Last updated: December 12th, 2020
We understand how frustrating it can be when you can’t reserve a tennis court for you and your family or friends. Luckily for San Francisco residents, there are hidden gems all around that are waiting to be played on! We’ve compiled a list of dedicated tennis courts (disconnected from other recreation areas) that are often overlooked that you can’t find on Spotery, SF Rec & Park’s online reservation system. Service!
We will do our best to keep this list up-to-date, but things may change pretty quickly in this environment. Please email us at info@squadz.com if you find any more court recommendations!
Note from The Squadz Team: We do not condone reckless use of facilities that might jeopardize the containment of the COVID-19 virus. Please wear a mask whenever possible and keep your distance from people outside of your group. We simply want this to be a helpful resource for families, roommates, or quarantine units to get outside and watch responsibly.
Corona Heights Tennis Areas: States St. Playground, Flint St. Courts, and Peixotto Playground
Corona Heights - roosevelt way
Corona Heights may be one of the more slept-on recreation areas in San Francisco. There are 3 separate tennis areas around the mountainous terrain with their own respective views and vibes. Off States St, there is a single court directly adjacent to the States St playground which makes it a great spot for parents with children. The elevated court can be subject to mild wind conditions as it isn’t protected from the elements like the Flint St and Pexiotto Playground courts. Flint St Courts are nestled in the hillside with tall fences to keep in errant tennis balls. There are 2 gorgeous blue and green courts. The courts are also just below the Randall Museum and open up to a pedestrian path up to the Corona Heights Summit. Peixotto Playground is also home to 2 courts, and they are situated at the bottom of the northeastern slope off 15th St. There is a limited amount of dedicated parking for this spot.
Youngblood-Coleman Playground
India Basin - hudson avenue
Deep into the India Basin neighborhood near the Bayview lies Youngblood-Coleman Playground. Newly renovated, the recreation space boasts new basketball courts (fullsize court + half court) and tennis courts (with its own dedicated area). Rebecca Ln and Bowman Ct opens to the tennis area, but you should be able to find parking easily anywhere nearby. There are awesome lights for night play!
Margaret S. Hayward Courts
Fillmore - laguna street
The most recently unveiled recreation project out of the SFRPD is Margaret S. Hayward Recreation Center in the Fillmore. The $28 million facility spared no expense when it come to the best playground, soccer, basketball, and tennis infrastructure. Two beautiful new tennis courts adorn the space off Laguna St in between Turk St and Golden Gate Ave. With a lot of buzz around this space, you’ll want to get here early.
Mission Playground
mission district - 19th street & linda street
In the heart of the Mission, hidden behind bars, homes, a bookstore and an alleyway, is a cradle of recreation activity. Mission Playground offers a pool, a full size basketball court, a full size soccer field and two dedicated tennis courts. The tennis courts are very pretty and accessible via entrance off 19th St or Cunningham Pl. There is a small gate off of Linda St into the basketball court but it’s probably locked.
Alamo Square Park
alamo square - steiner street & hayes street
Alamo Square Park is one of the most iconic parks in San Francisco. The Painted Ladies, the views of the city scape, and the perfectly manicured slopes provide for a wonderful place to hang out. But did you know there was a tennis court at the top of the hill? This court is slightly hidden underneath the large trees at the top of the Square, but helps as a windscreen during play. This location is hard to beat if you’re looking for spectacular views!
Excelsior Playground
Excelsior - madrid street
Another court with lights is a smaller neighborhood court at Excelsior Playground! With decent wind protection and tall fences, this court is a great place for beginners working on their game. No need to worry about other courts in the vicinity or mixing with basketball players. Access the court on Russia Avenue between Madrid St and Edinburgh St. This spot is also a good backup to the Crocker Amazon courts close by!
Cayuga Playground
Outer Mission - naglee street
Sandwiched between Alemany Blvd and the 280 freeway, Cayuga holds a great, clean, dedicated tennis court for prospective players living in the southern areas of San Francisco. A hidden gem, this playground could be what you’ve been looking for! Parking may be limited on Cayuga Ave or Naglee Ave, so if necessary there is a path to the park from Alemany Blvd.
Merced Heights Playground
Merced Heights - shields Street
Merced Heights Playground is now among the top playgrounds in the city after the recent renovation. With a gorgeous new tennis court adjacent to it basketball and volleyball courts, this playground is fast becoming a popular recreation destination. Note that the space is a community hub for neighborhood children, and they may get priority for any of the rec spaces.
Golden Gate Heights Park
golden gate heights - 12th avenue
This hilltop park sneakily holds 2 beautiful green & blue tennis courts in the western part of San Francisco in the labyrinth of streets near the Golden Gate Heights and Forest Hill neighborhoods. The fences surrounding the courts are tarped and there are trees enveloping the play area from all sides so don’t expect a hilltop view like some of the other courts around town!
Mission Bay Park Court
Mission Bay - Berry Street
Located right along the water by Mission Creek, this single tennis court in Mission Bay is perfect for playing while staying socially distant from other groups. The fences around the court also provide decent wind protection. You might catch some less-than-ideal smells from some of the creek sewage while you play, but the courts are not usually too busy until later the evenings.
Alta Plaza Hilltop Courts
pacific heights - JACKSON STREET & STEINER STREET
Alta Plaza is a well known iconic San Francisco park. It is very well frequented and so are its three tennis courts on top of the park. For best results, arrive during off hours to secure one of the two dedicated tennis courts without basketball hoops. The third court has basketball hoops installed, so watch out for ballers.
If you check out any of these bars on gameday, tag us @squadz in your Instagram story to be featured on our account!