San Diego is scrambling to create pickleball courts to keep up with the high demand of America’s fastest growing sport and there is no shortage of people to play with whether you live in San Diego or are traveling in the area.
Where can you play pickleball in North County San Diego? In this post you’ll find helpful information about court information, open play schedule for pickup games and more. There are SO many courts for you to discover and play at.
1. Poinsettia Park Pickleball
Poinsettia Park stands out as a top-tier Pickleball destination, favored by many enthusiasts across San Diego for its comprehensive facilities and vibrant atmosphere.
One of the things that makes Poinsettia stand out is the number of players. You’ll find an ENDLESS number of players and people to play pickleball with during the park’s open hours (8am to 10pm). People will lineup at 8am waiting for the fence to be unlocked.
The park features six exclusive courts, catering to all levels of play. A significant draw is the park’s excellent lighting, seating area and shade. You have ample parking (there is a second lot) in addition to the one in the photo below, a bathroom facility and fountains.
Open play is everyday from 8am (when the gates open) till lights out at 10p . You’ll find players ALL day long to play with (these courts are never empty). It’s one of the key reasons this is the top places to play.
Poinsettia Park La Costa is located in Carlsbad, California. To see this court (and all courts below) on a map, click here or scroll down below.
Key tip: the wait times can be VERY long between games. If you want guaranteed upper level play, then join the 2 designated challenge courts. Otherwise, arrive at 7:50am before the gates open.
Poinsettia Park offers various recreational facilities, including sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
Oddly, while this is one of the most popular courts in the area, there are no Facebook pages that are kept up to date with current info.
Want to see the video version of this blog post? Check out the full video below!
2. Carlsbad Pickleball Club Indoor
Carlsbad Pickleball Club presents an incredible indoor playing experience, situated uniquely in a transformed space that once housed a Sears store inside the Carlsbad Mall.
The more I travel, the more I appreciate this club. Why? They have A LOT of programming that makes it easy to drop in to play.
The club’s location provides a valuable advantage, especially during those rare rainy days or on particularly hot afternoons. With six well-marked pickleball courts, the indoor setting ensures that players can enjoy the game regardless of weather conditions.
The club has a divider that separates the courts into two sets of three. While there aren’t dividers between each individual court, which could occasionally result in balls rolling around.
Balls are provided, which is helpful because their are tons around the court and you don’t have to continuously run to get a ball. Personally, I prefer the Franklin X40, but a list of the top outdoor balls for pickleball can be found here.
The Carlsbad Pickleball Club further enhances the playing experience by offering the possibility to reserve courts. This means players can plan their games in advance, ensuring their preferred timeslot is available.
Additionally, the club offers an array of classes. A popular choice is the “play with the pros” class, where participants can play a game with professional players and receive valuable tips and insights to improve their skills.
The club is also mindful of players’ comfort and convenience with its amenity offerings. There’s a restroom area on the premises and a small Pro Shop where players can purchase equipment or other Pickleball-related items. Adding to the club’s charm is the friendly and helpful staff at the front desk, always ready to assist players and enhance their club experience.
Want more? See a full tour with more FAQs in the video below!
3. St. Michael’s Pickleball Courts
St Michael’s Pickleball courts are a fantastic playing spot, featuring two well-maintained courts nestled in the heart of Carlsbad Village.
This charming location is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars, making it an excellent choice for players looking to combine a match with a fun day out.
What makes this venue special is the vibrant and friendly environment that complements the playing experience. To play here, there is a drop in fee of $4 for non-members.
Open play hours are changing with more of a focus on membership, all info can be found on their website.
The venue has an innovative system for organizing the rotation of players. This is achieved through a wheel of paddles, which may occasionally become so full that paddles are laid on the ground.
The player mix tends to lean towards the beginner side, but there are also plenty of competitive players to challenge those seeking more experienced competition. This friendly ambiance, coupled with the variety of skill levels, makes St Michael’s a welcoming place for all players, including those just starting out in the sport.
One downside is that parking can be a challenge due to the venue’s bustling location in Carlsbad Village.
However, the church does offer six dedicated parking spots for pickleball players. With its gorgeous ocean views, affordable membership, and excellent location, St Michael’s Pickleball courts are a fantastic option for pickleball enthusiasts looking for a diverse and dynamic playing environment.
4. Omni La Costa Resort
The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, offers a unique and luxurious experience for pickleball enthusiasts.
Nestled within this stunning resort are four dedicated pickleball courts, granting guests an opportunity to enjoy the sport amid exquisite surroundings.
These courts are part of the resort’s tennis club facilities and are accessible to guests staying at the resort or those who are members or guests of members of the tennis club and requires a fee of $25 per guest.
The Omni La Costa pickleball courts offer excellent amenities for players. Water is readily available on-site and there are benches for spectators or players waiting their turn. The space around the courts is spacious and clean, providing a comfortable playing area.
While the courts are not individually fenced, there is a net between pairs of courts which aids in keeping the games organized and minimizes interference from stray balls.
However, what truly sets this venue apart is the luxurious backdrop. Staying at the resort or being a member allows access to numerous additional amenities and services.
After a vigorous match on the courts, players can unwind in the resort’s spa, explore its extensive grounds, or enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the resort’s restaurants. With its beautiful location, superior courts, and high-quality amenities, the Omni La Costa offers a unique and upscale pickleball experience.
Read more about the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in the full blog post by clicking here or see the full video below!
5. Bobby Riggs Pickleball Club
Bobby Riggs Pickleball Club in Encinitas is renowned for its many courts and fabulous ocean views.
The club is open every day of the week. Monday through Friday from 8am – 9pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8am-7pm.
Most courts are individually fenced, which allows for uninterrupted play. The club hosts various organized events, from beginner clinics to “dink and drink” ladder play sessions.
There is no membership required (or available), courts are $16 per hour to reserve.
As for open play, Bobby Riggs Racket and Paddle Club hosts open play every day, following a challenge format where the winning team stays on the court.
Solo paddlers are welcome and have the chance to partner with a player from the outgoing team. Participants are encouraged to challenge according to their skill level.
To find the best time for you, visit the “Pickleball Open Play” tab on their website.
Key tip: YOU MUST sign up in advance. Do this by calling them
Just be sure to arrive early, as parking can be (very) challenging.
6. Stagecoach Park Indoor Pickleball
Situated near the Encinitas border in southeast Carlsbad, the 28-acre park houses a vibrant community center. They are working on building outdoor courts.
This center provides a variety of programs such as preschool activities, day camps for kids, classes catering to all age groups, and opportunities for open gymnasium play which now has additional lines for pickleball.
This is a newer offering with pickleball on the schedule about 3 times per week. The latest schedule can be found on their website here under “open gymnasium play”.
Pay just $3 at the front desk to play and you’ll find many friendly players on the 3 courts. There is no official paddle lineup, players just sit (in the many options) for seating on the sidelines and wait to play in.
While this will not always be the case, my experience has been to find more beginner level play at this location and is a fantastic spot to visit as you’re learning to play pickleball.
Also: Aviara Raquet Center
A members only spot, the Aviara Raquet Center has 4 pickleball courts that are individually fenced.
There’s a fantastic viewing area, large parking lot and facilities for bathrooms, a shop, and seating areas.
Weather in North County San Diego
North County San Diego is renowned for its idyllic weather, characterized by a Mediterranean climate that boasts warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
With over 260 days of sunshine a year, the region is truly a sun-seeker’s paradise.
During the summer months (June to September), temperatures average in the high 70s to mid-80s (Fahrenheit), making it the perfect weather for outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and sightseeing.
However, due to the coastal location, the region can also experience the occasional coastal fog, known locally as “June Gloom” or “May Gray.”
In contrast, the winter months (December to February) in North County San Diego bring slightly cooler temperatures, averaging in the mid-60s to low-70s during the day, dropping to the low 50s at night.
While this is the wetter part of the year, rainfall is generally light and intermittent, meaning that outdoor activities are still possible.
The region rarely experiences frost or snow, making it a desirable winter getaway destination for those looking to escape colder climates.
Overall, the weather in North County San Diego is mild, sunny, and conducive to year-round outdoor activities.
Top Things to do Nearby in North County San Diego
North County San Diego is a region teeming with diverse attractions for both travelers and locals. Begin your visit with a trip to one of the many pristine beaches, like Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant surf scene.
For the nature enthusiast, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers stunning hikes with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Explore the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch when they’re in bloom for a riotous display of color. Read more about how to visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields in the full blog post by clicking here!
The region is also rich in cultural experiences: visit the historic Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, or tour the Lux Art Institute in Encinitas to immerse yourself in contemporary art.
For families, LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad offers interactive rides and a water park.
Lastly, North County is becoming known for its burgeoning craft beer scene, so consider touring a few of the local breweries or wineries to taste the local flavors.
Read more in the blog post or see a full video about things to do in Carlsbad below!
Quick tip!
When booking tours in Carlsbad, it’s important to book ones with top traveler reviews and are easily refundable if travel plans change.
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Discover More Pickleball Destinations
Zoom in and click around on the map below to discover places to play pickleball. Once you’ve found a destination, click on it to find the helpful blog post with helpful tips on how you can play there! Or see all the blog posts by clicking here!
Is that it?
Of course not. There are lots of private courts in North County and you can also venture to other areas to find places to play. A few favorites
- Barnes Tennis Center has 19 pickleball courts (learn more by clicking here)
- Coronado Marriott (learn more by clicking here)
Bottom Line
North County San Diego offers many options to play pickleball and discover players of all levels to match up with.
While there is more demand than supply, there are new courts being built all the time. From indoor options (like Carlsbad Pickleball Club) to individually fenced outdoor courts near the ocean like Bobby Riggs, there is an endless number of options of where to play.