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Figure Eights In The Sunshine State: The Top Public Ice Skating Rinks In California

December 3, 2009 at 5:54 PM | by | Comment (1)

In Los Angeles, where this story is being written by a window with sunlight streaming through, it is a comfortable 65 degrees outside. Not a raindrop, not a flurry, and certainly no snow storms to speak of. The same is virtually true of San Francisco, so neither can claim being winter wonderlands, at least not in the traditional sense.

Ultimately, what is there to complain about? Bright skies allow us to shed bulky layers, and access to a wealth of ice rinks means we're not precluded from participating in chilly holiday activities. Just in time for winter's impending arrival, we're updating our list of worthy California ice rinks. Finding that hot toddy is up to you, though.

Check out the full list after the jump!

· W Westwood Los Angeles
Most ice rinks are overrun with kids either clutching the wall for dear life or racing past you with reckless abandon. The Chill ice rink at the W Hotel in Westwood, however, is seemingly more tailored toward adults. The ice is a synthetic hybrid (commence jokes about things being artificial in LA), but the cocktails at the rink-adjecent bar are 100 percent real.

· Union Square San Francisco
Just yesterday, we wrote about Union Square's slice of warm, fuzzy, family-friendly goodness in the middle of retail mayhem. However busy it may get this month, there's no location decorated in more over-the-top holiday finery. It's a quintessential San Francisco experience that you shouldn't miss, even as a bystander.

· Embarcadero Ice Rink San Francisco
Meanwhile, the outdoor ice rink at the Embarcadero Center is an option for SF travelers who want to be near the water, not to mention the foodie haven that is the Ferry Building. It is touted as the city's "largest outdoor rink" and will be open through January 3rd of next year. The rink is available for private parties, should you have the $2,000-3,600 it costs to secure a rental.

· LA Live Ice Rink
LA Live might be the flashiest of the city's skating destinations, located in the heart of Downtown just a few steps away from the Staples Center. Tonight at 6:00 PM, there will be a special tree lighting ceremony featuring performances by LeAnn Rimes and Sheila E., with an elaborate LED presentation to boot. For those who still believe, or just want to pretend, make sure you partake in special "Skate With Santa" sessions throughout the week.

· Seaside Ice Redondo Beach
Skating seaside is possible in a city not far from Hollywood, where some of the best fictions are spun. Seaside Ice in Redondo Beach delivers the best of both worlds—the beach and faux-winter touches—and offers skate lessons to novices as well. The four-week program will run you $56, and the package can be booked online, along with normal skate admission tickets.

Related Stories
· San Francisco's Shopping And Ice Skating Scene Centers On Union Square [Jaunted]
· Where to Ice Skate in Los Angeles [Jaunted]
· Holiday Travel coverage [Jaunted]

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nice option

Wow thanks for sharing this top ice skating rink in California. I don't have any interest in doing this things but my son Andrie Jr really love doing this. We really visit this place one of this days very fit for Christmas. After our family vacation to Europe as part of our transfer smart vacation.
gleenjones on December 3, 2009 at 8:36 PM #Permalink

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