For longboarding enthusiasts, exploring diverse skateparks across the United States is an essential part of the experience. From the iconic street courses to the massive bowls, these skateparks offer unique challenges and unforgettable sessions. This guide highlights 13 of the best skateparks across the USA that are a must-visit for any longboarder looking to expand their skills and experience new terrains.
The United States boasts an impressive array of skateparks, scattered from the Pacific Northwest down to sunny California and across to the East Coast. This means you’ll have opportunities to find epic street courses, iconic locations, and facilities designed by skaters for skaters. The diversity includes everything from the largest full-concrete pipe to one of the oldest skateparks in America. While many top-tier skateparks cluster on the West Coast due to favorable weather conditions, the East Coast also hosts some gems that shouldn’t be missed.
Best skateparks in the USA
While the selection process is subjective, the 13 parks listed below are some of the most highly-regarded skate spots across the United States. They are not ranked in a specific order, but we will start our journey on the West Coast in Portland, Oregon, and then make our way across the country.
1. Burnside Skatepark, Portland, OR
Portland is a city with a lot to offer, from amazing breweries to the biggest bookstore in the world, and it’s also home to the legendary Burnside Skatepark. Approaching its 30th anniversary, Burnside stands as a testament to the power of community, supported entirely by dedicated volunteers without any public funding.
This park began as a DIY project, with concrete poured illegally to create a vertical transition in an empty parking lot under the Burnside Bridge. Over the years, it’s become a blueprint for skateparks across the US. Despite its rebellious start, the city eventually sanctioned the space, making it a public park, free and open 24/7.
Burnside features a four to six-foot quarter pipe drop and a seven to eight-foot raised quarter bowl drop-in, leading to an adjacent bowl and a wave that stretches along the south side. There are no gear requirements, but it’s infamous for its challenges, so it’s not for the faint of heart. This is a must-visit spot for any serious longboarder.
2. Denver Skatepark, Denver, CO
Moving to Denver, Colorado, the Denver Skatepark offers diverse terrain for all levels, alongside beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. It is located along the Platte River and offers something for every style and skill level.
The park spans 60,000 square feet and includes concrete bowls of varying sizes along the north side. The east section features huge hip ramps surrounded by ledges and rails, while the south side contains a street course with platforms, ramps, rails, and stairs.
Denver Skatepark is open from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, seven days a week, and it’s completely free. The combination of challenging obstacles and stunning scenery makes it a favorite for longboarders.
3. Vans Skatepark, Orange, CA
Continuing south, the Vans Skatepark in Orange, California, offers both indoor and outdoor skating options. The park is known for its unique features, including the reformed Upland combi-bowl, a massive double bowl from the Pipeline Skatepark, considered legendary in skateboarding history.
The indoor section features a 20,000-square-foot street course made of concrete and wood, with stairs, banks, rails, ledges, and manual pads. There is also an 80-foot-wide mini ramp indoors, and another mini ramp outdoors.
Vans Skatepark is free, but protective gear is required, with a minimum helmet requirement for those over 18. It is also a great spot to potentially meet some pro skaters.
4. Kirtsis Skatepark, Lincoln City, OR
Heading back up to Oregon, the Kirtsis Skatepark in Lincoln City is an ever-evolving collection of five outdoor mini-parks. Designed by Dreamland Skate Parks, the park adds new features every year.
The park, spanning over 40,000 square feet, has earned the title of “gnarliest skatepark in America,” with a 9 out of 10 rating from Thrasher magazine. It features four separate bowls: the Moguls Bowl, the partially covered Cradle and Half Pipe, the Swimming Pool, and the Snake Run.
With incredible speed lines and tons of concrete, Kirtsis Skatepark is recommended for multiple-day visits. It’s open from dawn to dusk, is free, and requires protective gear for those under 16. This park is perfect for longboarders looking for speed and challenging bowls.
Best skateparks in the USA
5. Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park, San Jose, CA
Located in San Jose, California, the Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park is one of the most unique skateparks in the country. It is the largest in California, with 68,000 square feet of concrete, and is renowned for its massive 70-foot-long cradle.
The park also boasts a mega wall, street obstacles, rails, pipes, pools, the world’s largest full pipe, and the tallest vert wall. Seasoned skaters consider it among the most remarkable skateparks, ideal for those looking for extreme challenges.
Skating at Lake Cunningham is free but dependent on weather conditions. Be sure to check for opening hours before you go.
6. FDR Skatepark, Philadelphia, PA
Crossing over to the East Coast, the FDR Skatepark in Philadelphia is a skateboarder’s paradise built under a highway overpass in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park. It’s a purely volunteer-built and maintained park, with new features constantly being added.
FDR is known for its unique graffiti art and serves as a venue for arts, musical entertainment, and poetry. While some of the rails and ramps have imperfections, they add to its charm and authenticity.
The park features a 4-foot dome that ascends to an 11-foot overhang and a 60-foot-long bunker, offering challenges for both beginners and experienced riders. FDR is free and open 24/7, showcasing a true skater-built culture.
7. Les Coleman Skatepark, New York City, NY
In New York City, the Les Skatepark, also known as the Chinatown Skatepark or Coleman Skatepark, sits underneath the Manhattan Bridge. This park was originally created by local skaters on abandoned basketball courts before the city stepped in with funding.
The Les Skatepark has a mix of street obstacles, including ledges, jumps, rails, a pyramid, and a “big apple,” representing NYC’s nickname. It’s a central spot for skateboarding events in the city. It also has a strong community feel, reflecting the dedication of local skaters.
The park’s hours are more limited than some, so be sure to check local guides for opening and closing times, and arrive early as it gets very busy.
8. Skatepark of Tampa (SPOT), Tampa, FL
Heading south to Florida, the Skatepark of Tampa (SPOT) offers both indoor and outdoor courses designed for all skill levels. SPOT is known for its constantly changing street course and hosts the annual Tampa Pro contest every March.
The park includes a pro-course with a pyramid, rails, and transitions, and a beginner course with smaller rails and ramps. It also serves as a venue for music and arts events. SPOT is featured in the Tony Hawk’s Underground video game.
There’s an entrance fee to skate, and helmets are required for everyone. However, there are numerous discounts, including ½ price for military, police, paramedics, and firefighters, and “girls skate free” since 1993.
9. Kona Skate Park, Jacksonville, FL
Another Florida gem, the Kona Skate Park in Jacksonville, is one of the oldest running private skateparks in the United States, having operated since the 1970s. It is a nostalgic place with a long history.
The park pioneered the modern vertical ramp and hosted the first vert competition. It features a snake run, a multitude of ramps, and half-pipes. Kona Skate Park was also featured in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 game.
Hours of operation are limited and there is an admission fee, so check their website for details before your visit.
10. Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Foundation Skate Plaza, Kettering, OH
Heading towards the north-central part of the US, the Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Foundation Skate Plaza in Kettering, Ohio, is a must-visit for street-style enthusiasts. It was built in partnership with DC Shoes and pro skater Rob Dyrdek, and is designed to resemble a public square in the middle of the town.
The park features benches, rails, ramps, and ledges, mixed with landscaping and art. It has many stairs with varying heights built from custom aluminum and concrete.
The park is free and open from dawn to dusk, and no protective gear is required. This is ideal for longboarders looking to refine their street skills.
11. David Armstrong Extreme Park, Louisville, KY
The David Armstrong Extreme Park in Louisville, Kentucky, lives up to its name, featuring the largest concrete full pipe in any US skatepark, measuring 24 feet.
The park offers a combination of street, transition, and vert skating styles. It includes two 11-foot bowls, two 8-foot and 6-foot bowls, a street course, a 6-foot flat bank, and a wide variety of ledges and rails.
The park gained national recognition after being featured in Tony Hawk’s Gigantic Skatepark Tour. It is free and open 24/7, making it a great place for night skating.
12. Courthouse, West L.A., CA
The Courthouse in West L.A. is an iconic skate spot that has significantly influenced street skating. It was featured in the movie Mid 90s and numerous iconic skate videos. While not designed as a skatepark, its history and influence make it a critical location for longboarders.
The Courthouse was closed in 2013 and was to be bulldozed, but with the help of the local community, including Eric Koston, Nike took over the park, preserving a piece of skateboarding history.
13. Venice Beach Skatepark, CA
Finally, the Venice Beach Skatepark in California is a beautiful spot located steps away from the coastline. The park offers a perfect blend of a widespread street course with two bowls, a snake run, and a street course all overlooking the water.
Venice Beach Skatepark is the former home of skating legends Jay Adams and Tony Alva. The park is free and open from 9:00 am to sunset daily, weather permitting, and protective gear is required. This is a great place to combine a day of surfing with longboarding.
Final Thoughts
This list, while not exhaustive, highlights some of the best skateparks the United States has to offer. Each park has its own unique features, history, and appeal, making them must-visit locations for longboarders.
While the list does not rank the parks in any order, Burnside is generally regarded as one of the top skateparks in the country. Pick a spot, go visit, and discover for yourself why these skateparks are some of the best in the USA.
Author Ruben Vee
By: Ruben Vee
