Skating by the Sea: Ice Skating on the Beach at the Hotel del Coronado

Only in San Diego can you go ice skating in a T-shirt with the waves crashing a few feet away. Skating by the Sea returns to the legendary Hotel del Coronado, setting up a real ice rink right on the beachfront Windsor Lawn — Pacific Ocean on one side, the iconic red-turreted Victorian hotel on the other. It runs daily from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and it's one of the most photogenic, only-in-San-Diego holiday experiences there is.

It's the kind of thing you do once and never forget: skating at sunset with the ocean glowing gold, holiday lights on The Del behind you. It's family-friendly, skate rentals are included, and a portion of proceeds benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego — so it does some good, too.

What You Actually Need to Know

• Event: Skating by the Sea® at Hotel del Coronado
• Dates: Open daily, November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Where: The beachfront Windsor Lawn at the Hotel del Coronado — 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
• Session length: 90 minutes of skating from your check-in time
• Skates: Rentals included in the price (Toddler size 8 through Adult 15; double-runners available for little ones)
• Tickets: Purchase online or by phone ahead of time; the detailed schedule and pricing are released in the fall
• Benefits: Make-A-Wish San Diego
• Info & tickets: hoteldel.com

What to Expect

The setting is the whole thing. This isn't a mall rink — it's a full ice rink on the sand at one of America's most beloved beach hotels, framed by the ocean and the hotel's storied Victorian architecture. Sunset sessions are magic, and the whole resort is decked out for the holidays around it.

Make it an evening. You can upgrade with a reserved rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge — plush seating, roaring fire pits, holiday cocktails, and bites right by the ice. And even if you're not skating, you can take in the rink views from The Del's restaurants and bars, including the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, and oceanfront dining at Nobu, Veranda, and Serẽa.

It's built for all ages and abilities. There's no age restriction (kids under 12 skate with an adult), double-runner skates help wobbly beginners, and the rink is ADA-accessible — wheelchairs are welcome and encouraged on the ice.

Good to Know

• Buy tickets ahead. They're sold online or by phone, and on-site quantities are limited — reserve your time slot in advance, especially around the holidays
• Skate rentals are included, but bring your own if you prefer (same price; no sharpening on site)
• Wear socks — required — and dress in layers; it's the beach, but you're on ice at night
• Helmets are encouraged for kids; bring your own, as they're not rented
• Sessions are 90 minutes from check-in, and you can check in up to 20 minutes after your scheduled time; tickets are non-transferable to another day or person
• Weather: skating continues in light rain or drizzle; a heavy-rain or storm closure means your ticket is rescheduled or refunded
• Parking isn't included — standard resort rates apply, though day visitors get $10 off self-parking with a shop or dine purchase; rideshare is an easy alternative
• Make a day of it in Coronado — pair it with a walk on the beach, lunch in the village, and the holiday décor around The Del

However you glide through it, Skating by the Sea is San Diego holiday magic at its finest — and a bucket-list experience for locals and visitors alike. For more festive things to do, browse our full event calendar or explore Coronado.