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Best Skate Parks In San Francisco, California

Top 11 Best Skate Parks In San Francisco, California (Updated)

Do you enjoy street or vert skating, or is your style park skating? Whichever the case, you require a quality skatepark to practice and improve your skills. This park should have various obstacles to make the course challenging and fun. At the same time, it should be a safe place for all, whether young or old.

In a busy city like San Francisco, it is sometimes difficult to find a suitable skating facility. To aid in your quest, I have assembled various Skate parks in San Francisco worth visiting. I have also provided their static information for easier accessibility. Keep reading for ideas on exciting places to visit for skating.

In Details of The Best Skate Parks In San Francisco


1. 6th Avenue Skate Park

If you’re looking for one of the most stunning skate parks in San Francisco CA, park to have fun and interact with other skaters, 6th avenue got you covered. This park has been in use since 1984 and covers an area of over 7,000 square feet.

Features:

  • Only a flat surface street

Restrictions:

6th Avenue Skate Park is open for roller skating, skating, and skateboarding. You might sometimes see some bikes, but in most cases, the roller skaters are the most dominant.

Direction and Route:

From the golden gate bridge via US-101S, you need a 10-minute ride. Use presidio park road and exit right to balboa street then left to 14th avenue. Take left to Fulton Street and stop between 7th and 6th avenue. // Skate Parks in Miami, Florida //

Basic Information


  • Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, Ca
  • Address: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
  • Email: rpdinfo@sfgov.org
  • Telephone: 415-831-2700 (San Francisco Recreation & Parks)
  • Website: https://goldengatepark.com/6th-avenue-skate-park.html
  • Riding Type: Park skating
  • Skate Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: Available
  • Number of participants: Up to 30 at a time
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Size: 2400 square feet
  • Lights: No
  • Opened:1984
  • Design/ Build: John McLaren (Skatepark designer and builder)

2. Alameda Skatepark

Alameda skatepark is a fun place for young and old skaters and riders. The park is a result of an enthusiastic push by the youths of Alameda, who convinced their city to release $50,000 for the project.

Features:

  • A bowl
  • Banks
  • Steel ramps
  • Quarter pipes
  • Ledges, and other features for advanced skating

Restrictions:

The park management restricts alcohol and smoking, and any amplified sounds. You must keep the best skateboarding helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and hand gloves with you for skating.

Direction and Route:

To get to the park from Oakland, use the Webster street tube to willie Stargell avenue then right to the main street. Turn left at the edge of Alameda point, and then to navy way which will connect you to red line avenue. It will take an 8-minute ride for you. // Skate Parks In Houston, Texas //

Basic Information


  • Location: Alameda, San Francisco, California
  • Address: W Red Line Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, United States
  • Email: arpd@alamedaca.gov
  • Telephone: +1 510-747-7400
  • Website: https://alamedaca.gov/
  • Riding Type: Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters
  • Skate Hours: 24 Hours
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: None
  • Number of participants: Up to 80 at a time
  • Surface: Concrete
  • Size: 15000 square feet
  • Lights: NO
  • Opened: 1996 (acquired)
  • Design/ Opened: Interplay Design

3. Balboa Skatepark

Balboa skatepark is a San Francisco skatepark that is good for beginners because it offers a practice area. Since its launch in 2012, this 11000-square feet skatepark has been a skating and meeting point for residents of Balboa and surrounding areas.

Features:

  • A pyramid
  • Hips
  •  Stairs
  • Ramp
  • Handrails
  • Hubba
  • A heavily graffitied bowl

Restrictions:

The skatepark is suitable for both pros and beginners, and all are required to wear protective gear.

Direction and Route:

The route is a straight 5-minute drive from the Pacific Supermarket on Alemany Blvd. Just drive toward San Jose Avenue through Alemany Blvd and drive straight to the park crossing Ocean Ave. The park will on your left. // Skateparks In Denver, Colorado //

Basic Information


  • Location: Balboa, San Francisco, California
  • Address: Ocean Avenue &, San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States
  • Email: Not Available
  • Telephone: +15305105941
  • Website: https://sfrecpark.org/
  • Riding Type: Park Skateboarding
  • Skate Hours: 5 am – 12 pm
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: Available
  • Number of participants: Up to 50 at a time
  • Surface: Skatelite
  • Size: 11000 sq. ft
  • Lights: Yes
  • Opened: 2012
  • Design/ Build: SpeerCo Skatepark Services

4. 3rd and Army Skatepark

3rd and army skatepark are on Tulare Street in Islais creek, San Francisco. According to 7×7.com, this concrete path built in 1988 was not intended to be used for skating. However, skaters were allowed to skate, and still, today, it’s one of the top spots for freestyle and street skating.

Features:

  • Ledges
  • Benches
  • Gaps
  • Some DIY obstacles

Restrictions:

The skatepark has no restrictions other than not to trash it and keep it clean.

Direction and Route:

To get to the park from Potrero hill, exit Pennsylvania Ave and turn left onto Cesar Chavez Street. Turn right to Indiana street, and the park is just at the edge of Islais creek. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the hill. // Skate Parks In Colorado Springs, Colorado //

Basic Information


  • Location: Islais Creek, San Francisco, California
  • Address: Tulare St, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA
  • Riding Type: Street skating, Freestyle Skating with skateboards, skate roller
  • Skate Hours: 24 Hours
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: None
  • Number of participants: 50 a day
  • Surface: Concrete
  • Size: 20000 Sq ft
  • Lights: None
  • Opened: 1988
  • Design/ Build: San Francisco Bay Conservation

5. Daly City Skatepark

Daly City skatepark was a skatepark located at the junction between 92nd street and Sullivan Avenue. Other than its challenging obstacles, the park was loved for being near food joints like In N out and Krispy Kreme.

Features:

This Skatepark’s obstacles were mostly steel and metal, including the 5 ft steel half-pipe and a mini ramp.

Since its closure during the Covid Period, skaters of Daly City must visit other parks like the nearby Balboa Skatepark.

Direction and Route:

From Century Daly City 20 XD and IMAX, 1901 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94015, via Junipero Serra Boulevard, the park is a 6-minute drive.  You will find the park at Sullivan Avenue, between 92nd and 91st streets on the right. // Skate Parks On Long Island, New York //

Basic Information


  • Location: Daly City, San Francisco, California
  • Address: 1401 Sullivan Ave, Daly City, CA 94015, USA
  • Riding Type:  Freestyle skating, Freestyle Skating with skateboards, skate rollers
  • Skate Hours: Dusk to Dawn
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: Not Available
  • Number of participants: More than 20 daily
  • Surface: Concrete
  • Size: 7000 feet squared
  • Lights: None
  • Opened:1979
  • Design/ Build: Unknown

6. Hilltop Skatepark

Hilltop skatepark, also called the dish, is one of the skateparks for practicing and socializing with other skaters. This 16000-square feet skatepark was first made in 1979 and then remade in 2016.

Features:

  • A bowl
  • Ramp
  • Volcano
  • Old-school backyard pool
  • Mini verts
  • Ledges

Restrictions:

The skatepark is designed for skateboards and disallows motorized scooters. Also, young riders should wear some protective gear to prevent injuries.

Direction and Route:

The Hilltop park itself is a popular place among the locals. You can move via Hudson Avenue near Ridgeview Terrace Townhouse and right into Whitney young Cir and the park in that area. It’s just a 10-minute walking distance. // Skate Parks In San Francisco, California //

Basic Information


  • Location: Hilltop Park, San Francisco, California
  • Address: 61 Whitney Young Cir, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States
  • Email: Not available
  • Telephone: Not available
  • Website: https://www.westcoastskateparks.com/
  • Riding Type: Park skating, vert skating
  • Skate Hours: 8:30 am – 9 pm
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: Available
  • Number of participants: Up to 100 at a time
  • Surface: Concrete
  • Size: 16000 sq ft
  • Lights: No
  • Opened: 1979
  • Design/ Build: Grindline Skateparks

7. Playland On 43rd

Playland at 43rd avenue was a park in Outer Sunset that had various activities, including a skatepark. Since 2016 the skating community of the outer sunset had enjoyed various obstacles in the park until its closure in 2022.

Features:

The park had ledges, ramps, a pyramid, a curb, banks, and a quarter, among other great features.

With the park and the skatepark gone, the skaters have to seek refuge elsewhere for the time being.

Direction and Route:

To get to the park, you could have used Fell st and moved west. Take a shortcut with the Kezar Dr through golden gate park. You will end up on Lincoln road and move west until you find 43 avenues. And you will have your park there. // Skate Parks In Virginia Beach, VA //

Basic Information


  • Location: Outer Sunset, San Francisco, California
  • Address: 1360 43rd Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
  • Email: playlandat43rdavenue@gmail.com
  • Telephone: +1 415-701-2311
  • Website:https://groundplaysf.org/
  • Riding Type: park skating, freestyle skating
  • Skate Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: Available
  • Number of participants: Up to 20 at a time
  • Surface: Concrete/ Skatelite
  • Size: 2000 square feet
  • Lights: No
  • Opened: 2016
  • Design: Local Community

8. Potrero del Sol/La Raza Skatepark

If you’re a fan of vert skating and freestyling, you will like the 16000 square feet potrero del sol. This San Francisco skatepark is in the Potrero Del Sol community garden, where it was opened in 2008.

Features:

  •  A large bowl
  • Ledges
  • Ramps
  • Quarter pipes
  • Step-ups
  • Flat bars

Restrictions:

The parks suit intermediate and professional skaters more than beginners, due to the advanced terrain. You’re required to wear protective gear, and scooters and bicycles are not allowed.

Direction and Route:

From the Bayshore Freeway, exit on 432 to Potrero Avenue, where you will find several parking spots in the streets. // Skate Parks In Philadelphia, PA //

Basic Information


  • Location: Potrero Hill, San Francisco, California
  • Address: 1361 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
  • Telephone: +14155549521
  • Website: https://www.westcoastskateparks.com/
  • Riding Type: Park skating, vert skating
  • Skate Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: Available
  • Number of participants: Up to 100 at a time
  • Surface: Cement
  • Size: 16000 sq ft
  • Lights: Yes
  • Opened: 2008
  • Design/ Build: Dreamland Skateparks

 9. SF Skate Club

The San Francisco skate club launched in 2007 provides passionate skaters with skating lessons. They create programs, including summer skating camps, after-school, and Saturday programs where they engage youngsters in various skating-related activities.

Lessons take place in different parks across San Francisco, based on the event.

Features:

  • Park-owned full skate shop
  • Ledges
  • Bowl

Restrictions:

  • No alcohol
  • No dogs

Direction and Route:

To get to SF Skate club, you can use either Turk or Fulton street and turn left into Divisadero Street. // Skateparks In Portland, Oregon //

Basic Information


  • Location: North of the Panhandle, San Francisco, California
  • Address: 635A Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
  • Email: sfskateclub@gmail.com
  • Telephone: +14156587756
  • Website: http://www.sfskateclub.com/
  • Riding Type: park skating
  • Skate Hours: 11 am – 7 pm
  • Cost fee: $500 (per session)
  • Instructors: Available
  • Number of participants: More than 10 per day
  • Surface: Concrete
  • Size: 1000 square feet
  • Lights: yes
  • Opened: 2007
  • Design/ Build: SF Skate Club

10. SOMA West Skate and Dog Park

The 16000 Square Feet SoMa West Skate Park is tucked below the Central Freeway, between Valencia and Otis streets. It makes a good park for freestyle skating and park skating, offering beautifully decorated obstacles.

Features:

  • Rails
  • Bowls
  • Hubbas
  • Rails
  • Banks
  •  Stairs

Restrictions:

The park rules require you to wear a helmet every time, and scooters and bikes are not allowed.

Direction and Route:

From the Central freeway, take exit 434 A to Duboce Avenue. // Skateparks In San Jose, California //

Basic Information


  • Location: SoMa West District, San Francisco, California
  • Address: 1712 Duboce Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
  • Email: Not Available
  • Telephone: +14155513000
  • Website:https://www.westcoastskateparks.com/skateparks/soma-skatepark-san-francisco-california
  • Riding Type: street skating, park skating
  • Skate Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: Available
  • Number of participants: More than 100 daily
  • Surface: Concrete
  • Size:20000 square feet
  • Lights: Yes
  • Opened: 2015
  • Design/ Build: NewLine Skateparks, Inc.

11. Under the Bridge Skatepark

Under the Bridge Skatepark on Stevenson Street is another skatepark below a bridge. It was launched in 2014 and has beautiful graffiti on the obstacles.

Features:

  • Banks
  • Ledges
  • Manual pads
  • Quarters
  • Kickers

Restrictions:

The park doesn’t allow bikes and scooters and requires riders to wear helmets.

Direction and Route:

To get to the park from Oakland, use the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway and use exit 1B to join the central highway. Exit Central Highway at exit 434A and continue to Duboce Avenue and turn right to Stevenson Street. // Skateparks In Grand Rapids, MI //

Basic Information


  • Location: Stevenson Street, San Francisco, California
  • Address:  1369 Stevenson St, Central Fwy, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
  • Email: Not Available
  • Telephone: Not Available
  • Website: Not Available
  • Riding Type: park skating
  • Skate Hours: 5 am to 12 am
  • Cost fee: Free
  • Instructors: No
  • Number of participants: Up to 80 at a time
  • SURFACE: Concrete
  • SIZE: 15000 square feet
  • LIGHTS: Available
  • OPENED: 2014
  • Design/Build: Newline Skateparks

Conclusion


Skating is not the same without a suitable and well-equipped park. Luckily, with the above skateparks list, you have an idea of the various facilities you can visit. However, always observe the park rules and follow all their instructions to prevent trouble with the authorities. You don’t want to end your skating experience in a bad way because you could not follow simple instructions.

What Are The Important Factors While Purchasing the Best Longboard Bearings?

01. Size

8 mm bearings are commonly used. This size is perfect for the longboard bearing. You can choose the other sizes if they give you more comfort. But I will recommend you choose the 8mm bearing.

02. Type

You can get both the ball bearing and roller bearing around you. Most of the bearings are ball bearings. Ball bearings run faster and more smoothly than roller bearings. But ball bearings can not handle the load. In that case, the roller bearing performs well.

03. Durability

The bearing should be durable that can last a minimum of one year. You can increase its durability by cleaning regularly and running in dry places. Water and mud decrease their longevity quickly.

04. Performance

The performance of the bearings is the most important fact. If your longboard bearings are rough and run with less spin that will not satisfy you. Also, a smooth and fast bearing with noise will annoy you. So, check before buying if there is any defect in performance.

05. Precision

Precision is the exactness or correctness of the tolerance. The American manufacturers association uses ABEC to define precision. When the precision increases, the permissible range decreases. Precision is independent of bearing clearance. The higher the ABEC number, the tighter the bearing will be. Higher precision helps to move more smoothly and increase efficiency.

06. Lubrication Compatibility

Lubrication is a must before riding on your longboard. To convert your slow bearings into fast longboard bearings you have to clean them regularly and lubricate them. It will give a fast spinning movement.

07. ABEC rating

While buying bearings, you need to check whether it is ABEC-rated longboard bearings or not. ABEC rating stands for dimension. It only rates tolerances. Some ABEC classes are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. ABEC rating 9 is tighter than ABEC rating 1. The more the ABEC rating, the more the precision will be.

08. Engraved seals

Engraved seals prevent entering dust and other material inside. It also holds the lubricant inside and prevents friction. Most of the brands use rubber material for easy cleaning and to prevent the entry of water inside. While buying, check all the seals properly.

09. Price

Price is a big factor when buying anything. If you get a bearing with better quality at less price, then that will attract you the most. People mainly buy this type of bearings the most. Also, you should not follow the misconception that more expensive things mean better. Most of the famous brands are budget-friendly and careful about quality.

10. Brand reputation

While buying high-quality longboard bearings, people follow reputed brands. If the reputation is good then people do not hesitate to buy from the brand.

11. Warranty/Guarantee

If the brand provides you with a warranty or guarantee, that will be a plus point for you. You can repair the bearings if any problem arises at no cost within the given time. Also, the refund policy is beneficial for the buyers. You can change the defective set or can return the set with a full refund.

FAQs About Longboard Bearings

These are some commonly asked questions by people about the best bearings for longboards.

Is it worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings?

No, it is not worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings. More expensive is not equal to best quality. You can get a high-quality bearing within a suitable budget.

How do I know if my longboard bearings need to be replaced?

If the bearings start producing noise and are rough to run after cleaning, then you need to replace your longboard bearings. Also, the bearing will not spin if it is worn out.

What is the difference between ceramic and steel bearings for longboards?

The difference between ceramic and steel bearings for Longboards is durability. Ceramic bearings are more durable, smooth, and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, steel bearings are easily damaged by corrosive substances and are less durable than ceramic ones.

Can I lubricate my longboard bearings myself, or do I need to take them to a professional?

You can lubricate your longboard bearings yourself. )r if you have no previous experience, then you need to take them to a professional. But choose the right lubricant for the bearings.

Can I mix and match different brands of bearings on my longboard?

You should not mix and match different brands of bearings on your longboard as they are different from each other in size, shape, durability, and performance. Mixing different brands is unable to balance your movement.

Can I use the same bearings for both my longboard and my skateboard?

Yes, you can use the same bearing for both your longboard and your skateboard. The only difference appears in the case of wheel size. Otherwise, there is no difference between the bearings. But you should be careful about the dimension of the spacer.

Conclusion

Now it will be easy for you to choose the best Bearings for Longboards. You can compare the bearings and choose according to your comfort. I will recommend you choose the bearings which are performing well and have good customer service. If you still can not choose a perfect one then you can select it by brand reputation.

Also, choosing the brands which are giving warranty is the safest to pick. You can get these ten best bearings within an affordable range. Do not choose the bearings which are rated below ABEC 3. Below 3 ABEC-rated bearings have less tolerance.

About the author

This is Kyle Spinks from Butte MT, USA. A skateboarding expert and lover since 2019. skateupdates.com is my blog where I share my skateboarding life experience daily or weekly. If you're a beginner skater, I'll advise you to follow my blog daily.

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