Ace Your Game: LA’s Best Outdoor Tennis Courts from Griffith Park to Westwood

LA’s Best Outdoor Tennis Courts from Griffith Park to Westwood

Dawn breaks over Griffith Park, and the city’s early risers are already sending topspin serves echoing off the green hills. In Los Angeles, tennis is more than sport—it's how the city’s neighborhoods connect, compete, and unwind. Whether you’re chasing shade beneath sycamores or searching for a social match near your new apartment, LA’s outdoor courts offer something for every player.

Griffith Park: Lush, Iconic, and Always in Play

With 12 well-maintained, lighted courts surrounded by trees and iconic Observatory views, Griffith Park’s Riverside Tennis Courts (3401 Riverside Dr.) are the city’s green heart for tennis in Los Angeles. Expect early-morning peace, evening crowds, and a diverse mix of regulars and visitors. Play is $8–$12/hour depending on time, and availability can be tight at peak hours, so book ahead or come early for a walk-on slot.

For those seeking a more secluded hit, Vermont Canyon—just up the road—offers a quieter, unlit option. Both spots capture the laid-back, unplugged side of LA tennis.

"Griffith Park captures the essence of LA tennis—where you can escape the city hustle and enjoy a match in tranquility." – Local Tennis Enthusiast

Westwood: A Community Hub for All Levels

Head west to the Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S Sepulveda Blvd.) or Westwood Park for a family-friendly, community-first tennis experience. Eight public courts are free before 5 pm on weekdays (and $12/hour after), catering to everyone from first-timers to competitive league players. Expect to see pickup matches, lessons, and MatchPlay events—especially on weekends. Reservation is key during busy times, and local players recommend avoiding known "dead spots" on courts 1 and 2 for best play.

Nearby, Plummer Park in West Hollywood offers another neighborhood favorite with a vibrant drop-in culture and both free and paid reservation options.

Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Classics

• Cheviot Hills Recreation Center: 14 courts, rarely crowded, perfect for focused drills and peaceful match play.
• Poinsettia Recreation Center: Affordable ($8/hour), busy atmosphere, and a social vibe—great for those looking to meet new hitting partners.
• Echo Park Recreation Center: Nine courts, free and first-come, first-served, with a welcoming, spontaneous scene for drop-ins.
• El Cariso Park (Sylmar): Four courts, scenic Valley views, and a tight-knit local community make it worth the trek for those in the north.
• Vermont Canyon Tennis Complex: Nestled in Griffith Park, this spot offers serenity and leafy surroundings—ideal for a relaxed hit.

Tennis Resource	Location	Details
Griffith Park Tennis Courts	Griffith Park	12 courts, scenic, lighted, $8–$12/hr
Westwood Recreation Center	Westwood	8 courts, free before 5pm weekdays, $12/hr after
Echo Park Recreation Center	Echo Park	9 courts, free, drop-in culture
Cheviot Hills Rec Center	Cheviot Hills	14 courts, quiet, ideal for drills
Beverly Hills Tennis Club	Beverly Hills	5 hard courts, exclusive, $20,000 initiation + $400/mo
Riviera Tennis Club	Palisades	22 hard, 2 clay, private, elite social scene

Private Clubs: Prestige, Amenities, and Celebrity Vibes

For those who crave exclusivity, LA’s private clubs deliver luxury, history, and unbeatable networking. The LA Tennis Club (Hancock Park) boasts 14 hard courts and 2 clay, with a member list that includes Billie Jean King and Jimmy Connors. Beverly Hills Tennis Club remains intimate and old-school, while Riviera Tennis Club in the Palisades is the city’s largest, offering 22 hard and 2 clay courts for members with deep pockets and a love for tennis tradition.

Booking private courts in upscale neighborhoods is also possible via platforms like Swimply, with hourly rates typically starting at $25–$40 for a taste of country club prestige—no membership required.

The Spirit and Challenges of LA Tennis

• Court demand soars during evenings and weekends—arrive early or reserve online.
• Neighborhoods each have their own vibe: Echo Park and Plummer Park are social, Cheviot Hills is serene, and Griffith Park is all about epic views.
• Weather is rarely an obstacle, but coastal fog or Valley heat can impact play—plan accordingly.
• Traffic and distance mean that “tennis near me” is always a top search—neighborhood options matter.

"The LA tennis scene has something for everyone, from beginners to advanced players. The best part is meeting people from all walks of life who share the same passion for the game." – Local Tennis Coach

Join LA’s Tennis Community—Find Partners, Play More

Finding a consistent tennis partner in sprawling Los Angeles isn’t easy. With work, traffic, and packed courts, even die-hards struggle to keep a regular rally going. PlayTennisLA makes it simple—connect instantly with partners at your skill level, in your neighborhood, and play when it works for you. The platform is 100% free and designed for the LA tennis community.

Ready to serve up your next match? Sign up for PlayTennisLA and discover the best courts and companions the city has to offer. Your next rally is closer than you think.