Ten important skateboard spots in Huntington Beach, California
1. Verdugo Skatepark
Verdugo Skatepark is undoubtedly one of the most popular skateboarding destinations in Glendale. Located at 1621 Cañada Boulevard, this 15,000-square-foot park offers an array of features for skateboarders of all skill levels. The park is designed with concrete bowls, ramps, rails, and ledges, making it a haven for trick lovers and those who enjoy practicing transitions. The centerpiece of the park is its massive bowl, which allows skaters to experience the thrill of high-speed carving. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, Verdugo Skatepark is a must-visit due to its variety and quality of design.
The park is well-maintained, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a prime location for both locals and visitors. Because it’s a dedicated skatepark, it offers a safer environment for skating compared to general public spaces. Plus, it’s free to enter, which is a bonus for young skaters who want a place to practice without paying hefty fees.
2. Glendale Central Park
Though it’s not a dedicated skateboarding spot, Glendale Central Park is an excellent location for street skaters who enjoy smooth pavement and a mix of ledges and manual pads. Located near the Glendale Galleria and the Americana at Brand shopping center, this park is surrounded by flat, smooth surfaces, making it ideal for cruising and practicing technical tricks like manuals, ollies, and flip tricks. Skaters can weave in and out of the foot traffic, adding a bit of urban flair to their skating experience.
The park is surrounded by well-manicured greenery and offers a relaxing atmosphere for skateboarders who want to skate at their own pace. However, because this is a public space shared with pedestrians, it’s essential to be mindful of others while skating.
3. Murdy Park Skatepark
This hidden gem is located at Murdy Park, 7000 Norma Drive. While smaller than some of the other skateparks, Murdy Skatepark is perfect for local skaters who want to practice in a less crowded setting. It features a compact but well-thought-out design with a mix of obstacles, including banks, small ramps, and quarter pipes.
Murdy Skatepark is especially well-suited for beginner and intermediate skaters looking to hone their skills. The park’s modest size makes it a great spot for younger skaters and those who want to improve their fundamentals without the pressure of larger, more advanced parks. Its mellow vibe also makes it a perfect place to hang out with friends.
4. Central Park
Huntington Central Park is more than just a spot for nature lovers—it’s also a great place for skateboarders who enjoy longboarding or cruising. With over 350 acres of trails, paths, and open spaces, it offers a peaceful and scenic environment for skateboarding. Unlike skateparks designed for tricks and vert skating, Central Park is a great place to relax and enjoy a mellow cruise.
One of the highlights of Central Park is the wide, smooth paths that wind through the park’s trees, ponds, and gardens. The natural beauty surrounding the skateboarding paths creates a unique experience. While this isn’t a place for grinding rails or launching down stair sets, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a laid-back ride in nature.
5. Edison Park
Edison Park, located at 21377 Magnolia Street, is another great spot for skateboarders in Huntington Beach. While it’s not a designated skatepark, it offers plenty of smooth concrete and open space for skaters to practice their skills. The park is primarily known for its sports fields and playgrounds, but skaters often use its paved paths and open areas to work on flatground tricks and transitions.
Edison Park is ideal for beginner and intermediate skaters, as the park’s open design allows for creativity without being overly challenging. The park is also great for practicing ollies, flips, and manuals, making it a go-to spot for street skaters looking to improve their technique. Plus, the park’s casual environment makes it an excellent place to skate with friends or solo.
6. Huntington State Beach Bike Path
Stretching along the coastline, the Huntington State Beach Bike Path is not just for cyclists—it’s a favorite spot for longboarders and cruiser skateboarders. This path runs parallel to the beach, providing incredible ocean views and a smooth ride. The flat, well-maintained path is perfect for those who enjoy long-distance skating.
The bike path runs for several miles, making it ideal for those looking to cruise for an extended period. Skating here is more about soaking in the atmosphere than pulling off technical tricks. It’s also a popular spot during sunset, with skaters, cyclists, and joggers all sharing the path. The beach vibes, ocean breeze, and gorgeous views make this one of the best skate spots in the area.
7. Goldenwest College
Goldenwest College, located at 15744 Goldenwest Street, is another popular skateboarding destination. It’s not an official skatepark, but many street skaters flock to the college because of its architecture. With stair sets, handrails, ledges, and gaps, it’s a perfect place for those who love street-style skating. It’s worth noting that while skating on school grounds can sometimes be prohibited, it remains a favorite spot for locals when security isn’t strict.
Skating at Goldenwest College is more suited for experienced street skaters due to the technical features and obstacles available. If you’re looking for a challenge, this spot offers plenty of opportunities for grinds, slides, and flips. However, make sure to respect the campus rules and be mindful of the students and staff during school hours.
8. Skate Spot at Huntington Beach High School
Like Goldenwest College, Huntington Beach High School, located at 1905 Main Street, is an unofficial but popular spot for skaters. The school’s design includes stairs, handrails, ledges, and banks, making it a prime location for street skaters looking to test their skills. Some of the stair sets are known for being particularly good for tricks like kickflips and 180s.
Since it’s a public school, skating here outside of school hours is generally preferred. It’s a great spot for intermediate to advanced skaters who enjoy street skating in a raw urban environment. However, be aware of school policies and always be respectful of the property.
9. Mile Square Park
Mile Square Park, technically located in nearby Fountain Valley, is just a short drive from Huntington Beach and a favorite among skateboarders in the area. The park is massive, offering over 600 acres of space with various paths and trails that skaters use for cruising and longboarding. The park is family-friendly, with wide open spaces and smooth paved paths, making it an ideal place for all levels of skaters.
The paths at Mile Square Park are great for long-distance skating, and the park’s tranquil setting provides a peaceful experience. If you’re someone who enjoys carving, cruising, and taking in the scenery, this is an excellent spot for an afternoon skate session. Plus, the park is large enough that you won’t have to worry about overcrowding.
10. Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach, another prime location for beachgoers and skaters alike, offers a smooth bike path perfect for cruising. Like the Huntington State Beach Bike Path, Bolsa Chica’s path runs along the coast, offering stunning ocean views and a refreshing breeze. The path is flat, well-paved, and stretches for miles, making it a perfect spot for longboarders and those looking to cover distance while skating.
The proximity to the beach makes it a scenic and relaxing place to skate, especially during the warmer months. Bolsa Chica is a bit quieter than Huntington State Beach, making it a good option if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience. It’s a fantastic spot to skate with friends or just to take a solo ride while enjoying the California coastline.
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.
BellyRash