Best Outdoor Basketball Courts In Los Angeles
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Manipulating basketballs to reach new heights when scoring points for your team in impromptu, outdoor games with and against strangers has long been a keen sport to dribble for in sunny Southern California. In fact, many visitors who hail from places other than Los Angeles like to turn up in our neck of the woods to play as many games as they can manage during their stay here in the City of Angeles. That said, while we wrote about this very topic a couple of years ago, we're back again with the best places to take action on the best courts around the city of Los Angeles in 2014 that beckon ballers to join in on a whim. Consider the following five fresh venues.
(credit: Harvey T./Yelp)
Pan Pacific Park
7600 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-8874
www.laparks.org
Hollywood types tend to gather around these two outdoor basketball courts after work to play against others of their ilk as well as teens and other comers hoping to become the next star of this athletic pursuit. Also on the sprawling premises is everything from a great dog park to jogging trails to soccer fields, the latter for those who want to kick a ball around before they dribble, bounce and throw one while playing the sport they're most passionate about.
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Venice Beach
1800 Ocean Walk Front
Venice, CA 90291
www.laparks.org/venice
It practically takes a global village to form two pickup teams here by the Pacific since interested parties from around the world meet in this part of the seaside to show off their stuff in terms of basketball. Expect to join in on the play every day except when rain is on the horizon when even die-hard ballers take a time out. That said, get to the courts very early in morning and/or very late at night for what could turn out to be very aggressive games that typically get extremely competitive.
(credit: Vanessa F./Yelp)
Poinsettia Recreation Center
7341 Willoughby Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 867-5014
www.laparks.org
Pickup basketball is serious business at this outpost that attracts all kinds of players, from show business circles to old time regulars–all of whom know how to play the game. Battles start around sunset and continue until the last team who loses decides to give up. Meanwhile, spectators are also in abundance when these games play out, often nibbling on an evening picnic as they do so.
Related: LA's Best Summer Vacation Activities
(credit: Joan S./Yelp)
Westwood Recreation Center
1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-3610
www.laparks.com
In summer, skip the two indoor courts at Westwood Recreation Center and head for the two available outside for some great pick-up games that bring in lots of talent, some of whom are tops in this game. If you're waiting to be included, take advantage of other perks in this place, including a barbecue and a lighted baseball diamond for a slight change of sport to get your heart racing.
(credit: Joan S./Yelp)
Cheviot Hills Park
2551 Motor Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 837-5186
www.laparks.org
This is a family venue where impromptu games often end up seeing one clan against the other. To play, stop by at noon, the time when ballers typically come out to play on this oversized court. A large dog park is also on the premises so even your pooch can witness the action from a safe distance while rooting for the home team.
