When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Pier 62 Skatepark
Why Pier 62 Skatepark is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Pier 62 Skatepark, located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan within Hudson River Park, stands out as New York City's only modern full-size vert concrete transition skatepark. Opened in 2010, the 15,000-square-foot skatepark is designed to accommodate skaters of all skill levels with its unique California-style, ovular shape and natural curves. Its main terrain features include a 10-foot-deep pool with distinct sections, a versatile flow area with banks and transitions reaching up to 9 feet in depth, and a dedicated street section with wedges, ledges, rails, and fun boxes. The skatepark offers an engaging environment with challenges for both vert skateboarders and street-style skaters, making it an ideal meetup spot for friends who enjoy active outdoor recreation. Situated on a pier overlooking the Hudson River, visitors also get scenic views and accessibility through Hudson River Park at 22nd Street. The skatepark’s proximity to other attractions like the Chelsea Piers Field House—which features rock climbing, gymnastics, and basketball—adds to its appeal as a vibrant community hub where people can combine skating with other recreational activities. Its open daily hours from morning until dusk make Pier 62 Skatepark an inviting urban oasis for skateboarding enthusiasts and social gatherings alike.
Here's what people think of Pier 62 Skatepark
As of recent, Pier 62 Skatepark holds a 4.4-star rating based on 183 reviews.
User reviews of Pier 62 Skatepark predominantly praise its well-maintained facilities, scenic riverside location, and the diverse variety of terrain suitable for both beginners and advanced skaters. Many highlight the park’s unique design as New York City's only full-size vert concrete skatepark, complimenting the seamless flow of its bowls, street elements, and transition areas which offer an exciting and challenging experience. Positive feedback also often mentions the park’s community vibe where skaters can meet up, practice, and improve their skills in a picturesque setting. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out the lack of supervision or staff presence, which occasionally raises concerns about safety or park etiquette enforcement. Others note that the park can become crowded during peak times, making it less comfortable for some skaters. A few reviewers mention maintenance issues during colder months or when the park becomes wet, which can pose risks. Overall, the reviews reflect that Pier 62 Skatepark is highly regarded by the skateboarding community as a premier location with thoughtful design and an ideal social atmosphere, despite minor drawbacks related to supervision and crowding. Enthusiasts consistently recommend it as a must-visit spot for skaters in New York City seeking quality vert and street skating experiences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stinson Parks III
Checked out the skatepark for a Wheeling Forward adaptive skating event this past weekend and was impressed by this little gem tucked away on the west side. Thanks to the volunteers on-site, I was able to take a quick loop around the bowl in my wheelchair. Fun place for skaters in NYC.
Andrea Hannah
Great skate parks for all levels. Attended a wheelchair adaptive skating event here with good accessibility.
Roxanne Louis
If you’re looking for high heights, spirally curves (only one hidden curve so look carefully) and daring depths, then this is the skate park for you! This is definitely fitting for the advance, daring wheel bearers (ie. Scooters, blades, skates, boards bmx-ers or whatever you roll with). Some of the heights are over 15 feet and higher! Very well engineered and crafted by the best architects and mathematicians! The angles are all measured with precision! Upon your initial entry to your left, taking on one of the lower ramps propels you into an unexpected air bump and then up into an air movement! But it all depends on how you control your weight! But words can’t really express how magnificent this skate park is! So do go and experience it for yourself! But it’s way too advanced for my blood! On to the next! 😝
iris wang
A very nice skatepark located at pier 62 Chelsea. The bowl is very steep, the atmosphere is great.
Dani Su
I like the park. Is for experienced people, not for amateurs. But u still have some simply spots to play arround if u want to anyways enjoy this skatepark. I love the location, into a big park with lot of nature and in front of the sea. U can see the sunset from there. Is really exiting to know this skate park for first time. I’m looking forward to comeback anytime soon!!!
How to reach Pier 62 Skatepark
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Why Pier 62 Skatepark may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Pier 62 Skatepark with your friends? Pier 62 Skatepark, located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood on Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, offers an exceptional blend of dynamic outdoor activity and scenic urban nature that makes it an ideal gathering spot. This skatepark is not just a place to skate; it’s a social hub where friends can challenge each other, share laughs, and create lasting memories in a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. The park’s stunning location overlooking the Hudson River provides a beautiful backdrop that enhances every meet-up, whether you are skating or simply enjoying the waterfront views. Unlike many crowded indoor venues or commercial spaces, Pier 62 Skatepark offers a spacious, free, and publicly accessible environment where all skill levels can feel welcome. Rallying here means tapping into a community vibe fused with exhilarating motion and natural beauty. There is something uniquely rewarding about conquering the park’s smooth concrete features surrounded by friends while observing the tranquil river and watching the city skyline. For anyone looking for an engaging, picturesque, and social skate experience in New York City, Pier 62 is a compelling and energizing destination that turns any casual meetup into a memorable adventure.
What kinds of activities can you do at Pier 62 Skatepark?
Pier 62 Skatepark is a playground for skateboarders of all ages and skill levels, offering a diverse range of activities centered around skating in a California-style vert concrete environment. The skatepark covers roughly 15,000 square feet, making it one of New York City’s largest dedicated skate spaces. The primary activities involve mastering various skateboarding disciplines including vert (vertical ramps and pools), street skating, and flow skating. The park’s signature feature is its full-size 10-foot deep vert pool which challenges experienced skaters to perform transitions and aerial tricks in a classic bowl shape. Skaters can also utilize the flow area, with banks, transition hips, and roll-in spots, crafted to mimic natural sculpted terrain, providing both graceful lines and technical challenges. Additionally, the street section offers a variety of ledges, rails, and wedges designed to simulate urban street skating, including a 24-foot ledge and kinked flat rail for grinding tricks. For beginners and intermediates, there is a dedicated Ollie Zone featuring smaller ramps like a 4-foot quarter pipe, 2-foot wedge, and 3-foot start box, allowing newcomers to develop confidence and approach more advanced obstacles at their own pace. Besides skateboarding, rollerbladers and BMX riders who enjoy vert and street style elements can also find a welcoming environment to practice and progress. Altogether, Pier 62’s varied skate features make it a versatile hub for many skateboarding activities, appealing to thrill-seekers and casual riders alike.
Why is Pier 62 Skatepark perfect for a group meetup with friends or family?
Pier 62 Skatepark is an ideal location for group gatherings because it combines ample space, versatile terrain, and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that encourages social interaction alongside physical activity. The park's spacious layout means there is plenty of room for groups of varying sizes to skate together or take turns enjoying the features without feeling crowded. Whether your group consists of seasoned skateboarders, beginners, or supportive spectators, all can find a comfortable niche in the park’s design. The park’s features are thoughtfully segmented into zones with different difficulty levels, making it easy for groups with diverse skills to hang out together while each person finds challenges that suit their ability. This segmentation helps create a supportive environment where experienced skaters can inspire less experienced friends or family members to try new maneuvers in a safe space. Beyond the ramps and rails, the location itself fosters connection; the open pier offers areas to rest, watch others skate, and enjoy the expansive views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. This combination of social space and sport-friendly design transforms Pier 62 into a welcoming community setting where groups can forge strong bonds through shared experiences, laughter, and mutual encouragement. Plus, the park is free, removing financial barriers to hosting casual meetups, and it is open from early morning to dusk, providing flexibility for any day outing.
What makes the design and terrain of Pier 62 Skatepark unique?
Pier 62 Skatepark’s design is distinguished by its modern, full-size vert concrete construction layered over a marine platform, incorporating sophisticated structural foam technology to craft its naturalistic shapes and transitions. Opened in 2010 and designed by California Skateparks and Site Design Group, Pier 62 marked a milestone as New York City’s first modern full-sized vert concrete transition skatepark, a pioneer in marrying urban infrastructure with California-style skatepark aesthetics. The park’s overall oval shape and “natural” curves mimic organic landforms, achieved by sculpting structural foam to create flow areas and transitions that feel intuitive and inviting to skaters. Its terrain features include a deep 10-foot vert pool with three key sections: a 6-foot shallow end, a 6.5-foot pocket, and a challenging 10-foot deep end with vertical walls ideal for experienced skaters to push their limits. The flow area provides a mix of banks, hips, and roll-in spots with heights reaching 9 feet and sections with over-vert clam-shells—complex design elements that test balance and control. Complementing the vert and flow zones is a distinct street section, ideal for those who prefer ledges, rails, and flat ground tricks; this includes a Wedge, Start Box, and an Intermediate Fun Box with a lengthy ledge and kinked flat rail. This unique melding of terrain features makes Pier 62 both a technical venue for advanced skills and an approachable arena for novices, supporting progressive learning and diverse skating styles simultaneously.
What else can you do at Pier 62 besides skateboarding?
Although Pier 62 Skatepark’s main attraction is its expansive skate terrain, the pier itself offers additional recreational and relaxing activities that perfectly complement a group meetup or family outing. Adjacent to the skatepark is the beautifully designed Entry Garden created by renowned public garden designer Lynden Miller, showcasing a curated collection of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that change with the seasons, providing a refreshing and scenic place to unwind. Visitors can stroll through this garden space to enjoy the natural surroundings or find a peaceful spot for conversation away from the action of the skatepark. The pier also hosts the Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 Carousel, featuring 33 hand-carved animals native to the Hudson River Valley—an enchanting experience especially appreciated by families with young children. Nearby, a nautical wooden deck offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, making it an inspiring location to watch sunsets or simply soak in the tranquil waterfront atmosphere. Whether your group wants to take breaks to relax and explore or engage in physical activity, these diverse features make Pier 62 a multi-dimensional venue for a day of socializing, refreshment, and adventure, ensuring that everyone in your gathering finds something to enjoy.
How accessible and convenient is Pier 62 Skatepark for visitors?
Pier 62 Skatepark benefits from an excellent location in Chelsea, Manhattan, easily accessible via multiple transportation options including subway, bus, and bike. The entrance to Hudson River Park at 22nd Street leads directly to the pier, making it straightforward for locals and tourists alike to find their way to the skatepark. Its central city location means groups can combine a visit to the skatepark with other activities in the neighborhood or along the waterfront. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk and is free to the public, which removes cost barriers and makes it convenient for spontaneous or planned meetups. While the skatepark operates without formal supervision, safety is encouraged through signage promoting helmet use and protective gear, creating a responsible environment for users to enjoy. Restroom facilities and seating areas within Hudson River Park are available nearby, adding to visitor comfort during longer visits. All these factors—ease of access, free admission, extended daily hours, and complementary park amenities—make Pier 62 Skatepark a practical and attractive option for organizing group gatherings without logistical stress.
Why do skaters and visitors rate Pier 62 Skatepark highly?
With an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 180 reviews, Pier 62 Skatepark is consistently praised for its high-quality design, scenic location, and inclusive atmosphere. Skaters frequently highlight the park’s challenging vert pool and varied terrain that caters to many styles and skill levels as key reasons for its popularity. The unique setting overlooking the Hudson River enhances the experience, offering a peaceful yet energizing environment that many compare favorably to other urban skateparks. Reviewers appreciate that the park is free, well-maintained, and open to all ages, contributing to a positive community vibe that encourages learning and camaraderie. Many also value the mix of quiet natural spaces alongside active skate areas, catering not only to aggressive riders but also to friends and family members who prefer to watch or relax nearby. While a few note that the unsupervised setup requires individual responsibility for safety, this is generally seen as reasonable in a mature urban setting. Overall, the high user ratings underscore Pier 62’s status as a premier destination for skateboarding and group meetups in New York City, combining athletic challenge, social opportunity, and natural beauty in a uniquely harmonious way.