Ice Skating San Diego

During the holiday season, hundreds, if not thousands of people, lace up their ice skates and glide on San Diego's outdoor ice skating rinks. It is no surprise to both visitors and residents that San Diego is a place to enjoy the great outdoors all year 'round.

In 2009, San Diego is fortunate to have four ice rinks that will be open to the public. These outdoor ice rinks are located around the region: Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, Viejas Outlets and Casino in Alpine, SeaWorld Ice Skating Rink in Mission Bay, and Horton Square in downtown San Diego.

These rinks are designed to accomodate skaters of all levels. C'mon, lace up your skates and take advantage of this very unique holiday experience in San Diego.

SeaWorld Ice Skating Rink - For the first time, SeaWorld's guests can lace up a pair of skates and glide on real ice at SeaWorld's brand new ice skating rink. SeaWorld's ice skating rink will be open from November 21, 2009 through January 3, 2010. The marine park's ice skating rink will include more than 5,000 square feet of ice in a festively decorated area, flanked by fresh pine trees and a 30-foot "Fanta-sea" tree decked out in ocean-themed ornaments.

The ice skating rink is located just inside the park entrance beneath SeaWorld's 320-foot Holiday Tree of Lights. It should be an absolutely beautiful setting. With a nod to the smaller skaters, a special rink will be available for children 3 and under. This protected area also comes with special skates that are double-edged for extra balance. There is no extra cost to enter the rinks. All you have to pay for is the skate rentals which will be available onsite for a nominal fee. The hours of operation are the same as the marine park.

Hotel Del Coronado Skating by the Sea - Get the best of both worlds. Skate with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. It really doesn't get better than ice skating on the beach. Maybe it can. You could be ice skating on the beach in December, in front of the Hotel Del Coronado in Southern California, with the ocean just steps away.

It is such a treat that you can be part of the merriment even if you don't have skates on. The atmosphere is very festive and welcoming to all. Holiday music will fill the air and guests can purchase hot chocolate and other holiday libations. Many residents make an annual pilgramage to the Hotel Del every holiday season because it is so beautiful. For the holidays, the Hotel Del (as it is known by the locals) is decked out with over 100,000 lights showcasing this historic landmark hotel. And the Del's Christmas tree is something to behold. It is located in the lobby, don't miss it.

*A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.

Please note: The matinee session is the only 2-hour session. Patrons must pay for entire session regardless of time spent skating.

Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink - The good folks at Viejas Outlet Center and Casino have been opening up their beautiful property to ice skaters of all ages. Viejas is located on the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indian's reservation. It is located approximately 30 miles east of downtown San Diego and is accessible by Interstate 8. This is the only outdoor ice skating rink in San Diego with a casino just across the street!

Ice Skating Rink at Horton Square (outside Horton Plaza) - This rink is tucked away behind all the action of downtown San Diego. It is located behind the NBC 7/39 Building at 225 Broadway. The rink is as urban as it gets. It is squeezed in among the tall commercial buildings in downtown San Diego, just outside of Horton Plaza. This is a rink that is not the same size as a hockey rink, so please keep that in mind.

Skaters Beware: The rink is on the same property as NBC-TV and you may have cameras monitoring your wobbles and falls.

The rink is open on New Year's Eve and Christmas Eve until 5:00 p/m. The rink is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
**Admission & Rentals

Available under the ice rink for a flat fee of $5 with validation from the ticket window at the rink. Validated 3-hour free parking is available in the Horton Plaza parking structure. The ice skating rink will not validate parking at Horton Plaza's parking structure. Validation machines are located inside the mall.