Updated October 2026. Tennis City SF
You can play tennis in San Francisco on a short visit without any membership. Public Rec & Park courts are open to everyone, walk-up play is free, and reservations cost $5 per court per hour on rec.us. Here’s how to make it work on a trip.
Where to play
- Near Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach and the Financial District: Joe DiMaggio Playground (lighted) and Alice Marble Courts on Russian Hill, with bay views. See North Beach and Russian Hill.
- Near the Marina: Moscone Rec Center, 4 lighted courts. See Marina.
- Near SoMa and Mission Bay: Mission Creek Park (lighted) and Mission Dolores Park, 6 lighted courts. See Mission Bay and Mission.
- Golden Gate Park: Goldman Tennis Center, 16 lighted courts, open to non-residents at $16 to $20 per hour.
- Everything else: the court map and directory by neighborhood.
Detailed guides: courts near Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Moscone Center, and courts near Muni and BART stops.
Planning your trip
- A tennis weekend in San Francisco.
- Drop-in play open to visitors.
- Keeping up your training on the road.
- Tennis weather by month.
Booking as a visitor
- Anyone can create a rec.us account and book Rec & Park courts, up to 7 days ahead. Some courts open only 2 days ahead at noon, which suits trip planning. See how to book.
- Goldman Tennis Center opens bookings 7 days ahead for non-residents at 12:30pm.
- No booking? Walk-up courts and unbooked reservable courts are first come, first served.
Finding someone to hit with
Post in the Tennis City SF Slack group with your dates, level and where you’re staying; see the “Visiting” template in how to ask someone to hit. Goldman’s drop-in round robins are another way to get a game with locals.
What to pack
- Layers. San Francisco is cool most of the year, with fog in summer and strong afternoon wind.
- Tennis shoes; they are required on city courts.
- Balls. Bring a can or buy one at the Goldman pro shop.
FAQ
My hotel has no tennis court. Where’s the closest?
From Union Square, the nearest public courts are on Nob Hill and Russian Hill and in North Beach; check the map.
Can I rent a racquet?
Ask at the Goldman Tennis Center pro shop. Rec & Park courts have no rentals.
Related guides
- San Francisco Tennis Courts by Neighborhood
- How to Book a Tennis Court in San Francisco
- How to Ask Someone to Hit: Message Templates
- Goldman Tennis Center: Fees, Booking and Tips
Looking for someone to play with? Join nearly 1,800 San Francisco players in the Tennis City SF Slack group and post a day, time and court at your NTRP level.