Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters on the Upper West Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters on the Upper West Side
1. Riverside Skatepark
NYC’s classic Andy Kessler–designed skatepark sits under Riverside Drive near 108th Street, offering transitions, banks, and street features that cater to a range of skill levels.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the UWS’s home base for true skateboard sessions—no traffic, real features, and a tight local scene that welcomes respectful visitors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays or just after opening on weekends for the smoothest runs and lighter crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring soft wheels after rain; the river breeze can leave damp patches in the shade. Check posted hours and pad up—helmets are strongly encouraged.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters love the throwback vibe and community feel; occasional closures for maintenance are the only gripe.
2. Central Park Skate Circle
On Central Park’s Center Drive near the 72nd Street transverse, the Skate Circle is a legendary roller-dance scene with DJs many weekends in season.
✓ Why Go:
If you roller skate, this is the city’s happiest floor—smooth pavement, great tunes, and a welcoming crowd that spans beginners to dance pros.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons spring through fall when music crews set up and the circle comes alive.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter at W 72nd St & Central Park West and roll in; dance wheels (harder durometer) make spins and slides easier.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the energy and inclusivity; it’s a must-experience NYC skate tradition.
3. Hudson River Greenway (Riverside Park South)
A scenic, car‑free ribbon along the Hudson with long, smooth pavement ideal for inline and longboard cruising between 59th and 72nd Streets.
✓ Why Go:
Sunset river views, steady wind, and wide lanes make it perfect for cardio laps or mellow social rolls.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour on weekdays for calmer traffic; early weekend mornings for nearly empty paths.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at Pier I and head north; waterfront breezes can be cool—pack a light layer even in summer.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for being smooth and scenic; occasional stroller and bike congestion is noted on sunny weekends.
4. Lincoln Center Plaza
The granite expanse around the fountain offers glassy‑smooth flatground that skaters use for practicing footwork and flat tricks during quiet hours.
✓ Why Go:
Immaculate surfaces, dramatic architecture, and easy subway access make it a photogenic training spot.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings or late evenings when performances aren’t in session and foot traffic is light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Security may limit skating during events—be courteous and relocate if asked; soft wheels reduce noise on stone.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its buttery ground and skyline backdrop; crowd control by staff is the main caveat.
5. West Drive (Central Park)
Central Park’s West Drive forms part of the iconic 6.1‑mile loop, with steady grades between 72nd and 102nd Streets perfect for endurance skating.
✓ Why Go:
Closed to cars, it’s the city’s classic fitness circuit—ideal for interval work, hill practice, and speed laps.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for training; late Sunday afternoons for a lively, social vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Roll clockwise to manage hills; wrist guards help on the 90th Street descent. Hydration fountains dot the route in season.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Inline skaters rate it as NYC’s best training ground—challenging but predictable.
6. Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
A circular plaza at Riverside Drive and 89th with smooth stone ideal for slalom cones, pivot practice, and dance footwork.
✓ Why Go:
Gentle grades and a scenic overlook of the Hudson make sessions feel relaxed and neighborhood‑friendly.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon shade in summer; mid‑morning in cooler months.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cones for a DIY slalom line; the surface can be slick after rain—test traction before committing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it a low‑key gem; occasional dog walkers are the only obstacles.
7. Theodore Roosevelt Park
The park wrapping the American Museum of Natural History has long, even sidewalks perfect for beginners dialing basics or veterans cooling down.
✓ Why Go:
Sheltered tree‑lined paths, benches for gear changes, and plenty of people‑watching between laps.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings and early evenings; avoid museum opening rush for clearer lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the CPW side for the smoothest pavement; museum steps are a popular meetup landmark.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and casual skaters love the mellow pace; surface quality gets high marks.
8. 79th Street Boat Basin Promenade
A breezy waterside stretch with flat terrain just north of the marina—great for easy laps and sunset rolls.
✓ Why Go:
River views, seating for breaks, and quick connections to Riverside Park paths.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden light; mornings for open space and minimal foot traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Watch for occasional uneven joints near the marina; loop south toward 72nd for longer, uninterrupted mileage.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for chill vibes and views; crowding noted on peak summer weekends.
9. Cherry Walk
A leafy segment of the Hudson River Greenway north of 100th Street with fewer intersections and steady, rhythmic pavement.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the Upper West Side’s quiet cruise—ideal for distance skaters seeking flow without frequent stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays or after dinner on summer evenings.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter near 100th Street to avoid mid‑park stairs; bring lights for dusk—there are darker stretches under the trees.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters praise the smoothness and calm; occasional puddles linger after heavy rain.
10. Anibal Aviles Playground
A neighborhood blacktop on 108th Street with a roomy interior court that’s handy for practicing stops, crossovers, and beginner drills.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a convenient practice pad in the northern UWS when you want repetition without hills or crowds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings and weekday evenings when school isn’t in session.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small towel—surface dust can reduce grip; portable cones help structure a focused session.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals like the no‑frills setup and community feel; basketball games can limit space at peak times.
