Tennis buffs know there's nothing more frustrating than playing on free city courts. Street noise, rowdy players and unkempt surfaces are just some of the problems. Step into leafy and mostly hidden Rustic Canyon Park in Pacific Palisades, just past the Santa Monica city border, to find six dream hard courts recently resurfaced and relined. Sycamores edge the park and the courts are a short walk from the parking lot and street, an advantage, as there are no traffic distractions. Nearby ocean breezes keep the park's microclimate fine and temperate — and ideal for tennis almost year-round. Sporting a private– country club vibe, the city of Los Angeles–owned courts are free, although there may be a wait on weekends. Adult and children's tennis lessons and clinics can be booked through the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. 601 Latimer Road, Pacific Palisades. (310) 454-5734, laparks.org/dos/parks/facility/rusticCynPk.htm. —Kathy A. McDonald

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