- Location: Right on the sand at Venice Beach, CA.
- History: Opened in 2009 after a long campaign by local skaters.
- Fun Fact: Designed by Randy Drake, it features replicas of legendary skate spots from around Venice, including the iconic "Graffiti Pit."
- Hidden Feature: There’s a hidden pool that was once part of an old hotel! It’s now buried but still legendary among old-school skaters.
- Location: The area between Santa Monica and Venice.
- History: In the 1970s, this was the birthplace of modern skateboarding, thanks to the Zephyr Skate Team (Z-Boys).
- Fun Fact: The Z-Boys used to skate in empty swimming pools during California’s drought.
- Trivia: The term "Dogtown" was coined by locals, referring to the dilapidated buildings and gritty atmosphere.
- Location: Once stood where Venice meets Santa Monica.
- History: Opened in 1958, closed in 1967.
- Fun Fact: After its closure, the abandoned amusement park became a prime skate spot.
- Hidden Secret: Skaters loved the smooth, banked sections of the park, which mimicked the feel of surfing on concrete waves.
- Location: On the boardwalk at Venice Beach.
- History: Built in the 1960s, it became a hub for local skaters in the 1970s and '80s.
- Fun Fact: The Pavilion was also a popular graffiti spot, blending street art and skate culture.
- Trivia: Parts of the Pavilion have been featured in numerous skate videos and documentaries.
- Location: Near the Venice Pavilion.
- History: Originated in the late 1980s as a legal graffiti space.
- Fun Fact: Skaters and graffiti artists often collaborated, creating a unique fusion of art and sport.
- Hidden Gem: Some of the world’s most famous street artists, like Banksy, have left their mark here.
- Location: Found a few blocks inland from the beach.
- History: Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney to mimic Venice, Italy.
- Fun Fact: Drained and repaved in the 1950s and '60s, they temporarily became a unique skate spot.
- Trivia: The canals were later restored to their original watery splendor, but old-timers still remember the skating days.
- Location: Near the Venice Beach Skatepark.
- History: One of the earliest skatepark features in Venice, dating back to the 1970s.
- Fun Fact: It’s called the "Snake Run" because of its winding, serpentine path.
- Hidden Fact: Early skateboarding legends like Tony Alva and Jay Adams cut their teeth here.
- Location: Adjacent to Venice Beach Skatepark.
- History: Originally established in the 1930s as a bodybuilding spot.
- Fun Fact: While mainly for bodybuilders, the area around Muscle Beach often saw skaters showing off their skills.
- Trivia: The synergy of muscle and skate culture led to some interesting crossover events in the 1980s.
- Location: At the heart of Venice Beach, near the skatepark.
- History: A popular gathering spot for skaters since the 1980s.
- Fun Fact: Home to numerous impromptu skate contests and jam sessions.
- Hidden Feature: The plaza’s unique architecture provides lots of ledges and rails perfect for street skating.
- Location: Just a short skate from Venice in Santa Monica.
- History: Became an iconic skate spot in the 1990s.
- Fun Fact: Known for its perfect ledges and manual pads.
- Trivia: Skaters had to dodge security to get their tricks in, adding to the spot’s allure.
- Location: About an hour’s drive from Venice.
- History: Another legendary skate spot often frequented by Venice locals.
- Fun Fact: The Huntington Beach Skatepark was one of the first to feature vertical ramps.
- Hidden Gem: The pier area has been a backdrop for numerous classic skate photos and videos.
- Location: A few miles inland from Venice.
- History: Opened in 2010, designed to look like a typical street plaza.
- Fun Fact: Named after Stoner Park, not what you might think!
- Trivia: Features obstacles that mimic famous street spots from around the world.
Understanding these iconic skate spots in Venice and their stories provides a glimpse into the rich, layered history of skate culture in this unique part of the world. Each location holds a special place in the hearts of those who have skated there, and they continue to inspire new generations of skaters.