Best Outdoor Basketball Courts in Santa Cruz
Ranking publicly accessible Full Courts & Half Courts
Santa Cruz has one of the best outdoor basketball scenes on the Central Coast — with courts tucked into beach parks and neighborhood hubs. Whether you’re looking for competitive full-court runs, a quiet half court to get shots up, or a scenic place to hoop outdoors, this guide ranks the best outdoor basketball courts in Santa Cruz County.
We’ve broken our rankings into 2 categories:
- Full Courts (ideal for 5v5 runs and pickup games)
- Half Courts (great for shooting, 1v1s, and casual play)
Full Courts
🥇 1. London Nelson Community Center – Downtown
Best Overall
Great location and great court. Hoops are well maintained and the court has an even surface with decent grip for outdoors. Clear lines, peaceful setting, and frequent pickup games.
🥈 2. University Terrace AKA Meder Street Park – West Side
Best Westside runs
A favorite for serious hoopers. Frequent full court pickup games in the afternoon, and a competitive crowd.
🥉 3. Grant Street Park – Central
Top contender
Well maintained court and hoops in a neighborhood park setting. Solid pickup runs, especially on the weekend.
4. Garfield Park – West Side
Classic Neighborhood court
Peaceful setting with plenty of shade. Slightly uneven court due to underground roots, otherwise a solid option.
5. UCSC Outdoor Courts – West Side
Most courts, most space
Plenty of options spread across campus. Competition varies, but you’ll almost always find an open hoop.
6. Jade Street Park – Capitola
Good Capitola Runs
Not the best surface, but excellent pickup runs.
7. Willowbrook Park – Aptos
Casual neighborhood court
Court surface is pretty warn, but the rims are forgiving. Occasional pickup runs as well.
8. Ben Lomond Park – SLV
Best in SLV
Great court in terms of quality and scenery, but unless you are in SLV, the drive likely isn’t worth it.
9. Coffee Lane Park – East Side
Low traffic
The court surface is less than ideal, with old cracked concrete and worn down lines. Good for shooting around but not competitive play.
Half Courts
🥇 1. Skypark – Scotts Valley
Best half court overall
Clean surface and consistent pickup. One of the best places to get quality reps on a half court.
🥈 2. Hocus Pocus Park – Scotts Valley
Local favorite
Good condition and usually not overcrowded.
🥉 3. Chestnut Street Park – Downtown
Solid downtown option
Great for quick games and shooting sessions. Hoop is nice and forgiving but the court can get slippery.
4. Brommer Street Park – East Side
Reliable East Side half court
Great hoop and surface, but often busy and lines are shared with the tennis court.
5. Mike Fox Park – Central
Low-key and quiet
Best for solo workouts or casual 1v1s as the boundies are smaller than regulation.
6. Ocean View Park – Central
Scenic but inconsistent
Great setting, but not always ideal for competitive play due to poor rim condition and slippery surface.
7. Twin Lakes State Beach – East Side
Fun location, limited play
Peaceful atmosphere and great for shooting around, but court and hoop conditions aren’t ideal for competitive play.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Court
- Looking for runs? Best bets are London Nelson, Meder, Jade Street, or Grant
- Just getting shots up? Half courts like Skypark or Hocus Pocus are ideal
- Want to avoid crowds: Early mornings or weekdays are best
- Bring a ball: Most courts don’t have consistent pickup organizers
FAQs
Are outdoor basketball courts free in Santa Cruz?
Yes — all public outdoor courts listed here are free and open to the public, unless specifically reserved for private use.
Which court has the best pickup games?
Meder Street is the most consistent, followed by London Nelson.
Are there lights for night play?
None of the Santa Cruz parks have great night-time lighting for basketball, so sticking to daytime play is most reliable.
Final Thoughts
From competitive full-court runs to peaceful half courts near the beach, Santa Cruz offers something for every kind of hooper. Whether you’re a local, a student, or just visiting, these courts are some of the best places to play basketball outdoors in Santa Cruz County.
Looking for gyms with indoor courts, open-gym access, or basketball-friendly facilities? Explore more options on Santa Cruz Fitness Finder.
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