Ten important skateboard spots in Tallahassee, Florida
1. Tallahassee Skate Park
The Tallahassee Skate Park, located on Easterwood Drive, is one of the most popular and well-maintained skateboarding venues in the city. Managed by the City of Tallahassee, it is a concrete park designed with all types of skaters in mind—beginners and pros alike. With a good mix of ramps, rails, ledges, bowls, and stair sets, this park offers something for every kind of skater.
Its standout feature is the flow section, which includes a snake-run-style design, allowing skaters to generate speed without constantly pushing. The park’s spacious layout also makes it easy to find a section to practice in, even when it’s crowded. Additionally, the park hosts various events and competitions, making it a central hub for the local skateboarding community. With its varied features, accessibility, and welcoming vibe, the Tallahassee Skate Park is an essential destination for any skater in the area.2. Tom Brown Park
Another local favorite is Tom Brown Park, known for its large outdoor recreational space that includes a dedicated skate spot. The skate park within Tom Brown offers more of a low-key atmosphere compared to the main city park, which is perfect for skaters looking to practice without the pressure of a large crowd. It features banks, rails, quarter pipes, and even a mini-ramp.
For skaters who want to diversify their activities, Tom Brown Park is great because of its other facilities like basketball courts, trails, and bike paths. This park is especially good for skateboarders who enjoy a relaxed, outdoor skating environment that’s not confined to a traditional park setting.
3. Lake Ella
If you are a fan of street skating, Lake Ella is the perfect location. Located near the heart of Tallahassee, Lake Ella features paved walkways, ledges, and stairs that are ideal for street skaters looking to practice grinds, slides, and flip tricks in a more urban setting. The lake's surroundings offer natural scenery, making it a picturesque spot for skaters who enjoy mixing skateboarding with nature.
While not an official skatepark, Lake Ella has become a popular spot for local skaters, thanks to the open spaces and lack of foot traffic in certain areas. Be mindful, however, that some areas might have restrictions on skating, so it’s important to check for any signs prohibiting the activity.
4. Railroad Square Art District
Railroad Square Art District is not only known for its artsy vibe but also for its cool skateboarding spots. With various ledges, benches, and curbs scattered throughout the district, skaters often use the area for street skating sessions. The industrial backdrop adds to the experience, making this spot perfect for those who enjoy skating while surrounded by colorful murals, sculptures, and unique art installations.
This location has a local, creative atmosphere, and while it's not an official skate spot, it’s become something of an underground skateboarding haven in Tallahassee. Skating here can be especially fun during the district’s monthly First Friday event, where local artists and vendors gather for a festive atmosphere.
5. Cascades Park
Cascades Park is primarily known for its amphitheater, walking trails, and scenic views, but it’s also a great spot for skateboarders who prefer a casual environment. There are smooth pathways and flat areas where beginner skaters can practice their balance and simple tricks without the distractions of a typical skatepark. More experienced skaters will appreciate the various ledges and stair sets scattered throughout the park.
Since Cascades Park is located in downtown Tallahassee, it’s also a good option for those who want to mix skateboarding with other downtown activities. While it’s not an official skatepark, it’s a good spot for a relaxed session in a beautiful, urban environment.
6. FAMU Way Skate Park
The FAMU Way Skate Park is a small, community-oriented park that provides a fun and relaxed environment for local skaters. Located near Florida A&M University, it has earned a reputation as one of the best places for beginners to start learning the ropes. This park includes a few small ramps, grind rails, and ledges that are perfect for practicing basic tricks and improving fundamental skills.
Despite being a relatively small space, the FAMU Way Skate Park has a dedicated group of local skaters who frequent it, and the friendly atmosphere makes it a welcoming place for skaters of all ages. Its proximity to FAMU also makes it popular with students looking for a quick skate session between classes.
7. Myers Park
Located near downtown, Myers Park offers a quiet, laid-back spot for skaters who prefer to stay away from the busier parks. While it doesn’t have a dedicated skatepark, it does have flat surfaces, curbs, and ledges suitable for street-style skating. Its open, shaded areas make it an ideal spot for a relaxed skate session, especially during the hot Florida summers.
Myers Park is also a good spot for beginner skaters who are just learning to ollie or practice simple tricks in an uncongested environment. The peaceful surroundings and ample space make it a nice retreat from the more crowded skateparks in Tallahassee.
8. Governor’s Square Mall Parking Lot
For many street skaters in Tallahassee, the Governor’s Square Mall Parking Lot has been an iconic skate spot for decades. While you need to be careful of security and foot traffic, the large parking lot provides a wide-open space where skaters can practice flatground tricks and use the curbs and parking blocks to grind. It’s a great spot for late-night skate sessions when the parking lot is less crowded.
This location has long been a go-to for Tallahassee’s more daring street skaters, as it provides plenty of open concrete and occasional stair sets for skaters looking to test their skills. Just remember that it’s not an official skate spot, so be prepared to skate responsibly and avoid getting in the way of shoppers or mall employees.
9. Kleman Plaza
Kleman Plaza is another fantastic downtown spot for street skaters. Known for its smooth surfaces, ledges, and stairs, this plaza is a popular choice for skaters who enjoy technical tricks and creative lines. The plaza’s open layout and clean architecture make it perfect for skaters who want to film their sessions or just enjoy the downtown Tallahassee atmosphere.
However, skaters should be mindful that Kleman Plaza is a public space, so it's important to be respectful of pedestrians and other visitors to the area. Despite these challenges, it remains a key location for street skaters seeking out a prime downtown spot with plenty of obstacles to work with.
10. OLake Anita Plaza
Lake Anita Plaza is an up-and-coming skateboarding spot located near Railroad Avenue. Though relatively new, the plaza has quickly gained popularity among local skaters. The area features several low curbs, rails, and benches that are perfect for a casual session. The plaza’s smooth concrete surfaces make it ideal for skaters who want to practice flatground tricks or enjoy a laid-back skating experience.
The spot is especially popular with younger skaters and those who live in the nearby college student housing complexes. Its location also makes it convenient for skaters to drop in for a quick session before heading off to nearby cafes and shops.
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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