When the holiday season arrives in Los Angeles, one of the most popular activities for locals and visitors alike is ice skating. The sunny skies and palm trees provide a unique backdrop for gliding across the ice.
From outdoor rinks surrounded by towering skyscrapers to indoor venues filled with music and lights, L.A. offers many excellent options for ice skating. This article will provide an overview of the top spots for hitting the ice in Los Angeles, including the best rinks, ticket info, indoor vs. outdoor venues, year-round availability, and locations in downtown L.A..
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, you’ll find the perfect place to enjoy this classic winter pastime in the heart of sunny Southern California.
Best Ice Skating Rinks in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers ice skating rinks to suit all interests and ability levels. Here are some of the top spots to go for an icy glide in L.A.:
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
Located right in the heart of downtown L.A., this outdoor rink surrounded by highrises provides a one-of-a-kind urban skating experience. The ice rink opens annually in November and runs through January.
Holiday Ice Rink at L.A. Live
Nestled between the Staples Center and Microsoft Theater, this is downtown L.A.’s largest outdoor rink. Skaters can take a break at one of the many restaurants in the L.A. Live entertainment complex.
The Rink at Santa Monica
This seasonal outdoor rink located along the Santa Monica Pier offers breathtaking ocean views. The venue also features a café and fire pits for warming up.
Stony Point Ice Rink
Found in the Conejo Valley, this NHL regulation-sized outdoor rink is a favorite for both recreational and competitive skaters. There’s also a snack bar, skate rentals, and holiday music.
Glacier Ice Rink
The Westfield Promenade shopping center in Woodland Hills transforms into a winter wonderland each year with the addition of this spacious outdoor rink. Skaters can enjoy the cool ice surrounded by twinkling lights.
Ice Skating Los Angeles Tickets and Prices
Public skating sessions at L.A. ice rinks typically cost $10-15 for admission, which includes skate rentals. Most rinks accept cash only. All skaters must either wear gloves or pay an additional $1-2 to rent them.
Thick socks are also recommended and can be purchased for a few dollars. Lockers to store shoes and other personal items cost around $5 to rent. Discounts are sometimes offered on weekdays and for early-bird sessions.
Many rinks also provide skating aids on wheels for an additional fee to assist beginners of all ages. Buying tickets online in advance can provide the best rates and guarantee entry during the busiest times.
Indoor Ice Skating Los Angeles
When you want a break from the California sun or prefer a temperature-controlled environment, head to one of L.A.’s indoor ice skating venues:
LA Kings Valley Ice Center
This NHL regulation-sized rink in Panorama City offers public skating, hockey leagues, lessons, and camps. There’s also a pro shop for gear.
Pickwick Ice in Burbank
In addition to public sessions, this rink provides skating lessons and hosts hockey games and tournaments. The complex includes a fitness center, sports bar, and restaurant.
Crystal Casino & Hotel Rink in Compton
The rink inside this unique entertainment venue offers public skating daily. Admission includes skate rental and two-for-one game coupons.
World on Wheels
A Los Angeles institution, this Mid-City roller rink first opened in 1981. In 2020, it was renovated and revived, to the delight of roller skating fans. Public sessions run every day.
Outdoor Ice Skating Los Angeles
Bask in the warm sun and seasonal decor while gliding across the ice at one of L.A.’s picturesque outdoor rinks:
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
The ice rink at this public square in the heart of downtown L.A. provides a one-of-a-kind urban backdrop for skating. Surrounded by tall buildings, it's a unique winter scene in the middle of the city.
Holiday Ice Rink at L.A. Live
Nestled between L.A. landmarks like the Microsoft Theater and Staples Center, this rink lets skaters glide past colorful lights and decorations outside. The exceptional location makes it a prime spot for enjoying festive vibes.
The Rink at Santa Monica Pier
Offering unparalleled ocean views, the ice rink located on the iconic Santa Monica Pier is a quintessential L.A. experience. Skaters can gaze at the Ferris wheel and the Pacific Ocean as they make their way around the ice.
Ice Skating Los Angeles Year-Round
While outdoor rinks only run during the winter, you can enjoy indoor ice skating in Los Angeles all year long. The city’s indoor rinks, like Pickwick Ice and the LA Kings Valley Ice Center, are open for public skating 365 days a year. Year-round access allows you to enjoy this fun activity with friends and family at any time, regardless of the weather or season.
Lessons and hockey clinics are also available all year at select indoor venues. So even when sunny L.A. feels more like summer than winter, you can still hit the ice for some frosty fun indoors.
Ice Skating in Los Angeles Downtown
Downtown L.A. is one of the most popular spots for ice skating thanks to its two excellent outdoor seasonal rinks.
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
Open from November to January each year, this rink transforms the downtown park into a winter wonderland. Surrounded by tall buildings and skyscrapers, it’s a one-of-a-kind urban ice skating destination.
Holiday Ice Rink at L.A. Live
Nestled between the Microsoft Theater and Staples Center, downtown's largest outdoor rink brings seasonal cheer to the heart of the entertainment district. After skating, enjoy the many nearby restaurants and attractions.
Both of these downtown L.A. ice rinks provide a fabulous opportunity to go skating with a stunning city backdrop. Their prime locations also make them easy to access. Pershing Square is right near public transit, while L.A. Live sits adjacent to major freeways. After working up an appetite on the ice, skaters can refuel at the many excellent dining options throughout downtown.
Ice Skating Near Me in Los Angeles
With so many excellent ice skating rinks scattered throughout the L.A. area, you can easily find one near your neighborhood or destination. Search online for “ice skating near me” and you’ll find listings of rinks complete with addresses, phone numbers, and driving directions.
You can also download apps like RinkAtlas that show real-time crowd levels and public skating schedules for ice and roller rinks nationwide. Just enter your location and you’ll get a map of the nearest options.
Major rinks also have their own websites and social media pages that provide info on public skating sessions and ticket deals. Finding an ice skating venue conveniently close to home or your L.A. accommodations is a breeze.
Entrance Fee at Ice Rinks
Typical admission prices for ice skating rinks in Los Angeles range from about $10 to $15 per session. This fee usually includes skate rental. You can bring your own skates, but there may still be a charge of $5-10 to skate. Additional costs include:
- Glove rental: $1-2
- Thick socks: $3-5
- Lockers: $5 per use
- Skating aids for beginners: $5-10
Discounts are sometimes available on weekdays or for early morning sessions. Buying tickets online in advance can also score savings. Overall, ice skating at public sessions in L.A. is very affordable family entertainment. With skate rentals included, you don’t need much equipment to join in the fun.
The Biggest Ice Rink in the USA
The largest ice rink complex in the United States is the Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena in Irvine, California. This massive 300,000-square-foot facility opened in 2018 in the Orange County Great Park. It contains four NHL-sized ice rinks, seating for 2,500 spectators, training facilities, and more.
The complex was built for ice hockey tournaments but also hosts public skating, curling, and figure skating. With its multiple rinks and vast scale, the Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena has earned the title of America’s biggest ice facility. The complex provides ample opportunities for skating and hockey throughout Southern California.
World on Wheels Los Angeles – Open or Closed?
World on Wheels is an iconic rollerskating rink on Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles. Opened in 1981, it quickly became a popular hangout spot but eventually closed in 2013. In 2020, a new owner renovated and reopened World on Wheels, to the excitement of local skating fans.
Today, World on Wheels is alive and rolling again after 7 years of closure. The venue is open daily for public rollerskating sessions, skate rentals, and roller skating lessons. Late nights on weekends attract large crowds who come to relive the rink’s glory days. World on Wheels remains one of L.A.’s beloved skating destinations.
Number of Skating Rinks in California
California is home to approximately 100 ice skating rinks according to the trade association Ice Rink Events. This includes a mix of public and private rinks offering recreational skating, youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating clubs, and competitions.
Notable rinks in the state include Great Park Ice in Irvine, Pickwick Ice in Burbank, and Solar4America Ice (formerly Oakland Ice Center). While not the state with the most rinks, California’s sizeable population and favorable winter weather in the north make it a strong region for ice skating. The sport's popularity spans the Golden State from San Diego to Lake Tahoe.
Where Ice Skating is Most Popular in America
Certain U.S. cities and states are known hotspots for ice skating. These include:
- New York City: Iconic rinks like Rockefeller Center and Wollman Rink in Central Park.
- Minnesota: The “State of Hockey” where skating is a cherished winter pastime.
- Massachusetts: Home to many rinks and college hockey.
- Michigan: Another hockey stronghold with Detroit’s popular Campus Martius rink.
- Illinois: Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park is renowned for skating.
- Colorado: Ski towns like Denver, Vail, and Aspen have popular rinks.
- Pennsylvania: Cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have many active rinks.
From outdoor city plazas to frozen lakes, icy ponds, and indoor arenas, these states and metro areas boast the highest number of rinks and most devoted skating cultures.
World’s Longest Ice Skating Rink
At 7.8 kilometers or nearly 5 miles in length, the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, Canada holds the record for the world’s longest naturally frozen ice rink. Each winter, this UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a massive skating venue winding through the heart of the city.
Skaters flock from around the globe to glide down the Rideau Canal, which connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The skateway’s exceptional length and scenic, historic setting make it a true standout on the global ice skating scene.
Number of Indoor Ice Rinks in the U.S.
According to U.S. Figure Skating, there are approximately 1,800 indoor ice skating rinks across the United States. The states with the highest numbers are New York (297), Michigan (266), Massachusetts (118), Minnesota (110), Illinois (92), Wisconsin (74), and Pennsylvania (71).
Having ample indoor rinks is essential, especially in northern states where extremely cold winters make outdoor skating unpredictable. Between public sessions, youth, and adult rec league hockey, figure skating clubs, and skating schools, these indoor sheets of ice provide year-round skating opportunities for millions of Americans. The abundance of rinks helps fuel the nation’s passion for winter sports.
Cost to Skate at Dilworth Park Ice Rink in Philadelphia
Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia outside City Hall, Dilworth Park Ice Rink opens each winter with public skating daily. Admission is $5 for all ages, which includes skate rental. Additional fees include $2 for gloves and $5-6 for locker rental. Discounted rates are offered on select weekdays from 9-11 a.m. Various package deals are available with skating lessons, skate assists, and amenities from the on-site café. Night sessions after 5 p.m. are popular with couples and groups. Dilworth Park provides an affordable and scenic option for ice skating in Philly.
Find one for your comfort
From outdoor urban oases to year-round indoor venues, Los Angeles offers marvelous opportunities for ice skating. Bundle up and hit one of the city’s many excellent rinks to enjoy this popular winter activity with a unique sunny SoCal twist. Gliding across the ice with palm trees and skyscrapers in the background is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a lifelong skater or first-timer, L.A.’s ice rinks will get you in the seasonal spirit with winter charm amid the warm sunshine.