Jacksonville is very lucky to have several amazing skate parks, but if you are looking to try other skate parks just outside of Jacksonville, you’re in luck! I thought I’d share a couple of day trips that my family and I have done that incorporate getting some skate time in — you can also make it a day of fun with different things mixed in.
READ: The Best Skateboard Parks In & Around Jax
Bethune Point Skate Park (Daytona Beach)
At the time of our visit, we went to the Florida Train Model Show in DeLand, Florida. My oldest loves model trains and collects them, so after we visited that, we hit up the Bethune Point Skate Park in Daytona Beach. Even though the model show is only at certain times, our plan is to go back and check out a hobby shop and walk the Daytona Beach boardwalk for lunch, games, and beachy things. This skate park is pretty fun. There is a fishing pier, picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat ramp. 11 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Hamilton Upchurch Skate Park (St. Augustine)
A day trip to St Augustine from Jacksonville is always a great day. With endless things to do in the historic city, one of our favorites is to visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Since we are season pass holders, we get down to the Alligator Farm often, and just across the street is the Hamilton Upchurch Skate Park — a smaller skate park and playground, which is perfect just to mess around on and have a little fun. Since this one is on the smaller side, the only challenge is that it can become crowded when there are just a few people there. Also, across the street from the Alligator Farm is the St Augustine Lighthouse, which is a fun challenge to climb if you are claustrophobic like me! The view is amazing, though, once you make it up! 1020 Anastasia Blvd., St Augustine, FL 32084
READ: Being a Skateboarding Mom Is Not a Crime
Savannah Skate Park (Savannah, Georgia)
We love going to Savannah for the day! We make it a point to go to Forsyth Park and the Georgia State Railroad Museum (again, my oldest loves trains), and to walk the historic River Street. The Savannah Candy Kitchen is always a pit stop, and lunch can be anything from The Pirate’s House to the Little Duck Diner. If the line isn’t too long, Leopold’s Ice Cream is an option, too. After that, we hit up the Savannah Skate Park and head home. This skate park is a bit smaller, but still fun. There is also a playground and restrooms nearby. Savannah is probably one of our favorite day trips. It does involve a lot of walking, but as skaters, we have the legs for it and just enjoy being out in the city. 1850 E Montgomery Cross Rd., Savannah, GA 31406
Hahira Skate Park / North Lowndes Park (Hahira, Georgia)
When we visited Wild Adventures (which my kids loved by the way — think Busch Gardens on a budget!) just north of Valdosta, there is the Hahira Skate Park. Fun for BMXers, skaters, and scooters alike. This one also has a park and restrooms nearby. At this skate park, you have many options for different skill levels. 7715 Sonny Rodgers Memorial Dr., Hahira, GA 31632
Casselberry Wheel Park East & Wheels Park West (Casselberry, FL)
A fun day trip from Jax, just outside of Orlando, is the Casselberry Skate Park and pump track. Wheel Park East (the pump track side) and Wheel Park West (skatepark side) are located across the street from each other, and both offer plenty of fun no matter your skate style. Our favorite is the pump track, so we end up spending a lot of time there, but make no mistake, Wheel Park West (skate park side) offers plenty of fun for beginners and chargers alike from the large snake run, different sized bowls, a large street section with rails, plenty of banks and ledges, small transitions to skate and most definitely a lot of fun to be had for skateboarders and BMXers.
There’s also a playground on the pump track side for those family members who might not skate, scoot, or BMX, and if you wanted to make it an overnight stay and explore the area, there are springs nearby. One of our favorites is Kings Landing, but Blue Spring State Park and Wekiwa Spring State Park are also in the area. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and go check out some of nature’s theme parks. You can find more information on the Casselberry Skate Park and pump track at casselberry.org. 951 N Winter Park Dr., Casselberry, FL 32707
Ocala Skate Park (Ocala, FL)
Ocala, dubbed the Horse Capital of the World, recently had the grand opening of its skatepark expansion, where we had the opportunity to take a day trip to check it out over the long weekend. Located about two hours away from Jax, this one might be my new favorite skate park, and the worst thing I can say about it is that I just wish it were closer!
A fun snake run that cruises fast with multiple hips, you have many options to tackle when you skate this snake run. A new competition bowl was added, and if you are a vert skater or prefer skating bowls, this might be your favorite. The street course is just as fun, with banks, ledges, quarter pipes, and rails for different skill levels, and, off to the side, it offers more transitions. The flow of this skate park felt good, like you wouldn’t get in to each other’s way if it got crowded because each section is set up with something different to do, but I’ll let the locals confirm what the vibe is on crowded days.
Our plan is to go back and skate this park again and make it an overnight stay so we can check out a couple of our favorite springs nearby. Think Silver Springs, Juniper Springs, and Alexander Springs. 517 NE Ninth Street, Ocala, FL, inside Tuscawilla Park
READ: Top 10 Family-Friendly Springs to Explore in Florida
Haulover Skate Park and Pump Track (Miami Beach)
Okay, this one clearly isn’t a day trip from Jacksonville, but if you are ever in the Miami area, the Haulover Skate Park and Pump Track is SO FUN. We got there early to beat the crowd, and it was perfect. We incorporated this stop on the way to visit the grandparents. This is the one thing Jacksonville still needs — a pump track!! 10801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33154
So, if you are looking for a fun way to check out new skate parks while taking a day trip, give these a try. Some we have preferred over others, but we don’t really rate them as good or bad; we just look at them as a way to spend time together as a family and make memories. The next time you are planning a day trip, whatever it might be, don’t forget you can also grab your wheels and make those skate park memories. Just don’t forget the helmet and pads.
Stay safe, have fun, and cheers to all things wheels.
