A Local Guide to the Best Marin Courts—from Sausalito to Novato.
Pickleball in Marin is thriving. It’s not a surprise: between our myriad dedicated courts, strong player communities, and (mostly) year-round playability, it’s one of the easiest places in the Bay Area to get into the sport—or level up.
This guide highlights several of the public places to play in Marin County, with quick notes on the “vibe” and what to expect when you show up. Marin also has many private pickleball clubs if you’re looking for the next level playing experience. I personally play at Flyte Racquet Club in San Rafael, but there are private clubs in Tiburon, San Rafael and Fairfax.
TL;DR: Best Courts by Town
- Novato: Hill Pickleball Courts (great community + consistent games).
- Larkspur: Piper Park (central Marin + strong rotation culture).
- Mill Valley: Eastman Park (neighborhood feel + easy to become a regular).
- Corte Madera: Town Park (dedicated + converted courts in a beautiful setting) + Granada Park (another convenient option).
- Sausalito: MLK courts + Marinship courts (outdoor options plus periodic programming).
Novato: Hill Pickleball Courts (Hill Recreation Area)
If you want a consistent scene where you can show up and usually find games, Hill is a Marin staple. It’s one of the best places in the county to build a regular rhythm because you’ll often find other players ready to rotate in.
Why it’s popular
- Active community with lots of regulars.
- Great mix of levels—easy to find a game that fits.
- Ideal for getting better fast simply because you’ll play a lot.
Larkspur: Piper Park
Piper is one of the best central-Marin options and a strong choice if you like a social-but-competitive mix. It’s also an easy meet-up spot when friends are coming from different towns.
Why it works
- Central location.
- Generally, a wide range of skill levels.
- The courts tend to run smoothly when it’s busy because players are used to rotating.
Mill Valley: Eastman Park
Eastman is a great “neighborhood” option—especially if you’re Mill Valley-based and want a friendly, familiar scene. It’s the kind of court where you can become a regular quickly.
Best for: locals who want consistent weekly play and a community feel.
Corte Madera: Town Park (Converted + Newly Built Courts)
Corte Madera deserves its own spotlight because the Town Park setup is fantastic—both for convenience and overall setting.
4) Corte Madera Town Park
Town Park features two tennis courts that have been converted for pickleball, plus two newly constructed, dedicated pickleball-only courts. The courts sit in the beautiful, centrally located Town Park, making it a great meet-up option for players coming from anywhere in Marin.
Why players love Town Park
- You get a mix of converted courts + purpose-built courts.
- Central location (easy to coordinate games).
- Beautiful park setting—one of the nicer “places to be” while you play.
Best for: planned meetups, casual-to-intermediate play, and anyone who wants a great setting as part of the experience.
Corte Madera: Granada Park
Granada Park is another convenient option in Corte Madera and can be a great choice when you want a quick session or prefer a quieter vibe depending on the day and time.
Best for: squeezing in a game, practicing fundamentals, and smaller-group play.
Sausalito: MLK + Marinship Courts (Plus occasional indoor play)
Sausalito has more options than many people realize, including outdoor courts and periodic programming. It’s a good place to check out if you live nearby or want variety in your weekly rotation.
Best for: Sausalito locals, mixing in classes/programming when offered, and changing up your scenery.
How to Find the Right Game (Beginner → Advanced)
A lot of Marin courts self-organize. These quick tips help you find the right fit quickly:
- Ask how rotation works (paddle stack, winners stay, timed games, etc.).
- Go off-peak if you’re newer and want a lower-pressure environment.
- Play slightly up if you want to improve quickly—but not so far that you can’t sustain rallies.
Quick Etiquette That Makes Everything Easier
-
Introduce yourself and ask about how the player rotation works before jumping in.
