Whether the weather be warm, whether the weather be colder, ice skating’s fun in
San Francisco, whether you’re young or older…
This is why we love it here in San Francisco: You don’t need a frozen lake to enjoy ice skating during the holiday season — just head down to Union Square or the Embarcadero’s Justin Herman Plaza.
Now till January 19th, 2014, you can introduce your children to ice skating . . . and enjoy a fun winter activity along with all of the holiday fun and flare down in our very own lovely Union Square or Justin Herman Plaza. Open everyday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM for your ice skating convenience. Click here to see some ice skating in action at Union Square.
Part I, Union Square Ice Rink
Follow these easy steps to enjoy this Downtown Holiday Heaven:
1.) Call Ahead: 415.781.2688 to make certain the rink is not closed for a private event before coming down. Try to make morning sessions if possible, as the staff has told us that beginning at around 4pm, the rink can become crowded.
2.) Parking: Leave your car in the Union Square Garage for the easiest and most accessible parking for $3.50/hour. The Sutter Stockton Garage, a block and half away, is slightly less expensive and has great evening and Sunday rates. For details on rates and hours in surrounding lots click here: http://www.unionsquareshop.com/parking.html. Also check Muni for bus times or take a nice stroll depending on the convenience from your house.
3.) Public restrooms: down in the Union Square or Sutter Stockton Garages (which are relatively clean) before you go up to the rink, as there are no bathrooms on the Square, only in surrounding hotels and stores.
4.) Tickets: for sessions beginning every even hour on the hour (such as 10a, 12 noon, 2p, etc.) and lasting for 90 minutes total. Prices are about $11 per adult and $7 per child. Ice skate rentals are $6 each person. Group discounts for 15 or more are available. Then lace up your and your child’s ice skates. Leave your belongings in a locker provided for a dollar.
Skating at the Embarcadero
5.) Enjoy! Even our two and a half year old could stay on her skates holding on to her Dad – you will be surprised at your little one’s balance! Don’t worry if you are not a pro, just hold on to the railing. And don’t forget to snap some photos!
6.) Eats: When your session is up or you’re tired out, head over to one of our local favorites located on the square as well, Emporio Rulli Il Caffé at Union Square for some hot chocolate, Italian pastries, coffee, panini and salads. Rest your weary feet inside the cafe or outside on their metal chairs where you can still watch the other skaters go by.
7.) More downtown holiday fun: cross the street in any direction and find:
a.) The Winter Village in the windows of the Grand Hyatt Hotel located just up the block on Stockton St. behind the Levi’s Store. Check out our May 29th article “Get Your Kicks on Floor 36” for even more information about this location.
b.) Homeless SPCA kitties and doggies in the decorated display windows of Macy’s Department Store. Be careful, you might just go home with a new animal… or you can always drop a donation in the box instead.
c.) An incredible view of the city: walk straight through the lobby of the Westin St. Francis Hotel, hang a right and ride the elevator up to the top and back down again. Your child can see the square from a different vantage point and talk about what s/he just did. There’s also a café and restrooms located inside.
8.) Date Night: Given that you are now a pro, get a babysitter and return another evening alone with your honey or friends so you can really go crazy showing off your moves!
Hannuka Happenings: Look for the lighting of the Bill Graham Menorah each night of Hannuka usually at around 5PM also on Union Square including festivities before or after. For a full schedule click here and scroll down.
Family Time at Justin Herman Plaza
Part II: Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
Hours and prices are similar to Union Square, except for the following exceptions:
*Call ahead 415.837.1931 to ensure there is not a closure due to a private party.
* Open now until January 19th, 2014.
* Park at Embarcadero Center 4’s underground parking lot if it is available. Any of the other lots are OK to park as well. The ice skating rink’s staff will validate parking giving you free 4 hour parking weekdays after 5 and weekends all day. During the weekdays until 5 PM the validation will give you 1 free hour and the next two hours cost 4 dollars each hour. Get your parking stub validated when you buy your skating tickets.
* Host a birthday party with decorations and a cake for 10 people for $250 (Each additional person is 12.50.)
* Restrooms located on site and restrooms plenty more located close by in the Embarcadero Centers as well in the Hyatt.
* The Ferry Building is located across the street for exceptional food and treats. Plenty of holiday shopping and restaurants can also be enjoyed in the Embarcadero Centers. Experience the decorations and the fountains at the Embarcadero Center (perfect for snapping holiday photos) located next to the entrance to the Hyatt and Coffee Bean.
*The Hyatt Regency is a perfect stop for dinner, drinks or to ride the elevator and see the magnificent atrium that at the time it was built, world renowned for its innovative architecture. It’s lit up for the holidays especially, but also lit up year round. Great rest stop for weary ice skaters!
Safeway Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
Union Square, San Francisco
Geary, Stockton, Post and Powell
http://www.unionsquareshop.com/UnionSquareIceRink.html
415-781-2688
Union Square Garage
333 Post Street, San Francisco
http://www.unionsquareshop.com/parking.html
Hawaiian Airlines Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
1 Market Street
Embarcadero Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94101
415.837.1931
http://embarcaderocenter.com/event/holiday-ice-rink-2014-2015/