Lace Up Your Skates And Hit The Ice At San Diego's Outdoor Skating Rinks

San Diego’s known for many things, but being a winter wonderland isn’t necessarily it. Here at the Sofia Hotel, though, we’re going to make a bold assertion: Depending on your climatic predilections, the city is a winter wonderland—a place where you can enjoy some classic seasonal activities during the shortest days of the year, but do so amid sun-splashed and deliciously balmy weather.

Ice skating’s one of those iconic wintertime pursuits that America’s Finest City serves up in spades: Far from the cold-crippled Midwest or New England, you can strap on a pair of skates and do some laps and twirls (and execute an elegant or not-so-elegant spill or two) under the palm trees of Southern California. Hard to resist, right?

Here are some of the best options for outdoor skating in and around town:

“Fantasy on Ice” (Liberty Station)

The ever-popular Sycuan’s “Fantasy on Ice” outdoor skating rink, which occupied Horton Square for nearly two decades, has a new home this season: Liberty Station. That’s just an easy drive or public-transit ride from the Sofia Hotel! “Fantasy on Ice” kicked off in its fresh digs in November, and remains open until early January.

Viejas Outlet Center (Alpine)

In the East County, meanwhile, the Viejas Outlet Center also offers an expansive outdoor rink with lots of warming beverages, snacks, and holiday shopping on hand.

Windsor Lawn (Coronado)

Over on Coronado Island, the Hotel del Coronado transforms its Windsor Lawn into a palm-encircled beachfront skating rink within earshot of the Pacific. That makes for a truly San Diego-style winter experience, no question!

(And if indoor skating’s more your style—or you want to mix up things up with a little hockey, too—you can’t do better than the UTC Ice Sports Center up in La Jolla.)

Whether you’re looking for a date-night setting of romantic-comedy caliber or the perfect spot for a family evening out and about, one of San Diego’s outdoor ice-skating rinks is sure to fit the bill. And, out on the ice, it’s always great to know that you’ve got a warm, comfy bed waiting for you back at the Sofia!