San Diego County Skating Spots, Routes and Information

 This is a bit of an info dump about skating spots and routes in San Diego County. This simple list was compiled in no particular order. This information is current as of Jan 2024. This is a work in progress, check back frequently. There are many less known spots still missing. 


Popular Trail Routes

  • Mission Bay/Mission Beach Loop
    Mission Beach and Mission Bay are one of San Diego most visited scenic spots. There are several walkways and paths that allow skaters to complete a full loop around the bay. Sections of the route offer something for skaters of every levels. There are restrooms and water fountains along the route.

    The section along the Ocean Front Walkway (Blue), also known as the Mission Beach boardwalk, is a commonly skated scenic beach route where you will run into many other roller and inline skaters. It is flat and appropriate for advanced beginners and up. Depending on the weather and tide, you should watch for sand patches (slip or stop) and salt water (high tide bad for bearings).

    The section from Crown Point Park to Mission Point Park (Green) is another nice area to skate along and enjoy the view of the various coves. It is mostly flat and smooth, and is a nice way to increase the length of the route for fit skaters that can cover the distance. Skaters can return the same way they came if they wish to avoid the more challenging sections of the loop. 

    If a skater intends to complete the full loop (Red), the bike path along Mission Bay Drive will take you over one of the bay bridges. Good speed control is required, but there is plenty of roll out on both sides of the bridge before needing to stop at an intersection. This will take you along more challenging terrain, so should be done by skaters with an early intermediate skill level. This section of the route will take you past Sea World, Tecolote Shores, and De Anza Cove.

    There is a nice scenic detour over the San Diego river, that also allows you to get to Robb Field skate park. There are 2 bridges, one old and one new, that will take you over the river.

    Start Point 1 - Crown Point Park
        https://maps.app.goo.gl/rNLTgB2fXoAA9iyQ8
        Free Parking and Public Restrooms
    Start Point 2 - De Anza Cove
        https://maps.app.goo.gl/mgSZXfaGVsHrDDNHA
        Free Parking and Public Restrooms

    8 miles one way / 16 miles round trip / 15 miles full loop
    📌 Mapped Skate Route Link 🗺

    Crown Point to MB route preview - 📽 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3fBdfs8h1Y

    Challenge: Can you spot SloMo along the boardwalk?
        SloMo is a local legend. An 80yr old inline skater that balances on 1 leg along the boardwalk.
        video about him - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn87-mcnoVc

    Skate parks along the route...
    Robb Field Skate Park (large)
        location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UaHH5DexTZ21JacZ6
        https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/skateparks/robb
    Friendly Bowl Skate Park (small)
        location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/991pksQGJQBnEQKx9
        https://www.campland.com/skatepark/

    Skater Freindly Snack/Drink Stops along the boardwal
        710 Beach Club - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5pyRTmibeQzXe7i78
        Mission Garnet Food Hall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zv4588zmDsgkDBRt8
        Big Kahuna's - https://maps.app.goo.gl/2d4jzWDYnaYQz5nD6
        Glazed Coffee & Creamery - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nt7gkn4u7YFrU9Hy6
        Better Buzz Coffee - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hnLbTg7Nnx8A9qQ39



  • Liberty Station to Downtown
    The Embarcadero path takes rollers from Liberty Station to Downtown San Diego along the harbor. People will get the opportunity to see many popular attractions along this route and is great during the day and at night. There are restrooms and water fountains along the route.

    Start point 1 - Naval Training Center Park North parking lot
        https://maps.app.goo.gl/YRyZYS8dET5obvs57
        Free Parking and Public Restrooms
    Start point 2 - Harbor Island Park parking lot
        https://maps.app.goo.gl/mUBqTTgo3Ay3T9cYA
        Free Parking and great views

    7.5 miles one way / 15 miles round trip
    📌 Mapped Skate Route Link 🗺

    Note: Mostly Paid and Metered Parking available around Downtown San Diego

    Skater Freindly Snack/Drink Stops
        Henry's Pub - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5G7SLBNvYN1HxNAaA
        Bon Cha (Bubble Tea/Games) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pec8QUMdpd6JfKMn9
        Sweet Things (Self serve yogurt) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QAAxnTdMYPrKDMs97
        Spill the Beans ( Coffee/Bagel) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SMxzEzrRaFd1Nwwj9


  • Bayside Park to Plaza Bonita
    This route passes several wildlife refuges and start at Bayside Park. It has a great view of the San Diego bay and the strand that connects Imperial Beach to Coronado. It has a small paved pier that allows unlicensed fishing and can be skated on. It is a frequent launch point for kayaks from the J street marina. There is a paved bike trail that connects this park to the Bayshore Bikeway. Sections are under construction due to a new hotel being built, so be aware of terrain changes. The bikeway connects to the Sweetwater River Trail after crossing a pedestrian bridge with a sharp turn. It then leads east, to the Plaza Bonita indoor mall and a bit south to a Starbucks coffee shop, that welcomes skaters.

    Start point - Bayside Park
        Port of San Diego Park Information
        https://maps.app.goo.gl/fqYfiUgdebEBV2W87
        Free Public Parking and Restrooms

    5 miles one way / 10 miles round trip
    📌 Mapped Skate Route Link 🗺

    Skater Freindly Snack/Drink Stops
        Starbucks Coffee - https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator/store/1005455/

    Note: Skates must be taken off when entering the mall
        https://www.westfield.com/united-states/plazabonita



San Diego Bay Loop (Downtown to Coronado)
Downtown to Coronado the long way ~24 miles

The San Diego Bayshore Bikeway is a regional bike trail that extends around the San Diego Bay. Much of the trail is complete, but there are some sections where one must skate on the road. Skaters can take the trolley to downtown San Diego, start from Harbon Island or Liberty Station for Free Parking then roll along the bikeway to Coronado island. There are several parks along the route to rehydrate or use the restrooms. There are also several shops and eateries along the path to Coronado to refuel and rehydrate, so it's best to consult your favorite app to find a place to relax. It is best to check the route ahead of time, as the path between Barrio Logan and National City is frequently under construction.

When returning, skaters have the option to take the ferry across the bay, back to downtown.
    $8 each way - https://www.flagshipsd.com/cruises/flagship-ferry
There is NO pedestrian or bike path across the Coronado bridge, so public transit or ride share would be required to get across the bay.
 
More Popular Spots to Explore on Skates


Local Sources of Route Information
Debbie puts together detailed (roller) skating route reviews on YouTube and Instagram.


Local Skate Rinks