Great skateboard selection! They carry a good variety of Penny boards; really cute color combinations (aside from all the other types of skateboards they have). Nice skateboard accessories selection; cool grip tapes, wheels, trucks, etc... Not only was the staff really helpful and nice, but Mike McGill himself helped my kid pick out his board (how cool is that)! read more

Always very helpful.. knowledgeable staff....kinda cramped...but who is bitching? I guess me?..always come here with my kids. Super cool people that work there. McGills is a the best skate shop in North County. read more

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Took my kids here to make a special memory of building their first skateboards. When we walked in Scott was there to help out and explain all the differences in the scene since I was a kid. He went above and beyond to make our kids feel welcomed and enjoy the process of building a board and learning about all the parts. Great shop and staff that really cares about the scene and informing customers as well as having a massive selection of gear. Fast forward 5 days later......After having so much fun watching my kids on their boards I decided to get myself my first new setup in over 20 years. Went in and James helped me get a sweet setup to roll with my kids. Keep up the good work out there at McGill's Skateshop!!! read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Scott hooked up my kids with some sick birdhouse setups!!! - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

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My son got his first board here. We were helped by the nicest young man, Brandon. He talked to my 8 year old like an equal and was so helpful. My son felt so encouraged! He helped him build a custom board that he loves. We got all his related paraphernalia there too. It was a great spot with everything we needed. Highly recommend! read more

Shop is rad but could be cooler! Went in today and met Nate and Merrick. Super cool dudes. Nate has a really great taste in skate stuff. Only things that I don't like are that it has been the same stuff forever. I think you should change the shop up and have Nate be in charge! Also maybe making a skate team for the shop would amazing! read more

This is by far hands down the best local shop. We have been coming here for years. Today we stopped in to fix my sons skate board. They where slammed and training a new associate. We decided to buy a pair of shoes. The owner was the one who helped us out. He was so patient with the training, customers demands, and customer service. As we where checking out he gave my some a set of new design stickers that he is in love with. Thank you for the great customer service. read more

My son just started skateboarding and his current board and wheel set up was just not working, (board came from Toys R Us and was junk). So we went to McGill's and the guys in the shop were great. They walked us through some options and we picked up a new board that my son spec'd out and away we went. McGill's gets 5 stars for their friendly, approachable staff and product selection. read more

I will drive far to support a fantastic local business. I live in Spring Valley but made the 1/2 hour drive to Encinitas to get skateboards for my kids. I wish I remembered who helped us last month, he was awesome and shout out to Scott who helped us out yesterday. All the guys here are helpful, friendly, knowledgable, and gave my son good tips on where to go skate. Mike McGill was there when we went in December. He is such a down to earth, humble guy even though he's a legend! I will definitely be back, this time to get a mini deck for my 5 year old! read more

McGill's Skate Shop is the very reason why I buy from quality, "mom and pop" type shops! My kids skate regularly and were ready for more expensive gear, as well as my hubby, who is cautiously rehashing his glory days. I needed new decks, wheels, trucks and cool helmets. These two young blonde studs behind the counter (lovin' the man bun) were so polite and helpful. You know they have to say the same damn thing 100 times a day to the clueless housewives that want to buy johnny this or that and yet, they are not condescending at ALL. They're so patient and follow you around the shop to tell you why this or why not that. Do they street skate....try this wheel. Do their laces shred all the time....try these.......Can you even imagine trying to get that attention at a sporting megastore? NOT! We walked away thoroughly happy with our gear and our experience. Great store to support! read more

Some elderly man was making me feel weird. Other than that there was this dude named Nate, super cool dude! I think that you guys should put him in charge if he isn't already. I went in there to grab a new cruiser board and he told me exactly what I should get, best skateboard I've ever skated! read more

Best skateshop in North County San Diego. Skater owned. Good selection for all types of skating. Decent selection of bigger, pool/vert boards for us old guys as well as tons of modern street skating set ups. They always seem to have the Bones SPF wheels I need in stock, as well as my beloved Mob Grip and Bones Swiss bearings. Everybody that works there has been cool to me and Mike McGill is a really nice guy. read more

Does anyone know what's up with their website? Is it still valid? The "store" link takes me to another unrelated website and a lot of info hasn't been updated since 2010. What gives? read more

this is the worst skate shop I have ever been to in my life. the service is horrible. The employees didn't say one word to me the entire time I was cluelessly shopping, instead they stood around having a conversation with eachother. I wasn't greeted when I came or left, and they really just made me feel uncomfortable. I would NOT recommend this skate shop to anyone. Especially if you would prefer assistance. read more

Nate was the man, Guy tuned up my old skateboard with bushings and bearings, help me test drive it make sure we are both happy with the ride, let me ride a brand new sick demo board, and just treated me like a bro. This place has a great selection, great staff, great products, I will be back again and recommend it to anyone I'm serious about skating, or just wants to have some fun and learn read more

Best skate shop in all of San Diego. This place has what you need, and will help you with any gear or skate supply questions. I've bought so many things from here over the years, and last week I bought a Protec helmet for a kid. If you're in search of skateboard completes (deck + wheels + trucks + optional grip), retro completes, decks, wheels, hardware, hats, socks, shoes, helmets, pads, clothing, stickers, & practically anything else for skateboarding - go here first! They carry the best brands, and they have the best selection & nicest staff. read more

My son has been going to the Ecke YMCA skate camps for the past few years, and is really into skating at parks. I've gone to McGill's twice now for new boards and they've been great at helping my little dude pick out stuff that works for him and his ability, and doesn't break the bank. Thanks guys! read more

With 2 young skaters in the family, we've become McGill's regulars in recent months. This is not where you go to get a $40 skateboard. You will spend easily over $140 for a complete board (trucks, board, wheels, hardware, grip, assembly) We have been fortunate to be assisted by James every time. I asked him if he ever got a day off! (He does) He is pleasant, friendly & helpful, & was very apologetic when we had to wait as he was the only one in the shop the afternoon we last visited. He takes his job seriously, & obviously loves & knows skateboarding. McGill's is lucky to have him providing knowledgable & quality customer service. read more

These guys kick ass! No matter what you want whether help for repair, a new board, parts etc. they will sort you out. They will size up your kids to the correct blanks, get them set up with trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape, stickers and you will be on your way. Not sure what you or your kids need? Worried about looking like some spode - don't sweat it and go to McGills and they will take care of you and your family and they will treat you like family too. read more

I've done business with these guys on three occasions and every time , I've walked away impressed. Most recently I purchased a shop deck here the other day which am awesome employee by the name of Brandon helped me out with. He was very attentive and answered all my questions throughly about other products that I was asking about. It's great to be able to have a core shop like this as it seems that they're become my extinct and giving way to certain mall chains that I won't name in this review. Honestly if you need anything skating related, this is your place to come to , you won't regret it. Support your local shop! read more

Mcgills shop is great. They are all skaters and know exactly what you're looking for unlike big mall stores who have non-skaters that don't know the product. read more

Fuckin' killer selection of boards, i mean really. The wood in the boxes on the floor was discounted. The discount decks ranged from classic reissues to modern to mini cruisers. Also the blanks were only 25.00, you gotta check this place out for great selection + to pay respect to the guy who galvanized the 540. read more

I love this place...I'm not a skateboarder but I have a grommet who is. Every time we come in here the guy with the long hair treats us like we are going to spend a million bux....even tho most of the time we are just looking so my little guy can dream about all the the things he'd like to buy with his lemonade stand money. But seriously, it's a great shop, great products and gear...an amazing selection of skate shoes, even for kids and the service is top notch. I love that this is a local business that truly has soul. Thanks for being so patient and sweet with my little kid...who knows one day it might be worth it! =) read more

One of the last of the mohicans. Mike's shop has withstood the years. I was a customer in my teenage years when he was where ducky waddles used (sniff) to be. Now I shop there with my wife, son and daughter. Mikes is keeping the *skate* in a skateboarding world that has turned jock. Thanks for that! read more

Good prices, great staff, large selection. This place has been in encinitas for years, hoping it will stay for a long time. North county classic skate shop. Definitely worth stopping by!!!!!! Kickflips out front. read more

Walked in, described my reentry into the wonderful world of skateboarding having been out of it for awhile. Staff knew immediately which direction for me to go on deck selection. I was in and out of there in 1/2 hour with a brand new complete skateboard! It was all kind of coming back to me as I walked the perimeter of this great skate shop and the staff helped me kick it into 2nd gear with some solid direction on what to do. I can not wait to go shred. Thanks! read more

This place is legit! Stopped in here to pick up a deck that was signed by McGill himself.

We needed a descent skateboard for my son. A local bike shop told me that McGill's is the best skate shop in the country. Well, I don't know about the whole country, but we were very pleased with the experience. No high pressure to spend a lot. The guys really knew their stuff and explained everything to my son and me. Got the basic skateboard package for about $110, and my son loves it. They threw in some skating tips, and a bunch of cool stickers for his board. All-in-all, a great experience. read more

This place is fantastic. I've been coming here for over 5 years and always have a great experience. A great selection of awesome skate gear and the staff could not be more helpful and friendly. Thanks for the great service!! read more

Such a great local skate shop. I used to skate to the old one on 101 in Leucadia when I was a kid and get my stuff there...not to mention I only rode McGill boards! Now my kids skate and we always stop by when we are in town. read more

This is the best shopping experience I have ever had. The sales people were very patient. One of them spent over an hour with me. He let me try his own boards to see the difference in how they feel. He had ~30 years of experience and it showed. It was a fun environment and everyone paid attention to help you throughout your experience. read more

I like supporting local - McGills has always supported our local school events and given the kids good advice. My son is all grown up and gone but I still come back here for gifts. Once a skater always a skater...or so I'm told! read more

I give McGill's skate shop full five stars. This skate shop should be commended primarily for their superior customer service. The guys in the shop take time to explain the details regarding their products, are friendly and even performed the labor of rebuilding my old trucks for me. In addition to their customer service they have a great selection of decks, shoes and hardware. I recommend visiting their website also which is kept up to date with their inventory. read more

My sons craves this shop. Mike rocks the local skate scene...still after 30 years! woohooo!

Traveled all th way from Utah to hit up McGills! This place reminds you of what skating is all about, and brings you back to where is was born. These guys are the best there are, period. I recommend you make the trek and give these guys your business, way before you should spend money at some conglomerate sporting good store! read more

I came visiting from out of town. I needed to new set up and they were my first stop. Friendly people, great open atmosphere. Love these guys! Ya'll are the best home away from home. read more

Great Shop. I had tons of questions about wheel design, bearings and board construction, but the staff answered every one. If you like to question every spec of your board, these guys can walk you through them. Very knowledgable. They had demo boards I could try out and test. They even offered to change the wheels on a finished complete for free. The purpose of the staff is to walk you through their shop, to qualify you; In order to find out what you want, and end up getting you what you need. My one suggestion would be to the staff. I had to ask a few questions in order to get the staff to start helping me, but once they did they didn't stop. Skateboards, as well as accessories are not cheap, and a healthy breakdown of each item puts in perspective the price. Give me a reason to buy these from your shop. Take these boards apart and show me the differences between each and every one. Theres a lot of design that goes into these boards and small tweaks go a long way on how the board feels and rides. Show me why THIS board is right for ME and I'll buy it. Thanks for everything guys, couldn't be more stoked on my new board and couldn't be more happy skate shops like this are still around. I will definitely be back. Aren read more

Super friendly, very helpful. No egos here! Don't be afraid to ask, they'll help you with whatever you need! Part of the fun of skateboarding is putting together one! An Encinitas landmark! read more

Best Skate Shop Ever! We purchased two mini completes for our two boys (5 and 7) and they had so much fun on their boards, my husband decided to purchase a board for himself. Going the the skatepark is a weekend ritual now. Mcgill's boards are well made and priced just right. Our boys love stopping in just to look at all the cool stuff in the shop. The staff is always helpful! We go to Mcgill's for all of our skateboard needs. Thank you! read more

The first thing that impressed me with this store is their abundant selection of skateboard decks...they've got the current boards, old school 80's boards, longboards, and piles of blank decks. Their selection of wheels, trucks, hardware, skate shoes, safety equipment, and clothes is also wide ranging. In addition to their products, their service is excellent. They are friendly, they offer to help and they provide valuable insight and tips on skateboarding. This store is one of the gems of Encinitas. The products they carry and the service they back it up with are top notch! read more

First timer... our neighbor suggested we head over to buy our 8 yr old his first board. I used to skate back in the 70s-80s... def oldskool, but not in San Diego, and not anytime recently. McGills is a no nonsense/no hype kinda place - very local, a skater's shop, no gltz or glamor as their shouldn't be - it's a skateboard! Anyway - we picked up a complete at a solid price and enjoyed the vibe and support. We'll go back for his next board. read more