiful surroundings don’t hurt this location’s cause, but it’s the lights, seclusion, and quality surface that make it an ideal court location.

You can make reservations online which is handy because they can be crowded. There also isn’t a ton of parking available so walking or riding a bike is ideal. When you live in a city like San Francisco where seclusion and activity space is at a premier, Glen Park tennis courts are a much welcome gem.

6. John McLaren Park Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 1398 Mansell St #1200, San Francisco, CA 94134
• Six courts, first-come, first-served
• Located in a large park with beautiful views, hiking trails, and picnic spots
• Free to use but no lighting

For tennis players looking for a quiet escape with scenic views, the John McLaren Park courts offer one of the best-kept secrets in Southeast San Francisco. Tucked inside John McLaren Park, these six outdoor courts, that are newly resurfaced, provide a peaceful, nature-filled setting away from the city’s busier courts.

With rolling hills, towering trees, and occasional glimpses of wildlife, the courts feel like a retreat from the urban rush. Players love the uninterrupted play time here, as the courts are rarely crowded, making them ideal for both casual matches and focused practice. The park’s elevated location also offers breathtaking views overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Daly City, and beyond. The courts are arranged in three sets of two, each fully fenced for a more private playing experience.

For those who like to plan ahead, one court is available for reservation online, while the others are first-come, first-served. If you’re looking for a hidden gem with plenty of space to play, John McLaren Park courts are a fantastic choice.

7. Mountain Lake Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 98 Funston Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118
• Four hard courts, all reservable for guaranteed play
• Located near a lake with walking paths
• Free to use, no lights, but restrooms and accessible facilities are available

Located in the Lake Street neighborhood of San Francisco, these four outdoor hard courts at Mountain Lake provide quality courts at a beautiful park. The courts are in great condition and can be reserved, so players don’t have to wait. While there isn’t much privacy between courts, the quiet surroundings more than make up for it.

Unfortunately there aren’t any lights at this location and parking can be tricky, like many San Francisco locations. If you’re searching for a relaxing yet well-maintained tennis spot with plenty of nearby amenities, Mountain Lake tennis courts are a great choice.

8. Margaret Osborne DuPont Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 336 31st Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
• Four well-kept outdoor courts, plus a practice wall for solo play.
• Located in a residential neighborhood, offering a peaceful and uncrowded experience.
• Free to use, no lights for night play, and courts can get wet in foggy weather.

Also tucked away in northeast San Francisco, the Margaret Osborne DuPont tennis courts offer a quiet neighborhood location. Named after Grand Slam champion Margaret Osborne DuPont, these courts are in good condition and well-maintained. There’s also a large backboard which is great for solo practice.

However, since the courts are nestled in a fog-prone area, they can get damp so be mindful if you’re playing early in the morning. Many do show up to play in the morning because there are no light present for evening tennis. While parking can be a bit tricky, if you’re looking for a quiet, no-fuss tennis court to play tennis in San Francisco, the Margaret Osborne DuPont tennis courts are a great choice.

9. Parkside Square Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 2680 28th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116
• Four well-kept courts in a multi-sport park
• No onsite parking, but street parking and Muni access make it convenient.
• Features a playground, picnic tables, and other recreational activities nearby.

These four outdoor courts sit within Parkside Square Park, a community space that also features basketball and pickleball courts, a baseball field, picnic areas, and a playground. One of the standout features of Parkside Square is its accessibility. As part of San Francisco’s first fully ADA-accessible playground, the park ensures that visitors of all abilities can enjoy its amenities. While there’s no onsite parking, street parking is usually available around the park, and the L-Taraval Muni line stops just two blocks away, making it easy to reach by public transit.

10. Balboa Park Tennis Courts

Key Things to Know:

• 34 Sgt John V Young Ln, San Francisco, CA 94112
• No membership needed, and courts can be reserved online.
• Four well maintained courts but are not separated by fences/walls
• Set within a large recreational park that has parking

These four courts are part of Balboa Park, and are free and open to the public. One of the biggest perks of playing here is convenience. The Balboa Park BART station is just a short walk away. If you do want to drive, however, there’s parking lot available along the southern end of Boxer Stadium and some street parking nearby.

The courts are well-maintained and clean, though some players note that it can get a bit windy at times. The setting is ideal for casual matches and social games, as the park has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Plus, if the courts are full, City College of San Francisco is just nearby, with additional courts (though they may be in use by classes and college teams).

Court	Address	Facilities	Access
Lisa & Douglas Goldman Tennis Center	50 Bowling Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94102	16 courts (6 lighted), clubhouse, pro shop, restrooms	Public, paid reservations available
Alice Marble Tennis Courts	1200 Greenwich St, San Francisco, CA 94109	4 courts, no lights, practice wall, scenic overlook	Public, first-come, first-served
California Tennis Club	1770 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94115	10 courts, clubhouse, gym, locker rooms	Private, membership required
Mission Dolores Tennis Courts	3753 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114	6 courts, no lights, located in a popular park	Public, first-come, first-served
Glen Park Tennis Courts	62 Elk St, San Francisco, CA 94131	2 courts, lights, located in sceneic area	Public, first-come, first-served
John McLaren Park Courts	1398 Mansell St #1200, San Francisco, CA 94134	6 courts, no lights, restrooms, picnic areas, hiking trails	Public, first-come, first-served
Mountain Lake Tennis Courts	Lake St, San Francisco, CA 94118	4 courts, no lights, picnic area, basketball, dog play area	Public, first-come, first-served
Margaret Osborne DuPont Tennis Courts	336 31st Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121	4 courts, no lights, practice wall, near Lincoln Park	Public, first-come, first-served
Parkside Square Tennis Courts	2680 28th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116	4 courts, no lights, pickleball, basketball, baseball field	Public, first-come, first-served
Balboa Park Tennis Courts	San Jose Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112	4 courts, no lights, near swimming pool, soccer, baseball fields	Public, reservable online