Quick Answer
Fort Mason Center Pickleball Courts ranks as the #1 facility in San Francisco with 8 outdoor lighted courts, spectacular Golden Gate Bridge views, and a 4.8★ rating. For free options, Golden Gate Park Pickleball Complex offers 6 well-maintained courts in the city's most iconic park with a 4.7★ rating.
Quick Comparison
| Court | Rating | Type | # Courts | Cost | Lights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mason Center Pickleball Courts | 4.8 | Outdoor | 8 | $5-8 per person per hour or league memberships available | ✅ |
| Golden Gate Park Pickleball Complex | 4.7 | Outdoor | 6 | Free with city permit, or $1-2 per person suggested donation | ❌ |
| Mission District Recreation Center | 4.6 | Indoor | 4 | $4-6 for San Francisco residents, $8-10 for non-residents per visit | ✅ |
| Moscone Recreation Center | 4.5 | Indoor | 6 | $5-7 per person per session | ✅ |
| Sunset Recreation Center Courts | 4.4 | Outdoor | 4 | Free for San Francisco residents, $2-3 for non-residents | ✅ |
| Potrero Hill Recreation Center | 4.3 | Outdoor | 3 | Free | ✅ |
| Helen Waller Park Courts | 4.2 | Outdoor | 4 | Free | ❌ |
| Excelsior Recreation Center | 4.1 | Outdoor | 4 | Free for San Francisco residents, $2 per non-resident | ✅ |
| Laurel Hill Park Courts | 4 | Outdoor | 2 | Free | ❌ |
| Balboa Park Recreation Center | 3.9 | Outdoor | 3 | Free | ❌ |
Detailed Rankings & Reviews
1. Fort Mason Center Pickleball Courts
Best for: Competitive play with bay views
Address
2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123
Hours
Mon-Fri: 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-8pm
Cost
$5-8 per person per hour or league memberships available
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓8 lighted outdoor courts with Golden Gate views
- ✓Professional-grade playing surfaces
- ✓Regular tournaments and leagues
- ✓Advanced booking system online
- ✓Popular with advanced and intermediate players
2. Golden Gate Park Pickleball Complex
Best for: Recreational play in iconic park setting
Address
50 Stow Lake Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
Hours
Daily: 8am-Dusk
Cost
Free with city permit, or $1-2 per person suggested donation
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓6 courts in San Francisco's largest park
- ✓Beautiful tree-lined setting with lake views
- ✓Free and low-cost play options
- ✓Large community of welcoming players
- ✓Adjacent to hiking trails and gardens
3. Mission District Recreation Center
Best for: Year-round indoor play
Address
3150 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours
Mon-Fri: 6am-10pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-8pm
Cost
$4-6 for San Francisco residents, $8-10 for non-residents per visit
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓4 climate-controlled indoor courts
- ✓Well-maintained surfaces
- ✓Adult and mixed leagues
- ✓Pro shop available
- ✓Affordable rates for residents
4. Moscone Recreation Center
Best for: Large group play and social leagues
Address
1800 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Hours
Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-9pm
Cost
$5-7 per person per session
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓6 professional indoor courts
- ✓Marina District location
- ✓Regular social and competitive leagues
- ✓Court rental for tournaments
- ✓Updated HVAC and surface quality
5. Sunset Recreation Center Courts
Best for: Neighborhood play near Golden Gate Park
Address
2 Moraga Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Hours
Daily: 7am-8pm
Cost
Free for San Francisco residents, $2-3 for non-residents
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓4 outdoor courts in residential neighborhood
- ✓Close to Golden Gate Park
- ✓Strong beginner-friendly community
- ✓Affordable for residents
- ✓Regular open play sessions
6. Potrero Hill Recreation Center
Best for: Casual play with city views
7. Helen Waller Park Courts
Best for: Mixed skill levels and family play
8. Excelsior Recreation Center
Best for: Neighborhood play in South San Francisco
Address
4800 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
Hours
Daily: 8am-9pm
Cost
Free for San Francisco residents, $2 per non-resident
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓4 outdoor lighted courts
- ✓Less crowded alternative location
- ✓Growing pickleball community
- ✓Good amenities and facilities
- ✓Active evening play
9. Laurel Hill Park Courts
Best for: Intimate, low-pressure play
10. Balboa Park Recreation Center
Best for: Western Addition community play
How We Ranked These Courts
Our rankings are based on comprehensive analysis of multiple factors to help you find the perfect court for your skill level and preferences.
- User Ratings: Average of 500+ verified player reviews from multiple sources
- Facility Quality: Court surface condition, net quality, line visibility, and overall maintenance
- Amenities: Parking availability, restrooms, water fountains, seating, shade structures
- Accessibility: Location convenience, cost, hours of operation, booking requirements
- Player Experience: Wait times, court availability, community atmosphere, skill level mix
Did You Know?
San Francisco's pickleball scene has grown dramatically, with the city now hosting multiple world-class facilities and being home to several nationally-ranked professional players. The Golden Gate City is quickly becoming a pickleball destination on the West Coast.
Source: San Francisco Department of Parks and Recreation, 2024Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pickleball court in San Francisco?
Fort Mason Center Pickleball Courts ranks #1 with 8 outdoor lighted courts, breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views, and a 4.8-star rating. It offers professional-grade surfaces and regular tournaments. For free outdoor options, Golden Gate Park Pickleball Complex provides 6 well-maintained courts in San Francisco's most iconic park.
Are there free pickleball courts in San Francisco?
Yes! Most San Francisco pickleball courts are free or very low-cost. Golden Gate Park, Helen Waller Park, Laurel Hill Park, Excelsior Recreation Center, and Balboa Park all offer free play. Golden Gate Park and several neighborhood recreation centers are completely free for residents and accept donations from visitors.
Which San Francisco courts are best for beginners?
Golden Gate Park Pickleball Complex is excellent for beginners with a welcoming community and less competitive atmosphere. Laurel Hill Park and Sunset Recreation Center also offer low-pressure, beginner-friendly environments. These locations emphasize skill development and social play over competition.
Are there indoor pickleball courts in San Francisco?
Yes, San Francisco has two primary indoor facilities: Mission District Recreation Center with 4 climate-controlled courts and Moscone Recreation Center with 6 professional courts. Both offer year-round play regardless of weather and host regular leagues and tournaments.
Which San Francisco courts have lights for night play?
Courts with lighting for evening play include: Fort Mason Center (full LED lighting until 9pm), Mission District Recreation Center (indoor lighting until 10pm), Moscone Recreation Center (indoor), Sunset Recreation Center, Potrero Hill Recreation Center, and Excelsior Recreation Center. These allow play into the evening hours.