Best Tennis and Pickleball courts in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County for 2026

9 lighted tennis courts, 12 dedicated pickleball courts with benches, 4 layover pickleball courts on stadium tennis court. Three tennis courts have lights. Pickleball courts have no lights. Great option for open play pickleball.

Reservation in advance is recommended. Courts can get busy and there are people waiting for their turn to play. Annual pass is $146 or $160 depending on city residence. Tennis costs $8 a day to play or buy an annual pass. Pickle ball is $6 per person for a day pass.

Plenty of open play every morning with weekends particularly busy. Municipal pickleball tennis courts are the best place in Santa Barbara to play pickleball. It offers open courts and open play all the time.

Bathroom is available through a code. Nice, clean bathrooms, too. Easy access right off the freeway.

Pickleball 4.0+ Open Play

There are two challenge courts on the very East end for higher level players, but they bounce around too.

You need to watch the games and figure out what court to jump on. No paddle system, you just wait at the court you want to play on and you will cycle in.

Morning time at Municipal courts is going to be your best bet to find 4.0+ level players. It can be hit or miss during the weekdays for open play. Saturday and Sunday morning are busy and there are 4.0+ players around.

Pickleball Open Play Guidelines

All courts are scheduled for open play from 8 a.m. to sunset. Exceptions include parks and recreation approved leagues, tournaments programs, and other rentals.

How we share the courts

• Incoming players should find a court where the level of play matches their ability, enter the court between points, and wait on the court bench. Say hello and communicate with players to make sure enough people will be staying on the court after the current game ends.
• Games are played to 11, win by 2.
• If 1 or 2 players are waiting on the bench, winners can stay on the court for a second game. If additional players arrive during the second game, the winners of that game must rotate out, win or lose. Do not ask people to sit out more than one game.
• If 3 or 4 players are waiting on the bench, then an equal number of players from the prior game must vacate the court once the game ends, and the waiting players come on to play.
• Players may not refuse to allow others to rotate in. Have an open mind about playing with individuals who are new to the courts or whose skill level may be lower than yours. If the skill level is below the majority of players, be willing to play a friendly match and then help players find a more appropriate court.
• Singles matches, practice, drilling, and any prearranged play groups must switch to open play if people are waiting for courts.

New to the courts?

Ask someone to point out one of the regular players who can help get you oriented.

Tennis Courts and Pickleball Courts Playing Times

Reserving Courts

Contact the tennis office at (805) 564-5573. City-sponsored tournaments and programs have priority.

Fees

Court Use

• Courts are on a first come, first served basis.
• Only city-authorized instructors are permitted to teach.
• Only use facility and equipment as intended.

Prohibited

• Black-soled shoes
• Skating and skateboarding
• Biking
• Food
• Glass
• Pets
• Alcohol
• Smoking and vaping

Code of Conduct

To ensure program quality and public safety, facility users must abide by the city’s code of conduct. To learn more, visit santabarbaraca.gov.

Please report any problems to the city of Santa Barbara parks and recreation department at (805) 564-5433.

City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation

Provides residents and visitors with diverse open space, parks, beaches and community forest resources, creek restoration and water quality enhancements, and enriches people’s lives through a broad array of recreation and community services. To learn more about our programs and services, call (805) 564-5418 or visit santabarbaraca.gov/parksandrec.