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

Neighborhood Gems from Griffith Park to Westwood

The echo of a crisp serve cutting through Griffith Park at sunrise. Social doubles under the lights in Westwood as the sun dips behind palm trees. This is tennis in Los Angeles—a scene that’s as diverse and energetic as the city itself, brimming with both legendary venues and under-the-radar local gems.

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

Griffith Park: Iconic Courts and Natural Beauty

In the heart of Los Feliz, the Griffith Park Tennis Courts offer 12 lighted public courts set against pine-canopied hillsides and views of the famed Observatory. Courts can be reserved for $8–$12/hour, making them a favorite for everyone from beginners to seasoned club players. Early mornings deliver serenity; evenings buzz with league play and social matches.

• Address: 3401 Riverside Drive
• Reservation recommended for peak times
• Restrooms and basic amenities available

Westwood & West LA: Welcoming Spaces for New and Casual Players

Just west, Westwood Recreation Center shines as a hub for beginners and families. With eight courts—free to play before 5 PM on weekdays and $12/hour after—it’s the ideal spot to pick up a racket for the first time or join a community lesson. Local instructors offer affordable coaching, and Saturday mornings often see spirited junior programs and parent–child doubles.

• Ample parking and playground access
• Friendly for both kids and adults
• Courts are well-maintained and well-lit

Cheviot Hills: Peaceful Play in a Hidden Oasis

For those chasing peace and focus, Cheviot Hills Recreation Center in West LA quietly impresses. Fourteen courts—rarely crowded and set deep within a tranquil park—draw solo players and small groups intent on practice.

• Serene residential setting away from city noise
• Courts free or at modest hourly rates
• Easy parking and family-friendly amenities

Echo Park & West Hollywood: Urban Pulse and Nighttime Action

At Echo Park, nine public courts host a vibrant cross-section of Angelenos—free on a first-come, first-served basis, with night lights and the hum of city life as your backdrop. Plummer Park in West Hollywood, freshly resurfaced and reservation-friendly via PlayByPoint, features both free and paid options (from $8/hour), plus a pro shop and staff for lessons.

• Echo Park: open sunrise–10pm, no dedicated restrooms
• Plummer Park: mix of free and reservable courts, lessons available
• Both accessible via public transit

Sylmar & The Valley: Scenic Views and Community Spirit

Up north, El Cariso Park pairs scenic mountain vistas with four well-kept courts known for a warm community vibe. Perfect for those willing to explore beyond the city core for a more relaxed game.

• Uncrowded, welcoming to newcomers
• Free public access
• Valley breeze and open skies

Private Clubs: Prestige, History, and Price

LA’s tennis legacy extends into its iconic private clubs. The Los Angeles Tennis Club (LATC) in Hancock Park, founded in 1920, remains a home of champions with 14 hard and 2 clay courts. The Beverly Hills Tennis Club boasts history and luxury with five hard courts and a small but elite membership. Riviera and Malibu Racquet Clubs offer world-class facilities, but expect premium initiation and monthly fees. For the Hollywood set, these venues offer privacy—and often the chance to brush shoulders with sports legends.

• LATC: 16 courts, pro shop, fitness center, rich tennis heritage
• Beverly Hills Tennis Club: $20,000+ initiation, $400/month, five courts
• Riviera: 24 courts, including two clay, social hotspot

Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites

Some of LA’s best tennis happens off the beaten path—like the Vermont Canyon Tennis Complex in Griffith Park, a peaceful haven surrounded by eucalyptus, or the community-driven Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in Baldwin Hills, which hosts twelve courts and lively events. These locations reflect the city’s diverse tennis culture: welcoming, energetic, and endlessly creative.

Tennis Court	Neighborhood	Features	Typical Cost
Griffith Park	Los Feliz	12 courts, scenic, lighted	$8–$12/hr
Westwood Rec Center	Westwood	8 courts, lessons, playground	Free–$12/hr
Cheviot Hills Rec Center	West LA	14 courts, quiet, family-friendly	Free–modest fee
Echo Park	Echo Park	9 courts, night lights	Free
Plummer Park	West Hollywood	Reservations, pro shop	Free–$8/hr
El Cariso Park	Sylmar	4 courts, valley views	Free
LATC	Hancock Park	Private club, 16 courts	Membership
Beverly Hills Tennis Club	Beverly Hills	Private, historic	$400/mo
Riviera Club	Palisades	Private, 24 courts, social scene	Membership

Navigating LA’s Tennis Challenges

With year-round sunshine, you’d expect tennis to be easy in LA. But court availability fluctuates, especially on weekends or after work hours. Coastal fog and summer heatwaves can disrupt play; traffic across neighborhoods often means strategic planning is a must.

• Peak times = longer waits at popular courts
• Weather: heat advisories and fog can close or slow play
• Citywide tournaments bring crowds and occasional closures

Community, Culture, and Finding Your Match

Ask any local and you’ll hear the same story: LA’s tennis spirit thrives in its neighborhoods. From grassroots events like TENEZ’s park tournaments to family clinics and friendly Sunday doubles, the city’s courts embody inclusion, passion, and a laid-back approach that welcomes all levels.

"We are park players and the people who aren’t buying into the elitist country club lifestyle of tennis." – Claudia Michelle Gaviria, TENEZ founder

Finding reliable tennis partners, though, is an ongoing challenge. Busy schedules and LA’s infamous traffic can make it tough to lock in matches. Solutions like PlayTennisLA connect players by skill, neighborhood, and availability—completely free. Whether you’re new in town or a seasoned local, this platform helps fill your calendar with games and discover new courts across the city.

Ready for Your Next Match?

Los Angeles’ tennis community is as inviting as its weather is sunny, with a court for every kind of player and every neighborhood offering something unique. Don’t waste another perfect LA afternoon waiting for a match. Sign up for PlayTennisLA and step into the city’s vibrant tennis scene—your next partner, rally, or championship point is just a click away.