Sometimes, the best part of a sport isn’t the competition—it’s the connection. That’s exactly what we feel every time we pick up a pickleball paddle here in Baja California. Whether you’re in Rosarito or Ensenada, at a public court or a small coastal private community, pickleball has become a way of life—something that brings people together and makes us appreciate the place we call home.
Many of our clients looking to purchase property in Rosarito ask about pickleball and where they can play when they make their move to Baja. So I thought I would share more of my personal experience and offer a guide for those who, like me, find joy in both the game and the community that surrounds it.
🏆 A Special Weekend in Ensenada
One great example of how active the pickleball community is in Rosarito and Ensenada is the tournament that just took place at the Ensenada Tennis Center.
The weekend of June 6–8, 2025, was something special. The Centro Tenístico de Ensenada, a facility traditionally focused on tennis, was transformed into a lively stage for pickleball. Two of its tennis courts were adapted to create eight full pickleball courts, and there we played a national qualifier tournament organized by Circuito Pickleball México.
Players came from all over Mexico, the United States, and Canada—from places as diverse as León, Mexico City, Mérida, California, Arizona, and Nevada. Around 100 players in total, from as young as 12 to well into their 80s, competed in divisions ranging from beginner to OPEN-level, including seniors and intermediate categories.
✨ More Than Just a Tournament
But the most memorable part wasn’t who won. It was the energy. The cheers, the laughter between matches, the healthy and flavorful buffet (yes, including wood-fired pizza!). Add beer, wine, coffee, and the cool ocean breeze—and it was perfect. No one was scrambling for shade or overwhelmed by heat like in so many other summer tournaments.
Weather, community, and lifestyle activities like this are just a few of the many reasons people fall in love with the area. If you’re thinking of moving here or investing in Baja, click here to view properties for sale in the northern part of Ensenada, South Rosarito, Central Rosarito, and North Rosarito—many near active pickleball courts.
🤝 Playing as a Local
As a full-time resident of Baja and co-owner of Baja Open House, I (Beba Cabello) had the joy of playing in the tournament. I joined the intermediate mixed doubles with my husband (yes, also my business partner), the senior women’s doubles with a dear friend from La Paloma Condos and Villas, and the intermediate women’s doubles with my neighbor from Club Marena Condos. We had an amazing time. It reminded me why so many of us have fallen in love with this sport and with this lifestyle.
🏓 Open Play Options: Punta Azul and La Salina
Punta Azul – Tennis and Pickleball Courts
The public Tennis Center of Rosarito is built inside a private residential community, but access is simple. Just let the guard know you’re going to the courts. The tennis center, known as Centro de Alto Rendimiento Tenístico de Rosarito, was inaugurated in 2015 by IMDER (Municipal Sports Institute of Rosarito). It features 4 pickleball courts with permanent nets. People gather to play daily around 9:00 a.m., but it’s open for anyone to play throughout the day. Note: there are no lights, so play ends before sunset.
🌿 Nature Meets Sport at La Salina Pickleplex
And speaking of love—there’s a place that captures hearts right away: the La Salina Pickleplex. Getting there is an experience itself. You turn onto a short dirt road, and in less than a minute you find yourself surrounded by nature. There are five dedicated, painted courts enclosed by chain-link fencing, and the setting feels like something out of a nature documentary.
On one side, there’s an estuary filled with birds—herons, egrets, hawks. Once, we even saw a silent white owl glide across the sky. Everyone stopped playing just to admire it.
Games take place every day, but Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. are the most popular. Two of the courts are set up for challenge play; the others are more casual. It’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. If you want to join or learn more, the best thing is to find their Facebook group and message the admins.
Many of the regular players at La Salina live full-time in nearby communities like La Salina Homes, Bajamar, Puerta del Mar, and Plaza del Mar. Most of these neighborhoods offer single-family homes, although Plaza del Mar has recently developed several condo buildings—making it more accessible for those looking for a lock-and-leave lifestyle with easy access to nature and community sports.
🏘️ Rosarito Residential Communities and Their Private Courts
Many residential communities in Rosarito have embraced pickleball, converting their tennis courts into pickleball courts. Some have permanent paint and nets, while others use more temporary arrangements. To play inside these gated communities, you typically need to be invited by a neighbor or, of course, own a home there!
Where I play regularly is at my home community, Club Marena. While we don’t have an official pickleball court, we do have two pickleball setups painted over a tennis court and two beautiful roll-away nets built by passionate neighbors. The level of play is great. Even though it’s invitation-only, short-term renters often join. Many come for weekend rentals to surf the famous K-38 break—and are pleasantly surprised to discover a thriving pickleball culture too.
Other neighborhoods with permanent courts and nets include Las Gaviotas, Punta Piedra, and Bajamar. Communities with temporary setups—lines over tennis courts, roll-away nets, or similar—include La Jolla del Mar, Real, San Antonio del Mar, Misión Viejo, and Palacio del Mar, among others. Whether permanent or improvised, these setups reflect the growing popularity of pickleball in coastal Baja. What all these communities share is a love for the game and a warm, inclusive spirit.
🚫 No Long Wait Times—Just Play
One of the best things about playing pickleball in Baja is the accessibility. Unlike many public courts in San Diego, Orange County, or Northern California—where wait times can stretch endlessly—here you can show up, say hello, and get into a game right away. The cooler climate and smaller crowds make playing here a pleasure year-round.
📍 Where to Start
If you’re looking to buy property in Rosarito and want to be near pickleball courts —or even build your own home court— we can help. At Baja Open House, we’re not only experienced real estate agents, but also involved locals who live the lifestyle we promote. Whether you’re looking for a single-family home, a condo, or land to build on, we’ll guide you through the entire process—from search to closing, and beyond.
If you’re just visiting, I recommend starting at Punta Azul. It’s easy to find, free to use, and always welcoming. And if you’re up for a little competition, La Salina’s next tournament is in October, with categories for seniors, men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles from 3.0 to 4.0+.
💛 Final Thoughts
So there you have it. If you’ve got a paddle, a bit of time, and a sense of adventure, Baja is calling. Here, pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s part of a lifestyle that blends fun, fitness, and a deep connection to the community and the land. If you’re thinking about making Baja your home, we’d love to help you find the right property.
