Skate outlets are sometimes the pillar of native skate scenes throughout the globe and are all the time going above and past to do nice issues for his or her communities. And whereas “core” outlets exist everywhere in the world, it is no shock that San Diego has its justifiable share of them spanning from county to county, however I’ll admit, not all of them offer you that traditional skate store really feel.
That mentioned, these eight native outlets are the true deal (in my humble opinion) and every of them are an necessary a part of their native skate scenes and communities as a complete. From supplying skaters of all ages with all the pieces they should get rad, to throwing occasions, demos, video premieres and past… in case you’re ever in San Diego, pop in, say hello and present some assist!
Slappy’s Storage (Downtown San Diego & Linda Vista, CA)
With San Diego skateboarding legend Jason Carney steering the ship, a store like Slappy’s can do no mistaken. This store oozes San Diego skate historical past and helps a few of the heaviest up-and-coming locals in San Diego. Want instructions to the most effective skateparks and spots within the space? Greatest meals spots or bars? No matter! I assure you whoever is behind the counter will get you located, that is for positive. “Our principal objective is to maintain folks rolling, plain and easy,” their website humbly mentions. “All of the folks concerned within the store love skateboarding for one purpose or one other. A lot in order that we have created a group with the shared love.” Additionally, their title has all the time been certainly one of my favorites—simply saying!
Downtown Handle: 465 seventeenth St, San Diego, CA 92101
Linda Vista Handle: 6585 Osler St, San Diego, CA 92111
The Home of Vista (Vista, CA)
The Home holds down the Vista skate scene greater than another store within the space and has develop into an absolute pillar within the North County skate group. They host video premieres, BBQs, epic Go Skateboarding Day occasions and have achieved some rad collabs along with your favourite manufacturers. Oh, and my favourite half—they’ve a “lounge” setup within the entrance nook of the store with a sofa, espresso desk, mags and TV that makes you’re feeling such as you’re assembly at your homies home on the point of go skate. Plus, they’ve their again lot, which is mainly a DIY skateboarding playground for native skaters who really feel like escaping the crowds on the native park when it is going nuts. Drop in and speak some store with Mike! You may in all probability odor some charcoal burning.
Handle: 637 S Santa Fe Ave C, Vista, CA 92083
Grandeur (Oceanside, CA & Escondido, CA)
With their authentic storefront positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Oceanside, Grandeur’s first store format was undeniably probably the most distinctive on the listing. Situated downstairs off the strip of the bustling Coast HWY, they have been carrying the Oceanside scene for years and have all the time stayed true to who they’re, bridging the hole between artwork, tagging and skating completely. With a second location within the cuts of Escondido, CA, they truthfully could not have popped up in a greater location. The employees is as actual and genuine because it will get—straight from the streets—they usually all the time have a stable choice of boards, attire, footwear and (actually) all the pieces in between. Take one step by their doorways and you may know precisely what I am speaking about.
Oceanside Handle: 215 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Escondido Handle: 945 W Valley Pkwy suite m, Escondido, CA 92025
Sixes and Sevens (Rancho Penasquitos, CA & Oceanside, CA)
From artwork reveals with legends like Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi and native rippers to demos, reside music and past, Sixes and Sevens gives one thing for everybody. With probably the most spectacular board partitions within the space, you are positive to seek out precisely what you are in search of once you stroll by their doorways. And whilst you’re there, may as choose up some vinyl, band tees, and punk pins! Conveniently positioned only a stone’s throw from the Rancho Penasquitos skatepark (and fewer than a mile from parks at their Oceanside location), Sixes and Sevens crammed a much-needed hole of their areas. Roll in, watch some traditional skate movies on the VHS participant, and who is aware of—you may even catch me behind the counter!
Rancho Penasquitos Handle: 9926 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129
Oceanside Handle: 4170 Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside, CA 92056
McGill’s
Named after Bones Brigade OG Mike McGill, McGill’s Skate Store has been a cornerstone of the coastal Encinitas skate scene since 1987. “We take satisfaction in being a 100% skateboarder-owned and operated enterprise,” their web site proudly states. And like all the opposite outlets on this listing, their dedication to genuine skate tradition is strictly why they’re right here. Should you’re ever within the space, roll on in. Who is aware of… possibly you may see another OG Bones Brigade alum talkin’ store!
Handle: 140 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Arts-Rec (Barrio Logan, CA & Chula Vista, CA)
Skate boarders, sneakerheads and streetwear fanatics alike can stroll by the doorways of Arts-Rec and instantly really feel proper at residence. And personally, I actually admire how naturally they’re in a position to bridge that hole. Based in 2018 by Kellen James, a 20-year veteran skilled skateboarder (for individuals who do not know), the store has shortly established itself because the go-to spot for the most effective in skateboarding and streetwear tradition within the space. Each of their places provide an unlimited choice of top-tier manufacturers and likelihood is you may see a few of the crew skating out entrance once you roll up. They’re all the time having a great time doing issues their method whereas staying true to the guts of skateboarding. What else are you able to ask for?
Barrio Logan Handle: 2161 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Chula Vista Handle: 241 third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Rose Road (Encinitas, CA)
Rose Road opened its doorways in November of 2019 and has been supporting the area people ever since. The title Rose Road pays homage to the enduring Brooklyn Banks in NYC—a spot that served as a formative expertise for Sean, one of many two co-founders rising up. And despite the fact that opening a skate store wasn’t essentially on their radar after they moved to North County, their website mentions, “Sean was consistently being requested by native youngsters the place he received his footwear, hat, and garments he was carrying… and highlighted the void within the native scene.” They’ve constructed up a ripping store group, dropped some bangin’ store movies and have hosted some enjoyable occasions over the previous couple of years with no indicators of slowing down. They’ve all of it after which some. Roll by and see for your self.
Handle: 204 N El Camino Actual D, Encinitas, CA 92024
Pacific Drive (San Diego, CA)
Final however not least, Pacific Drive—a real San Diego skate store staple. PD is definitely probably the most iconic skate outlets in all of San Diego and has been offering skater’s with authenticity, tradition and kit since 1987. If solely these partitions may speak! From Danny Method to Muska, Jamie Thomas to Peter Smolik, Sean Sheffey and numerous others, they’ve sponsored a few of the heaviest professionals early on of their “careers” and have by no means swayed away from their core ethos. Skater owned and operated—as we speak, tomorrow, eternally. Pacific Drive is as actual because it will get. I might say it is advisable to cease in any respect of those outlets in case you’re ever in San Diego, however in case you had to decide on one, properly… you higher head to the coast and roll as much as Pacific Drive.
Handle: 756 Thomas Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
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Now, perceive—lists like this do not all the time embody everybody. I get that. The outlets on this listing are only a mix of my opinion and private experiences visiting them by the years. Should you’re a store proprietor, worker, supporter, no matter… we salute you. Your efforts and onerous work don’t go unnoticed.
We’ll be compiling an inventory of LA and New York outlets subsequent, and tapping into a number of different areas alongside the way in which. At any charge, we will not say it sufficient: Help your native skate store!
What different outlets do you wish to see featured? Shoot me an e-mail.
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