Your 2024 Guide on Where to Play Pickleball in Carlsbad

For outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who wants to dive into a sport that’s as fun and easy to pick up as it is social, Carlsbad has some great places to awaken your competitive spirit and rise to the challenge of this fast-paced game.

Next time you’re in Carlsbad, here is where to play pickleball during your stay:

At Omni La Costa, pickleball is a pastime that awakens your inner athlete. The game here is fast, fun, and accessible to all guests, regardless of ability.

If you’re new to pickleball, the resort offers a weekly clinic every Wednesday morning. It’s an hour of immersion into the basics of pickleball, designed to infuse you with the skills and confidence to play. This session is a learning opportunity that serves as a great way to start your day and set the tone for an active, fulfilling vacation. If you’ve been playing for a while, you can sign up for the intermediate clinic, geared towards fine-tuning your strategies, sharpening your skills and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

The Open Play sessions at Omni La Costa are where the pickleball community truly comes alive. Multiple times a week, players of all levels come together to mix, match and enjoy the sport in a lively, welcoming environment. It’s here that rivalries spark, friendships are forged, and the spirit of competition is ever-present. For a more tailored experience, private lessons are also available, allowing you to rise to new levels of play under the guidance of expert instructors.

The Aviara Racquet Club at Park Hyatt Aviara is another top tier place to play while you’re here. With four state-of-the-art courts, you can immerse yourself in the game while surrounded by the breathtaking greens and sophisticated atmosphere that Aviara is known for.

Spectators can enjoy the action from the comfortable stadium seating, and if you want to play but don’t have a partner, the club’s match-up service guarantees you’ll always find a partner or opponent.

Aviara also offers lessons that focus not just on the physical skills but on the art of play. Membership at Aviara Racquet Club elevates your experience even further, offering unlimited access to courts, exclusive discounts and a host of other recreational activities.

And if the resorts weren’t enough, Carlsbad’s community parks have fully latched on to the pickleball trend with accessible courts scattered throughout the community. Poinsettia Community Park, a local favorite, boasts six outdoor courts where it’s free to play and the atmosphere is friendly. With permanent lines and nets, it’s a professional setup with a relaxed vibe. The park’s amenities—restrooms, water stations and wheelchair accessibility—makes sure everyone feels welcome.

For those who prefer indoor play, Calavera Hills Community Center & Park offers three indoor wood courts with portable nets. This setup ensures that even weather doesn’t delay your game, even in Southern California. Similarly, Pine Avenue Community Center provides two indoor courts where you can switch between sports or stick to pickleball, depending on your mood.

St. Michael’s Pickleball in Carlsbad Village is another more exclusive, yet community-driven venue. Operating from dawn until dusk, this non-profit facility combines community spirit and top-notch courts. With options for reservations or open play, St. Michael’s is a haven for anyone who's looking for a place to call their pickleball home .

Lastly, The Pickleball Club of Carlsbad, located at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, is the newest addition to the city’s pickleball scene. With six pristine courts and a range of other activities, this facility is modern and inviting. The club offers flexible membership options that make it easy to get involved.

Open seven days a week, the club caters to all—from beginners attending the weekly clinics to seasoned players looking for a challenge. Founded by local Shawn Walker, The Pickleball Club of Carlsbad is your go-to spot for a day of fun and fitness. You can stop in to hone your skills with a private lesson or enjoy a game during their free “power hour”. Either way, you’ll feel like a part of Carlsbad’s pickleball community.

_ _ _ _ _ _

Blending the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into a game that’s full of fast-paced rallies and quick footwork are what draws people into pickleball. It’s no wonder that courts are popping up everywhere, and Carlsbad is no exception.

Curious about the buzz? Visit any of these courts to see what the trend is all about.