With sunshine aplenty and a love for diverse and active lifestyles, California emerged as the leading state for pickleball this year. TeachMe.To’s Pickleball 2023 Annual Report highlights the growth of pickleball in California, underscoring the state's position as a hotspot for this dynamic sport. 

Here, we present a detailed analysis of top pickleball cities in California, focusing on the percentage of pickleball coaches.

Top 20 California Cities for Pickleball

Our report delves into the specifics of California's cities, where the number of pickleball coaches is not merely a number but a reflection of the community's engagement and passion for the sport.

Each percentage reflects the proportion of TeachMe.To pickleball coaches in that specific city relative to the total number of coaches across the state. This metric offers a unique perspective, highlighting how each California city is contributing to the national pickleball scene. 

Ranking
City
Coaches in California
1

San Diego

4.33%

2

Los Angeles

3.90%

3

Pacific Palisades

2.16%

4

La Mesa

2.16%

5

Irvine

2.16%

6

Escondido

2.16%

7

Encinitas

2.16%

8

Tustin

1.73%

9

Coronado

1.73%

10

Burbank

1.73%

11

Thousand Oaks

1.30%

12

Santee

1.30%

13

San Francisco

1.30%

14

Pasadena

1.30%

15

Mountain View

1.30%

16

Mission Viejo

1.30%

17

Lakeside

1.30%

18

Anaheim

1.30%

19

West Hollywood

0.87%

20

Universal City

0.87%

21

Simi Valley

0.87%

22

Seal Beach

0.87%

23

San Rafael

0.87%

24

San Jose

0.87%

25

San Clemente

0.87%

The Surge of Pickleball in the Golden State

San Diego: A Leader in the Pickleball Community

San Diego leads with 4.33% of California's pickleball coaches, reinforcing its status as a major hub for pickleball enthusiasts. 

This surge in popularity has led to various initiatives to expand pickleball facilities in the city. For example, "The Hub," a 26-court pickleball facility with an onsite restaurant and shop, opened in early 2023. This facility is not only San Diego's largest dedicated to pickleball but also includes championship courts and a variety of events and programs for players. 

Los Angeles: Close on the Heels

Los Angeles, with 3.90% of the state's pickleball coaches, follows closely. The city's diverse demographics and expansive urban landscape provide a fertile ground for the sport's growth. Players have plenty of court options, from rooftop bars to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. 

A Diverse Spread Across the State

Cities like San Diego County, Pacific Palisades, and Orange County, each with 2.16-3.46% of coaches, highlight the sport's widespread appeal. For example, tickets to the PPA’s Orange County Cup held in San Clemente in June quickly sold out.

Smaller Cities, Significant Impact

Smaller cities like La Mesa, Irvine, and Escondido, each hosting 2.16% of the coaches, play a crucial role in popularizing pickleball. These areas show that the sport's appeal extends beyond the major urban centers.

Emerging Pickleball Destinations

Tustin, Coronado, and Burbank, with 1.73% of coaches each, are also emerging as new destinations for pickleball. Their growing pickleball communities are a testament to the sport's expanding footprint.

As California leads the way, it sets a precedent for other states, like Texas and Florida, to follow. The state's model of integrating pickleball into community programs and urban planning serves as an example for nationwide adoption.

For a deeper dive into the data and more detailed insights, visit the TeachMe.To Pickleball 2023 Annual Report.