LA Skateparks

Question

Hi TripAdvisors,

I've done a google search and dropped in on street view so I have a bit of an idea but I'd really love some honest feedback on a few of the LA skateparks if anyone is in the know.

My husband and I and our 16 year old son will be in LA for 10 days at the end of September. My son is a skateboarder so we'd like to give him a chance to have a bit of a skate at a few of the skateparks there.

We've got a rental car and several activities planned but intend to drop in on Venice Beach (yep I know the reputation - but it is a bit of a go there to say you've been type thing). On one day we are planning to spend the day headed from the Universal Studios area down to Anaheim with stops at Griffith Observatory and maybe Citadel Outlets. I see there are a number of Skateparks that we could make diversions to on that general route. El Sereno, Echo Park, Lincoln Park. Where would you recommend?? Any of these better than the others?? or are there other better options??

Primary considerations for me would be safety and a reasonable area over the actual content of the skatepark (but my son will want a decent variety of rails, steps and ramps).

Also looking at Westchester and the Santa Monica skateparks on other days - any that are a must visit??

Thanks

Answer

Los Angeles has a rich skateboarding culture, and many of the city’s skateparks offer a mix of bowls, rails, ramps, and street-style obstacles. Since your primary concern is safety and a reasonable neighborhood while still providing your son with a fun skate experience, it’s important to choose parks that are well-maintained and in areas known for being relatively family-friendly.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the skateparks you mentioned and additional recommended options:

El Sereno Skatepark: This is a smaller local park with a few basic ramps and rails. The neighborhood is residential, generally quiet, but the park itself is not very large, so it’s better suited for a quick session rather than a long day of skating.
Echo Park Skatepark: Located near the lake and a trendy area, this park is well-maintained and has a decent mix of street obstacles and bowls. The surrounding area is popular and generally safe during daylight hours, and there’s plenty of foot traffic which adds to a sense of security.
Lincoln Park Skatepark: This is one of the larger parks in central LA with a variety of rails, stairs, and bowls. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, but the park itself is popular with experienced skaters and families alike. The area is urban, so normal city awareness is recommended, but it’s a solid option for skate variety.

Other recommended skateparks to consider:

Venice Beach Skatepark: Iconic, right on the boardwalk. Great for atmosphere and people-watching, but it can get crowded and has more street-style skating with ramps and bowls. Safety-wise, keep an eye on valuables, as the area is tourist-heavy.
Westchester Skatepark: A smaller park but in a safe suburban area. Good for younger skaters or a more relaxed session without crowds.
Santa Monica Skatepark: Very popular, right near the beach. The park is well-maintained with a range of features, but like Venice, expect crowds. The surrounding area is safe and highly visited by tourists.
Stoner Skate Plaza (near Hollywood): Street-style features in a safe, maintained environment. It’s smaller but good for a quick stop if you’re heading around the central LA area.

Additional tips:

Skate during daylight hours; parks are generally safer and more active, which adds to a sense of security.
Check local rules and park hours—some parks close at sunset, and some require helmets for younger skaters.
If you plan to visit Venice or Santa Monica, it can be a good idea to combine skating with sightseeing, so the visit feels more like a day out rather than a sole skate session.
Since you have a rental car, grouping parks geographically is efficient: for example, Echo Park and Lincoln Park are near Universal Studios, Westchester is closer to LAX, and Venice/Santa Monica are best done on the same day near the coast.

In summary, for a mix of safety and skate variety, Echo Park and Lincoln Park are strong choices for central LA. Venice and Santa Monica are “must-see” for the experience and scenery, but expect crowds. Westchester is good for a quieter, suburban option. El Sereno is fine for a quick stop but less impressive for skate variety. Planning your visits according to location and peak times will make the experience enjoyable and safe for your 16-year-old.

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