Ice Skating San Diego

Ice Skating San Diego 2009

It is no surprise to both visitors and residents that San Diego is a place to enjoy the great outdoors all year ’round. 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.

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.

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.

Dates & Hours

November 25 – December 18, 2009

Matinee session: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on weekends & holidays
Afternoon/Evening sessions: 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

December 19, 2009 – January 3, 2010

Matinee session: 11:oo a.m.- 1:00 p.m. daily
Afternoon/Evening sessions: 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

*Admission & Rentals

3 hours – $20 adults/$15 for kids ages 10 and under.
2 hours – Matinee session costs $15 adults/$10 for kids ages 10 and  under.

Skate Rental Fee – $5.

*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!

Dates & Hours

November 14, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Thanksgiving Day open all night beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 5:00 p.m – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Admission & Rentals

Each skating session is 1.5 hours, and costs $12 per person – including skates.
Special group rates are also available. Please call (619) 659-2073 for details.

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

Dates & Hours

November 19, 2009-January 10, 2010

Schedule – (Monday thru Sunday)
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m. -  5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m – 7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

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

2 hours for $12/$10 for kids under 12 (includes skate rental)

**Proceeds go to The Cancer Care Treatment Center at Rady’s Children’s Hospital

Parking

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.

Tags: Horton Plaza Ice Skating Rink, Hotel Del Coronado Skating by the Sea, Ice Skating, Ice Skating Rinks, Ice Skating Rinks San Diego, Ice Skating San Diego, SDNN, SeaWorld Ice Skating Rink, Viejas Ice Skating Rink

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