Shanghai, China is one of the best vacation spots for skaters. This city is amazingly rich in culture and is also the home to the largest skate park in the world. If you are looking for an exotic vacation destination, consider exploring the skating culture found in Shanghai.

The SMP International Skate Park
In the United States it is easy to find skate parks that are between 7,500 square feet and 15,000 square feet. However, these parks pale in comparison to the SMP International Skate Park with its 13,700 plus square meter park layout. For those of you unfamiliar with the metric system that is about 147,000 square feet of skate park terrain. Like I said, this is a big park.

The SMP International Skate Park can be found at 2100 Songhu Road, Shanghai, 200438, China. You can get to this park by taking the line three bus to Jiangwan Tsum Station and then taking a taxi to the park. Once inside the park, you will find a bowl area, a park zone, a plaza-recreation area and a competition area. The bowl area utilizes granite pool coping, something you most likely won't find in many U.S. skate parks, and it is over 4,500 square meters. The park zone offers an additional 1,750 square meters of skating space, the plaza/recreation/viewing area offers over 4,100 square meters of entertainment and the competition area takes up about 2,000 square meters of space.

One of the best things about this skate park, besides its huge size, is that it is the home to several competitions and to the SMP skate team from Shanghai. If you are lucky enough to be in Shanghai during a competition then you will want to take advantage of the opportunity to watch the team practice and compete against local and international skating professionals. What a way to cap off a vacation to Shanghai!

Other Attractions in Shanghai
While the skateboarding is great in Shanghai, you won't want to miss the other great attractions that this city offers. If you enjoy shopping, then you will find an amazing collection of authentic China clothing, as well as a great selection of skater wear while in Shanghai. If you prefer to enhance your vacation with cultural attractions, you will want to make plans to visit the Yuyuan Gardens, the Shanghai Museum, the Jade Buddha Temple, the Longhu Pagoda and Longhu Temple and the Shanghai Animal Zoo. Finally, don't forget to sample some of the local cuisine.

Montreal is a major tourist destination in Canada. This city can be found in the Canadian province of Quebec and is known for its unique collection of cultures, amazing cuisine and an active entertainment industry. However, this city is also a great place to visit if you are a skateboarder. To find a skateboarding-themed adventure you don't have to look very far.

The Biggest Indoor Skatepark/Skateparc in Canada

The one stop you can't miss while visiting Montreal is the Orkus Skatepark. This skatepark, or skateparc as French Canadians call it, can be found at 4300 Cote de Liesse, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This skatepark is the largest indoor skatepark in Canada and offers skaters and spectators 30,000 square feet of fun. Inside the complex you will find several interesting skating arenas, a snack bar and a parents' lounge.

The Neighborhood of Saint Leonard

If you are looking for an outdoor skateboarding adventure then go to the neighborhood now known as Saint Leonard. Here you will find two free skateparks. The first park is designed for beginner skateboarders. It is called the Parc Garibaldi and it can be found at 7125 rue Lienart. This park is modest and only has three wooden skating structures, but it is a good place to build your basic boarding skills.
If you are an intermediate skateboarder, then you will want to pull on your hoodie or jacket and go to the Parc Wilfrid-Bastien. This skatepark can be found at 8181 Blvd Lacordaire. It offers eight different skateboarding structures and is open to the public from the beginning of June until the end of August.

South Parc

Another famous skatepark in Montreal is South-Parc Skatepark. This park can be found at 8100 Tashereau, Bossard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This park has 23,000 square feet of terrain to tear up, numerous wooden skate structures, vert ramps, wedge-to-wedge features, a slant wall, obstacles and hand rails. This park also has a special area for young kids, called the Pee Wee park, so you don't have to worry about running over little kids while you practice your tricks, and little kids don't have to worry about getting pushed around by older skaters.

Baltimore County, Maryland is a great place for skateboarders to vacation. The county has a good selection of skate parks, a great selection of skate shops and a relatively pro-skater vibe. However, like any other destination you plan your vacation around, there are rules that you will need to follow, like skating only in designated areas, respecting others and keeping your body and board under control.

Baltimore Country Skate Parks You Can Visit
There are four main skate parks located in Baltimore County. The first park is Hannah More Skate Park. This park is found at 12035 Reisterstown Road, which is in Reisterstown. This is a 12,800 square foot skate park with launch ramps, grind rails, quarter pipes, drop-in combos, benches and other great skate features. The hours are 3:30 to dusk during the week and noon to dusk on the weekends.

The second skate park you can go to is the Sandy Hills Skate Park. It can be found at 3326 Bero Road. This park is open from 3 p.m. until dusk Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. until dusk Saturday and Sunday. The park has a bowl, a street course and a playground.

Cockeysville Skate Park is your third option. It is located at on Galloway Avenue in the township of Cockeysville. It is open 3:30 p.m. to dusk Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to dusk on the weekends. This park offers 12,000 square feet of ramps, grinding rails and jumps.

The final skate park that you can go to is the Southeast Area Skate Park. This park is located at 4021 North Point Blvd. It offers a variety of skating features and is open to the public weekdays from 3 p.m. to dusk and 12:00 p.m. to dusk on the weekends.

Baltimore Country Skate Shops
When you aren't skating at local skate parks don't forget to get in a little shopping. Baltimore Country has a great selection of skate shops and sports shops. At these stores you will find custom boards and skate gear, as well as great deals on used and vintage items. Some of your options include:

The Sport Shop, 201 E. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202

Total Sport, Inc., 2401 Liberty Heights Ave, Ste 2079, Baltimore, MD 21215

To ride a snowboard is to embark on one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. You need a lot of energy. Where do you get energy? From carbs. What kind of food has a lot of carbs? Pasta. So ciao, baby, you should be on your way to Italy!

No, not Rome or Venice. (You could make a stopover, of course.) You have to head for the mountains.

Our planet's best, the Alps, are in Switzerland, but northern Italy has its share of killer slopes. There is world-famous Torino, for example. Was it just two years ago they had the Olympics? Seems like longer. Regardless, the best Italian snowboarding getaway possibly might instead focus on cozy little towns without a bunch of pretentious ritz and glitz. You could find a place like this by skiing the web. (Can't we ski the web, or even snowboard the web?) One example is Prato Nevoso, which is advertised as having "plenty of trails, a superpipe, a world-class terrain park, a friendly local vibe and excellent Italian coffee." And nary a Starbucks.

Italian resorts, in general, tend to be cheaper and less crowded than their European counterparts. Does this mean worse? Well, several snowboarding mags say Italy is becoming more popular. Freestyle facilities still have some catching up to do, but freeriding is up to par with neighbors to the north. Lift systems are extensive, but at some sites they have not been upgraded in a while. This does not mean that you would fall, only that they have not been upgraded in a while. But bottom line, "cheaper and less crowded" are valid selling points. So is a fantastic dinner of pasta primavera, with anchovy of course.

When you are on the road, keep in mind that Italians indeed are the planet's fastest drivers. After all, this is the home of the Ferrari.

Montana is not the first place you think of when you think of skateboarding vacation destinations, however, Missoula, Montana is quickly developing into a great skater community. This city is the home of the University of Montana, two skateparks, numerous skateboarding events and countless opportunities to skate in the great outdoors. If you are looking for a hidden jewel of a skateboarder vacation destination, come to the Garden City.

Missoula Skateboarding Parks

There are currently two skateboarding parks in Missoula, Montana. The first is the YMCA Skatepark of Missoula. It can be found at 3000 Russell St., which is in the southeastern corner of the city. The YMCA Skatepark of Missoula is the city's oldest park. The second, and best park in Missoula, is the Mobash Skatepark, located on the corner of Orange Street and Glens Lane, which is just across the Orange Street Bridge on the west side of the street. This is a large outdoor concrete park with about 15,000 square feet of skating terrain, two bowl features and a street course. This park is the home to numerous skateboarding events each year.

Missoula Skating Events

Missoula is a community that enjoys outdoor fun, and since the opening of the Mobash Skatepark, the city has continuously added new skateboarding events each year. Free skateboarding and extreme sport demonstrations are common events that you can sit in on. Other events include the Go Skateboarding Day! and Skate Jam. Check out the Independent or the Missoulian for the latest event dates and venues.

Buying Boards in the Garden City

While in Missoula don't forget to do a little shopping. Whether you are looking for a light jacket to skate in or custom boards, you find what you are looking for along the Higgins boardwalk in downtown Missoula or in one of the many shopping districts in the city. Some of the places you can buy boards and gear include:

▪ Edge of the World, 618 S. Higgins
▪ Bob Ward and Sons, 3015 Paxson St.
▪ Gart Sports, 2640 N. Reserve St.
▪ Play It Again Sports, 2230 N. Reserve St.

When you think of Las Vegas you naturally think of the Strip, flashy light displays, casinos and world class entertainment. However, Las Vegas also has another side, one that is skater friendly. Las Vegas has one of the largest selections of free skateparks in the United States. It has at least 11 free skateparks that are perfect for beginners, five skateparks that work well for intermediate/advanced skaters, as well as one of the West's largest skateparks.

Beginner/Intermediate Las Vegas Skateparks

Las Vegas is actually a great place to visit with your family or by yourself if you are a skateboarder. In addition to adult only entertainment, the city/county also offers numerous concrete parks where you can skate and develop your boarding skills. Below is a list of 11 free concrete parks that offer a variety of terrains and obstacles for you to practice on.

▪ Cambridge Rec Center, 3930 Cambridge Street

▪ Durango Hills Park, 3521 N. Durango

▪ Garehime Park, 3901 N. Campbell Rd.

▪ Martin Luther King Park, 5439 E. Casey Avenue

▪ Police Memorial Park, 3250 Metro Academy Way

▪ West Flamingo Park, 6255 W. Flamingo

▪ Duck Creek Park, 8650 Pollack Dr.

▪ Freedom Park, 850 Mojave Road

▪ James Gay, III Park, 197 W. Harrison Ave.

▪ Patriot Park, 4050 Thom Blvd.

▪ Winchester Park, 3130 S. McLeod Dr.

Intermediate/Advanced Las Vegas Skateparks

The free skateparks that are best suited for intermediate and advanced skaters include more features than the concrete parks that are advertised for beginners. These parks can have ramps, rails and bowls. There are six skateparks in Las Vegas that work well for experienced skaters and they are:

▪ Desert Breeze Park, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd.

▪ Silverado Ranch Park, 8650 Pollack Drive

▪ W. Wayne Bunker Family Park, 7351 W. Alexander Rd.

▪ Mountain Ridge, 7151 Oso Blanca Rd.

▪ Sunny Spring Park, 7620 Golden Talon Ave.

▪ Doc Ronco Park, 7400 Peak Dr. (Biggest and best park in Vegas!)

As you can see Las Vegas is a city that is set up for skateboarders. No matter if you are traveling with your parents, or planning your own vacation, Las Vegas is one of the best vacation destinations for skateboarders. So remember to pack your skateboarding shoes and gear before you leave for Sin City!

Learn about skateboard attractions in Portland, Oregon

The popularity of skateboarding is spreading around the globe and this means that there is a growing list of great cities to vacation in as an avid skateboarder. One of the best vacation destinations right now for skaters and skateboarders is Portland, Oregon. This city not only has a great selection of skateparks to choose from, but it also has skate shops and events to add to your vacation itinerary.

Skateparks in Portland, Oregon

There are at least five good skateparks in Portland, Oregon. The Department of Skateboarding is one of the parks you need to visit if you are planning a visit to Portland. This is the city's only indoor wooden skatepark. It can be found at 15 NE Hancock Street, Portland, Oregon, which is near the Hancock Williams intersection. This park is extra fun because it has theme nights and special contests that you can enter.

The smallest outdoor skatepark is Holly Farm. This skatepark can be found at the corner of Comus Street and SW Capitol Highway. This park only has about 2,800 square feet of skating space.

Glenhaven and Pier Park are two other skateparks in Portland that you can visit. Each of these parks offers about 11,000 square feet of terrain. Pier Park can be found at the corner of Bruce Avenue and N. Hudson Street, and Glenhaven can be found at the corner of Siskiyou Street and NE 82nd Street.

The final skatepark that you can use while in Portland is Burnside. This park is found under the Burnside Bridge on the east side. It offer about 10,000 square feet of skating terrain including several bowls.

Skating Events

If you are interested in skateboard events then Portland is a great city to visit. Some of the events you can join in include: the Wendy's Invitational, the Action Sport Tour and the Portland Action Sports Film Contest. Advertisements for these events can be found on many different Portland city websites.

Skate Shops

While in Portland don't forget to get in a little shopping. Below is a list of skate shops you will want to browse through:

• Daddies Board Shop, 7126 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
• Exit Real World, 206 NW 23rd Ave., Portland
• Department of Skateboarding, 15 NE Hancock St., Portland
• Shrunken Head Skateboards, 531 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR

Learn about skateparks, shops and events in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Skateboarding is spreading around the globe. However, some major cities are taking a little longer to catch up with this trend then others. Atlanta, Georgia is one major city that is starting to build a better repertoire of skateparks, skateboarding events and skateboard shops. If you are visiting this city and are a skateboarder, then you will be glad to learn that there are some great events to participate in, and some fun skateparks to visit in the surrounding communities.

Atlanta Area Skateparks

While there are several Atlanta city skateparks currently being developed, right now your best option for finding one is to search the surrounding communities. The first park that you can visit is the Front Side Skatepark. It is located at 850 Jamerson Road in Marietta, Georgia 30066. If you will be staying near Kennesaw, Georgia then you can stop by the NorthWest YMCA Skate Park, which can be found at 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw, Georgia 30152.

Other parks that are located close to Atlanta, Georgia include Pinckneyville Park, 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross, Georgia; Progressive Skatepark, 1153 Marietta Highway, Canton, Georgia; Skatelife Skatepark, 114 Woodward Street, Rome, Georgia; SPOA Skatepark of Athens, 4440 Lexington Road, Athens, Georgia; the Infinity Skatepark, Rivers Road, NW., Buckhead, Georgia; and Waller Skatepark, 250 Oak Street, Roswell, Georgia.

Atlanta Skate Shops and Events

Atlanta is the home to several annual skateboarding events. One of the most popular is the Woodward Skatepark Contest Series. This contest runs in February and March, and skaters of all ages can win prizes and free skating rights for a full year. Other Atlanta skateboarding events include the SK8 or Die skateboarding art event in May and the Go Skateboarding Day in June.

While visiting the city and surrounding areas, don't forget to get a little shopping in. In Atlanta you can by gear at Stratosphere Skateboards located at 1141 Euclid Avenue N.E. as well as at Ruin, located at 6125 Roswell Rd, N.E. If you will be near Athens then you can stop by the Feral Skate Shop on 190 Park Avenue. Marietta and Kennesaw are also two nearby towns that have a couple of skate shops.

Learn all about skateparks, events and shops to visit while touring the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is known for its history, its sports and now its X-sports. If you are a skateboarder and are looking for a destination vacation, then consider Philadelphia. After seeing the normal tourist attractions that this city has to offer, you can grind some concrete at one of the many city skateparks or take part in one of the many annual events.

Skateparks in Philadelphia

When you travel to Philadelphia don't forget to bring your skateboard and gear. This city has several great parks including an X-Game park located in the Franklin Mall. In addition to the X Games Skate Park, you will also find the United Skate Park of Philadelphia at the Franklin Mall, located at 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Suite 100. Your other Skatepark options include the Title 10 Skatepark, located at 901 N. Delaware Avenue; the Whitehall Skatepark, located at 5000 Tulip Street; and the Woodward Skatepark, located at 1943 Franklin Mills Circle.

Philadelphia Skate Events

Philadelphia has been slated as one of the best skateboarder vacation destinations since the turn of the century when the city hosted the X-Games. Now the city is home to several annual skateboard-friendly events. For example, to kick off the summer you can participate in the Go Skateboarding Day events. If you are looking for the best time of year to visit Philadelphia then think about the fall. November in particular is a great month for Philadelphia skateboard events. During this month you can participate in events like the Boom Boom Huck Jam or the Philadelphia International Championship Down Hill Race

Philadelphia Skate Shops

If shopping is your thing then Philadelphia will not disappoint. You will find the best selection of board shops around the city's skatepark. Some of your options include:

▪ Elite Sports, Inc., 611 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Subzero, 520 S. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Bainbridge Skateboard Shop, 700 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Nocturnal Skate Shop, 610 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Slave Skateboard Shop, 3601 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Exit Skate Shop, 440 E. Grand Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Spectrum Board Shop, 24 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA

Discover what skateboarders can do in Orlando, Fla.

Orlando, Fla. is a top vacation destination for people of all ages. If you are planning a family vacation and have older kids, or if you are a skater and in need of a boarding adventure, then Orlando is still a top vacation destination. Here you will find skate parks, skateboarding events and a great selection of board shops.

Orlando, Florida Skateparks

The first thing that you will want to do when planning a vacation to Orlando is to locate skateparks that are nearest to your hotel. Your first skatepark option is the Orlando Skatepark, which is located at 400 Festival Way. This is one of the city's best parks. Your other options include: Skate World Skatepark; the Skate Pit Skatepark, 11100 East Colonial Drive; and Vans Skate Park, 5220 International Drive.

Skateboarding Events

If you are interested in skateboarding events then Orlando, Fla. is the city to be in. There are several skateboarding events held throughout the year. The first event that you can attend or participate in is the Free Flow Skateboard Tour, which is held in May. The Vans Triple Crown Skateboard Series, held in November, is another option. The Skateboard Club at UCF is a great resource for boarding events and activities. Make sure you talk to them while planning your Orlando vacation.

Skate Shops

Orlando has a great selection of skateboard shops that you can browse through. Your first option, The Skate Shack, is close to the city's center and is located at 1227 W. Jefferson Street. Your other options include: Boardwalk Surf and Sport, located at 9101 International Drive; Covert Skate Shop, located at 2428 E. Robinson Street; and Galactic G, located at 334 E. Harvard Street; RC Sk8boards, L IC, located at 421 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs; University Surf & Skate, located at 5439 International Drive; XLR8, located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail; and Inland Ocean Surfshop, located at 3201 E. Colonial Drive. If you aren't familiar with Orlando, then simply look at the area around your skatepark and you will undoubtedly find a great skate shop.

One of the coolest skate parks in California is located in Santa Barbara: Skater's Point. This skate park is unique because it is located adjacent to the beach and close to the Chase Palm Park. While not the largest skate park in the state, this park offers 14,600 square feet of street terrain and special concrete features that are fun to bank, grind and ride.

Skater's Point - The Basics

Skater's Point can be found at the corner of East Cabrillo Boulevard and Garden Street. Its perimeter is lined with fabulous palm trees and it is seconds from the beach. Enjoy a great ocean view as you explore the park's concrete features like the taco bowl, ledges, hips, banks, pyramid, rails, a five foot bowl and quarterpipes. In addition to a lot of interesting skating features in this park, it also is a free park with free parking and it is open to the general public.

Getting to Skater's Point

To get to Skater's Point in Santa Barbara, California you will want to take Highway 101 to the Garden Street exit. Depending on which direction you are coming from you will want to turn either left or right, which ever way will take you towards the ocean. Follow Garden Street until you run out of road. At this point you will see the parking lot of Skater's Point. Park in the parking lot, it's free, and take your gear to the park. It will be located near the wharf. Just follow the crowds.

When to Skate at Skater's Point

Skater's Point is open seven days a week from eight in the morning until thirty minutes after the sun goes down. This is a popular skate park because of its location and because it is illegal to skateboard on the streets and in parking lots in many parts of Santa Barbara. Because of these reasons this park fills up fast. Intermediate and advanced skateboarders, roller skaters and in-line skaters tend to use the park in the afternoons. If you are a novice skater or a younger skater, you'll find that the best times for you to use the park will be before 12 p.m. on the weekends.

Who Can Use the Park

The park is open to the general public and anyone who wants to skate here can. However, only skateboarders, roller skaters and in-line skaters are allowed. This is not a BMX park. If you want to skate at Skater's Point you will need to wear safety equipment, including a helmet.
Happy Skating!

Oahu, Hawaii in general is a great vacation destination, however, if you are into extreme sports, then it is a world class vacation destination. Skateboarders are going to find numerous skateparks to choose from, great skateboard shops and other fun skateboard related sports to try out. If you are planning a vacation this year and you are a skateboard fanatic then consider Oahu.

Skateparks in Oahu, Hawaii

Skateparks can be found all over the place in Oahu. Some hotels and resorts even have their own skating areas on site. However, before you get out your board you will want to ask if skating is allowed in the parking lot, or if the hotel has a special area dedicated to skateboarding and in-line skating. Generally, most of the skateparks that are located on Oahu will not be associated with hotels or resorts.

Your first choice is a free skatepark that is located in Kailua, Oahu. It is called the Keolu Skatepark and it is ADA accessible. It offers about 15,000 square feet of terrain and pads and safety equipment are not required. Your other skatepark choices include:

• Aalo Park, 280 North King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Ewa Beach Skatepark, 91-955 Nroth Road, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
• Hawaii Loa Skate Park, Kaneoho Bay, Hawaii
• Kapahulu YMCA Skatepark, 1112 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Makiki District Skatepark, 1527 Keeaumoku Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Hickman Skateboard Hanger, Building 2065, Hickman Air Force Base, Oahu, Hawaii

Since skateboarding is a sport that is rapidly gaining followers in the U.S., keep your eyes open for new and improved skateparks in Oahu. Ask your hotel concierge service for recommendations and directions to the best skateparks on the island.

Skateboard and Equipment Shops

While on vacation in Oahu, don't forget to stop by some of the local skateboard shops. These shops offer boards with uniquely Hawaiian graphics. Find great boards and equipment for your Hawaiian skateboard adventures, or stock up on special items to take back to the mainland with you. Here are three great skateboard shops located on Oahu, Hawaii

• 808 Skate, 354 Hahani Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
• Apb Aala Park Board Shop, 1200 College Walk, Suite 110, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
• Mission Skateboard Shop, LLC, 812 Lehua Avenue, Suite C, Pearl City, Hawaii 96782

Expand Your Board Sport Repertoire

While there are a lot of great places to skateboard while on the island of Oahu, you can find more activities to participate in if you expand your board sport repertoire. Try surfing or kite boarding. Both of these sports take similar skills as skateboarding, including balance, quick decision making and thrill seeking. As you become familiar with these alternate sports, look for free clinics, free lessons and special events that will educate you more about your boarding options and provide you with the chance to exercise your competitive nature. With all of the sand, sun and various terrains to explore in Oahu, this skateboarding vacation will not disappoint.

Scottsdale, Arizona has several great skateparks to choose from, however, a great one for families and kids is the McDowell Ranch Skatepark. This skatepark is actually part of a large activity complex that includes an aquatic center, two ball fields, four soccer fields and a great urban skatepark. If you are looking for a safe and fun park to practice your tricks in then make your way to 15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway.

The McDowell Ranch Skatepark - The Basics

The McDowell Ranch Skatepark is generally open from sunrise until 10:30 p.m. However, for skaters' safety, the park shuts down during rain storms, electrical storms, when the park is wet and when the maintenance team is working on it. If you are planning a trip to the park it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure it will be open, especially if the weather has been less than ideal.

The skatepark offers both in-line skaters and skateboards about 16,000 square feet of terrain. This park has an urban set up that includes sturdy tables, planters, benches and ledges to practice on. There are three different areas of the park that you can work in, the six foot park, the ten foot park and the twelve foot park. According to local skaters, the pavement is smooth and the transitions into verts are very easy.

The Rules

Like any skatepark,you need to follow the rules to keep using the park and to make sure that the park stays safe. The first rule for this park is that no BMX bikes are allowed in. This rule was made to protect skaters from collisions and to protect the integrity of the park. The next rule is that no tagging is allowed. Again this rule is designed to keep the park looking great. Rule three is that you can't bring in any outside modifications like ramps. Just work with what the park has to offer. Finally, unlike many other parks, safety equipment is not required, however, it is recommended. This is a "skate at your own risk" park so you are in charge of your own safety.

What Makes McDowell Ranch Skatepark Cool

The seting of the McDowell Ranch Skatepark is one of the best features of this park. How often do you get to skate with beautiful scenery as your backdrop? Another great feature of this park is that it is set in the center of a multipurpose activity compound. This means that after you work up a sweat skating on the hot cement you can go for a dip in one of the pools or play a game of baseball. If you have young kids or if you are under 13, then you are going to love this park. Because it is set inside of a family activity center a lot of kids with skills skate here.

As far as cool skating features are concerned, this park offers a variety of shapes and obstacles to play off of, the cement is nice and smooth, there are various wall heights to work with and the transition zones that lead into the vert are smooth and easy. Overall, this is a fun and versatile park that offers you more than just a great day on your board.

Los Angeles is one of the best places to go on vacation if you are a skateboarder or skateboarding fan. This city offers multiple skate parks, museums, skateboard shops and skateboarding events. No matter what time of year you visit L.A., this city has a full menu of skateboarding activities and venues for you to enjoy.

Los Angeles Area Skate Parks

There are more than seven public skateboard parks in the Los Angeles area, four of which are in Los Angeles proper. The first park is the El Sereno Skate Park located at 4721 Klamath Place, Los Angeles, Calif., 90032. This park is open Monday through Sunday.

Gilbert Lindsay Skate Park is another option and it is located at 429 East 42nd Place, Los Angeles, Calif., 90011. It costs $1 for kids under 18 and $5 for adults 18 and older. The park is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. until dusk, and Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.

Hollenbeck Skate Park is your third option. It is located at 415 South Saint Louis Street, Los Angeles, Calif., 90033. The entry fee is $1 for minors and $5 for adults. Helmets are required at this park.

Your fourth option is Lincoln Park Skate Park located at 3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif., 90031. It is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. until dusk, Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. This park offers both rails and ramps and costs $1 for skaters 7 and up.

Other skate parks in the Los Angeles area include Pedlow Field Skate Park in Encino, Sunland Skate Park in Sunland and Wilmington Skate Park in Wilmington.

Skatelab Skateboarding Museum

Another plus to vacationing in Los Angeles is the Skatelab Skateboarding Museum. This museum opened in 1997 and is free to visit, however a donation is appreciated. This museum is located just north of Los Angeles at 4226 Valley Fair Street in Simi Valley, Calif. It has a great collection of over 2,000 vintage boards and classic skateboarding memorabilia. In addition to a great display, this museum also hosts summer camps, book signings and other special events that you won't want to miss.

Skateboard Shops

While you are in Los Angeles don't forget to get a little shopping in. This city offers over 30 skateboarding shops. Your first option is the Brooklyn Projects Skateboard Shop Echo Park located at 2125 W. Sunset Blvd., your second option is DT Board Shop located at 3024 W. Vernon Ave. and your third option is Ghetto Stars Skates located at 4040 W. Washington Blvd.

Skateboarding Events

The final attraction of Los Angeles is a kicking collection of skateboarding events. The premiere skateboarding event that you won't want to miss when it is in town is the X Games. The WCS Bowl Series is another great skateboarding event that is hosted in Los Angeles. Skateboarding events and venues change each year, so you will need to keep your eyes open when reading your favorite skating magazine or ezine for the next great event.