From world-class skateparks to smooth streets and vibrant skateboarding communities, these cities are the ultimate destinations for skaters. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 cities in the United States for skateboarding, starting with number 10.
- Why It’s Great: Miami’s scenic spots and warm weather make it a haven for street skaters.
- Weather: Miami averages 248 sunny days annually, with mild winters and summer highs around 90°F. While it gets about 61 inches of rain per year, storms are usually brief.
- Road Surfaces: Downtown areas like Brickell have smooth streets, although some older neighborhoods may have rough patches.
- Skateparks: Lot 11 Skatepark is a standout, with its modern design and vibrant atmosphere. Haulover Skatepark offers unique features but can be crowded.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Orlando, FL (230 miles) offers excellent facilities like Orlando Skatepark.
- Why It’s Great: Las Vegas combines sunny weather with well-designed skateparks and an emerging street scene.
- Weather: With 294 sunny days annually and only 4 inches of rain, skating is rarely disrupted.
- Road Surfaces: Las Vegas boasts smooth streets in newer developments, although the heat can occasionally cause minor wear.
- Skateparks: Craig Ranch Regional Park and Hollywood Skatepark are spacious, clean, and offer features for all skill levels.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Los Angeles, CA (270 miles) is a skateboarding mecca worth the trip.
- Why It’s Great: Phoenix offers an abundance of sunshine, top-tier skateparks, and a welcoming skate culture.
- Weather: With 299 sunny days annually and only 8 inches of rain per year, outdoor skating is almost always possible.
- Road Surfaces: Newer infrastructure provides smooth roads, but summer heat can cause some pavement cracks.
- Skateparks: Desert West Skatepark and Cesar Chavez Skatepark are excellent, with diverse features for all skill levels.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Tucson, AZ (120 miles) features parks like Santa Rita Skatepark.
- Why It’s Great: Denver has a vibrant skate culture, exceptional parks, and plenty of sunshine.
- Weather: With 245 sunny days annually and just 17 inches of rain, skating is rarely interrupted. Winters are cold but dry.
- Road Surfaces: The city’s well-maintained streets are ideal for cruising, with investments in infrastructure ensuring smooth surfaces.
- Skateparks: Denver Skatepark is one of the largest in the U.S., offering features for all skill levels. Arvada Skatepark is another highlight.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Colorado Springs, CO (70 miles) has standout spots like Memorial Skatepark.
- Why It’s Great: Austin boasts a thriving skateboarding community, smooth streets, and impressive parks.
- Weather: With 228 sunny days per year and minimal rainfall (35 inches annually), Austin provides excellent skating conditions. Summers can be hot, reaching 95°F.
- Road Surfaces: The city’s newer infrastructure means smooth roads, particularly downtown and in East Austin.
- Skateparks: House Park Skatepark is a local favorite, while Mabel Davis Skatepark offers a variety of features.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Houston, TX (165 miles) has parks like Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.
- Why It’s Great: NYC combines legendary street spots, vibrant culture, and iconic skateparks.
- Weather: Summers are warm (averaging 84°F), while winters can be harsh. The city gets 47 inches of rain annually.
- Road Surfaces: Though some streets are rough, areas like Manhattan and Brooklyn feature smooth plazas and sidewalks perfect for skating.
- Skateparks: LES Skatepark and Pier 62 Skatepark are legendary, and indoor options like Chelsea Piers are great for rainy days.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Philadelphia, PA (95 miles) offers historic skate spots like LOVE Park and FDR Skatepark.
- Why It’s Great: San Francisco’s steep hills and unique urban landscape create endless opportunities for street skating.
- Weather: The city enjoys mild weather year-round, with average temperatures between 55°F and 70°F and just 25 inches of rain.
- Road Surfaces: While the steep hills can be challenging, downtown streets are typically smooth and well-maintained.
- Skateparks: SOMA West Skatepark and Potrero Skatepark offer excellent features, while the DIY Waller Street Skatepark has a cult following.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: San Jose, CA (50 miles) has additional skateparks and smoother streets.
- Why It’s Great: Portland is known for its DIY skateboarding culture, world-class parks, and supportive community.
- Weather: While Portland gets 154 rainy days annually, summers are warm and dry, with highs around 80°F.
- Road Surfaces: Some streets suffer from rain damage, but the city prioritizes infrastructure maintenance, keeping many roads skateable.
- Skateparks: Burnside Skatepark is iconic, while Glenhaven and Pier Park offer diverse features and challenging terrain.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Seattle, WA (175 miles) has top-tier parks like Jefferson Park.
- Why It’s Great: San Diego offers a perfect combination of weather, parks, and a laid-back skate culture.
- Weather: With 266 sunny days per year and only 12 inches of rain, San Diego is a skater’s dream.
- Road Surfaces: Streets are smooth and well-maintained, particularly in urban areas like Downtown and Ocean Beach.
- Skateparks: Linda Vista Skatepark is a standout, offering one of the largest and most diverse setups in the country. Washington Street Skatepark caters to advanced skaters with challenging features.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: Los Angeles, CA (120 miles) offers endless iconic skate spots and parks.
- Why It’s Great: LA is the birthplace of modern skateboarding, offering countless legendary spots, parks, and a vibrant culture.
- Weather: Los Angeles enjoys 284 sunny days annually, with minimal rain (15 inches per year), providing year-round skateboarding weather.
- Road Surfaces: Smooth streets and skate-friendly neighborhoods like Venice and Downtown make LA ideal for street skating.
- Skateparks: Venice Beach Skatepark, Stoner Skate Plaza, and The Berrics are globally recognized and offer features for all skill levels.
- Other Great Cities Nearby: San Diego, CA (120 miles) is another skateboarding haven with world-class parks.
Conclusion
From LA’s legendary spots to Portland’s DIY culture and San Diego’s sprawling skateparks, these cities represent the best of skateboarding in the United States. Whether you’re a street skater or a park enthusiast, these destinations offer something for everyone.
