Where to Go Ice Skating in San Diego

Even though San Diego has a mild climate, there are several permanent ice skating rinks, and during the winter holiday season, a few outdoor ice rinks appear, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the winter wonderland spirit. Ice skating indoors in San Diego may seem unusual; however, gliding across the ice outside in 70-degree weather is an experience unique to this vibrant city.

Here is a list of notable ice skating locations in San Diego, including seasonal outdoor options.

UTC Ice Sports Center

The UTC Ice Sports Center is one of the most unique indoor ice skating rinks in San Diego. Nestled within the Westfield UTC mall in La Jolla, this venue opened in 1977 and continues to be a favorite for shoppers. Located in the mall’s food court, the UTC ice rink provides a delightful diversion, whether you want to enjoy a snack while observing skaters or try your own skating skills between shopping sessions.

In addition to public skating, UTC Ice Sports Center is popular among serious ice skaters, recreational youth and adult hockey leagues, and even broomball enthusiasts, where players use “brooms” without skates on the ice.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center Ice Arena

Situated in the heart of San Diego, the Kroc Center Ice Arena is the only centrally located ice skating facility in the city. This NHL regulation-sized ice surface promotes a host of activities including public ice skating sessions, learn-to-skate classes, hockey practices, and junior leagues.

Moreover, this facility plays a crucial role in bringing ice skating and hockey to inner-city youth, offering a range of affordable classes and leagues, making it one of San Diego’s premier ice arenas.

San Diego Ice Arena

Located in Mira Mesa, the San Diego Ice Arena has been a staple of the community for over 34 years. Renowned for its ice hockey and figure skating programs, it is also a popular venue for birthday parties and public skating sessions, especially vibrant on Friday nights when area teens flock to the rink.

The pro shop at San Diego Ice Arena is among the largest in the region, providing comprehensive services for ice hockey and figure skating enthusiasts, including repairs, sharpening, rockering, and skate customization.

The Iceoplex in Escondido

The Iceoplex in Escondido boasts the distinction of being the only dual-rink ice skating facility in San Diego. Here, skaters and hockey players from North County gather for practice. The facility also features a fitness and aquatics center, equipped with a gym, a heated 25-meter lap pool, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna. Beyond skating classes and league competitions, the Iceoplex offers occasional lessons in curling, a captivating sport involving brooms and a large sliding stone.

Skating by the Sea at the Hotel Del Coronado (Seasonal)

Skating by the Sea is certainly one of the most surprising and beautiful locations for an ice rink, situated on the beach at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. Celebrating its eighth anniversary, this outdoor ice-skating experience offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The oceanfront Windsor Lawn transforms into a stunning ice rink featuring daily skating sessions from around Thanksgiving through early January. A portion of the proceeds from skating will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego.

Viejas Outlet Ice Skating (Seasonal)

Claiming the title of Southern California’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, the ice rink at Viejas Outlet Shopping Center in Alpine offers a delightful escape from the bustling shopping environment. After enjoying name-brand bargains or the vibe of the Viejas casino nearby, visitors can delight in a refreshing break, indulging in the joys of ice skating.