Net Gains: LA’s Best Outdoor Tennis Courts By Neighborhood

LA’s Best Outdoor Tennis Courts By Neighborhood

Sunrise matches under palm trees, evening rallies with city lights in the background, and a tennis community as colorful as LA itself—this city lives and breathes tennis. Whether you’re a seasoned regular in Westwood or a new arrival hoping to break into the Venice Beach circuit, LA’s neighborhoods deliver iconic courts with serious tennis culture.

"The LA tennis scene has something for everyone, from beginners to advanced players." — Local Tennis Coach

Public Courts: The Heartbeat of LA Tennis

Accessible, affordable, and full of life, LA’s public courts are where rivalries form, friendships build, and newcomers get their first taste of competitive tennis. Here’s how the top neighborhoods stack up:

Tennis Resource	Location	Details
Griffith Park Tennis Courts	Los Feliz	12 lighted courts, $8–$12/hr, iconic views, permit or walk-in
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center	West LA	14 courts, rarely crowded, programs for all levels, public
Echo Park Courts	Echo Park	9 courts, free access, lights for night play, vibrant local scene
Westwood Recreation Center	Westwood	8 courts, free before 5pm weekdays, $12/hr evenings, beginner-friendly

• Griffith Park Tennis Courts: Think tranquil morning rallies with lush backdrops and the Observatory peeking through eucalyptus. Courts fill fast on weekends, so early birds get the nets. $8–$12/hour, with permit and walk-in available.
• Cheviot Hills Rec Center: Spacious, peaceful, and home to 14 courts, this is West LA’s best-kept secret for focused practice or doubles with friends. Well-organized leagues and lessons bring players of every level together.
• Echo Park Courts: Set against the city skyline, nine free public courts keep the Echo Park tennis community pulsing deep into the night. Social players thrive here, and street parking means you’ll want to arrive early.
• Westwood Rec Center: Eight courts, free before 5pm on weekdays, attract students, beginners, and young pros. Evenings fill up fast, and $12/hour after 5pm keeps play steady into the dusk.

Venice Beach: Tennis With a View

Venice Beach courts offer a quintessential LA experience: ocean breezes, energetic crowds, and a community where skill levels mix as freely as beachgoers. While competition for open courts can be fierce—especially on weekends—the scene is unmatched. Fees are minimal, usually city-standard rates, and the atmosphere is pure California cool.

Local Challenges: Weather, Waitlists, and Community Culture

LA’s endless sunshine is both a blessing and a curse for tennis players. Summer heat means early mornings or twilight matches are the norm, and a shortage of true indoor courts keeps everyone outside year-round. With the city’s growing tennis scene, prime-time availability can be a challenge—especially after work and on weekends.

• Most public courts operate on first-come, first-served basis or permit system—plan your outings or arrive early to claim your spot.
• Court culture varies by neighborhood: Echo Park and Venice Beach are known for their lively, social groups, while Griffith Park and Cheviot Hills offer quieter, contemplative play.
• Private clubs exist but public courts remain the core for most Angelenos seeking competition and community.

Quick Answers to LA Tennis Players’ Top Questions

• How do I find tennis partners in Los Angeles? PlayTennisLA is a free platform that matches you with players at your skill level in your neighborhood. No more endless searching—just sign up and start hitting.
• Are there free courts? Many public parks—like Echo Park, Plummer Park, and Michelle & Barack Obama Sports Complex—offer free or low-cost play.
• What’s the best time to play? Early mornings and late evenings are ideal to beat the crowds and the summer sun.

Finding consistent tennis partners in Los Angeles can be challenging with busy schedules and traffic. PlayTennisLA solves this by connecting you with players at your skill level in your neighborhood, completely free. Sign up today to find your next match and experience the best of tennis in Los Angeles, one rally at a time.