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Skating by the Sea Returns to Hotel del Coronado: What to Know for the 2026–27 Season

By Hedda ParashosNovember 14, 2026

Skating by the Sea returns to the Hotel del Coronado on November 20, bringing San Diego's most iconic beachfront ice rink back for the 2026–27 holiday season. Here's what to know before you go, plus why this tradition keeps drawing coastal residents back year after year.

Skating by the Sea returns to Hotel del Coronado on November 20, 2026, opening San Diego's only beachfront ice rink for another holiday season. If you haven't skated here before, the combination of ocean air, Victorian architecture, and an actual sheet of ice is worth the trip across the bridge.

What to Know Before You Go

The rink sits on the resort's south lawn, steps from the Pacific. Sessions typically run from late November through January, with morning, afternoon, and evening time slots available most days. Evening sessions book up fast, especially on weekends and during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Tickets are sold in advance through the Hotel del Coronado's official website at hoteldel.com, and purchasing ahead is the only reliable way to get the session you want.

Skate rentals are included with admission. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early so you aren't rushing through the rental process. If you're bringing someone who would rather watch than skate, there's seating along the rink perimeter and nearby options for hot drinks.

Parking on Coronado can be tight on weekend afternoons during the holidays. The ferry from the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego drops you about a mile from the resort, and the ride itself is a pleasant way to start the outing.

Why This Tradition Matters to Coastal San Diego

Skating by the Sea Returns to Hotel del Coronado each year as one of the few holiday events that feels distinctly local. Most winter activities here lean on the beach and sunshine, so an ice rink overlooking the ocean stands out. For residents of Coronado, it's practically a neighborhood event. For those coming from La Jolla or other coastal communities, it's a short drive that delivers an experience you won't find anywhere else in Southern California.

The 2026–27 season also falls during what the San Diego Tourism Authority calls one of the region's busiest holiday visitor periods, so locals who want a relaxed visit should aim for weekday morning sessions in early December.

What This Means For You

• Book tickets the week November 20 goes on sale. Popular sessions sell out within days.

• Weekday mornings in early December offer shorter lines and a calmer experience.

• The ferry from downtown avoids holiday parking entirely and adds a water view to the outing.

• If you're considering a move to the Coronado or La Jolla area, events like this reflect the kind of coastal lifestyle that shapes both communities year-round.

San Diego's holiday calendar is full, but Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado remains one of the most distinctive events on it. Tell us your budget, timeline, and priorities, and we will help you build a La Jolla neighborhood shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Skating by the Sea 2026–27 open and close?

Skating by the Sea opens at Hotel del Coronado on November 20, 2026, and typically runs through early to mid-January. Exact closing dates are confirmed closer to the season on the hotel's official website.

How much do tickets cost for Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado?

Admission pricing varies by session time and day, with evening and weekend sessions generally priced higher than weekday mornings. Skate rentals are included in the ticket price. Check hoteldel.com for current season pricing once tickets go on sale.

Is Skating by the Sea worth visiting if you live in La Jolla or nearby coastal neighborhoods?

For residents of coastal San Diego communities, the rink is about a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic, and the beachfront setting makes it a genuinely different experience from any other regional ice rink. Many local residents treat it as an annual tradition rather than a one-time visit.

Source: lajollamom.com