Best Skateparks in the World to Skate Before You Die (2026)
Historic undercrofts, legendary bowls, giant parks and a skatepark in the clouds: the world's most remarkable places to skate.
A Skater's Bucket List
Skateboarding is global, and some parks have become destinations in their own right. Here are the world's most remarkable places to skate, chosen for their history, design, setting or scale. Size records change as new parks open, and access can change too, so check the latest local information before you travel. For American parks, see the best skateparks in the US.
World Skateparks at a Glance
| Skatepark | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Southbank Undercroft | London, England | Skated since the early 1970s |
| Bowl du Prado | Marseille, France | Iconic seaside bowls (1991) |
| Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park | Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands | 62,000 sq ft (2005) |
| GMP Skatepark | Guangzhou, China | Reported ~168,000 sq ft (2015) |
| Stapelbäddsparken | Malmö, Sweden | Free park on a former shipyard (2005) |
| Pura Pura | La Paz, Bolivia | Highest skatepark, ~4,000 m (2014) |
| Livingston Skatepark | West Lothian, Scotland | Historic 1981 park, listed structure |
| Burnside | Portland, USA | Birthplace of the DIY movement |
Historic Icons
Southbank Undercroft, London, England
Beneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's South Bank, skaters have rolled the undercroft's banks and ledges since the early 1970s. After demolition threats, the Long Live Southbank campaign helped save it, and it was renovated in 2017. It's one of the most important spots in British skating.
Bowl du Prado, Marseille, France
Built in 1991 by the sea in Marseille, "Le Bowl" has clover-shaped bowls ranging from about 1.8 to 2.7 meters deep. It's free, lit at night and has hosted international contests.
Livingston Skatepark, Scotland
Opened in 1981, Livingston became the first Scottish skatepark listed as a historic structure, protecting its classic concrete for future generations.
Giants
Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park, Grand Cayman
Opened in 2005, the Black Pearl covers about 62,000 square feet and is described as the largest outdoor skatepark in the Western Hemisphere.
GMP Skatepark, Guangzhou, China
Opened in 2015, GMP was reported at about 168,000 square feet, among the largest skateparks anywhere. Reports from 2017 noted some areas had been closed, so check its current status.
Unique Settings
Pura Pura, La Paz, Bolivia
Built in 2014 by the nonprofit Make Life Skate Life with volunteers from around the world, Pura Pura sits at roughly 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), making it the world's highest skatepark. Take time to acclimatize before skating at altitude.
Stapelbäddsparken, Malmö, Sweden
Completed in 2005 on the site of a former shipyard, this free, year-round park helped make Malmö a skate-friendly city.
Burnside, Portland, USA
No world list is complete without Burnside, the 1990 under-bridge build that started the DIY skatepark movement.
Traveling to Skate
- Check park hours, rules and whether helmets are required.
- Pack a skate tool and spare hardware.
- Carry your board in a skate backpack.
- Respect locals and learn each park's flow before dropping in.
- Bring pads for bowls; see knee pads.
Inspired by skate history? Read about the best skateboarders of all time and Olympic skateboarding.
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Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous skatepark in the world?
Contenders include London's Southbank Undercroft, skated since the early 1970s, Marseille's Bowl du Prado and Portland's Burnside.
What is the largest skatepark in the world?
Size claims change as new parks open. GMP Skatepark in Guangzhou, China, was reported at about 168,000 sq ft when it opened in 2015. Check current sources before planning a trip.
What is the highest skatepark in the world?
Pura Pura in La Paz, Bolivia, built in 2014 at about 4,000 m (13,123 ft), is described as the world's highest skatepark.
Are skateparks abroad free?
Many public parks are free; private and indoor parks charge. Check locally.
Do I need to bring my own board when traveling?
Most skaters do. Check airline rules for skateboards and pack tools; see our skateboard backpack and tool guides.