Where to Ice Skate in San Francisco
Snow may never fall in San Francisco, but that doesn't mean you can't lace up your skates and get out on the ice.
If you're looking to ice skate in San Francisco, you don't have to leave the city. Here's everything you need to know about the ice skating rinks in San Francisco, each with its own special moments of holiday cheer.
Where can I ice skate in San Francisco?
There are three locations where visitors can ice skate in San Francisco; two are seasonal, and one is available all year long.
Yerba Buena Ice Skating
At the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center, you'll find an indoor, heated rink that is open year-round, including on Christmas and New Year’s Day!
This rink is located at 750 Folsom Street in the picturesque Yerba Buena Gardens. The cost to skate here is $16 per person, plus $6 to rent skates. Children younger than age 5 are only charged $10 each, and seniors (55+) pay $14.
As the name suggests, it even features a bowling alley for when you need a break from skating.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square
The Union Square rink typically opens in early November and sticks around through mid-January. Very popular with locals and visitors alike, the Union Square rink hosts 60-minute skating session begins every even hour. Hours are often extended in late December to accommodate all the holiday revelers.
The Union Square rink usually hosts a number of special events, including theme nights, DJs dance parties, a "polar skate" on New Year's Day, and the legendary "Drag Queens on Ice".
In prior years, ice skating at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids 8 and under. Those prices included skate rentals, though it has been an extra $6 to rent a skate helper for kids. The ice skating rink is in the heart of Union Square, near Powell and Geary streets.
Thrive City Winter Wonderland
You can feel like a champion during the holidays by visiting Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! This new seasonal rink in the heart of Mission Bay will let you skate at the Golden State Warriors' front door. Don your best holiday attire and snap a great photo while enjoying holiday treats and activities for the whole family.
Skate sessions here have been limited, as they must be scheduled around previously announced Chase Center events. All sessions have been a maximum of 30 minutes and have begun each available day at 11 a.m. Skate rentals available on site.
Check back for the latest details as winter approaches!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I ice skate in San Francisco?
Yes, you can! There are three rinks for visitors to choose from. - Where and when are the San Francisco rinks open?
The Yerba Buena ice rink is open all year long, even on Christmas and New Year's. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square and the Thrive City Winter Wonderland are only open and available during the holiday season. - How much does it cost to ice skate in San Francisco?
Prices vary by location, but it is certainly an afforadable activity for you and your travel companions to add to your San Francisco itinerary. - What else should I know about ice skating in San Francisco?
The Union Square ice rink hosts a number of special events through the winter months, including theme nights and live performances.
Tyler is the Director of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants.
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