Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States and there are now 36.5 million pickleball players across the country. It's no surprise that California has fallen in love with the sport with it's amazing weather and beautiful scenery. Based on recent data from coaching lessons, here are the most popular cities to play pickleball in California.

1. San Francisco

San Francisco leads the way with the highest percentage of both the highest percentage of coaches in the state and coaching lessons booked each at 16.67%. According to the statistics, on average, San Francisco has 6.9 courts per 100,000 people. To ensure more people in San Francisco have access to playing the sport, a new resolution was passed by the city of San Francisco. 

2. Culver City

Culver City ranks second with 11.11% of the coaches in the state and 12.70% of the bookings. In fact, there are over 16 pickleball courts within a 3-mile radius of Culver City. Since Culver City is a smaller town with a population of approximately 40,000 people, this much demand for pickleball is remarkable.

3. Palo Alto

Palo Alto, which is the heart of Silicon Valley, shows a high percentage of coaching lessons  with 11.11% in the state. In addition, the number of coaches are at 8.33% indicating that the TeachMe.To coaches are quite popular in this location. These numbers indicate that the tech-savvy crowd has adopted quickly to the sport of pickleball, as it is a great form of stress relief and a fantastic form of exercise.

4. Menlo Park

Menlo Park ranks fourth in our listings as it boasts 11.11% of the coaches in California. With 9.92% of the coaching lessons in California, it is obvious that Menlo Park loves the sport. In fact, the city of Menlo Park is in discussion with the city council about increasing the number of pickleball courts in the city to match demand.

5. Mountain View

Mountain View matches Menlo Park with 11.11% of the coaches in the state. The city of Mountain View also sees 9.92% of the bookings for pickleball lessons. Last summer, the city of Mountain View approved funding to increase the number of pickleball courts in town. Like many other cities in the state, there is a huge surge in number of pickleball players.

6. Los Angeles

As a major urban center, Los Angeles has 8.33% coaches in the state and 8.73% of the pickleball lessons booked. The city's diverse neighborhoods and expansive recreational facilities provide many opportunities for residents to play pickleball. "Having pickleball courts within the community adds incredible vibrance to the neighborhood,” says John M. Erickson, mayor of West Hollywood. “We have more courts than any other neighborhood, but we still don’t have enough space to keep up with demand.”

7. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, is a city known for its scenic coastal views. With 8.33% of the bookings in the state, it is also know for pickleball. Laguna Beach also is home to 5.56% of the pickleball coaches in the area. There are currently 11 pickleball courts to choose from in the city. All of the locations are listed here on the Laguna Beach website.​

8. Oakland

Oakland’s strong community spirit and emphasis on outdoor activities are reflected with having 11.11% of the coaches in the state and 7.94% of all of the pickleball coaching lessons booked. Darlene Vendegna is the pickleball embassador in Oakland. Vendegna says, "Pickleball became my mission. It’s a game for all ages, it gets people out of the house. So many people tell me it saved their retirement, it brought them out of depression, it helped them expand their social life…" Clearly in Oakland pickleball is bringing the entire community together.

9. San Rafael

San Rafael, nestled in Marin County, shows a steady interest in pickleball with 8.33% of the coaches in the Golden State and 7.54% of the bookings for pickleball lessons.  One of the more popular pickleball coaches in San Rafael is Antoine, who is actually one of the most positively reviewed pickleball coaches on TeachMe.To. Antoine says I'm not just a player; I'm a mentor, a guide, and your biggest supporter. I'm here to help you ignite your passion for Pickleball."

10. San Carlos

San Carlos rounds out the list with 8.33% of the coaches and 7.14% of the bookings in California. The small-town feel of San Carlos, coupled with a growing interest in sports, ensures its place in the top ten. San Carlos offers a consistent presence in the pickleball scene, contributing to the sport's steady growth in the region.

This is just a small snapshot at the dynamic growth of pickleball across California. Whether you’re in San Francisco or San Carlos, fantastic pickleball coaches and incredible pickleball facilities are nearby, so right now is the perfect time to get started.