Ice skating is a fun and festive winter sport that is perfect for the entire family. Nothing beats skating under festive lights and drinking hot cocoa after a fun skate. Along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll find incredible ice skating rinks that are perfect for this wintertime fun.
Here are our favorite rinks along the PCH, from north to south, that is worth visiting for an incredible outdoor time.
Ice Skating in Santa Rosa
Winter Lights in Downtown Santa Rosa: Skating on the Square
- Address: Old Courthouse Sq, Santa Rosa, CA
- Dates: Thanksgiving – December 31
- Website
Winter Lights in downtown Santa Rosa is a must stop for holiday fun. You can shop, visit with Santa, and of course ice skate when you head down to this festival. The rink is open Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturday and Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm. Tickets can be bought online for $8.50 and it includes skate rentals.
Ice Skating in Palo Alto
Winter Lodge Public Skating
- Address: Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94306
- Dates: last week of December through the first week of January
- Website
Palo Alto offers an amazing skating opportunity for the whole family. Starting in December you can head out to the ice rink for $17 per person. Skate rentals are $5 and for younger skaters, you can snag a “little bear” skating aid. Their public skate sessions vary by day and sometimes close for younger groups, so head to their website for the best hours. All reservations also need to be made online in advance.
Ice Skating in San Francisco
Union Square Ice Rink
- Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco CA
- Dates: 11/2-1/16 10 am to 11 pm
- Website
Union Square is an incredible spot to ice skate. The area screams Christmas, with a giant Christmas tree, lights all over, and shopping feet away. The Union Square ice rink offers 60-minute sessions that start every 90 minutes. General admission is $20 for adults and includes skates or $15 for kids under 8. You will need to rent a locker for $5 to store your things, and they also offer skate helps gloves and socks for purchase in case you forgot yours. Tickets need to be purchased online, and planning your trip in advance is recommended since the rink usually sells out.
Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center
- Address: 750 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Dates: open daily
- Website
The Yerba Buena Ice Skating rink is an indoor rink that open almost everyday of the year. Tickets can be bought online with the option of renting skies and socks if needed. After a good skate session, head to one of their vending machines for hot cocoa and snacks before exploring the rest of the bowling center.
Ice Skating in San Mateo
San Mateo on Ice
- Address: 50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
- Dates: mid-November through the first week in January
- Website
Have you ever seen a baseball diamond turn to ice? Now’s your chance with San Mateo on Ice. Here a baseball field if turned into a winter dream where everyone can enjoy some time on the ice. Tickers range from $18 to $21 which includes skate rentals. There is no time limit on your skate session either, which is a plus for little ones who want to get their energy out.
Ice Skating in Santa Clara
California’s Great America Winterfest
- Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
- Dates: Thanksgiving through January 1
- Website
Head to California’s Great America to experience their Winterfest, a holiday spectacular that will make everyone feel in the festive mood. The ice rink will be in front of Great America’s iconic Carousel Columbia where you can skate under the festive lights. Besides skating, enjoy over 60 rides and holiday attractions, including sending letters to the North Pole and visiting Santa’s workshop. Tickets start at $29.99 and remember you’re heading into a theme park, so parking fees apply and bag rules.
Dale City Ice Skating
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Festival and Ice Rink
- Address: 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City CA
- Dates: mid-November through mid-December, open Saturday and Sundays
- Website
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Festive takes it up this year by adding an ice rink near the Vauxhall Gardens. The rink is 2,800 square feet, perfect for a family skate session before you explore the rest of the festival. Prices are $25 to $45 depending on age, and tickets must be purchased online and in advance before attending.
Ice Skating in Santa Cruz
Boardwalk Holiday Ice
- Address: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz CA
- Dates: Thanksgiving to January 1
- Website
Head to the boardwalk for their holiday ice rink, which is 40 x 60 feet and made from natural ice. As you skate, holiday lights and holiday decorations surround you, giving you a festive feel. Skate sessions are an hour long, which provides you with more than enough time to enjoy the rest of the boardwalk when you’re done. Their indoor arcade is the perfect place to warm up and play mini golf.
Ice Skating in Monterey
Ice Skating by the Bay
- Address: Custom House Plaza, Monterey CA
- Date: Thanksgiving to January 1, 11am- 10pm and Sundays 12pm- 8pm
- Website
Custom House Plaza in Monterey is perfect for holiday fun and cheer. Located behind the Portola Hotel and Spa, you can skate along the coastline and under festive lights. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children, plus $5 for skate rentals. Check their website for special events that they will host throughout the month.
Ice Skating in Santa Barbara
Ice in Paradise
- Address: 6985 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta CA
- Dates: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday (9am- 10pm), Tuesday (9am-11pm) and Sunday (9am- 9 pm)
- Website
This year-round ice skating rink on the outskirts of Santa Barbara in Goleta is a must visit when in town. They offer public skate sessions that are open to all ages. They have skate rentals for all ages and aid walkers for kids under 10. The rink also does special nights for teens, college-age kids, and adults. Check their website for their public skate sessions and events.
Ice Skating in Los Angeles
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
- Address: downtown LA, 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Dates: Thanksgiving through the first weekend in January
- Website
Located in the heart of downtown is the Pershing Square outdoor ice rink. Tickets are $20 for an hour skate session and rentals are included in the price of your ticket. They have lockers for $3 rentals and you can contact them about private parties on Mondays and Tuesdays.
LA Kings Holiday Ice Live
- Address: L.A. LIVE on Xbox Plaza, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Dates: Thanksgiving through the first weekend in January
- Website
The L.A. Kings ice skating rink is open again for L.A. Live. You can skate around a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the rink. Skating sessions are $25 and last an hour and a half. This rink is the largest ice skating rink in LA and one of the most popular, so make sure to get tickets in advance and check out their website for special events.
Ice Skating in Santa Monica
Ice at Santa Monica
- Address: 1324 5th St, Santa Monica CA
- Dates: mid-November through mid-January, 12 pm to 10 pm
- Website
The corner of 5th Street and Arizona Ave is turned into a winter wonderland to bring festive cheer to all. The outdoor ice rink is open to all downtown and costs only $20 for access to the rink and skate rentals. There are concessions on site, and you can head to one of the downtown restaurants when you’re done for a bite to eat.
Ice Skating in Rancho Palos Verdes
Skating in the Park
- Address: Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
- Dates: mid-December through the first week of January
- Website
This ice rink is located above the ocean, sitting in the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes. The rink will offer themed skating nights and walk-up options, but reservations are recommended. Tickets are $10 and include skate rentals. Check their websites for hours of skating since it varies and depends on the weather.
Ice Skating in Santa Ana
Santa Ana Winter Village
- Address: Orange County Civic Center’s Plaza of the Flags, 700 W Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Dates: early December- early January
- Website
Santa Ana’s Winter Village is perfect for a skating session with the whole family. They have live entertainment, a tree-lighting ceremony, and an ice rink. Tickets are $15 and can purchase online.
Ice Skating in Huntington Beach
Winter wonderland ice skating Huntington Beach
- Address: Pacific Coast-Main, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
- Dates: mid-November through the first weekend in January
- Website
The Surf City Winter Wonderland is located near the Huntington Beach Pier and is open throughout the holidays. They have themed skate, carolers, and more for an excellent time skating. Tickets are $22 and include skate rentals for sessions that last 90 minutes.
Paséa Hotel & Spa Ice Skating Rink
- Address: 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach CA
- Dates: Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve
- Website
Skate along the beach at the Paseo Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach. Their hour-long skate sessions cost $35 and include skate rentals. When you’re done skating, you can use the hotel’s amenities, including its fire pits and restaurants. There will be themed skate nights, and Santa will appear on Wednesday nights.
Ice Skating in Irvine
Skating Under the Stars
- Address: 670 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618
- Dates: Thanksgiving through January 1
- Website
Over at the Irvine Spectrum Center, you can skate under the stars. Each skate session is 90 minutes before being closed for resurfacing for the next sessions. While you wait, you can take a spin on the giant Ferris wheel. Skating costs $25 and includes a rental with the option of a helmet rental for $5.
Ice Skating in Costa Mesa
Winterfest in the OC
- Address: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- Dates: Thanksgiving through January 1
- Website
There will be so much to do at Winterfest in the OC, ice skating will be only the tip of the iceberg. Skate besides a 30-foot Christmas tree for $110-$15 when you visit. Besides skating, there is a petting zoo, Santa fly-bys, meet and greet with Santa, parades, and even fireworks. Tickets to Winterfest start at $50 and can be purchased online.
Ice Skating in San Diego
Skating by the Sea
- Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA
- Dates: mid-November til January 1
- Website
Beginning November 17th, Hotel del Coronado offers a beachfront ice rink with stunning ocean views when you’re skating. Each skate session will benefit the Make-A-Wish San Diego location, making this ice rink a must-go-to site. Each ticket includes 90-minute skating sessions, and rentals for $40. Tickets must be bought online, and check out their special holiday hours before grabbing tickets. You can enhance your skating experience by reserving a rink-side or ocean-side seat at the Frostbite Lounge. Your lounge experience will include plush seating, fire pits, and holiday-themed goodies.
Spending time with your family at the ice rink is fun and will help create lasting memories. Ice skating might seem a bit scary, but trust us, once you get out, you’ll have an incredible time skating under the festive lights.