Ice skating in sunny San Diego? Oh, it’s possible alright. Several seasonal rinks pop up this time of year that make us feel all sorts of wintry, even when it’s 75° and we’re changing from flip-flops into ice skates. Let’s glide through our options.
Viejas Ice Skating Rink | Viejas Outlet Center
- Dates: Friday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024
- Hours: Daily, 3-10 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving, special hours Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
- Tickets: $20-$22 — includes 90 minutes of skating and skates rental
According to Viejas, this East County attraction is SoCal’s largest outdoor ice rink. Pro tip: Do some holiday shopping at the surrounding outlet stores.
The Rady Children’s Ice Rink welcomed 40,000+ skaters in 2022.
Photo via Rady Children’s Ice Rink
Rady Children’s Ice Rink | Liberty Station
- Dates: Thursday, Nov. 16-Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024
- Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (hours change on holidays)
- Tickets: $15-$20 — includes skates and helmet rental
Now in its 27th year, you can find this rink — in partnership with the NTC Foundation — at 2875 Dewey Rd. in the Arts District. The attraction raises money for Rady Children’s Hospital - SD Auxiliary, specifically the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Skating in a beachfront wonderland.
Photo via Hotel del Coronado
Skating by the Sea | Hotel del Coronado
- Dates: Friday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024
- Hours: Vary by date
- Tickets: $40 — must be purchased in advance; includes 90 minutes of skating and skates rental
Ice meets the sand at this beachfront rink offering views of the Pacific Ocean against the backdrop of the landmark hotel.
The Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station will be open daily this holiday season.
Photo via Rady Children’s Ice Rink
Glice Rink | Fairmont Grand Del Mar
- Dates: Weekends, Friday, Nov. 24-Sunday, Dec. 17, plus Friday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Jan. 7
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 4-9 p.m.; Sunday, 3-7 p.m.
- Tickets: $17-$35 — includes an hour of skating and skates rental
This rink is part of the luxe resort’s holiday celebration; splurge for a fire pit or cabana chalet rental and have your own little holiday home base.
Ice Skating at the Farm | Julian Farm and Orchard, Julian
- Dates: Weekends, Friday, Nov. 10-Monday, Jan. 1
- Hours: Saturday + Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Tickets: $18 — includes general admission into the farm
Julian Farm and Orchard said this brand-new, water-free “glice” rink has the same feel as ice; bring your own skates or rent there. Make a whole day of your trek to the mountains by enjoying the farm’s other winter activities.
🗓️ Year-round rinks
If you’d rather ice skate without the holiday crowds, consider these indoor, year-round options.
San Diego Ice Arena | Mira Mesa
This rink offers public skating sessions daily — at $20 per person — plus lessons for all ages, as well as figure skating and ice hockey programs.
UTC Ice | Westfield UTC
Public skating sessions are set to pop music and fun lights, and cost $25 per person. This rink also offers skating for beginners, figure skating, and hockey classes.
Kroc Center Ice | Rolando
Try a public skating session for $20, drop in for a game of pick-up hockey, or explore programs for ice skating, figure skating, youth hockey, and adult ice hockey.
