Hello Monterey Skates Community,
Happy summer! ☀️ It's going to be almost 80°F on the Peninsula today — the kind of perfect Monterey afternoon that makes us miss having a rink open more than ever. If only we could be running a roller skating summer camp right now…
Where to Skate This Summer
If you have skates of your own (or a pair the kids have outgrown into), now's the time to dust them off. A few of our favorite spots on the Peninsula:
- The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail — the stretch between Cannery Row and Lovers Point is smooth, scenic, and not too crowded if you go early or in the evening
- Window on the Bay — flat, open, and great for kids who are still finding their balance
- Lovers Point parking loop — early mornings before the crowds arrive can be magical
- The Custom House Plaza by Fisherman's Wharf — wide-open and good for working on tricks
With temperatures this warm, an evening skate might be the move — softer light, cooler air, and that golden-hour glow over the bay. If anyone wants to organize a casual meetup along the Rec Trail this week, tag us on Instagram @montereyskates and we'll help spread the word!
A Quick Venue Update
We're not ready to announce anything yet (lesson learned the hard way!), but we have a few promising leads we're actively working on. The conversations have been encouraging, and we continue to be optimistic about finding the right permanent home for Monterey Skates. We'll share details the moment we have something concrete — and a signed lease in hand. 🤞
Tell Us a Memory
I'll never forget a moment from our Fairgrounds days. A dad came up to me after his son's birthday party and told me, with tears in his eyes, that his son had said it was "the best day of his life."
That moment has stayed with me ever since. It reminded me — really reminded me — that a skating rink isn't just a business. It's a place where core memories are made. Birthday parties that get retold for decades. First skates. First crushes. First songs you ever danced to with your friends on wheels. We're building Monterey Skates for those moments.
So we'd love to hear from you: what's a moment from a roller rink — ours or somewhere else, recent or long ago — that has stayed with you? Hit reply and tell us. We read every response, and your stories are what keep us going through this venue search.
Wishing you all a beautiful Monterey summer. We can't wait to skate with you again soon.
❤️ The Monterey Skates Team