Pier 7 and the adjacent San Francisco Courthouse have long stood as iconic landmarks in the skateboarding world, each offering unique challenges and a rich history that has shaped street skating culture.
Pier 7, located along San Francisco’s Embarcadero, gained prominence in the 1990s for its smooth granite manual pads. Skaters from around the globe were drawn to its perfect ledges, making it a hub for technical street skating. The spot became legendary, featured in numerous skate videos, and was a proving ground for tricks like Stevie Williams’ fakie manual hardflip out. Despite facing challenges over the years, including the installation of skate deterrents, the skateboarding community’s resilience has kept Pier 7 alive as a cherished spot.
Just a short distance away, the San Francisco Courthouse offers a different but equally iconic skating experience. Known for its expansive ledges and open plaza, the Courthouse has been a staple in skateboarding media. Its architecture provides a versatile terrain that has tested and showcased the skills of countless skaters. Together, Pier 7 and the Courthouse represent the heart of San Francisco’s skate scene, embodying the city’s deep-rooted influence on the evolution of street skateboarding.
