Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Long Island City
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Long Island City
1. Gantry Plaza State Park
The iconic LIC waterfront with smooth pavers, long lines between the gantries, and skyline views that turn every cruise into a photo op. Manuals by the benches, mellow inclines on the piers, and wide paths make this a relaxed roll for all styles.
✓ Why Go:
You get flowy terrain, great sightlines, and tons of space to warm up or cool down between heavier sessions elsewhere. It’s perfect for longboard pushes, cruiser laps, and flatground practice with a Manhattan backdrop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or golden hour on non-summer weekdays for light foot traffic and buttery light on the skyline.
✓ Insider Tip:
Run softer wheels (86–92a) for the stone pavers and bring a tripod if you’re filming—wind can pick up on the piers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the views and calm vibe; skaters call it an easygoing spot to rack casual miles and clips.
2. Hunter’s Point South Park
A sweeping riverside park just south of Gantry with extra-long, uninterrupted paths, a central green, and wide waterfront promenades for effortless pushing.
✓ Why Go:
It’s where you log distance without constant start–stops, with smooth surfaces and open sightlines perfect for beginners to advanced cruisers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise laps before the dog-walk and stroller rush; fall sunsets are prime for filming.
✓ Insider Tip:
Loop Gantry + Hunter’s Point into a single session; refill water at the pavilion and scout the cantilevered platform area for unique angles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals love the cleanliness and views; skaters appreciate the long, forgiving pushes along the river.
3. Queensbridge Park
Under the bridge and along the river you’ll find big asphalt pads, handball court edges that double as manual pads, and a gritty LIC energy that’s classic New York.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a versatile, no-frills spot to practice flat, film lines with bridge steel in the frame, and soak up neighborhood character.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekends for space; late afternoons on weekdays for shade under the bridge.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack wax for rougher ledges and bring a small brush—sand and grit can collect near the courts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors note strong community vibes and river breezes; skaters like the size and variety for low-key sessions.
4. MoMA PS1
LIC’s landmark contemporary art space—fuel for skate creativity. Roll up, check cutting-edge shows, then hit the smooth sidewalks on Jackson Ave for a quick cruise between culture stops.
✓ Why Go:
Street culture and skate culture overlap; exhibitions and outdoor installations often spark line ideas and filming concepts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays for lighter crowds; summer Saturdays if you want a livelier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Boards aren’t for riding inside, but you can carry them; plan a loop: PS1 → Court Square → SculptureCenter to keep wheels moving between galleries.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Art lovers and skaters alike praise the bold programming and LIC setting steps from multiple skateable blocks.
5. SculptureCenter
A non-collecting museum in a former trolley-repair shop where experimental sculpture meets raw space—perfect headspace between street sessions.
✓ Why Go:
Fresh materials, forms, and textures translate to trick inspiration and spot creativity back outside.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons Thu–Mon when the galleries are open; pair with a late-day push around Purves St’s smooth blocks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hit the courtyard exhibitions when active and scout the surrounding low-traffic side streets for warmup flats.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a hidden gem; skaters appreciate the underground feel that mirrors DIY skate energy.
6. City Ice Pavilion
An NHL-size indoor rink on LIC’s industrial blocks—swap urethane for steel and keep your edge work sharp year-round.
✓ Why Go:
When sidewalks are soaked or winter bites, you can still skate: open sessions, classes, and stick-and-puck on rotation.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday weekdays for quieter ice; check the daily schedule before you roll.
✓ Insider Tip:
There’s a pro shop on site (Westside Skate & Stick) for sharpening and gear; stash your board in a locker while you hit the ice.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and rec skaters appreciate the facility and schedules; boarders like having a weatherproof skate option in LIC.
7. Queensboro Bridge Walkway (LIC Entrance)
Push onto the bridge path from LIC and cruise above the East River with skyline, tram, and Roosevelt Island views—classic New York endurance run.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a memorable, cardio-friendly line linking LIC to Midtown without stopping for lights; great for distance skaters.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings to avoid commuter congestion and gusts; avoid peak rush for safety.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use lights and a bell at dawn/dusk, mind grade changes, and yield to pedestrians and cyclists as signed.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the ‘only-in-NYC’ perspective; distance skaters call it a satisfying push with bragging rights.
8. Court Square Park
A compact green in LIC’s core that works as a mellow flatground warmup or cooldown between sessions, with historic courthouse views.
✓ Why Go:
Central location, benches, and open sightlines make it an easy meet-up point before hitting Jackson Ave corridors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings for the smoothest open space; weekday lunches are busier with office crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
If renovations limit space, treat it as a rendezvous and head a block or two for quieter sidewalks to practice basics.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Neighborhood regulars like the convenience; skaters use it as a staging area more than a long session spot.
9. Vernon Jackson Ledges
Street spot near the Vernon Blvd–Jackson Ave station with skateable ledges and lines along a photogenic block.
✓ Why Go:
When you want quick ledge reps and real-street textures in the heart of LIC, this checks the box.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekend mornings or off-peak weekday hours; expect more foot traffic during commute times.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring wax and keep setup tight—vibration from nearby subway can rattle gear; film during blue hour for strong station glow.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Local skaters rate it as a reliable hit for ledge work; passersby dig the station energy and neighborhood backdrop.
10. Dutch Kills Green
A landscaped plaza at Queens Plaza with bike lanes, benches, and pathways—good for easy rolls and people-watching between bigger sessions.
✓ Why Go:
It links multiple LIC transit hubs and provides a breather with enough space to cruise, stretch, and plan your next line.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays; avoid the heaviest commute windows.
✓ Insider Tip:
Traffic buzz is constant—use softer wheels and keep speed in check near crosswalks; it’s a chill-through, not a hammer spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Commuters like the greenery in an urban knot; skaters appreciate the connectivity and quick-roll potential.
