Tennis in San Francisco: Where to play and how to find partners
San Francisco has some of the most scenic tennis courts in the world. The challenge? Finding reliable partners who actually show up.
Your complete guide to SF tennis
Here's your complete guide to both the best courts and the easiest ways to find people to play with in the city by the bay.
The SF tennis evolution
The old way: Post on Reddit, hope someone responds, maybe get a flaky partner who cancels last minute.
The better way: Use Doyouplay to connect with verified players in your area who want to play as much as you do.
Play tennis in SF with Doyouplay
Instant connections
Browse active players near you, message directly, and book matches in minutes (not days).
Skill matching
Filter by NTRP level so you're not stuck with someone way above or below your ability.
Court recommendations
See where other players are booking and discover hidden gems beyond the obvious spots.
Reliability
Player ratings and activity streaks help you find partners who actually show up.
Local community
Join SF-specific groups and events happening at courts near you.
Traditional options
SF Tennis Meetup, TennisSF.com leagues, and Reddit still work but require more effort.
Traditional options that still work
SF Tennis Meetup
3,000+ members organizing regular events. Good for newcomers but can be hit-or-miss for consistent play.
TennisSF.com leagues
Structured competition with 6,500+ local participants. Great for serious players wanting regular matches.
Reddit r/sanfrancisco
Tennis threads work for spontaneous pickup games but require constant checking and hoping someone responds.
Where to play in the city
From Golden Gate Park's crown jewel to hidden gems with stunning views, here's what you need to know about SF's top courts.
Golden Gate Park (Goldman Tennis Center)
16 courts with rare 8-light night setups and Har-Tru surfaces
"Best maintained courts in the city. Night play is incredible."
Mission Dolores Park
6 courts with festival atmosphere and reliable weather
"Perfect for casual games. Always people watching and cheering."
Alice Marble Courts (Marina)
4 pristine courts with consistent surfaces
"Serious players and great condition year-round."
Glen Canyon Park
Secluded courts below sandstone cliffs
"Feels like you're not in the city. Peaceful and usually available."
Mountain Lake Park
2 courts with city skyline and Pacific views
"Amazing views but can be windy. Worth it for the backdrop."
South View Park
Downtown skyline views with less traffic
"Great views, fewer people, but drainage issues after rain."
Make the most of your SF tennis experience
Weather strategy
Fog usually clears by noon. Book afternoon courts for guaranteed sun.
Booking timing
Popular courts fill up fast. Reserve 2-3 days ahead or use Doyouplay to find last-minute cancellations.
Wind management
Courts near the ocean (like Alice Marble) can be windy. Adjust your serve and overhead strategy.
Community events
Follow local tennis groups on Doyouplay to discover tournaments, clinics, and social events.
More tennis in SF
Week 1
- Download Doyouplay and create your profile
- Browse players at your skill level in SF
- Book your first match at Golden Gate Park or Mission Dolores
Week 2
- Try 2-3 different partners to find compatible playing styles
- Explore a new court (Glen Canyon or Mountain Lake)
- Join a local SF tennis group on the app
Month 1
- Establish 2-3 regular partners for consistent play
- Try both competitive and casual venues
- Organize your first group event or round-robin
Ready to play more tennis in San Francisco?
Stop refreshing Reddit threads and hoping someone responds to your court posts. Doyouplay connects you with active SF tennis players who are ready to play today.
Explore more tennis guides
Find your next tennis partner
We built exactly what you need to start playing. Safe, easy, zero friction.
- Connect through chat
- Our chat system makes it easy to connect with other tennis players directly.
- All skill levels welcome
- From beginners buying their first racket to seasoned 5.0 players, everyone can find suitable partners.
- It's free
- Enjoy all the benefits with no fees. Finding tennis partners has never been easier.
