Ten important skateboard spots in Long Beach, California
1. Cherry Park
Cherry Park is an iconic skateboarding spot located in the heart of Long Beach. Known for its open spaces and smooth surfaces, Cherry Park has become a local hub for skaters. It features a variety of ledges, rails, and manual pads that cater to street-style skating. One of the park's biggest draws is its laid-back atmosphere and sense of community, where skaters of all levels gather to perfect their tricks. This spot is especially popular on weekends, and you’re likely to encounter local legends and filming crews working on new edits. It's the perfect place for both beginners and experienced skaters to work on technical tricks.
2. The Bluffs
The Bluffs, located along Ocean Boulevard, is a unique Long Beach skate spot known for its scenic ocean views and challenging terrain. While not a traditional skatepark, The Bluffs offer natural features that create unique lines for more adventurous skaters. You’ll find plenty of hill bomb spots, ledges, and stairs to grind, along with the thrill of skating alongside the beach. The spot attracts those looking for a blend of challenging terrain and stunning visuals. It's best suited for experienced skaters due to its steep slopes and street obstacles, which can make it tricky for beginners to navigate.
3. El Dorado Skatepark
El Dorado Skatepark, located within the expansive El Dorado Park, offers a structured skate environment that is great for skaters of all ages. This 12,000-square-foot park features bowls, ledges, rails, and quarter pipes, providing a versatile range of obstacles for both beginner and advanced skaters. One of the park’s unique features is its flowy bowl section, which allows for smooth transitions and offers ample space for cruising. With its combination of street and transition elements, El Dorado Skatepark is perfect for skaters who want a balanced park experience.
4. Signal Hill
Signal Hill, located just outside of Long Beach, is known for its high-altitude street skating options and breathtaking city views. It offers long downhill runs that are ideal for those who enjoy the speed and thrill of downhill skateboarding. Signal Hill also has various rails, stair sets, and ledges scattered throughout the area, making it a great spot for street-style tricks. While it may not have the same polished features as a skatepark, Signal Hill’s terrain offers plenty of room for creative line work. Just keep in mind that the downhill paths can be challenging, so it’s best suited for intermediate to advanced skaters.
5. Lincoln Skatepark
Lincoln Skatepark is a community favorite and offers an impressive layout of street and transition obstacles. Located in North Long Beach, Lincoln Skatepark features bowls, ledges, banks, and hubbas, making it an excellent spot for skaters who want to work on a wide range of tricks. The park is well-maintained and has a vibrant local scene, so it's a great place to connect with other skaters and pick up some new skills. The bowl section is particularly popular and provides a smooth transition for skaters looking to practice their airs and carves. Whether you’re working on grinding rails or mastering bowls, Lincoln Skatepark has something for everyone.
6. Belmont Shore Pier
The Belmont Shore Pier is an iconic waterfront skate spot that attracts skaters looking for a scenic and challenging setting. The area features long ledges, concrete benches, and stair sets that make it ideal for street-style skating. Its proximity to the beach gives it a relaxed atmosphere, and the sunset views add to the appeal. Although not an official skatepark, Belmont Shore Pier is well-known among locals as a go-to spot for grinding and manual tricks. Since it’s a public space, skaters need to be mindful of pedestrians, but it’s an excellent spot for those who prefer street skating with a view.
7. MacArthur Park
MacArthur Park in Long Beach isn’t as well-known as other spots, but it has some hidden gems that make it a great location for skaters looking to explore something new. The park features smooth pavements, ledges, and rails that are perfect for technical tricks. Additionally, MacArthur Park has a more low-key vibe, making it a good spot for beginners who might feel intimidated at more crowded parks. The local community is welcoming, and the spacious layout of the park allows skaters to practice their skills without feeling cramped. MacArthur Park is a solid option for skaters who prefer a relaxed and low-profile spot.
8. Skate Lab Indoor Skatepark
While not exclusively in Long Beach, Skate Lab Indoor Skatepark in nearby Simi Valley is worth the short trip for serious skaters. This iconic indoor park features an extensive range of obstacles, including quarter pipes, ramps, and a large vert ramp. Skate Lab is ideal for skaters who want to practice in a controlled environment, especially on rainy days when outdoor parks aren’t an option. The indoor setting and consistent maintenance ensure that all obstacles are in prime condition, making it a great place to focus on progression. Skate Lab is also family-friendly, offering beginner and advanced sessions, so skaters of all ages can enjoy the facilities.
9. Bixby Park
Bixby Park is a hidden gem in Long Beach, featuring a range of features perfect for skateboarding enthusiasts. Although not a skatepark per se, Bixby Park has benches, ledges, and flatground areas that are ideal for practicing street tricks. The park is well-maintained, and its scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for skaters who enjoy a relaxed setting. One of the standout features of Bixby Park is its open layout, which allows for creativity and flow in developing unique lines. Skaters who enjoy freestyle and technical skating will find Bixby Park to be an ideal spot for honing their skills.
10. Houghton Skatepark
Houghton Skatepark, located in the Houghton Park area, is another fantastic spot for Long Beach skaters. This park has a mix of beginner-friendly obstacles, including smaller ramps, rails, and a mini-bowl that’s perfect for learning. Houghton Skatepark has a more community-centered vibe and tends to attract a mix of younger skaters and families. The design of the park encourages learning and progression, making it a great place for beginners to work on foundational skills. Intermediate and advanced skaters can also find challenges here, thanks to the well-designed layout that accommodates different skill levels.
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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