For skateboarding enthusiasts, a bucket list isn’t complete without visiting some of the most iconic and challenging skateparks the United States has to offer. From the sun-soaked West Coast to the historic East Coast, these parks provide a diverse range of experiences for skaters of all levels. This guide will take you through some of the most impressive skateparks in the US, each with its own unique character and appeal.
The West Coast, known for its year-round favorable weather, is home to many legendary skate spots. However, the East Coast also boasts its share of must-visit locations. This list includes parks designed by skaters, for skaters, featuring everything from massive concrete bowls to intricate street courses. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these skateparks are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.
Aerial view of a busy skatepark with various ramps and bowls
This curated list of skateparks is designed to offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to different styles and skill levels. While the order isn’t strictly ranked, we’ll start our journey on the West Coast, specifically in Portland, Oregon, home to one of the most influential skateparks in the world.
1. Burnside Skatepark, Portland, OR
Portland is a city known for its vibrant culture and diverse attractions, and Burnside Skatepark is a testament to that. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Burnside is a DIY project maintained by dedicated volunteers, attracting skaters from around the globe. It began as an unsanctioned concrete pour in an empty parking lot, growing into a paradigm for skateparks nationwide. It has become so influential, that two major skatepark construction companies, Grindline and Dreamland Skateparks, were born out of it.
Located under the Burnside Bridge, the park offers shelter from the frequent Portland rain. What sets Burnside apart is its challenging, no-frills design. No protective gear is required, so it is not for the faint of heart. The park features a 4-6 foot quarter pipe drop and a 7-8 foot raised quarter bowl drop-in, leading to a lower bowl and a wave on the south side. Burnside is free, open 24/7, and should be on every skateboarder’s list. It embodies the raw, DIY spirit of skateboarding.
2. Denver Skatepark, Denver, CO
Moving to Denver, CO, the Denver Skatepark, located along the Platte River, stands out for its blend of challenging features and stunning views. This 60,000-square-foot park offers something for every skill level and skating style, making it a must-visit destination.
The north side of the park features a range of concrete bowls suitable for all abilities. The east side is characterized by massive hip ramps, ledges, and rails, while the south side boasts a street course with platforms, ramps, rails, and stairs. No matter your preference, you’ll find plenty to keep you engaged at Denver Skatepark. It’s open from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm daily and free to use, offering a perfect backdrop with the Rocky Mountains during sunset.
3. Vans Skatepark, Orange, CA
Vans Skatepark in Orange, CA, is a unique location that provides both indoor and outdoor skating options. It was opened in 1999, and it is known for featuring a replica of the iconic Upland combi-bowl. The original Upland combi-bowl was part of Pipeline Skatepark, and has been called one of the most impressive bowls in skateboarding history, making the Vans park a must-visit for skate enthusiasts.
The indoor section of the park includes a 20,000 square foot street course made from concrete and wood, packed with stairs, banks, rails, ledges, and manual pads. There is also a warm-up course for beginners and an 80-foot-wide mini ramp. Outdoors, you can find another mini ramp. The park is free to use, but protective gear, specifically helmets for those over 18, is required.
4. Kirtsis Skatepark, Lincoln City, OR
Kirtsis Skatepark in Lincoln City, OR, designed by Dreamland Skate Parks, is known for its ever-evolving design, with new additions and updates added annually. This multi-faceted park, with five interconnected mini-parks, is one of the largest in Oregon. It was named the “gnarliest skatepark in America” by Thrasher magazine, with a 9 out of 10 rating, which speaks to the challenge it offers.
The park features four unique bowls: the Moguls Bowl, the Cradle and Half Pipe, the Swimming Pool, and the Snake Run. The speed lines and unique transitions make Kirtsis a destination that requires multiple visits to fully experience. It’s open from dawn to dusk and is free to use. While protective gear is required for those under 16, it is recommended for all skaters.
5. Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park, San Jose, CA
Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park in San Jose, CA, is one of the most unique skateparks in the US, with the world’s largest cradle at 70 feet. Spanning 68,000 square feet, it is the biggest skatepark in California and features a variety of bowls, a mega wall, street obstacles, rails, pipes, and pools. The world’s largest full pipe and tallest vert wall is also located at this park, giving it even more appeal for extreme skaters.
This concrete park is a marvel of skateboarding design and has been lauded by seasoned skaters across the country. There is no cost to skate here, but hours can be limited based on weather conditions. Always check the local guides before your visit to ensure the park is open.
6. FDR Skatepark, Philadelphia, PA
Crossing the country, FDR Skatepark in Philadelphia, PA, is a skater-built park located under a highway overpass in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park. This completely volunteer-built park, from donated materials, has become a hub for the arts, music, and poetry, and events are held here to raise money for park improvements. It has also become a place of graffiti art, making it a one-of-a-kind skate destination.
The park is known for its imperfect aesthetic, with cracks and marks adding to its character, and demonstrating the hard work that local skaters have put into the space. It features a 4-foot dome leading to an 11-foot overhang and a 60-foot-long bunker. The challenge here is great, and the authenticity unparalleled. FDR is free and open 24/7, embodying the true spirit of DIY skateboarding culture.
7. Les Coleman Skatepark, New York City, NY
Les Coleman Skatepark, often called Chinatown Skatepark, in New York City, is a community-driven space beneath the Manhattan Bridge. Initially built by local skaters on abandoned basketball courts, the city provided funding and Nike SB backed a remodel in 2012. The result is a unique mix of classic and modern features.
The park’s design incorporates smooth concrete with ledges, jumps, rails, a pyramid, and a big apple feature. Every skateboarding event in New York City happens here. What is special about this park is its connection to community. It serves as a symbol of the blood, sweat, and tears of skaters who have helped shape the East Coast skateboarding scene. The park has more limited hours than others, and it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
8. Skatepark of Tampa (SPOT), Tampa, FL
Moving south to Florida, the Skatepark of Tampa (SPOT) is an indoor and outdoor facility catering to all skill levels. The street course is updated annually, and it hosts the annual Tampa Pro contest each March, attracting professional skaters from around the globe. SPOT is considered one of the best skateparks on the East Coast, and it is known as a music and arts venue.
The park features a pro-level terrain course with a pyramid, rails, and transitions, and a beginner course for those honing their skills. SPOT has an entrance fee, but there are discounts for military personnel, police, paramedics, firefighters, and “old man Tuesdays”, and women skate for free. This park is a staple in the skateboarding world, and it has appeared in the Tony Hawk’s Underground video game.
9. Kona Skate Park, Jacksonville, FL
Also in Florida, the Kona Skate Park in Jacksonville is one of the oldest private skateparks in the US, having been in operation since the 1970s. This park has undergone some changes, but it has remained a safe haven for young skaters, largely due to the Ramos family, who reopened it in 1979.
Kona is responsible for the modern vertical ramp, which has shaped the sport as we know it today, leading to the first-ever vert competitions. The park features a multitude of paths through a snake run, concrete ramps, and half-pipes. It’s a spot that offers a feel of nostalgia. The park has limited hours of operation, so it is always good to check their website before you go.
10. Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Foundation Skate Plaza, Kettering, OH
Heading north to Ohio, the Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza in Kettering, is a premier street skating destination. Founded in partnership with DC shoes by pro skater Rob Dyrdek, this 42,000-square-foot park is designed to resemble a public square, featuring benches, rails, ramps, and ledges.
While it may not have many transitions, the skate plaza is ideal for street-style skating enthusiasts, with stairs, varying in height, built with aluminum and concrete. The park is free, open from dawn till dusk, and protective gear is not required.
11. David Armstrong Extreme Park, Louisville, KY
David Armstrong Extreme Park, formerly known as Louisville Extreme, in Louisville, KY, is notable for featuring the largest concrete full pipe in the US, at 24 feet. This park offers a blend of street, transition, and vert skating, and gained national recognition after being featured in Tony Hawk’s Gigantic Skatepark Tour.
The park has a variety of features including two 11-foot bowls, two 8-foot and 6-foot bowls, a street course, a 6-foot flat bank, and a variety of ledges and rails. With 40,000 square feet of area, and the added benefit of being free and open 24/7, this skatepark is a must-visit for any skateboarding enthusiast.
12. Courthouse, West L.A., CA
The Courthouse in West L.A., CA, is the most iconic skate spot in the US and is featured in the film Mid 90s. Although it was never designed as a skatepark, its influence on street skating culture is undeniable. Despite increased security, the Courthouse has only grown in popularity. It is a site where street skating was defined and refined, making it a landmark in skateboarding history.
The Courthouse closed in 2013, but due to community support, including Eric Koston, Nike made a deal with the city and took over the park, preserving a piece of skateboarding history. This site is proof of how important the community is to the culture of skateboarding.
13. Venice Beach Skatepark, CA
Lastly, Venice Beach Skatepark in CA is a beautifully located street course just steps away from the ocean. This 16,000 square foot park features two bowls, a snake run, and a street course. It also happens to be the former home of both Jay Adams and Tony Alva, who both had a huge impact on skateboarding culture and style.
Aerial view of a busy skatepark with various ramps and bowls
The park is free and open from 9:00 am to sunset daily, weather permitting, and protective gear is required. It is the perfect spot to spend a day after morning surfing, enjoying the scenic views and unique skate features.
Final Thoughts
This list is certainly not exhaustive, but these skateparks provide a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the best skateboarding locations in the USA. While Burnside is often agreed upon as one of the best, the rest of the parks provide great experiences that you can’t get anywhere else.
Each of these skateparks has its own unique charm and challenges, appealing to different tastes and skill levels. Deciding where to go first is a tough choice, but no matter what you choose, these locations are guaranteed to offer an unforgettable skateboarding experience.
