Fisherman’s Wharf’s first-ever ice skating rink opens today: it’s called San Francisco on Ice and, besides being a big new attraction, it’s also the city’s largest seasonal outdoor rink. You skate along the waterfront, next to the SkyStar Wheel, the Wharf’s giant Ferris wheel, with San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island in the background.
For San Francisco, it’s a long-awaited return. Since the historic Embarcadero Center rink closed nearly seven years ago, the waterfront had been without winter skating. This winter, however, plenty of locals and tourists will lace up their skates and glide across the ice. The organizers expect more than 50,000 skaters in the first season, with nearly 2 million visitors expected at Fisherman’s Wharf during the 76-day season.
The new ice rink
The rink is located in the so-called Triangle Lot, a Port of San Francisco lot right under the SkyStar Wheel, so it’s very easy to spot. Not only that: it’s also a fairly large rink, able to hold 125 skaters at a time. It measures about 6,300 square feet, making it slightly larger than the longtime Union Square rink. It is run by On Ice Rinks, a Napa-based company that already operates a holiday rink in San Mateo.
The project was designed to frame the view of the bay and Alcatraz, which at night, with the holiday lights and music, makes the atmosphere especially magical. Getting onto the rink is easy: just check in at the ticket booth, pick up your skates from a few repurposed shipping containers, and head straight onto the ice.
Regular sessions are open to everyone until they sell out, but there are also themed nights that come with a dress code. An example? The Ugly Sweater Skate, where you hit the ice in your ugliest Christmas sweater.
Even though it’s outdoors, you can skate in any weather: the rink stays open rain or shine, unless conditions make the ice unsafe. In that case, canceled sessions can be rebooked within the season, but rain alone does not entitle you to a refund.
Dates, hours and prices
The rink is open daily from November 4, 2026, through January 18, 2027. Tickets are on sale on the official website sanfranciscoonice.com, where it’s best to book your session in advance. Hours and ticket prices depend on the type of day:
- Standard days
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Price: $23
- “Value” days (less in demand)
- Hours: noon – 10 p.m.
- Price: $19
Each session lasts 75 minutes, at least 60 of which are on the ice; the rest is for ice resurfacing. When booking, the online calendar shows whether each day is a standard or value day.
Skate rental is included in the ticket. For an extra fee, you can add Skate Buddies (skating aids for beginners) for $15 per session, and lockers are $5–$8. Shoe cubbies are free.
Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square?
This year San Francisco has two outdoor rinks, open on the same days. Union Square is the classic choice, in the heart of the holiday shopping district; Fisherman’s Wharf is all about the bay view.
Here are the main differences:
| San Francisco on Ice (Fisherman’s Wharf) | Holiday Ice Rink (Union Square) | |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Nov. 4, 2026 – Jan. 18, 2027 | Nov. 4, 2026 – Jan. 18, 2027 |
| Hours | 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. (noon – 10 p.m. on value days) | 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. |
| Price (skates included) | $23 ($19 on value days) | $22 |
| Session length | 75 min (at least 60 on the ice) | 60 min |
| Size | About 6,300 sq ft | About 6,000 sq ft |
| Vibe | Waterfront, SkyStar Wheel, Alcatraz views | Giant Christmas tree, decorated store windows |
If you’re in town for a few days, try both: Union Square during the day, between shops, and Fisherman’s Wharf in the evening after dinner.
