While lights wrapped around palm trees are much more common than snowmen with carrots for noses, San Diego gets into the winter spirit with a twist. Just throw on a pair of jeans and grab a light jacket before you and your loved one(s) head out for some outdoor ice skating under the warm San Diego sky.
Skating by the Sea – Coronado
Imagine hearing the ocean waves crashing against the pristine white sand while you glide over the ice enjoying the winter sunshine…wait…why imagine when you can actually experience it during the Hotel del Coronado‘s Skating by the Sea? The oceanfront Windsor Lawn is transformed into a spectacular ice rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean creating a picturesque holiday in San Diego.
A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego.
Location: Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118 (map)
Dates: November 21, 2012 – January 5, 2013
Times:
– Daily – 2:00 to 5:00 PM and 6:00 to 9:00 PM
– Matinee – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Weekend and Holidays – November 21 – December 14, January 2-5 and Daily – December 15 – January 1)
Cost: Kids – $20; Adults – $25. Matinee Child -$15; Matinee Adult – $20
> Pre-purchase Skating by the Sea Tickets
> Save Time and Print out the Ice Skating Waiver (PDF)
Sycuan’s Fantasy on Ice – Gaslamp Quarter
Located in the center of Downtown San Diego, Sycuan’s Fantasy on Ice in the Gaslamp Quarter is a great place for a day or night out in San Diego. Stop by one of the many surrounding restaurants for a quick bite or sip on a warm drink from a cafe and then burn off those calories with a few laps around the ice rink. Stop by with that special someone on the weekend for one of the romantic night sessions complete with mood lighting and music while you skate.
A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego.
Location: Horton Plaza, 225 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
Dates: November 15, 2012 – January 6, 2013 (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days)
Times:
– Monday-Thursday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
– Friday-Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Night Session)
– Christmas Eve and New Years Eve – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Children (Under 12) – $12; Adults – $14; Season Pass – $35
> Pre-purchase Sycuan’s Fantasy on Ice Tickets
Ice Skating at Viejas – East County
San Diego’s East County is known for its wide open spaces, so that’s why Viejas Outlet Center decided to go big and build the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California. Gather up the whole family and some friends to enjoy a day of shopping, hot chocolate and, of course, ice skating under the stars!
Location: Viejas Outlet Center, 5000 Willow Road, Alpine, CA 91901 (map)
Dates: November 16, 2012 – January 6, 2013
Times: Click here for daily times
Cost: Children (12 and under) – $10; Adults – $12; Groups of 10 or more $2 off each person
> Save Time and Print out the Ice Skating Waiver (PDF)
Ice Skating Year Round
For those looking for some ice skating fun year-round in San Diego, check out the San Diego Ice Arena (North County Inland), Kroc Center Ice Arena (San Diego), Iceoplex Escondido (North County Inland) and the UTC Ice Sports Center (La Jolla).
What are you waiting for, get out there and skate like Brian Boitano would!
Know of any other outdoor ice skating opportunities in San Diego this winter? Let us and others know in the comments below.