The 10 Best Skate Parks in the United States

2. Washington Street Skatepark - San Diego, California

San Diego's behemoth of DIY concrete, Washington Street Skatepark sits in the shade under PCH near Lindbergh Field. Open to all, but respect the locals and builders. Get some if you can, but you best have a big set up with loose trucks and capable wheels. These walls and transitions are unforgiving.

Lee Dupont really painted a picture in his The Cinematographer Project piece:

3. Burnside - Portland, Oregon

The OG. The blueprint for DIY, under the bridge skateparks. It's one of the most important skateparks and building projects in the history of skateboarding. If you're anywhere near Portland, Oregon, you ought to stop by at least to pay respects. 

Beautiful Burnside portrait in our Are You Alright? from 2003.

4. St. Petersburg Skate Plaza - St. Petersburg, Florida

The Lake Vista Skatepark: We found this little gem off the beaten path after several trips to Tampa for its Pro and Am contests. Take a little drive over the bridge to peaceful St. Pete and have a mellow session at this little plaza that's got smooth ground, banks, a hip, a curb and more. It's a little slice of Floridian paradise. Then go hit the beach for a dip. 

5. Pulaski Park - Washington, D.C.

The last remaining great American skate plaza. It's a miracle this place hasn't been bulldozed like Love Park. Its expansive granite and marble plaza is still standing, beckoning your wheels to roll. The same hallowed ground that birthed the storied careers of Reese Forbes, Pepe Martinez, Bobby Worrest and so many more DC rippers. Truly a national treasure.

Reese Forbes from Eastern Exposure 3 is gospel:

6. Blue Park - Brooklyn, New York

Smack dab in the middle of Brooklyn's popular Williamsburg neighborhood, get your roll on in what's basically a school's playground littered with skateable and changing obstacles. Demos go down, new features get built, people complain, but everybody skates Blue Park.

Peep Bronze and Tenant's skate jam:

7. Continental Army Plaza - Brooklyn, New York

Reggaeton ledges too crowded? Skate on down Borinquen Place to the statue of George Washington at Valley Forge at the foot of the Williamsburg bridge. Curbs, a three-stair, you can look at how hairy the rail-to-rail transfer is. Late Nite Stars just threw an epic skate jam there recently. Told you this list was random. 

8. Poods Park - Encinitas, California

The gem of San Diego County. There are a lot of skateparks in San Diego County, but most fell short of the mark. With Poods, named after local Ian "Poods" Barry, the designers stayed true to its design as a skate plaza, and Kanten Russell nailed the design. Place is as close to perfect as we're going to get. 

9. North Houston Skate Park - Houston, Texas

We discovered this one on a Natural Koncept trip earlier this year. North Houston's monstrous park is 77,000 square feet! Just taking a lap around the place will leave you winded. The locals were beyond nice and welcoming, so it's getting a mention on this list. Houston is a rad city to visit, too. 

10. Parisite DIY - New Orleans, Louisiana

NOLA has had its DIY going under a bridge for several years now. Escape the summer heat in the shade, or dodge tropical rain storms under the bridge, too. Catch locals Jordan Trahan and Humidity owner Philly Santosuosso ripping it up with the locals. Support 'em here!