Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters near Hudson Yards
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters near Hudson Yards
1. Pier 62 Skatepark
A West Side staple in Hudson River Park, Pier 62 dishes out smooth concrete with a flowing California-style bowl plus ledges and rails—perfect for dialing in lines while the sun drops over the Hudson.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll get legit transition and street features minutes from Hudson Yards, plus river breezes that keep summer sessions comfortable.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekdays for empty lines; golden hour (about an hour before sunset) for cooler temps and epic skyline light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a helmet and pads; the bowl is fast. Hydrate and stash layers—wind can pick up off the river.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters praise the fast, well-built transitions and waterfront vibe, calling it a must-hit when staying on Manhattan’s West Side.
2. Tribeca Skatepark
Also in Hudson River Park at Pier 25, this open-air street plaza serves up stairs, handrails, hubbas, banks, and ledges for technical lines.
✓ Why Go:
If you’re a street skater, this is your West Side playground—varied obstacles and long sightlines for filming clean lines.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings and late afternoons; weekends fill up with locals once the weather’s nice.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a small skate tool and wax; features are popular and a fresh coat helps. Helmet recommended.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the friendly mix of beginners and rippers and the community vibe on sunny days.
3. The Rink at Manhattan West
A sleek seasonal ice rink set in the plaza one block from Penn Station and steps from Hudson Yards—ideal for switching from deck to blades.
✓ Why Go:
Close, convenient, and photogenic; great crossover workout for skaters who love edge control and balance training.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon weekdays once sessions start; evenings for skyline ambience during the winter season.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book timed sessions online in peak months and arrive 15–30 minutes early to lace up without rushing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters appreciate the mellow surface, Midtown energy, and easy food options in the surrounding plaza.
4. Sky Rink
Year-round indoor ice at Chelsea Piers with public sessions, stick-and-puck, and figure skating—an all-weather option for sharpening edges.
✓ Why Go:
When it’s raining or blazing hot, you still skate. It’s also a reliable cardio session that complements board skills.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mid-mornings or late evenings outside youth hockey prime time.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the schedule before heading over; bring gloves for comfort and quick transitions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars like the pro feel, good ice, and easy access from Hudson Yards via the 7 train or a quick push along 11th Ave.
5. Bryant Park Rink
Midtown’s beloved seasonal rink with skyline views and a festive village—free admission if you bring your own skates.
✓ Why Go:
Budget-friendly ice time near Hudson Yards plus classic NYC holiday vibes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings on weekdays during peak season; shoulder months (opening weeks and late season) for lighter crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve times in advance on peak days and use the southwest corner entrances to move faster.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the central location, twinkling lights, and lively crowd—great for groups after a street session.
6. Hudson River Greenway
The paved Route 9A bikeway hugs the waterfront—prime for smooth cruising on a longboard or inline setup between Midtown West and Chelsea.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the safest, smoothest west side route for rolling between spots without battling Midtown traffic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise or just before sunset for fewer cyclists and cooler temps; avoid rush hours when commuter bike traffic is heavy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and keep speed in check—NYC rules require courteous riding on the greenway.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters rave about the surface and river views, calling it the best way to link West Side sessions.
7. Pier
A huge open Hudson River Park pier with artful interpretive displays and big-sky views—ideal for stretching and cooldowns between sessions.
✓ Why Go:
Steps from Hudson Yards, it’s a chill place to rest, film b-roll, and watch the sunset after skating the greenway.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for views; midday for sun and space.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the adjacent greenway for rolling; avoid skating on the pier itself where riding can be restricted.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the openness and easy access from the 7 train, calling it a perfect breather spot.
8. Pier
Hell’s Kitchen’s largest Hudson River Park pier—meet friends by the fountain, refuel, then hop onto the adjacent greenway to cruise.
✓ Why Go:
Great meetup hub with restrooms, concessions, and quick access to smooth waterfront paths.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings for mellow vibes; sunset for river light and skyline backdrops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Roll on the designated greenway next to the pier; keep boards in hand on the pier to avoid conflicts with park rules.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters like the convenience and facilities, especially when linking a longer West Side push.
9. Edge
Hudson Yards’ sky deck juts 80 feet out from the 100th floor—an adrenaline fix and the best way to scout West Side lines from above.
✓ Why Go:
Epic views over the greenway, Chelsea Piers, and Midtown; a memorable post-session reward right in the neighborhood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Right after sunset for city lights; early morning for fewer crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book timed tickets and bring a windbreaker—breezes can be strong 1,100 feet up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a bucket-list viewpoint and love pairing it with a skate day below.
10. City Climb
Clip in and scale the exterior of 30 Hudson Yards for the world’s highest open-air building ascent—balance training of a different kind.
✓ Why Go:
For skaters who crave that vert-thrill feeling, this is a unique core-and-headspace challenge minutes from your West Side spots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning slots for steadier winds and clear views; evenings for dramatic city lights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear snug layers and closed‑toe shoes; book ahead as prime times sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Adrenaline-seekers say it’s unforgettable and pairs perfectly with Edge afterward.
