The fire pits are a nice amenity at Ice
1 / 10

ICE Santa Monica California

4.2
·459 reviews·Santa Monica, United States

Experience the magic of ice skating in sunny Santa Monica, a festive winter wonderland by the coast.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more ice space

CrowdLow
Loading map...
The fire pits are a nice amenity at Ice

ICE Santa Monica California

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more ice space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the magic of ice skating in sunny Santa Monica, a festive winter wonderland by the coast.

4.2
(459 reviews)

"A steal! For $20, it includes rentals and all-day ice skating. Love the outdoor vibes!"

Vertical photo
TIP

⛸️ Book Ahead to Avoid Sell-Outs

Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Book online in advance!

💰 Re-entry Wristband

Keep your wristband for re-entry on the same day if you need a break.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ice Skating by the Beach

Ice Skating by the Beach

Downtown Santa Monica

Experience the unique thrill of ice skating with a California ocean breeze and palm trees as your backdrop.

Instagram
Holiday Winter Wonderland

Holiday Winter Wonderland

Downtown Santa Monica

Step into a festive atmosphere with decorations and music, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Instagram
Family Fun & Date Nights

Family Fun & Date Nights

Downtown Santa Monica

A perfect spot for a memorable date or a fun outing with kids, with a dedicated area for younger skaters.

InstagramReddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

ICE at Santa Monica often sells out, especially for popular times. Booking online ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Instagram

Understand Session Times

Some reviews mention session limits and cleaning times that can affect your skating duration. Check the current session schedule and duration when booking to manage expectations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more ice space
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (Fri-Sat)
Why
Festive atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Early January
Why
Post-holiday lull
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I was at Santa Monica and all of a sudden the vendors started running away. #ice #streetvendors #baconhotdogs #foryourpage #santamonicapier #fyp
@mino_55555
128.6K likes • 895.2K views

⛸️ Book Ahead to Avoid Sell-Outs

Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Book online in advance! Instagram

💰 Re-entry Wristband

Keep your wristband for re-entry on the same day if you need a break. Reddit

📍Ice at Santa Monica $22 for admission including skate rentals!! The perfect date night or activity to get in the holiday spirit ❄️ #losangeles #lathingstodo #IceSkating #iceatsantamonica #santamonica
@findmeinlosangeles
9.6K likes • 100.8K views
Ice at Santa Monica 1324 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Be sure to book your tickets in advance as they do sell out! Check out their upcoming New Year’s Eve Event! Season Closing: Monday, January 20, 2025 Admission is $20 dollars excluding taxes and fees Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday until 11 p.m. #SoCal #SantaMonica #iceskating #dis...
socalplaydaze
461 likes • 6.9K views

🐧 Penguin Helper Cost

Penguin helpers for beginners cost extra ($6-$7). Reddit

🧤 Bring Warm Gear

Even in California, it can get chilly on the ice. Dress in layers! Instagram

Ice at Santa Monica - каток, который простоит в Санта-Монике до 20 января, там можно отметить день рождения, взять уроки катания на коньках, по определенным дням на катке вечеринки с диджеем, 31 декабря новогодняя вечеринка. Днем людей намного меньше, вечерами многолюдно, но 😍 красиво🎄, после - обязательно прогуляйтесь по променаду, он прекрасен! Входной билет(в него входит аренда коньков) сто...
reporterskie_zametki_la
76 likes • 5.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⛸️ Book Ahead to Avoid Sell-Outs

Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Book online in advance! Instagram

💰 Re-entry Wristband

Keep your wristband for re-entry on the same day if you need a break. Reddit

🐧 Penguin Helper Cost

Penguin helpers for beginners cost extra ($6-$7). Reddit

🧤 Bring Warm Gear

Even in California, it can get chilly on the ice. Dress in layers! Instagram

🅿️ Parking Options

Paid parking is available nearby. Consider walking from the Metro station. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(459 reviews)

Reviews Summary

ICE at Santa Monica offers a unique and festive ice skating experience, praised for its fun atmosphere and convenient location. Visitors enjoy the novelty of skating in California and the holiday spirit. However, some recent reviews point to increased costs, session time limitations, and mixed opinions on skate quality and ice maintenance.

"If you can skate and enjoy this isn’t the place for you. Ice gets choppy right away, skates feel like they’re gonna crack your feet. They tell you to size down but sized up and it helped a little. If you wanna go because it’s cute for IG pics and stories and don’t care to actually skate and enjoy it this place is cute and fun. They need to get new skates tho."

N XO

"Had the pleasure of skating at this fantastic little rink in Santa Monica on January 7th. Was super lucky as there were only 4 other people on the ice, so we all had our own space. Was my first time skating on an outdoor ice rink in sunny California, I hope to do it again someday. The ice captain was super friendly and chill, they definitely have the right person doing that job."

Catherine Taylor

"What a steal!! Love it!! For $20, it includes rentals and 12pm-10pm ice skating. All you need to do is keeping the wristband they gave at the entrance (where you bought the ticket basically). The wristband gives a re-entry to the event on that day. The ice rink is serviced every 1:30hr or so (10mins). Instructors are friendly and helpful! There is a little kids rink too. Lockers are $5 each. You need to provide an ID to rent it. They look small but are actually quite deep and can fit a lot of stuff. There are cubicle restrooms but I can’t seem to get water to flow. Food and drinks in the event were like $5-20. Paid parking in the lot or nearby garages. I walked a few streets from the Metro station. The event is pretty easy to locate. Love the outdoor vibes! Wish they were here until Valentines!"

Fang Phattha

What People Like

Unique California ice skating
Festive holiday atmosphere
Convenient downtown location

What People Dislike

Increased prices
Session time limits
Skate comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

ICE at Santa Monica is located in downtown Santa Monica. You can reach it via car, with paid parking available nearby. Many visitors also opt to take the Metro E Line (Expo Line) to the Downtown Santa Monica station and walk a few blocks. Reddit

Yes, there are paid parking lots and garages in the vicinity of the ice rink. Street parking may also be available but can be limited. Reddit

While not directly on the beach, ICE at Santa Monica is a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier and beach area, making it an accessible addition to a day by the ocean. Instagram

Absolutely! The Metro E Line (Expo Line) stops at Downtown Santa Monica, which is a convenient walk to the ice rink. Reddit

Travel times will vary greatly depending on your starting point in Los Angeles. During peak traffic hours, it can take over an hour to reach Santa Monica. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission typically costs around $20-$22, which usually includes skate rentals. However, prices can vary, and it's best to check their official website or booking platform for the most current pricing. TikTokInstagram

It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as sessions can sell out, especially during peak times and holidays. Instagram

Hours can vary by day and season. Generally, they are open from late morning to evening, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their schedule for specific dates. Instagram

Some reviews indicate that there may not be separate toddler tickets, and the full admission price applies. It's advisable to confirm this policy when booking. Reddit

Yes, if you keep your wristband, you can typically re-enter the event on the same day. Reddit

🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience

Reviews on ice quality are mixed. Some mention it's well-maintained, while others note dirt or puddles, especially towards the end of sessions. The ice is typically resurfaced periodically. Reddit+1

Yes, skate rentals are usually included with admission. However, some users have reported that the skates can be old and uncomfortable. Reddit

Yes, there is often a smaller rink or designated area for beginners and young children. Penguin helpers are also available for rent for those needing extra assistance. Reddit+1

The atmosphere is festive and fun, especially during the holiday season, with decorations and music creating a winter wonderland vibe. Instagram+1

Lockers are available for rent (around $5) and require an ID. They are described as surprisingly deep and can hold a good amount of belongings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food and drinks are available for purchase within the event, with prices ranging from $5 to $20. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the event. It's best to consume them before entering or purchase from the vendors on-site. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but typical event fare might include snacks and light meals. It's advisable to inquire on-site if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

Yes, Santa Monica offers a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, just a short walk from the ice rink. TikTok

Expect to pay between $5 and $20 for food and drinks at the event. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting with the ocean and city skyline in the background. Evening hours with the rink lights on also create a magical ambiance. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial use might require special permission. Always be mindful of other skaters. TikTok

Capture shots of skaters on the ice with the Santa Monica skyline or ocean in the background. The festive decorations also make for great photo opportunities. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in public event spaces and near populated areas for safety and privacy reasons. It's unlikely to be permitted. TikTok

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most visitors. For more professional shots, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens would be ideal. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

ICE at Santa Monica is a fantastic option for families. They often have a dedicated area for younger children and offer 'penguin helpers' for rent to assist little ones (and hesitant adults!) on the ice. Reddit+1 Remember to book tickets in advance, as sessions can fill up quickly, and check if there are any height restrictions for the penguin helpers. Instagram

Lockers are available for rent to store belongings, and there are restrooms on-site. While food and drinks are available for purchase, consider bringing snacks for picky eaters or if you want to save on costs. The overall experience is designed to be fun and memorable for all ages. Reddit

💑 Couples

Looking for a unique date night? ICE at Santa Monica offers a charming and festive atmosphere perfect for couples. Skating hand-in-hand under the twinkling lights, especially during the evening, creates a romantic winter vibe right by the coast. TikTokInstagram+1

Consider booking a session during golden hour for stunning sunset photos together, or opt for a weekend evening to enjoy the lively holiday ambiance. Afterwards, explore the many dining options Santa Monica has to offer for a complete date night experience. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

While not entirely free, ICE at Santa Monica can be a relatively affordable activity, especially if you plan strategically. Admission often includes skate rentals, saving you an extra fee. TikTokReddit Look for weekday afternoon sessions, which may have fewer crowds and potentially be less expensive or easier to get into. Reddit

To save on food, consider eating before or after your skating session, as on-site options can add up. Bringing your own water bottle is also a good idea. If you're using public transport, the Metro E Line is a cost-effective way to reach Santa Monica. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The ICE at Santa Monica Experience

ICE at Santa Monica transforms a portion of downtown into a festive winter wonderland, offering a unique ice skating experience right in Southern California. Visitors can enjoy skating on real ice, surrounded by holiday decorations and music, creating a magical atmosphere. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to embrace the holiday spirit without the typical winter weather. Instagram+1

The rink is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, from seasoned skaters to absolute beginners. For those new to skating, there's often a dedicated area for children and the option to rent 'penguin helpers' to aid balance. The proximity to the ocean adds a unique charm, with many enjoying the juxtaposition of ice skating with the California coast. InstagramReddit

While the experience is generally positive, some reviews mention changes in management leading to increased prices and session time limitations. It's important to check the current policies regarding session lengths and any additional costs for helpers or lockers before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable outing. Reddit+1

Navigating Santa Monica's Public Spaces

Santa Monica is a vibrant city with many public spaces, including parks and beachfront areas. While ICE at Santa Monica offers a specific, ticketed event, the city itself is known for its lively atmosphere and attractions like the Santa Monica Pier. TikTok+1

It's important to note that there have been some social media discussions and reports regarding ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) presence in Santa Monica. These reports have sometimes been unsubstantiated or related to protests and community concerns, rather than the ICE at Santa Monica event itself. Travelers should rely on official news sources for accurate information regarding any public safety matters. TikTok+3

When visiting Santa Monica, be aware of your surroundings and any local advisories. For the ICE at Santa Monica event, focus on enjoying the planned activities and be mindful of the specific rules and operating hours of the rink. Instagram