Planning a trip to Coronado and want to squeeze in some pickleball? Good news — pickleball courts on Coronado Island are easy to find, and both options are open to the public. I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to show up with your paddle and nowhere to play.
Whether you’re a resort guest treating yourself to a full day of amenities or a day tripper crossing the bridge for a quick game, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Pickleball Courts on Coronado Island: Your 2 Options
Coronado is a small island, and the pickleball scene here is exactly that — small but solid. There are two places to play, and honestly, both are worth your time depending on your vibe and your budget.
1. Coronado Cays Park
If you’re looking for free outdoor courts with a laid-back local feel, Coronado Cays Park is your spot. This six-acre neighborhood park sits south of The Village on Silver Strand Boulevard and has both pickleball courts and an off-leash dog run on site, which means it’s a natural stop if you’re traveling with a pup. San Diego County News Center
Open play runs Saturdays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm on all 8 courts for all levels, and Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm on 4 courts. Courts are available 7 days a week by reservation — call the Coronado Tennis Center at (619) 522-2650 or register through Impact Activities at impactactivities.com/coronado. Thepickleballsource
Address: Silver Strand Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
Courts: 8 outdoor
Cost: Free open play/reservations available
Dogs: Off-leash dog run on site ✅
The courts are well-maintained, and the vibe is casual — this is where locals play. Coronado Cays sits on the quieter southern end of the island, away from the tourist crowds, so parking is much easier here than near Hotel Del or Orange Avenue.
Pro tip: Saturday open play fills up fast. Arrive by 8 am if you want a court.
2. Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
If you want a more elevated experience — think resort-level courts, professional management, and yes, food and drinks delivered to you while you play — the Coronado Island Marriott is your answer.
The Marriott has 8 pickleball courts within their tennis facility, open to both resort guests and the general public. Court reservations run $32 per court for up to 2 hours for up to 4 players. San Diego Parks
Open play is available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 pm to 6 pm at $8 per person. Lessons and clinics are also on offer if you want to level up your game while you’re there. City of San Diego
Address: 2000 2nd St, Coronado, CA 92118
Courts: 8 outdoor
Cost: $32/court reservation or $8/person open play
Dogs: Resort property — not dog-friendly
The courts here are the nicest on the island. Clean, well-lined, and beautifully maintained. If you’re already staying at the Marriott, this is a total no-brainer. If you’re coming from off-property, the $8 open play rate is genuinely solid value for what you’re getting.
One heads-up: on windy days, some courts can sit in the middle of a wind tunnel due to the layout of the facility. If you’re sensitive to wind play, keep that in mind for afternoon sessions. City of San Diego
Pro tip: Mondays are your best bet for consistent open play. Weekends book up fast — reserve in advance.
Coronado Is a Tournament Destination Too
Worth knowing: the Marriott Coronado Island hosts the San Diego Amateur Open and Gold Cup tournaments, drawing competitive players from across Southern California. These are sanctioned events open to skill levels 2.5 to 5.0. If you’re visiting during a tournament weekend, expect the courts to be fully booked and the energy on the island to be buzzing. Check APA Tournaments for the current calendar before you plan your trip. Findpicklecourts
How to Get to Coronado Island
You’ve got a few solid options depending on where you’re coming from:
Drive: The San Diego-Coronado Bridge is free and about a 10-minute drive from downtown. Parking near Coronado Cays is easy with free street parking on Silver Strand Blvd. The Marriott has a lot right next to the courts.
Ferry: The Coronado Ferry is a 15-minute ride that costs $9 each way. It runs every hour, you can sit on the deck, and bringing a bike on board is free. The ferry drops you at Coronado Ferry Landing, about 2 miles from the Marriott and 4 miles from Coronado Cays — easy to ride-share or bike from there. APA Pickleball
Bike: Coronado has 15 miles of bike paths winding through neighborhoods and along the coastline, and the island is almost entirely flat. Bike rentals are available right at the Ferry Landing and at multiple shops around the island. It’s honestly one of the best ways to experience Coronado. Coronadonewsca
One important note for dog owners: bikes are permitted on the Coronado Ferry, but dogs are not allowed on board. If you’re bringing your pup along, you’ll need to drive. Pickleball Tournaments
What to Do After You Play
Coronado’s Orange Avenue is the island’s main street, and it’s worth exploring after your game. A few of my picks:
Coronado Brewing Company — Located at 170 Orange Ave, this casual brew pub has award-winning craft beers and pub grub with over 1,100 reviews. Perfect for a cold post-game beer. PB Haus
Crack Taco Shop — Open from 8 am to 2 am at 1009 Orange Avenue, this late-night spot is known for the Cardiff Crack tri-tip taco and a standout fried-shell potato taco. Great for a quick bite any time of day. San Diego Lineup
Serea at Hotel del Coronado — If you’re in the mood to splurge, this is the move. Oceanfront dining, a serious seafood menu, and one of the best settings on the island.
After eating, the Hotel del Coronado itself is worth a walk-through even if you’re not staying. The grounds are public, the Victorian architecture is stunning, and Coronado Beach right out front is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in California.
Tips for Playing Pickleball on Coronado Island
- Bring water — courts are outdoor and exposed, and Coronado gets more wind than you’d expect
- Wear proper court shoes — ankle injuries are the most common pickleball injury, and hard court surfaces are tough on regular sneakers
- Arrive early on weekends — both locations get busy by 9 am on Saturdays
- Call ahead for reservations if you want a guaranteed court, especially at the Marriott
- If you’re bringing your dog, Coronado Cays is your only option — the Marriott is not pet-friendly
Final Thoughts
Two courts, two totally different experiences. Coronado Cays if you want free, local, and low-key. The Marriott, if you want resort amenities and food delivered to your room.
Either way, you’re playing pickleball on one of the most beautiful islands in Southern California — and that part is hard to beat.
Looking for more San Diego pickleball? Check out our guide to pickleball courts near San Diego beaches and dog-friendly pickleball courts in San Diego.
0 Comments