Think surfers and sailors in this town have it made? The waves can go flat for weeks at a stretch, and there’s only so much wind and daylight to go around. Tennis players, on the other hand, most certainly do. They can don their pleated skirts and headbands and revel in nearly 365 days—and on lighted courts, nights!—of ground strokes, volleys, serves, and smashes every year.

In the City of San Diego alone, there are 159 courts, more than 140 of which are outfitted with lights for nighttime play. You can find an exhaustive list of courts that includes high schools, parks, and even backboards and practice walls in your neighborhood here. But we’ve rounded up premier places to play. Committing to a club membership is a big deal, but many of these courts are accessible to the public for the amenable price of free.

Tennis Courts in La Jolla and Del Mar

La Jolla Tennis Club

Nine courts in the heart of downtown La Jolla.

Address: 7632 Draper Ave.

Courts: Nine courts

Membership Price: between $95 and $205 depending on time of year for adult membership

Day Pass Price: $10 for non-member adult day pass

Other Amenities: Assorted lessons, clinics, and leagues

University City Racquet Club

These courts are located at the Standley Recreation Center.

Address: 3585 Governor Drive

Courts: Six courts, lighted in weekdays only

Membership Price: $325 annual adult membership; $100 junior membership

Day Pass Price: $10; $8 if playing with member

Other Amenities: Youth and adult classes available

Surf and Turf Recreation Center

Where the surf meets the serve.

Address: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Courts: Eight courts, all lighted

Membership Price: $1,400 annual adult membership or $120 monthly; $950 annual junior membership or $80 monthly

Other Amenities: Lessons, camps, and “cardio tennis” workouts

Tennis Courts in Point Loma and Ocean Beach

Barnes Tennis Center

Adult programs are available but it’s mostly all about the kids at this wonderland of youth after-school tennis programs, teams and tournaments.

Address: 4490 W. Point Loma Blvd.

Courts: 25 hard courts, two clay courts, all lighted

Membership Price: $350 for adult membership

Day Pass Price: $8-15 per adult for a one hour court rental

Peninsula Tennis Club

A spacious complex featuring riverfront public courts.

Address: 2525 Bacon St.

Courts: 12 lighted courts

Membership Price: $185 annual adult membership

Day Pass Price: $10

Other Amenities: Lessons, clinics, and tournaments, weekly and monthly tennis get-togethers

Point Loma/Cabrillo Tennis Club

This club plays on four courts at Point Loma Community Park and two courts at Cabrillo Recreation Center.

Address: 1049 Catalina Blvd. and 3051 Canon St.

Courts: Six

Membership Price: $75 annual individual membership

Day Pass Price: $5

Volo Sports

Volo runs adult leagues for beginners as well as coed mixed doubles at various skill levels starting at all times of the year. Eight-week playing schedules include post-game happy hours at local establishments.

Address: Various Locations

Courts: Volo leagues play at Barnes Tennis Center and Peninsula Tennis Club

Membership Price: Prices vary from about $119 to $185, depending on league

Other Amenities: Make new friends, beat them at tennis

Tennis Courts in Pacific and Mission Beach

Pacific Beach Tennis Club

This 200-member club boasts various leagues and mixers near De Anza Cove.

Address: 2639 Grand Ave.

Courts: Eight courts

Membership Price: $295 annual membership; $34 monthly membership

Day Pass Price: $10; 18 and under are free

Other Amenities: Clubhouse, pro shop, and ball machine ($10 per hour)

Pacific Beach Recreation Center

A pair of lighted courts just waiting for a heated pick-up match.

Address: 1405 Diamond St.

Courts: Two lighted courts

Price: Free

Other Amenities: Youth and adult lessons available

San Diego Tennis and Racquet Club

This 10-acre facility also boasts a pool, racquetball, basketball, volleyball, and table tennis.

Address: 4848 Tecolote Rd.

Courts: 22; 16 are lighted

Price: Contact the club for details

Other Amenities: One stadium court, backboards, and pro shop. Lessons available through Angel Lopez Tennis Academy

Tennis Courts in Balboa Park

Morley Field / Balboa Tennis Club

The Morley Field courts, in volleying distance of the San Diego Zoo, are the site of many tennis tournaments throughout the year hosted by Balboa Tennis Club, which offers a full complement of lessons and leagues. Reservations can be made a week in advance.

Address: 2221 Morley Field Drive

Courts: 25 hard courts, all lit, some with bleachers

Membership Price: $450 yearly adult membership

Day Pass Price: $10 adult day pass

Other Amenities: One stadium court with 1,500 seats, and a clubhouse with lounge, and locker rooms. Membership lets you reserve courts a week in advance and grants access to clubhouse with locker rooms, showers, and the option to play on the club’s teame

Tennis Courts in Kearny Mesa and Lake Murray

San Diego Mesa College

The courts are open to the public when not in use for classes, practices, or matches. Check team schedules at Gosdmesa.com, keeping in mind that college team matches can take five hours.

Address: 7250 Mesa College Circle

Courts: Eight

Price: Free

Other Amenities: All the tennis, none of the student loans

Lake Murray Tennis Club

Ten courts in a sublime suburban setting.

Address: 7003 Murray Park Dr.

Courts: 10 courts

Membership Price: $335 adult memberships; $110 kids memberships

Day Pass Price: $10 day pass

Other Amenities: Clubhouse, pro lessons, leagues, tournaments, social gatherings

Tennis Courts in Coronado

Coronado Tennis Center

Tennis is a popular pastime on this island hamlet.

Address: 1501 Glorietta Blvd.

Courts: Eight courts, three are lighted

Day Pass Price: Reservations made five days or fewer before game day are $5 and $15, for residents and nonresidents respectively)

Other Amenities: Clubhouse equipped with a kitchen and free Wifi

Coronado Cays Park

This park is located adjacent to Silver Strand State Beach.

Address: 99 Grand Caribe Isle

Courts: Five courts, all lighted

Price: Free

Tennis Courts in Carmel Valley and Rancho Penasquitos

Carmel Valley Tennis

Located at the Carmel Valley Recreation Center.

Address: 3777 Townsgate Dr.

Courts: Four courts, all lighted

Membership Price: $50 annual adult memberships

Day Pass Price: $5 per person/per hour day rate for nonmembers

Other Amenities: Lessons, camps, and clinics with a heavy emphasis on juniors

Rancho Penasquitos Tennis Center

Get in line, Rafael Nadal! There’s currently an eight-10-month waiting list for memberships but the private nonprofit club generally keeps one court open for public nonmember use with a $5 day pass.

Address: 12350 Black Mountain Road

Courts: 12 courts

Membership Price: $325 adult memberships; $550 family membership; $105 junior memberships

Day Pass Price: $5

Other Amenities: Senior discounts available