San Diego may be known for its mild winters, but that doesn’t mean residents and visitors can’t experience a little winter wonderland at ice skating rinks around the county.
Some rinks are open year-round, offering figure skating, hockey practice and more, while others make seasonal appearances with special holiday activities and attractions.
Carlsbad Icetown
Carlsbad Icetown is home to hockey, figure skating and other activities. The rink is open for public skating at different periods of time on most days in November, December and January, but check the schedule for details. $20 for adults, $17 for children under 7, military, students and seniors. Skate rental included. 2283 Cosmos Court, Carlsbad. (760) 893-8219. icetowncarlsbad.com
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Take a spin on the eco-friendly “Glice” rink at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Two-hour skating times can be reserved online. The hotel will also hold a series of seasonal activities throughout the holidays. Available on weekends between Nov. 23 and Dec. 10 and daily from Dec. 22 through Jan. 7. 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m. on Sundays. $35 for adults, $17 for kids. Skate rental included. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego. (858) 314-2000. granddelmar.com
Hotel Del Coronado
This is the only place on our list that offers a view of the ocean from the rink. Skating by the Sea can be found on the Windsor Lawn of Hotel del Coronado from Nov. 17 to Jan. 7. Proceeds from ission will benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego. If you don’t want to skate, you can get in on the holiday magic by reserving a rink-side lounge area to enjoy the scene with food and drink. Days and times vary. General ission is $40 and $35 for hotel guests. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. (619) 435-6611. hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea
Kroc Ice Center
This ice rink is open all year long for San Diegans who want to learn to skate, play hockey and more. It’s National Hockey League regulation size and even hosts a weekly adult pick-up hockey game. Public skate times and days vary, so check the online calendar for more details. $20. Skate rental included. 6737 University Ave., San Diego. (619) 287-5762. sd.kroccenter.org/kroc-san-diego/public-skate
The Rady Children’s Ice Rink
For the 27th year, Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary will host an ice skating rink for the holiday season. Proceeds from the rink will go toward the hospital’s Thriving After Cancer program, which provides patients who have completed cancer treatment with the tools and resources they need for their emotional and physical well being. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with slightly different hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve. Nov. 16 through Jan. 7. Located in the Central Promenade at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. $20 for adults, $15 for children, Rady Children’s staff or military with ID. 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. rchicerink.org
The Rinks Poway
Public skating will be available most days of the week at this rink in Poway and can be booked online in advance. The rink will also have hockey time for patrons who want to rent out helmets, gloves and skates. Skating ission is $15 plus $6 to rent skates.12455 Kerran St., Poway. (858) 956-0045. powayice.therinks.com/public-skating
San Diego Ice Arena
San Diego Ice Arena manages the holiday ice rink at Liberty Station, but it also has its own facility in Mira Mesa. There you can find hockey, figure skating, a skating school and other activities. The arena will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Dec. 9 for a Christmas skating show. During the last two weeks of December, the arena will be open for skating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Otherwise, it’s open every day of the week for public skating sessions. Check online for session times. $20. Skate rental included. 11048 Ice Skate Place, San Diego. (858) 530-1825. sdice.com
UTC Ice Sports Center
Find this skating rink within the Westfield UTC mall. It has free skating introduction classes for beginners and welcomes all levels of skaters, as well as hockey players and figure skaters, throughout the year. Public skating is available from Nov. 18 to 26 and Dec. 16 to Jan. 2. $30, with skate rental included. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite E23, San Diego. (858) 452-9110. utcice.com
