Looking for an outdoor ice skating rink in the Bay Area? We tried the new San Francisco on Ice at Fisherman’s Wharf with the kids, and the afternoon turned into a little San Francisco vacation.
There’s Something About a Day in San Francisco
There’s something about driving into San Francisco that still makes my heart flutter. The familiar landmarks, the hills, and glimpses of the Bay between buildings somehow make even an ordinary afternoon feel like an outing. Seeing parts of the city that are still struggling makes me sad, too. But days like this remind me how much I appreciate living here.
We headed to the new San Francisco on Ice at Fisherman’s Wharf expecting an afternoon of skating with the kids. What I didn’t expect was to come home feeling like we’d been on a little vacation.
A New Outdoor Ice Rink in the Heart of Fisherman’s Wharf
If you’re looking for ice skating in San Francisco or researching Bay Area ice skating rinks this winter, this new waterfront location deserves a spot on your list. This is the first season for San Francisco on Ice at Fisherman’s Wharf, with the season scheduled to run through January 18, 2027.
For tourists, the location is hard to beat. You’re surrounded by recognizable San Francisco attractions, with the SkyStar Wheel, PIER 39, the waterfront, shops, and restaurants all nearby. You can make an entire day of it instead of driving somewhere just to skate.
Watch Our SF on Ice Instagram Reel ⛸️
Here’s a little glimpse of our family afternoon at Fisherman’s Wharf!
Parking Near San Francisco on Ice
Parking was the part I expected to be stressful, but the drive and arrival were surprisingly easy. There were garages nearby, including one close to the rink. We parked at the PIER 39 garage, and the walk with the kids took us roughly five minutes.
Checking In and Renting Skates
We reserved tickets online ahead of time, and check-in was smooth. The people at the gate were friendly, and the skate rental pickup area was right there when we entered.
We needed to exchange a couple of pairs to get the sizing right. Nobody made us feel rushed. I also struggled to tighten my own skates, and one of the staff members kindly stepped in to help.
There were cubbies for belongings, a locker area, and portable restrooms toward the back. I’d recommend arriving a little early to get everyone fitted comfortably before your skating session.
San Francisco on Ice vs. San Mateo on Ice
We’ve skated at San Mateo on Ice annually, so I was curious about the difference. San Francisco on Ice felt a little more intimate, but the setting gave it an entirely different energy. There’s something about skating in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf, with the water nearby and so much city life around you, that makes it feel like an experience rather than just an activity.
One disappointment: construction partially blocked some of the beautiful Bay views during our visit. I wish we could have seen more of the waterfront from the ice. Even so, the atmosphere was memorable.
The Kind Staff Made It Even More Fun
One of my favorite parts of the afternoon was watching a staff member out on the ice. He kept an eye on skaters, helped maintain the surface, encouraged kids, and offered little bits of guidance when someone needed it.
He was incredibly sweet. For children who are learning or still finding their balance, that sort of encouragement makes a big difference. We took breaks in the available seating, went back out, and kept skating. Everyone had a blast.
Learn From My Outfit Mistake
I showed up in a turtleneck and sweater, ready for chilly winter skating (because it was freezing this morning). Instead, the sun was beaming and I was so hot.
After all these years in the Bay Area, I apparently still need reminding: dress in layers. A T-shirt or light base layer under a sweater or jacket would have been much smarter. Bring socks for rental skates, and consider gloves, especially for little hands. Evening weather can feel completely different from a sunny afternoon.
Daytime Skating or Evening Skating?
We went during the day and loved the bright, lively atmosphere. But I noticed the string lights around the rink and immediately thought how beautiful it must be after dark.
If you’re going with kids and want time to explore the Wharf afterward, daytime is a great choice. For a date or a more festive winter mood, I’d be tempted to try an evening session next time.
The Surprise Highlight: Everything After the Ice
We were starving after skating. Usually that means getting everyone back into the car and figuring out the next stop. This time we simply stepped onto the street and had so many options around us.
We went straight to Boudin for a hearty meal, then wandered through the nearby shops. There were things to look at everywhere. We weren’t rushing, and we didn’t need a complicated itinerary.
Somewhere between lunch and browsing the storefronts, I realized how long it had been since we’d simply spent a day enjoying San Francisco. It really felt like a vacation, even though home was just a drive away.
Quick Visit Guide
- Where: 2860 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Season: November 4, 2026–January 18, 2027
- Tickets: Reserve skating session in advance
- Skates: Rental pickup is available at the rink
- Parking: We used the PIER 39 garage, around a five-minute walk with kids
- What to wear: Layers, comfortable socks, and gloves if you like
- Nearby: Boudin, PIER 39, waterfront attractions, and plenty of shops
For the latest admission prices, session hours, weather policies, and booking availability, see the official San Francisco on Ice website.
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