Best Ice Skating Rinks in San Francisco

When winter and the holidays arrive, San Franciscans naturally think of ice skating. Fortunately, there are several delightful rinks available, with a few popping up in the city center exclusively for the festive season.

Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

As the largest outdoor rink in San Francisco, the holiday rink located at Embarcadero Center features a spacious plaza and stunning views of the elegant Ferry Building and the waterfront. It is no surprise that this wintertime rink enjoys immense popularity.

Location: Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center, across from the historic Ferry Building, San Francisco

Dates/Times: November 3, 2017 to January 7, 2018; Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday until 11:30 p.m. (Skating sessions commence on every even hour, starting at 10 a.m., lasting an hour and a half)

Contact Info: (415) 837-1931

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Discover an inviting oasis amid the bustling shops of Union Square, where you can skate as much as you like while admiring Macy’s Christmas tree nearby. Additionally, part of the ticket revenue supports the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

Location: 333 Post Street, San Francisco, near the corner of Geary and Powell Streets

Dates/Times: Open daily from November 1, 2017 to January 15, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Note that it closes early at 9:30 p.m. on December 31. (Skating sessions begin on every even hour and last an hour and a half)

Contact Info: (415) 781-2688

Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center

If outdoor skating isn’t for you, consider heading inside to the heated rink at Yerba Buena. This center, located on the roof of the Moscone Convention Center, is San Francisco’s only rink that operates year-round. It offers public skating, lessons, and various special programs for adults, seniors, hockey players, and figure skaters with added public skating sessions during the late December and early January period. Notably, on December 26 & 27, 2017, and January 2 & 3, 2018, the facility will host a special two-day learn-to-skate program.

Location: 750 Folsom Street, San Francisco, between 3rd & 4th Streets, above the Moscone Center

Dates/Times: Open daily throughout the year, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day; hours may vary.

Contact Info: (415) 820-3532

Downtown Ice (San Jose)

Imagine skating on more than 8,000 square feet of ice surrounded by palm trees, not in Hawaii, but in downtown San Jose. This seasonal outdoor rink is open every day, and hours extend until midnight. Sponsored by Kristi Yamaguchi, the ice quality promises to be exceptional, making it a perfect choice for champions.

Location: 120 S. Market St., San Jose

Dates/Times: Open daily from December 3, 2017, through January 6, 2018; hours vary

Contact Info: (408) 291-0525

Sharks Ice (San Jose)

Experience skating on the same rink as the San Jose Sharks. This official practice rink offers daily public skating sessions year-round. Moreover, it provides classes for all ages starting from age 2, covering all ability levels, including hockey, figure skating, and synchronized skating, alongside ice dance and private lesson options.

Location: 1500 South Tenth St., San Jose

Dates/Times: Public skate hours vary daily; Holiday Ice Skate sessions are available until January 7, 2018; hours may vary.

Contact Info: (408) 279-6000

Winter Lodge (Palo Alto)

After enjoying the enchanting atmosphere of the partially covered outdoor rink, warm up by the fireplaces at Winter Lodge. In addition to skating, the facility also provides hockey lessons on an indoor rink.

Location: 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto

Dates/Times: Open from September 25, 2017, to April 15, 2018; closed on certain holidays including November 23, December 24 & 25, December 31 (at 5 p.m.), January 1, and April 1; hours may vary.

Contact Info: (650) 493-4566 or info@winterlodge.com