Despite being home to just about anything you can imagine — world-class museums, music festivals, historic landmarks, amusement parks and more — Miami isn’t exactly known for being a skateboarder’s paradise. However, recent arrivals that allow skaters to do their own thing, like downtown Miami’s Lot 11 or Haulover Skate Park, might change your mind.
One standout among the city’s skating scene is Skatebird Miami, a 12,000 square-foot skate plaza with 18,000 square feet of pump track that opened in 2022. It also doubles as an entertainment venue. Located in the Village of El Portal, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced skaters alike — although you can bring along roller blades, bikes and scooters if you’d prefer.
Whether you’re looking to hone your skating skills or sit back and watch others show off their tricks, there’s a range of obstacles to shred on, from quarter pipes and rails to ledges and gaps. In addition to skate sessions, daily classes and summer camps are offered by Skateboard Supercross Academy (SBSX) for all ages and abilities. Lessons for inline and quad skates are available as well.
Get off your wheels and explore the space, which features cool retail concepts, as well as a full-service shop that sells merch, decks and parts. Grab some grub at Bo Leg’s BBQ, a locally-recognized smoked meat restaurant that serves ribs, chicken (try their fried chicken sandwich), beef brisket, turkey legs and much more.
You can actually leave your board at home and arrive for the skate park’s weekly fun nights! Enjoy a vendor village and good eats paired with mimosas for SK8 Mart Sundays, fire dancers and roller skating for Flaming Tuesdays, comedy night that’ll “get your feathers ruffled” for Just Wing It Wednesday and live bands and DJs in addition to a skate competition on Rollout Thursdays (this one’s for adults only).
So grab your board and hang out with friends at Skatebird Miami, located at 533 NE 83rd Street. Head to their website to find out more information, and check out their Instagram for daily updates and events.