California, the birthplace of modern skateboarding, boasts a diverse range of skateparks, each offering a unique experience for riders of all skill levels. From legendary bowls to innovative street plazas, the Golden State is a true skateboarding mecca. If you’re planning a skate trip, here are 12 of the best skateparks in California you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
The skate culture in California has deep roots, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe to experience iconic spots like Venice Beach Skatepark and innovative designs like Lake Cunningham. The state’s consistent weather and diverse terrain continue to influence the evolution of skateboarding, making it an essential destination for any skateboarder. This article will guide you through some of California’s most exciting and challenging skateparks.
Exploring California’s Top Skateparks
Venice Beach Skate ParkThe skateboarding scene has exploded from a subculture into a global phenomenon, yet California remains the heart of it. Its skateparks provide a rich landscape of concrete waves, from undulating bowls to complex street courses. Deciding where to skate can be tough, but these 12 parks stand out for their unique features, challenging obstacles, and vibrant atmospheres. Let’s dive into some of the most must-visit spots.
1. Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park, San Jose
Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park in San Jose is a massive 68,000 square-foot facility located by the shores of Lake Cunningham. Its size alone makes it a standout, but it’s the park’s diverse features that make it a must-visit. Designed by California Skateparks, the park includes a giant cradle, the tallest vert wall, and a full pipe, catering to skaters of all abilities.
The park also boasts a large street section with various stairs, handrails, ledges, and rails of varying heights. Keep in mind, there is a $10 skating fee and $6 parking fee, and you’ll need to complete their online waiver before visiting. Helmets and protective pads are also required. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your trip accordingly.
2. Tanzanite Skate Park, Sacramento
While Tanzanite Skate Park in Sacramento may be smaller at 16,000 square feet, its design by Wally Hollyday maximizes every inch. The park has three distinctive bowls, ranging from beginner-friendly dips to advanced depressions with multiple depths and in-pool transitions. This variety ensures that both new and seasoned skaters will find a suitable challenge.
The street section offers multiple stair sets, ledges, and rails, making it a versatile park. The ramps and flow of the park are designed to allow skaters to ride downhill in both directions. Whether you’re on a skateboard or another wheeled board, Tanzanite provides an engaging experience. Beginners will find the small bowl particularly useful for learning new skills.
3. Curt Pernice Skate Park, Ripon
Located in Ripon, about 80 miles east of San Francisco, Curt Pernice Skate Park is renowned for its epic pool. Featured in Thrasher magazine as one of California’s best, this 30,000-square-foot park is dominated by a concrete pool that rivals any in the state. The park also features pyramids, boxes, rails, and a halfpipe, providing a variety of obstacles for different styles of skating.
The park offers a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming skaters of all levels, from beginners to experienced locals. While the landscaping is beautiful, it’s also exposed, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen. It’s a perfect spot to meet local skaters and improve your skills in a supportive environment.
4. Alameda Skatepark, Alameda
Alameda Skatepark, also known as City View Skatepark, is Alameda’s only skatepark and is known for its fantastic city view. The park offers a good mix of street and vert skating with a fun box, small ledges, and various hips. This makes it an ideal spot for families and those just starting out in the sport. While the park has seen an increase in bikers, it remains a fun spot for skaters, especially during quieter times like early Thursday mornings.
The transitions in the bowls can be challenging, due to sunken coping, but the amazing views of San Francisco make up for it. Alameda is a great place to combine a scenic skate session with practice on a range of obstacles.
5. Vans Skatepark, Orange
Vans Skatepark in Orange is considered by many to be one of the best in the world. The park is renowned for its legendary Combi Pool and a range of features you won’t find anywhere else. It also offers skating lessons and birthday parties. The park has transitioned to free entry, which was previously $10. However, the park can get crowded, so plan to arrive early.
Skaters under 18 must wear knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet; skaters over 18 are only required to wear a helmet. Equipment rentals are available, should you need them. The 20,000-square-foot indoor street course has banks, ledges, and manual pads, while the warm-up course for beginners ensures that new skaters can learn safely. The 80-foot mini ramp is a key feature for transition skaters looking for plenty of space to refine their tricks.
6. Vans “Off the Wall” Skatepark, Huntington Beach
The Vans “Off the Wall” Skatepark in Huntington Beach is a large outdoor park with no entrance fees. This makes it a fantastic place for both locals and visitors. The park has a large Vans store onsite, and features a street course with transitions and quarter pipes.
The design promotes a good flow, which is great for beginners and experienced skaters. Street skaters can practice their runs with rollers, stairs, rails, gaps, and kickers. In addition, the park has three bowls including a combi bowl, with a reversed design of the one in Orange, plus two beginner-friendly bowls for easier transitions. Helmets are required for all, while children must wear elbow and knee pads. The park is reserved for BMX riders on Wednesdays.
7. Venice Beach Skatepark, Venice Beach
Venice Beach Skatepark is a world-renowned skateboarding destination. It is historically significant to the sport as some of the earliest days of skateboarding began in Venice. The skatepark perfectly embodies the laid-back Southern California skate vibe. While the area has become a bit chaotic recently, it still offers a unique experience with its seaside location.
Venice Beach Skate ParkThe skatepark has snake runs with mild to steep transitions, making it ideal for both beginner and expert bowl riders. There is also a pool section and various street sections both inside and outside the park. The park can get busy in the afternoon, so an early morning visit is best if you want to enjoy the park with fewer crowds. Despite the crowds, locals are welcoming and willing to share the space.
8. Houghton Skatepark, Long Beach
Houghton Skatepark in Long Beach is known for its unique features, including its bowl section with three varying depths and creative murals. The park’s vert wall adds an extra element of excitement for experienced skaters. The transitions in the bowl are easy, but beginners learning to drop in may find them a bit high.
Visiting in the morning will allow you to experience the park without crowds. In the afternoon, the park gets busier. It’s also a popular place for pro skateboarders like David Gonzales, so you might catch some inspiration while you’re there.
9. Caruthers Skatepark, Bellflower
Caruthers Skatepark, also known as Bellflower Skatepark, is a hidden gem in Los Angeles County. It is not as well-known, meaning you’ll find fewer crowds. The park is particularly good for beginners who are learning to skate bowls and transitions. While the street section isn’t large, it has all the essential obstacles.
The park’s main attraction is the clover bowl with smooth and mellow transitions. This makes it a great spot for learning to carve and kick turn, but it also has a good flow for experienced bowl skaters. Caruthers is a great place to refine your skills in a more relaxed environment.
10. Cherry Park Skatepark, Long Beach
Cherry Park Skatepark in Long Beach is a street skateboarding mecca. Its features include A-frames, ledges, rails, manual and double pads, and even a fire hydrant. It’s a professionally designed park with a DIY feel.
Located downtown and adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, it has a more urban vibe than Venice Beach Skatepark. It’s designed like a skate plaza rather than a traditional skatepark, so it’s not the best place for bowl skating. Whether you’re skating in the park or just cruising downtown, Cherry Park is well worth visiting.
11. Stoner Skate Plaza, Los Angeles
Stoner Skate Plaza in Los Angeles started as an illegal DIY spot. It has since gained support from the Los Angeles City Council. The dedication of West LA skaters to create their spot is evident in the plaza’s design. This street plaza has a wide array of obstacles, including ledges, stairs, and manual pads, making it ideal for skaters of all skill levels.
This skatepark provides a fantastic place to practice your flips, grinds, and slides. The flow of the park is excellent. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when skaters come together to create their ideal spot.
12. Encinitas Skate Park, Encinitas
Encinitas Skate Park, also known as Pood’s Park, is a hidden gem in San Diego. This street-focused skatepark features a fun bowl section for transition skaters. Pood’s Park embodies the So-Cal atmosphere with palm trees, planters, benches, staircases, and handrails.
The park spans 44 acres. It creates a feeling of skating on city streets, without the worry of security. It’s a great place to test your skills on natural city features. Encinitas is a standout for its aesthetic and unique skating experience.
Conclusion
California’s skateparks offer an unmatched variety of terrain and experiences. From the legendary Venice Beach to innovative spots like Lake Cunningham and Pood’s Park, there’s something for every skateboarder. The Golden State remains the heart of skateboarding, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, exploring these 12 skateparks will give you a glimpse into why California is the skateboarding mecca of the world.
