Portland not only has killer skate shops but is one of the only cities to open their arms to the skateboarding community. In most cities, skateboarding is illegal in their downtown areas but not in Portland.

Portland has made skateboarding a legal form of transport and given skateboarders designated skate routes throughout downtown. Skateboarding on private or public structures is still illegal but at least you can skate to destinations around the city and from skate shop to skate shop without being bothered by the law.

Portland doesn’t seem like a skateboarding destination due to its constant drizzle (which equates to around 154 days of the year) however summer time can be quite nice if you’re looking to plan a skate trip.

This city has deep skateboarding roots and a lot of gnarly shredders reside here. It is also home to one of the most famous D.I.Y skateparks in the country, Burnside Skatepark.

Anyway, if you happen to be in Portland and needing to pick up some new skate gear, there are some great skate shops around for you to choose from. See below for the best local stores in town.

And if you are new to Portland or just visiting for the weekend and in need of travel inspiration, check out these 50 best things to do in Portland, the wonderfully weird city.

Skate Shops In Portland

Tactics Boardshop

Tactics was established in 1999 selling skateboards and snowboards online. They opened their first shop in Eugene Oregon around 2005 and now have stores in Bend and Portland.

The Tactics Portland store is located in the Pearl District of downtown and offers a large supply of skate and snowboard gear. SHOP TACTICS – FREE 2 DAY SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $60

Cal’s Pharmacy

Cal’s Pharmacy was actually a pharmacy in 1985! One of the owner’s sons began selling skate products from a small counter and from there it grew into what it is today. Cal’s Pharmacy has a lot of history and from 2003 to 2011 they actually had an indoor skatepark called “The Department Of Skateboarding”.

Cal’s offers a wide range of skate gear and apparel so be sure to stop in and see what’s in stock. You can find them on the corner of Burnside and 14th Street. Check out Cal’s Pharmacy here!

Cal Skate Skateboards

Cal Skate was established in 1976 with one goal, “to serve the skateboard community as skaters serving skaters”. Cal Skate played a large role in the legalization of skateboards as transportation in Portland and helped lead efforts to build several skateparks around the city.

Cal Skate stocks all your skateboarding needs so hit them up when you are in town. Check out Cal Skate Skateboards here!

Shrunken Head Skateboards

Shrunken Head has been providing Portland skaters with equipment since 2006. Shrunken Head is a core skate shop run by skateboarders who divert from mass produced designs instead offering unique decks, wheels, and clothing from other skater owned companies.

Shrunken Head is the real deal skate shop. Check out Shrunken Head Skateboards here!

Commonwealth Skatepark

Commonwealth Skateboarding is both a skate shop and indoor skatepark located in SE Portland. The skatepark was originally built in 2011 and then in 2013 the skate shop was established. They offer a variety of skate equipment including decks, wheels, trucks and shoes.

The skatepark features a double pocket bowl, one with pool coping and one with steel coping. They also have a mini ramp, bank, and small street section with a mix of rails, boxes and pole jams. Check out Commonwealth Skateboarding here!

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• Best Skate Shoes For Skateboarding (2023)
• Best Complete Skateboards For Beginners
• 5 Best Online Skate Shops To Buy A Skateboard

Check Out These Awesome Portland Skateparks:

• Burnside Skatepark
• Ed Benedict Skatepark
• Glenhaven Skatepark
• Hillsboro Skatepark
• Hood River Skatepark
• Thompson Skatepark

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