Winter in L.A. Means We Can Ice Skate by the Beach: Ice at Santa Monica


Thanks to Southern California’s moderately mild Subtropical-Mediterranean climate, we have the privilege of wearing flip-flops in November, of frolicking at the beach in December and of holding outdoor barbecues during the holidays.

We also have the privilege of partaking in outdoor skating in 70-degree weather in January. And while there are a number of outdoor ice-skating rinks in Los Angeles, one of the top rink destinations is Ice at Santa Monica. Located on the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, this 8,000-square-foot rink is blocks from the beach and near plenty of relatively inexpensive parking options, from parking structures to metered street parking.

It cost $10 to skate – with or without skate rentals – and you can stay on the rink for however long your heart desires during hours of operation. That means you could technically soar on ice for 14consecutive hours, from 10 a.m. to midnight, on Saturdays (rink hours of operation varies; see its Web site for more details). The rink also provides a host of other fun activities, from ice skating lessons for kids with the LA Kings to live deejay sets at “Rock N Skate Fridays” each week.

Yet probably one of the greatest aspects of this rink is that it remains open later in the year than most of the other outdoor rinks in the Los Angeles area. Ice at Santa Monica doesn’t officially shut its doors until mid-February, making it a lovely potential Valentine’s Day date destination.

Now in its fourth year, Ice at Santa Monica offers a refreshing way to pass the winter months – the Angeleno way!

Ice at Santa Monica is located at 1324 Fifth St., Santa Monica, Calif., 310.496.9880, www.iceatsantamonica.com.

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