Pickleball courts in Carlsbad, San Diego County

10 tennis courts with lights, 6 pickleball courts in Poinsettia Park in Carlsbad, California. Best place for competitive pickup pickleball in San Diego/North County. Nice seating area and efficient paddle system to rotate people in and out. Shade over one section of bleachers. Well maintained courts and park in general. Lighted in the evening.

Pickleball Courts

There are 6 dedicated pickleball courts, including 2 challenge courts.
Open play is free and runs from 8 am to 10 pm with lighted courts in the evening.
Good lighting for night play, and a solid mix of recreational and competitive players.

Tennis Courts

10 tennis courts with lights. The courts are clean and fairly well maintained considering it’s public. Courts are in great shape.

Pickleball Courts Skill Levels

There are 2 different sets of courts.
Courts 1–4 are for beginners to advanced players (around 3.5-4.0 level).
Courts 5 and 6 (2 courts closest to the restrooms) are challenge courts where winners stay on. 4.5 – 5.0 level players most times.

Wait Time

Wait time can vary depending on the time of the day. During the peak time (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM), wait can be between 10-30 min.
During peak times (around 6-7 pm on weekdays) you might have to wait 20-40 minutes depending on the line. The longest I waited was around 50 min.

There is a paddle rotating system, so everybody can play. Be mindful of your paddle’s position in the line-up.

Usually, the vibe is positive and welcoming. Mornings and early evenings are the best times to show up.

Poinsettia Park

Poinsettia Park is located in Carlsbad in North San Diego County. This 42-acre park offers the largest public tennis complex in the city, with 10 lighted tennis courts and 6 lighted pickleball courts. Free parking. Free to Play. No reservations accepted. Open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Lighted at night.

There is a bathroom on site and free parking right next to the courts. There are also a few EV charging stations for those with an electric vehicle.

Well maintained restrooms right next to the courts. Water fountains and restrooms are just outside the courts and at the end of the parking lot.

Easy to find parking. Parking can be hectic during Fridays when there are leagues (football, soccer, etc.) going on in the afternoon.

Park Features

• 10 lighted tennis courts
• 6 lighted pickleball courts
• Three lighted softball/baseball fields
• Synthetic turf multi-sport arena field
• Lighted basketball court
• Picnic areas with barbecues (no electrical outlets)
• Playground with separate areas for kids aged 2-5 and 5-12
• Restrooms

Tennis Court Rules

• The courts are open to all recreational tennis players, except during tennis programs/classes conducted or sponsored by the Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department. The Parks & Recreation Department reserves the right to utilize any courts, at any time for programs/classes sponsored or conducted by the department.
• Courts are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Private lessons are prohibited
• Only six tennis balls are permitted to be used on a court
• Total court use time is strictly limited to a maximum of 90 minutes when others are waiting
• Waiting players must remain in person at the court desired
• No “saving” of courts, your 90 minutes begins when you enter the court
• Only tennis shoes may be worn. If your shoes mark the court, please stop playing immediately
• Only tennis activities are allowed on the courts, unless other activities are permitted by the Parks and Recreation Department
• No dogs allowed 
• No skateboarding
• Exercise courtesy, respect and good sportsmanship while using the courts
• Questions or concerns call (760) 602-4690 or the Carlsbad Police at (760) 931-2197 for non-emergency concerns

Pickleball Court Rules

• Courts are for pickleball only
• Court lighting is available until 10 p.m. Turn lights on with time dial on light post
• Place paddles in a single line to wait for play
• Social Court 1, 2, 3 and 4, players have a two game maximum. Winners stay but split. Losers rotate off
• Challenge Courts 5 and 6, winners stay until they lose. Losers rotate off
• Over eight players waiting, play shall be four on – four off
• No dogs allowed
• No skateboarding
• Private lessons are prohibited
• Courts hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Exercise courtesy, respect and good sportsmanship at all times
• Visit https://www.usapa.org for more pickleball information

For more information on organized pickleball play and events visit Carlsbad Poinsettia Park Pickleball Facebook page, Poinsettia Park Facebook page and dv8.pb Instagram page.