The United States has pétanque clubs in most regions, but a few places combine strong clubs, good courts and big tournaments. These ten are worth planning a trip around.
Each entry links to the club’s page in our directory, with schedules and contact details confirmed with the clubs. Call ahead before you travel, since schedules change with the seasons.
| Destination | Club | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | La Boule d’Or | West Coast’s oldest club |
| Sonoma, CA | Valley of the Moon | Daily play in wine country |
| Lafayette, CA | Lamorinda | 21 courts |
| Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles Pétanque Club | Lighted boulodrome |
| Portland, OR | Portland Pétanque Club | Clubhouse and free lessons |
| Seattle, WA | Seattle Pétanque Club | Play every week of the year |
| Fernandina Beach, FL | Amelia Island Pétanque Club | The Amelia Island Open |
| South Miami, FL | Miami Pétanque Club | Winter play |
| Boca Raton, FL | Boca Pétanque 2000 | Winter play |
| Lafayette, LA | La Boule Cadienne | French Louisiana |
California
Northern California has more clubs close together than any other part of the country. Our California page lists them all.
San Francisco: La Boule d’Or
La Boule d’Or was founded in 1959 in Golden Gate Park, started with French expatriates. It is the oldest club on the West Coast and the second oldest in the United States.
Sonoma: Valley of the Moon
Valley of the Moon Pétanque has over 100 members and plays at Depot Park. Games run daily from late afternoon; Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends draw the biggest crowds.
The club also hosts the Wine Country Open. Combine it with a visit to the rest of Northern California wine country.
Lafayette: Lamorinda
Lamorinda Pétanque Club began in 1989 in a backyard and has played on its field at 480 St Marys Road since 2007. It has 21 courts and offers lessons for newcomers.
Los Angeles: Rancho Park
The Los Angeles Pétanque Club, founded in 1983, plays on lighted courts in the Rancho Park boulodrome. It hosts the LAPC International Open and offers beginner lessons on Saturday mornings on request.
The Pacific Northwest
Portland
Portland Pétanque Club, founded in 2001, has nearly 100 players and a clubhouse at Westmoreland Park. Free lessons and loaner boules make it an easy first stop.
Regular play runs Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. The club also hosts the Rose City Open.
Seattle and Bellevue
The Seattle Pétanque Club plays Sundays at 1 p.m. in Bellevue Downtown Park all year and Saturdays at Lake Union Park. More clubs in the region are on our Pacific Northwest page.
Florida
Amelia Island
The Amelia Island Pétanque Club has 16 competition courts and hosts the Pétanque Amelia Island Open, one of the largest pétanque events in the Americas. The 2026 edition starts November 13 on the downtown waterfront in Fernandina Beach.
South Florida in winter
Miami Pétanque Club (South Miami and Miami Beach) and Boca Pétanque 2000 give winter travelers a game when northern courts are frozen. Our South Florida page covers the rest of the region.
French Louisiana
Cajun country has its own pétanque tradition. La Boule Cadienne in Lafayette anchors it, with more in our Louisiana page.
Plan the trip
Check the FPUSA tournament calendar and our own tournament listings before you book. A trip timed with an open tournament gives you the most games.
Find a game anywhere else
Our club directory covers the rest of North America. FPUSA’s regions and clubs page lists its member clubs region after region.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the largest pétanque tournament in the United States?
The Pétanque Amelia Island Open in Fernandina Beach, Florida, is one of the largest in the Americas. It is held every November.
Which region has the most pétanque clubs?
Northern California, with clubs from San Francisco and Sonoma to Lafayette and Petaluma.
Can travelers play at US clubs?
Yes. Most clubs welcome guests and many lend boules; contact the club before you go.
What is the oldest pétanque club on the West Coast?
La Boule d’Or in San Francisco, founded in 1959 in Golden Gate Park.
