Did you know you can ice skate on the beach?
Hotel del Coronado is an iconic landmark in San Diego. We’ve visited the beach a few times and always loved photographing the historic Victorian building against the clear blue skies.
Since 1888, the hotel has been celebrating the holidays in a grand way. Did you know that America’s first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree was presented here in 1904? This year, they are celebrating with the new DELights experience in the Garden Patio, beachfront ice skating, festive décor, and thousands of white lights covering the building and grounds.
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Last Updated: December 1, 2023
Ice Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado
Skating by the Sea is a really unique experience. The ice rink is set up right by the ocean so you get a great view and can watch the sunset. As much as we love the mild weather in San Diego, sometimes we feel like we’re missing out on the seasons.
Being able to ice skate right on the beach was magical and brought us a little more Christmas spirit. While skating, we also got to watch what turned out to be one of the most epic sunsets we’ve seen since moving to San Diego. I can’t imagine any better way to spend a winter evening not just in San Diego.. but anywhere!
What You Need to Know
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado returns in 2023.
DATES: November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
SCHEDULE: The rink is open at the following times.
Nov 17-19: Fri 11 AM – 10 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM – 10 PM
Nov 20-26: Daily 10 AM – 10 PM
Nov 17 – Dec 17: Mon-Thu 4 PM – 10 PM, Fri: 11 AM – 10 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM – 10 PM
Dec 18 – Jan 7: Daily 10 AM – 10 PM
*Christmas Eve/Day + New Year’s Day: 10 AM – 8 PM
TICKET PRICES:
General Admission $40 ($35 for Hotel Guests & Club Members)
Value Skate Days (Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, 11-12): $35
Besides Ice Skating, you can enjoy the hotel’s transformation during their Frosted by the Sea season, which runs on the same dates as the ice skating. You’ll see the beachside transform into a winter wonderland with lights, trees, and snowy surprises. Here are a few other ways to enjoy the hotel grounds.
- Frostbite Lounge: (Nov 17 – Jan 7) rink-side lounge with a fire pit and food and drink service (good for 6 people)
- Beachside Igloos: (Nov 17 – Jan 7) great for making s’mores in your own private igloo
- All That Jazz Lightshow Spectacular: (Nov 17 – Jan 7, 5-9 PM) Free 10 min show every 30 minutes.
- Holiday Festival: Dec 6
- Holiday Movies on the Beach: Dec 9, 16, 23, 31
- Jingle Roast: (Wknds Nov 17- Dec 10, Daily Dec 15-25) private beach bonfire
- Photos with Santa: Dec 6, 8-10, 15-17, 21-24
- Elf Deliveries: Dec 8, 9, 15-17, 21-24
- Gingerbread Houses: Dec 16-17, 22-24
If you’re looking to just people-watch, you can enjoy views of the ice rink from the SunDeck, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater, and Serea.
To help you plan for next year, continue reading about our experience with Skating by the Sea.
See More: The Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
Our Experience
When we arrived, we got fitted for skates then spent time enjoying the views from the rink until the sun set.
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After skating for a little over an hour, we decided to grab dinner at ENO Pizzeria & Wine Bar. It had good food, great atmosphere, and was the perfect way to end the evening. Try the fig & pancetta pizza! :)
We loved that each of the outside tables shared a fire pit, and there were plenty of heaters to keep you warm. Yes, we’re weak sauce, but contrary to popular belief, it is not 70 degrees every day of the year! Brr. We’re hurting at 50 deg.
Essential Tips
- Self Parking is available for $25 for the first 2 hours and $10 each additional hour. You can also look for metered street parking to save money.
- If you get cold easily, pick up this rechargeable hand warmer. It comes with us on any cold adventures!
- Wear thick socks. We find that they make the ice skates more comfortable.
- Dress in layers. It can get warm when you’re moving around but once you sit down to hang out, it can get chilly.
- Arrive a couple hours before sunset if you want to enjoy the views at the best time of day.
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Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on San Diego hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a San Diego travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with Go City.
What’s your favorite place to visit or thing to do during the holiday season?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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