Lace up! Plan a trip to one of these outdoor ice skating rinks in San Diego County
OK, so San Diego may not quite be the first image that comes to mind when dreaming of a winter wonderland. But while we don’t have a lot of natural snow fall or frozen ponds, that doesn’t mean we can’t create our own cold weather magic.
To get in the holiday spirit this year, check out these three outdoor ice rinks that have popped up in sunny San Diego for the season.
Liberty Station
Liberty Station’s schedule is full of seasonal events — from holiday markets to “The Nutcracker Tea Party” — but a local favorite is the Rady Children’s Ice Rink. Now in its 25th year, the ice rink is presented in partnership with NTC Foundation, with proceeds benefitting the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital. Keep an eye on the schedule for updates about special events like Gulls Night, iHeart Rady Children’s Night and Rady Children’s Auxiliary Day.
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dates: Through Jan. 9, 2022. The rink is closed on Dec. 25.
Location: Central Promenade at Arts District Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey Road, Point Loma
Tickets: Buy in person or online for $13 (children) and $15 (adult); $10 for military and Rady’s Children staff. All tickets include skate and helmet rentals. For multiple visits, five and 10-pack punch cards are also available.
Contact: radyfoundation.org/icerink
Hotel del Coronado
Sandwiched between ocean views and the iconic resort, Hotel del Coronado’s beachfront rink is the ultimate San Diego ice skating experience. When you need a break from the ice, reserve a booth at Frostbite Lounge to enjoy drinks, bites, a firepit and comfortable seating. A portion of proceeds from “Skating by the Sea” — which is part of its Home for the Holidays programming — will be donated to Make-A-Wish-Foundation San Diego.
Hours: Varies; see website for details
Dates: Through Jan. 2, 2022
Location: Windsor Lawn at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
Tickets: General admission is $35, which includes skate rental and 90 minutes on the ice, with seasonal passes available for $400. Online reservations are recommended, as there are limited walk-up tickets available. (Frostbite reservations sold separately.)
Contact: hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea
Viejas Casino & Resort
Go big or go home! Head to Alpine to experience Viejas Casino & Resort’s self-proclaimed largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California. Bonus: the ice rink is located at Viejas Outlet Center, so make a dent in your holiday shopping during your visit. Other activities on the grounds include a festive water show, entertainment, and holiday lights.
Hours: Open daily from 3 to 10 p.m., with special holiday hours on Dec 24 and 25.
Dates: Through Jan. 2, 2022
Location: Viejas Outlet Center at Viejas Casino and Resort, 5003 Willows Road, Alpine
Tickets: Tickets are $20 (adults) and $18 (age 12 and under) for 90 minutes on the ice and skate rentals. Season passes are also available for $99.
Contact: viejas.com/skating-rink
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