Ten important skateboard spots in Alexandria, Virginia
1. Alexandria Skatepark
Location: 3540 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Skatepark is a favorite for local skateboarders and the top place to skate in the city. It's an all-concrete park located within Joseph Hensley Park and is known for its smooth transitions, varied features, and inclusive atmosphere. The skatepark is around 11,000 square feet, offering obstacles like a bowl, rails, ramps, and ledges. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout features is its well-crafted bowl, which caters to vert skaters looking for that exhilarating drop and flow. Meanwhile, street skaters will appreciate the abundance of grindable ledges and handrails. The park also offers flat areas for those looking to practice basic tricks. Because it is a public park, it’s free and open to all, though it's recommended to go early in the day to avoid crowds.
2. Waterfront Park
Location: 1 King Street, Alexandria, VA
Waterfront Park is situated along the Potomac River and provides a scenic backdrop for skating. While it isn’t a skatepark per se, the flat surfaces, slight inclines, and open space make it a popular spot for cruising and practicing flat-ground tricks. Waterfront Park offers a relaxing environment where skaters can roll smoothly and enjoy a mix of modern public art installations, which sometimes serve as unconventional skate obstacles.
The park’s pathways are wide enough to allow skaters to comfortably ride without interfering with pedestrians, especially during the quieter hours of the day. Its beautiful riverfront view adds a unique vibe to skating here, making it a go-to spot for those who enjoy skateboarding in more scenic environments.
3. Jones Point Park
Location: Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA
Jones Point Park, located under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, is another fantastic skate spot, particularly for skaters who appreciate urban settings. The area under the bridge has plenty of smooth concrete and a few ledges that skaters can use to grind or ollie over. The unique setting beneath the bridge offers skaters some shade and protection from the elements, which is particularly helpful on hot days.
While it’s not a designated skatepark, it is very skate-friendly and a favorite spot for many street skaters. Its proximity to the Potomac River provides great views, and the relatively quiet atmosphere makes it a perfect location for solo sessions or meetups with friends.
4. Market Square
Location: 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA
Market Square, located in Old Town Alexandria, is a popular hangout spot for both tourists and locals. Skaters, however, love the area for its smooth surfaces, steps, ledges, and open layout, which provide opportunities for street-style skating. The square's symmetrical design, clean lines, and ledges make it ideal for practicing technical tricks like grinds, slides, and flips.
Due to its central location and heavy foot traffic, it’s crucial for skaters to be mindful of pedestrians. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times for skateboarding in Market Square, allowing skaters to enjoy the space without too many distractions.
5. Cameron Run Regional Park
Location: 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Cameron Run Regional Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, but skaters are drawn to the smooth walkways, open spaces, and paved paths that surround the park. Although the park is better known for its waterpark and batting cages, its wide paved areas provide excellent terrain for casual skating, particularly for those who enjoy longboarding or just cruising.
While the park doesn’t have formal skate obstacles like ramps or rails, its expansive layout makes it ideal for practicing speed, control, and maneuvering. It’s a perfect spot for families who want to combine skating with other recreational activities.
6. Fort Ward Park
Location: 4301 W Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA
Fort Ward Park is an expansive green space that attracts skaters for its quiet paths and low-key vibe. While the park isn’t designed for skating, its long, flat pathways and slightly hilly terrain make it a great place for skaters looking to practice their cruising and carving skills. The low traffic and peaceful atmosphere provide a nice contrast to some of the busier skate spots in Alexandria.
Skaters who are into downhill riding will appreciate the park's gentle slopes, while those just wanting to improve their balance and footwork can take advantage of the smooth paths. Since the park is a popular destination for picnicking and walking, it’s best to skate here during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
7. Ben Brenman Park
Location: 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria, VA
Ben Brenman Park, located in the Cameron Station neighborhood, is another spot where skateboarding is welcomed. The park has large, paved paths, making it an excellent place for longboarders or anyone who prefers a smooth, leisurely ride. While it doesn’t have dedicated skate features, skaters often use the benches, railings, and curbs for some impromptu tricks.
The park's layout is spread out, so skaters can easily find a quiet corner to practice without disturbing others. Its central location and picturesque environment make it a convenient spot for a laid-back skating session, especially for those living in the nearby residential areas.
8. Four Mile Run Park
Location: 3700 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Four Mile Run Park spans a large area and offers many paved paths, perfect for a casual skate. While it’s more commonly used by joggers and cyclists, the park's smooth, flat surfaces make it an ideal spot for skateboarders to enjoy some uninterrupted cruising. The park’s layout includes various bridges and underpasses that provide interesting architectural elements to skate around or use as obstacles.
The park’s proximity to natural scenery, including streams and green spaces, makes it a peaceful place to skate. The atmosphere is relaxed, and because it’s such a large park, there’s plenty of room to skate without running into too many people.
9. Mount Vernon Trail
Location: Along the Potomac River, Alexandria, VA
The Mount Vernon Trail is a popular multi-use trail that runs along the Potomac River, providing stunning views and a smooth, scenic route for skateboarders. The trail extends for 18 miles, and while it is primarily used by cyclists and runners, it is also perfect for long-distance skateboarding or longboarding.
The Alexandria portion of the trail offers a pleasant mix of nature and urban landscapes, making it a favorite among those who like to combine skating with sightseeing. The trail’s wide paths and consistent pavement make it a reliable spot for a long, uninterrupted ride, though skaters should be cautious and respectful of other trail users.
10. Potomac Yard Park
Location: 2501 Potomac Avenue, Alexandria, VA
Potomac Yard Park is a family-friendly park that features a variety of recreational facilities. For skateboarders, the long, paved walkways provide excellent terrain for cruising or practicing flat-ground tricks. The park also has some smaller structures like benches and low walls, which skaters can use for grinds or manuals.
Its clean, well-maintained paths, along with its convenient location near Potomac Yard Shopping Center, make it a great spot for a quick skate session, especially for those running errands or spending time in the nearby areas. While it’s not as intense as a traditional skatepark, its mellow vibe and easygoing terrain make it a local favorite for casual skaters.
La Crescenta Skatepark is often less crowded than larger parks like Verdugo, making it a great option for those who want a less competitive atmosphere. The park is surrounded by greenery, which adds to the overall experience, giving skaters a scenic backdrop for their sessions.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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