From Free Park Play to Private Club Luxury: The Real Cost of Tennis in LA

The Real Cost of Tennis in LA

In Los Angeles, tennis is as much about style and savvy as it is about forehands and footwork. On any given weekend, players from all walks of life pack the courts at Griffith Park, Westwood, and Echo Park, each chasing the perfect rally—but what are they really spending to play in the City of Angels?

"At Griffith Park, I learned the game for less than the price of lunch, but at my club in Brentwood, access costs thousands each year. Both have their charm, but the gap in cost and community is huge." – LA tennis player, West LA

LA Tennis by the Numbers: Court Fees, Clubs, and More

Tennis Resource	Location	Fee/Access	Booking	Amenities
Echo Park Tennis Courts	Echo Park	Free	First-come	Lights, street parking
Griffith Park Tennis Courts	Los Feliz	$8–$12/hr	Reservation/Walk-up	12 lighted courts, pro shop
Westwood Recreation Center	West LA	Free before 5pm, $12/hr after	Call to reserve	8 courts, lessons, scenic setting
Poinsettia Recreation Center	West Hollywood	$8/hr	Online (PlayByPoint)	Well-maintained courts, active scene
Beverly Hills Tennis Club	Beverly Hills	$20,000 initiation + $400/mo	Member priority	USPTA staff, pristine courts
Brentwood Country Club	Brentwood	$200,000 initiation + $1,000/mo	Member priority	Six courts, clubhouse, events

Breaking Down the Costs: What LA Players Actually Spend

• Court Fees: Public courts like Griffith Park or Cheviot Hills run as low as $8–$12 per hour, sometimes free during off-peak hours. Premium club play jumps to hundreds or even thousands monthly, with hefty initiation fees at top clubs like Beverly Hills or Brentwood Country Club.
• Lessons & Clinics: Expect to pay $60–$150 per hour for private coaching, with group clinics offering savings at $20–$40 each. Parks and rec centers such as Westwood offer discounted youth and senior rates.
• Equipment: A quality racquet costs $80–$250, stringing adds $20–$40, and tennis shoes start at $60. Frequent restringers and fashion-conscious players often spend more each season.
• Extras: Balls, grips, and bags add up over time, so bulk buying from local LA shops or online can save serious cash.

Where You Play Matters: Neighborhood Realities

In neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Santa Monica, court reservations fill up quickly—especially when the LA sun cools in the evenings. Westside players face fierce competition for time slots, while those in the Valley may enjoy more availability but battle heat and slower resurfacing schedules. True indoor courts are virtually nonexistent in LA, so everyone contends with outdoor weather and the occasional resurfacing shutdowns.

Maximizing Value: How to Save on Your Tennis Lifestyle

• Play during off-peak hours—weekday mornings or early afternoons—to find better court availability and lower fees.
• Use LA Rec & Parks or PlayByPoint to reserve public courts in advance, especially popular spots like Westwood or Griffith Park.
• Look for city programs and community clinics for affordable lessons, especially for kids and seniors.
• Shop local pro shops for racquet deals or stringing packages, and consider gently used gear from reputable sources.
• Organize matches and groups on PlayTennisLA—a free platform connecting LA players at every skill level with no membership fees or paywalls.

The Culture of LA Tennis: More Than a Game

From sun-kissed rallies in Griffith Park to exclusive mixers at Beverly Hills Tennis Club, LA’s tennis scene thrives on diversity, hustle, and community spirit. The city’s vast array of public courts, unique neighborhoods, and passionate players mean tennis here can be as affordable or as high-end as you want to make it.

Finding a regular tennis partner can be tricky with LA’s busy pace and sprawling geography. That’s why PlayTennisLA exists—to bring players together across neighborhoods, levels, and schedules, absolutely free. Whether you’re looking for your first match or a new USTA league partner, there’s a spot for you. Stop waiting on crowded courts—join the city’s most active (and affordable) tennis network at PlayTennisLA.