Ten important skateboard spots in Costa Mesa, California
1. Volcom Skatepark of Costa Mesa
Located in TeWinkle Park, Volcom Skatepark is one of the best-known skate parks in Orange County. This park is highly regarded for its variety, featuring everything from rails, bowls, ledges, stairs, and even a street plaza. There’s a beginner-friendly section with smaller ramps, but it also has deep bowls and challenging obstacles for more advanced skaters. The vibe is generally laid-back, and there’s something for everyone to try, making it a must-visit for skaters.
- Features: Multiple bowls, street plaza, rails, ledges, beginner and advanced areas.
- Atmosphere: Friendly, community-oriented; a great spot for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
2. The Triangle Square Parking Structure
This urban gem is an iconic Costa Mesa skate spot that combines elements of street skating with some unique challenges. Triangle Square, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, has become a hotspot for its smooth, sloping parking structure and ledges. Skaters frequent the structure for the banks, ledges, and gaps it offers, particularly when the space is quiet. This spot is known more for its urban appeal, providing a true street-skating experience.
- Features: Smooth banks, ledges, unique gaps, open space.
- Atmosphere: Urban, with a slightly gritty edge—perfect for street-style skateboarding.
3. Costa Mesa High School
Costa Mesa High School has a solid reputation in the local skate community. The school’s architecture offers an assortment of ledges, benches, and stairs, making it a great place for a session after school hours. Skaters here often tackle the stair sets and ledges, but beware of security patrols, as school authorities sometimes monitor the area to prevent skating.
- Features: Stairs, ledges, benches, rails.
- Atmosphere: Great for street-style tricks; often quiet during weekends and evenings.
4. Mendoza Park
A smaller, neighborhood park, Mendoza Park is a hidden gem for skaters who prefer a more relaxed setting. This park has a simple layout with some smooth pathways and an open area that can be perfect for cruising and practicing flatground tricks. It also features a few small ledges and curbs, making it a fun spot for beginners or those looking for a mellow session.
- Features: Open pathways, small ledges, and curbs.
- Atmosphere: Quiet and community-centered, great for practicing basics and low-key sessions.
5. Estancia High School
Estancia High School offers a classic schoolyard setup with stair sets, handrails, ledges, and more. It’s a popular spot for experienced skaters who enjoy technical tricks. Skaters can often be found challenging themselves on the school’s stair sets and benches. Security can sometimes be a concern here, so it’s best to visit after school hours or on weekends.
- Features: Stairs, handrails, benches, ledges.
- Atmosphere: Quiet and ideal for serious street skating enthusiasts.
6. The Lab Anti-Mall
The Lab is known for its alternative vibe and artistic setup. It’s technically a shopping center, but its architectural design has attracted skaters over the years. The open courtyards and unusual concrete features provide a unique skating environment. While you may need to be cautious of security or shoppers, this spot can be a fun challenge for those who enjoy skating unconventional structures.
- Features: Concrete features, smooth pathways, some benches and ledges.
- Atmosphere: Artistic and alternative; great for creative skaters who appreciate the anti-mall’s vibe.
7. Mesa Verde Park
Mesa Verde Park provides a quiet, scenic environment that’s ideal for skaters looking for a more relaxed session. The park has smooth paths and plenty of open space, making it an excellent spot for cruising and practicing flatground tricks. Though it doesn’t offer intense obstacles, it’s great for longboarders or those simply wanting to enjoy a peaceful ride through the park.
- Features: Smooth pathways, open space.
- Atmosphere: Scenic and relaxed, perfect for casual skaters and beginners.
8. Back Bay Drive (Newport Back Bay)
Though not located in Costa Mesa directly, Back Bay Drive is only a short ride away and offers a unique downhill skate experience. The path runs alongside Newport’s Back Bay and features a long, scenic road with gentle slopes. It’s popular among longboarders for its smooth ride and breathtaking views of the water. Skaters who enjoy speed and downhill cruising will appreciate this spot, though it’s important to be cautious of bikers and pedestrians.
- Features: Long path, gentle slopes, scenic view of the water.
- Atmosphere: Natural and scenic; ideal for longboarding or a peaceful cruise.
9. TeWinkle Middle School
TeWinkle Middle School is another prime example of a schoolyard with classic skateboarding obstacles. With ledges, stair sets, and rails, it’s a solid spot for street skaters, especially during weekends. The stair sets are particularly popular, offering multiple levels of difficulty, so skaters of various skill levels can challenge themselves here.
- Features: Ledges, stairs, rails, benches.
- Atmosphere: Quiet and great for street skating, especially in the evenings and weekends.
10. Fairview Park
Fairview Park is a large, multi-use park with open trails and paths, making it a peaceful spot for skaters who prefer open spaces. It’s less intense in terms of obstacles but is fantastic for a long, relaxed cruise or for practicing flatground tricks. The open space also makes it suitable for beginners or those learning to balance and turn.
- Features: Open paths, flatground space.
- Atmosphere: Quiet, spacious, and ideal for relaxed cruising.
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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