Public service announcement, just so people know, there was no holiday rink this past year at Embarcadero and there was no info about it online. The Embarcadero Center website had a number to call, and I did, but there was no answer. I don't know if they'll have it this coming winter. Fortunately, Union Square still has a holiday rink, but you need to buy tickets online, and they're sometimes sold out. But if so, Yerba Buena is a few blocks away, and I've never known them to sell out. read more

Outdoor Holiday Ice Skating Rinks are always festive!! No, I didn't ice skate, I was just people watching. There were a lot of people here, and the Ice really made it very cold around the rink. Christmas music blared through the speakers around the rink. Located in Justin Hermann Plaza at the Embarcadero Center, not far from BART, maybe, one day, I'll give it a go again!! read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

We initially tried to buy tickets for the rink at Union Square, but they were sold out for the rest of the night! We took a 7ish minute Lyft to the rink at Embarcadero (who said that they "never sell out" - woo!) and it was such a great choice. They start new sessions every 2 hours; 1.5 hours for folks to skate, and then 30 minutes to re-glaze the ice before a new session. You can join a session at any time - we got on the ice halfway through a session, which was just fine for us (our 6yo and 4yo were with us). They also have lockers that you can use to store your stuff (shoes, purses) - one locker is .75 cents (the ticket sellers have change for bills if needed), and was big enough to store my boots and kind of large purse. It wasn't nearly as crowded as I thought it would be - we went on a Friday night during an 8pm session, and there was plenty of space. We plan on making this a regular tradition! read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Ice rink has beautiful skyscraper views - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

Every year, I host an annual ice skating outing with my friends to kick off the season. So while you're still munching on leftover discount Halloween candy, I've already made plans to go ice skating once the rinks open the first week of November. The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero is located in the Justin Herman Plaza right in front of the Ferry Building. It is much much bigger than the dinky little one at Union Square. Plus, it's also a dollar cheaper! And if you initially wanted to the go to the Union Square rink because of the Holiday lights and decor, the Embarcadero Rink is just as fabulous with the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge lighting up your photos in the background! A few other pluses: The Union Square Rink constantly sells out of tickets, and it is so crowded that you're not really skating. The Embarcadero Rink does not run the risk of selling out, and there is so much space to really zip around the rink and go as fast as you'd like! The skates at the Embarcadero are a little bit more uncomfortable. Instead of lacing them up, they have two buckles. I recommend thick socks or double layering socks. The skates go up to a Men's size 13 and hockey style skates are also available. Lockers are available on site for 75 cents, quarters only, and for single use. It is small but can fit multiple pairs of shoes, or a few jackets or small purses. They also have portable restrooms on site, which were clean when I went. Can't say if that will be the case in a couple weeks when the kids really start taking over. Skate admission is good for a 90 minute period, which starts on every even hour. It seems like a long time but went by so fast for me! I think it's best to arrive 15 minutes early to get your ticket and try on skates so you don't cut into your skate time. Overall, my group had a blast and it is truly the best way to start the holiday season. Happy Holidays! read more

My friends and I have been ice skating during the holidays for many years now, but this year we decided to go to this location instead of Union Square. SO MUCH REGRET. These were literally the worst skates I have ever worn in my life. I used to own leather skates, and while I don't expect rental skates to be that high quality, I do expect some level of comfort. There is absolutely no cushion in these stiff plastic skates, and the plastic strap is not easy to tighten/loosen. I now have a blister the size of a quarter on the arch of my foot that is filled with blood and ready to burst at any moment. Graphic? Sorry (not sorry), but y'all deserve to know the gravity of this situation. The lockers were also pretty faulty. Not only could we not pull the key out when locking it, we also couldn't unlock it at the end of our session. Both times we had to ask the staff for help, and it wasn't just us struggling - many other people had issues as well. Another thing is that the lockers were on the other side from all the benches, so it was a lot of walking back and forth in those terrible skates. I feel like the rink is slightly smaller than the Union Square one, so even though there were less people, it was also harder to avoid all the crazy skaters and people falling (and taking down others with them). And I know a smaller rink means you really only need one Ice Patrol, but PLEASE enforce the rule about not skating against the flow of traffic. This one girl skated wildly and in the opposite direction of everyone else, causing even more near death experiences than were already happening. Basically if you want the outdoor ice skating experience, stick to Union Square. Dealing with the crowd is a small price to pay in exchange for comfortable skates and a well organized event. Plus you can take pictures on ice with the Christmas tree in the back :) read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Blister from their abominable skates (quarter for scale) - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

Triple axle, here I come. We came here last night after watching the San Francisco 49ers beat the New York Jets so our mood was great. It was a Sunday so parking was free downtown. This is a perfect location for an Ice Rink. It's very spacious with a great background of the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building. And yes, we took plenty of pictures. The price is $8.50 for adults and $4.50 for kids for 1 1/2 hour of ice skating. To some, it can be a workout. The shoes were only $3.50. It sure beats the other Ice Rink in Union Square, and it's triple the size. Plenty of room to roam around and it's in Embarcadero, where there's plenty of option to grab a bite before and after. It's also a good place to people watch, enjoying a holiday night. The weather was perfect as it was chilly. I'm crazy like that as I don't mind the cold. Heck, I was wearing shorts and sportin my big, orange Giants sweater. The staff were super friendly, especially the guy at the shoe booth. He was cracking jokes (although they were bad Oakland A's joke) and was very engaging. I haven't skated in ages, so I was shocked when I started getting cramps. I guess I didn't do my stretching or I'm getting old. (must be the latter) My shin muscles and hamstrings were getting quite a workout, and my kids were running circles all around me. But it was enjoyable and gave me quite the appetite afterwards. Oh yes, we'll be back. read more

Ice skating at the Embarcadero Center with my family has always been a yearly tradition. We always go to this location. We did, however, attempt to ice skate at Union Square this year, but they had a two hour wait since the current time slot was full already. We went to the Embarcadero one instead. We came for the 2:00pm-3:30pm session thirty minutes late and they still took us in, woo! I guess you can come in at any time as long as the rink isn't too full! We didn't really wanna skate for an hour and half anyways. That's a little too long.. The price includes skate rentals, unless you bring your own, then you don't have to pay the rental fee. You pick them up in the window next door to where you purchase your tickets. They have lockers available if you don't feel comfortable leaving your shoes out in the open. Something that was different from when I last went ice skating (many years ago) was the skates. The skates didn't have laces anymore, they had some sort of plastic straps that you could adjust to make your skates extra snug. I didn't have to worry about my laces untying at all, yay! I did, however, have a problem with the first pair of skates I got because the sides kept cutting my foot when I tried to put in. But I asked for a different pair and they were fine. Also, a heads up, they don't have any half sizes, so hopefully you can make something fit if you're in between sizes! There were a lot of people, but this was expected since it was Christmas Day. We started thirty minutes late and the ice was already losing its smoothness. It didn't bother us that much though. We made multiple laps around the rink for about an hour while they played modern songs and Christmas songs. Everyone skates in the same direction to avoid crashing into one another!! If you're still new at ice skating, you can always grab onto the rails on the sides! Remember to bend your knees and lean a little forward so you avoid falling on your butt! I missed doing this yearly with my family :') I recommend everyone to stop by before they close it up after the holidays! I think it's better than the one at Union Square because it is less crowded, heh. read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

It was almost deserted when I came to skate last week. Aside from that it was a totally fun thing to do while in the city and I had a few hours to spare. A bit small but witH only about five of us it was perfect! Lots of space to avoid wobbly wanna be Brian Boitano's(sp) I like this location for the simple fact that's easy access to the freeway and parking garage is right there. read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Almost empty! Woohooo! - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

I definitely prefer this one to union square. fewer tourists, better scene, more parking, definitely more romantic, and it's actually shaped like a real ice rink! For those of us who depend on walls for stopping and corner like a school bus on the autobahn.... I prefer glancing OFF a wall rather than barreling headlong INTO a flat one. Plus it's really uncrowded right now and so I can comfortably get lessons from my coworker (who actually brings skates to the office every day!) without the increased liability of trampling a second-grader. read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

The ice rink is small, but I still felt like there was plenty of space to skate. The lockers were a plus and affordable! The only downside is if you don't get a locker because you'd have to leave your belongings on/under the benches and it can get crowded there. Will come again tho, the music was fun to skate to and the workers on the rink were very attentive. I also highly suggest buying your tickets a week in advance. If I didn't do that when I went, I wouldn't have been able to skate. It was sold out! read more

A cute and romantic post-dinner date activity! It was my idea to go ice skating, and my date, who never ice skated before, was down for it. I was worried about it being super-crowded, but maybe because it wasn't December yet, it wasn't too crowded. Yes, there are plenty of people there. Screaming children, adults clinging onto the walls, and radio pop hits swirling from the speakers. At least the music wasn't too loud. Because it had been raining earlier that morning, I called ahead of time to see if the rink would be open in the evening. The person who picked up the phone did so very promptly, and I was happy to hear the rink would be open. It was around 11AM when I called, and she told me that there were already people skating in the rink! Admission is $11 per person, and $5 for skate rentals (*whistles here* I'm reading past reviews, and apparently the prices I paid for in 2015 are way higher than a few years ago! Inflation, anyone?). It's not as big as what I'm used to at the Oakland Ice Center, and the ice was very rough. It made me wonder how often an ice resurfacer was used, since by the time my date and I were ready to leave, the ice had become rougher with lots of cracks, and a little girl tripped and (I think) sprained a limb, because she was screaming and crying really loudly when her relatives rushed to her aid and carried her off the ice. I'm giving this rink 4 stars instead of 3 because all the lights and the view of the clock tower gives a nice holiday cheer to San Francisco. The rink also stays open until 10PM. The staff was very polite and efficient, and my date and I had a lot of fun. read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

See all

We were just there for a birthday party and it was great. Almost a private party since it was a little misty on Sunday morning. I heard Sunday morning are the best if you want to avoid the crowds. We live nearby so this will probably become our Sunday morning ritual for the next two months. Rink is not too big but just right for my 7year old. I got a pretty good work out too. I like the music they play. Some kids stuff and some pop and some oldies. Good pandora station ;-) Skates are just ok - hit and miss. The staff is really friendly and will let you exchange until you are happy. Mine were wet on the inside so I asked for another. One mom friend asked to exchange one skate and they did. Overall recommend. See you there! read more

Holiday Ice Rink - We were there for a 8th birthday party. The private tent was really nice. Would recommend for a kids party - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

We had so much fun! And, okay, we are horrible skaters! But the staff at the Embarcadero Rink could not have been more fun, accommodating, and inviting! And they were helping us... on New Years Eve! Honestly my husband, and Sister and I could not believe how warm they were! Smiles Galore! It absolutely started with the Manager! Engaging, vivacious, and holding the front window fort down, (To her - Go Bears and West Point!) I have a list to thank. Yes that is how great the staff is.. a list! On New Years! I really did take a list, because they were so kind, and fun, and helpful! Kelly Ye! Tyler Drake! LeJeanne Shelton! Kathi Singleton! Amy Piscini! Linda NGO! Ryan McClanahan! Jose Alvarez! Dusan Britian! Thank you for a wonderful New Years Eve! Have a great 2020 guys! read more

Such a nice location! I originally wanted to go to Union Square but the tickets were sold and so I decided to come here instead. I'm really glad I came here, I wasn't expecting it to be just as good as union square. The views were amazing, the location was great, the ice rink was well maintained, and most importantly I had a great time. I came here with my fiancé and sisters and our whole time here we spent laughing, falling, falling, falling, and then finally skating like a pro. We bought our tickets and our group was expected to go shortly until the group before us was done. We were given an hour and half to skate until closing since we arrived around 9pm. I really loved the clock tower in front of us, it was really pretty to look at. Also majority of the time this location never sells out on tickets so if you really want to skate in SF this place is also another great option! read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

See all

The location is beautiful and they have the makings of an excellent outdoor rink but the problem is that they do not sharpen the blades on the skates which makes for poor / slippery / dangerous ice skating conditions. I learned this the hard way when I fell and broke my wrist the weekend before thanksgiving. At the Emergency Room was another guy who fell and broke his wrist the night before at the EXACT SAME ice skating rink!!! I grew up skating frequently at Iceland in Berkeley, so I would not say that I am a novice skater, and have been dozens of times before. A friend who is a former pro- skater explained to me why dull skates are problematic/risky and why she never goes to this particular seasonal rink. She suggests you head to Yerba Buena or one of the other legit rinks instead. read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

See all

Not so nestled away in The Justin Herman Plaza and slightly visible off the Embarcadero, you'll find one of the City's temporary outside ice rinks. Yeah, it's kind of a hokey thing to do but so is watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and you know you still do it anyway. http://videodetective.com/photos/518/021789_11.jpg There are a number of things I will forgive for the sake of Holiday Spirit at the ice rink: -- its smallish size -- falling on my butt -- little kids skating past me -- same little kids pointing and laughing after they cause me to lose my balance -- the day after soreness But there is one thing I find totally and utterly unacceptable: the funky smell emanating from the skate rental. Gross. I'm hoping Santa will give these folks a couple cases of Lysol for Christmas to spray those bad boys down. Overall, I had some good fun trying to ice skate in the City at night. read more

One of the biggest outdoor iceskating rink I've seen in the SF Bay area...it's affordable too!! It's right across the SF Ferrybuilding and by the shopping center. Ironically sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines =).. the line was at one point was really long but it went fast and smooth. My kids and nieces had fun skating. There were quite a few beginners in the skating rink and it was fun watching them struggle (a bit sadistic there hahaha)..but what I'm trying to say is...beginners are totally welcome and you won't get intimidated by other skaters who are showing off (coz there's not a lot of them). Returning the borrowed skates was easy too. read more

See all

My daughter asked to go ice skating. I grew up skating on frozen ponds in New England, so I love the idea of skating outdoors here in warm California. We made a play date with some friends and headed to the city for a winter adventure. All the girls had a great time, and didn't really want to leave when our session was over. I loved being in the city on a relatively warm night and enjoying the season. Upsides: The skates here are really decent for rental skates. There are nearby places to grab a bite if you come early for your session. Downsides: While some of the staff were great, some... not so much. We also had a delayed session due to Zamboni technical difficulties. I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars. read more

This is a nice outdoor rink for non-serious, recreational ice skating. Most of the people who come here are novice or even first-time ice skaters, so I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're a more advanced skater or mind young children often getting in the way. They have 1.5 hour rounds of skating for $10. I was impressed by the cleanliness of the rental skates, which are an additional $4. Overall, I'd say 1.5 hours of ice skating outside in front of the Ferry building with good music and good company is a lot of fun and well worth the $14. read more

You know that feeling, when you're going round and round, spinning your wheels? Besides ice skating on this rink, this is also a way of opening (or ending rather) into a segway about Blue Eyes and the relationship that never was, nor ever will be. Have you ever found out something about someone that completely changed your perception of them? Well, that's how it's been between Blue Eyes and me, and I can't look at Blue Eyes the same now. A friend of a friend told me some things that were definite red flags, one of which was cheating, so bottom line--I'm over this crush. I heard that Blue Eyes is as cold as the ice that I'm skating on (to use another metaphor), and I also heard that being in a relationship with Blue Eyes is like being on thin ice. So after months of going round and round, I'm finally getting off this ice skating rink. Speaking of ice skating rinks, this one at the Embarcadero has been fun. Not too many people here during the afternoon time, and I really like the location since it's close to my office. A great way of getting exercise and a good place to meditate on my past, present, and future. And to think we passed on this for our company X-Mas party! Now that would have been great, actually skating with Blue Eyes on this rink and literally going round and around, mimicking real life... read more

It's a few days from Christmas. Surrounded by friends. The song playing is "All I Want For Christmas." Seriously, straight from a movie. read more

Charming location because it is near the Ferry Building and great for the view of the Bay Bridge as well. It's nice and glowing with city lights at night! The ice skates here are okay - they don't have the toe pick at the end or it wasn't as noted on the edge of it. Fun, fun, fun for the celebration of the holiday spirit! read more

well, I can't tell you about the experience. Ummm but if I did, I'd give this advice! Buy your tickets in advance, or otherwise plan to be there awhile! Everyone in the crowd looked like they were having a blast.... We couldn't get tickets, because we'd have to wait for several hours. So my advise, buy advance tickets! read more

Holiday Ice Rink - Only in San Francisco! - Skating Rinks Near Me - 94102, California

Totally cooooool.....After a fun filled day walking around SF, my friend and I headed down to the Embarcadero to watch some Ice Skating action. It was the perfect way to wind down the day. We were cracking up watching the kids and couples skate around. Each time some kid would eat it I would shout "man down" and we would crack up. I was expecting to hear holiday music, but randomly we were singing along to "I just died in your arms tonight" and Belinda Carlisle. It was fun times......It was like a piece of Rockefeller Center right in the heart of SF! read more

$30 some-odd dollars to shuffle-skate on a crowded rink for an hour-and-a-half. 40 minutes in, your feet and ankles have lost all sensation you can barely stand. Skating with your daughter again, like when she was five, and having the time of your life on Xmas day? Totally worth it. read more

We got some free passes so took the kids here to skate after the holidays. We took the BART and got to the Embarcadero skating rink for the 10am session (90 mins). I was disappointed they didn't have the bucket for the kids but my kids grabbed on hold to the side. The ice skate was uncomfortable but bearable. There are lockers we did not use it. No bathroom available. We walked to the Hyatt hotel to use the bathrooms. read more

City sidewalk, busy sidewalks Dressed in holiday style In the air there's A feeling of Christmas That's what the Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center feels like. I'm very sad that the last day of the season was yesterday...until next year. I think I had only skated 3 times this season, next year, I'll aim for more. read more

Horrible skates. My six year old was addicted. And that means we explore every venue. Union square is much better w the skates for the same total price. We both got blisters from this place. cal academy was not better because they're run by the same company. I can't believe they sell this. read more

I still regret quitting figure skating as a kid. In order to relive what could have been, I bought tickets for a skating session at the seasonal ice rink at the Embarcadero Center. We originally went to the rink in Union Square, but it was tiny and packed with people so we walked down to the Embarcadero. Tickets for adults are $12, skate rentals $5, and lockers are 75 cents (quarters only). One ticket gives access to a particular 90 minute skating session. I recommend looking at the timing of each session in advance and arrive 15-20 minutes beforehand so that you don't have to wait around for the next one to open. The only drawback to this small but cozy rink are the skates. The boots are made of plastic and are very uncomfortable. I got a few blisters and wasn't able to enjoy my time on the rink as much as if I had leather skates. If you have your own skates this is no problem! All in all, I had a blast skating and would recommend the rink, however I really wish that they offered traditional figure skates. read more

It was awesome. Come earlier before your session time so you don't have to wait in long lines and get on the ice ASAP so there won't be lots of people in your way. Maybe even come like an hour or so before your session, get your wrist band, kill time somewhere like at the Ferry Building, then come 15 minutes before your time begins. It was about $12.50 a person including skates. There are small lockers right next to the skate rink. I had a huge backpack that wouldn't it so I just put it on top of the lockers where I could always just glance over and see it. I hear this ice rink is a lot better than the one in union square since that one gets super crowded and the ice get roughed up badly. read more

Holy Crap. Wear thick socks or layer up on socks... the skates hurt!! My friend got a blister in 20 minutes!

Great setting for ice skating. There's always availability for people. It's a $12 general admission plus the skates rental. However, people should consider to arrive on time for a specific ice skating period otherwise, your money will not be worth the experience. There are a lot of dining places within this area to catch a bite before or thereafter. Cheers and Happy Holidays! read more

I love the view of this location but, I spend my money just to find out how unsafe and dirty the rink was. I asked if they were going to clean it at some point, they said they do it every two hours. We got there 15 min after the starting time and I didn't mind because 45 min to skate its fine, but I couldn't even enjoy it! The location On union square is much better! Never again here! read more

This review is actually for the Building Lighting ceremony itself-which the opening of the rink is a part of. I'd say this is mainly geared to be a "kid" event because it has a winter carnival and Disney on Ice doing special performances. This year the event was held the weekend before Thanksgiving and began around 4 with what they called a "winter carnival." I didn't arrive until around 5:30, so I never really saw any of that. If you are just going to see the official building lighting and fireworks (YES, I said FIREWORKS-my main reason for coming to this.) you are probably safe getting here at 6 or 6:15. There was a big to-do with local "celebrities" hosting the Disney on Ice, some local kids ice skating and blah, blah, blah. All I cared about were FIREWORKS!! Around 6:30, I got slightly impatient saying that I hated Disney and Christmas and all children. Finally they abruptly stopped all the singing and skating nonsense around 6:30 and counted down to the official Christmas lights being turned on at the Embarcadero Center. Immediately following was a pretty cool fireworks display. You can stand pretty much anywhere and get a good view. It wasn't as crowded as I expected it to be, but if you have children next year who want to see whatever skating show they put on, get there early because people pack up to the rink 10 rows deep or so. On a side note, even though I don't ice skate, but it's a nice rink and I think gives the Embarcadero center a festive vibe and lights up the whole area in a warm glow during this time of year. read more

always a fun time... fairly easy to get to. Ice is not overcrowded which is nice. Fun for photos.

Feelin' bah Humbug? Just Go Here. Be quiet. Stop. Watch. In spite of the cheesiness and cliche' aspect, your Scrooge persona will instantly and inexplicably be washed away. Let it go. Just stand. Watch the smiling children skate. Some expertly. Some falling down continuously. But all, each and every one, smiling very big. This is one of those scenes that is cutting across all boundaries. Young, old, rich, poor, male, female, all, seem to be getting along, laughing, carefree, here. Just for a moment in time. Savor that moment. Cherish. Appreciate. Go here at least once every holiday season, whether its with a child, a big child, or just yourself. You don't even have to skate. And you don't have to celebrate any particular holiday to feel the magic. Can't believe its the Holiday Season again already? Not in the mood? This is one of the best places *in* downtown San Francisco to visit to instantly put you in the holiday spirit. If you have kids (or a big kid SO) to take skating here, X10 to put you in the holiday mood. But remember: Just Go Here at least once every holiday season. Attendance Mandatory. Skating Optional. read more

Several of my recent reviews have been beaches, most likely in a vain attempt to trick myself into thinking it's warm. Well. It's cold. Correction, it's uber-cold...for me. So I'm writing a review for a cold place. This might be my first (hopefully it's my only) masochistic review. If there are typos it's 'cause my fingers are too cold to type correctly. I love this rink. When I first moved here about a year ago, my older sister took me here for my birthday. I was ecstatic & took way too many pictures. I was even colder last year (having not adjusted yet in any way), but the ability to see people smiling, and for the first time in 4 1/2 years (retail work)...I could enjoy holiday things without having to worry about serving the holiday shopping masses. Walking up the stairs, seeing the children & their families gathered together and helping each other...going inside to get some Boudin chowder in the signature sourdough bowl...it was like a made-for-tv-movie about a girl who moved from Hawai'i to San Francisco. All you really needed at that point was an inaccurately placed shot of the Cable Car going by and you got it made. Oh wait, the streetcar just passed...that should do it. Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink, I will always remember you as the greeting card that said "Hey Candice, Welcome to your new home!" read more

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Rarely does San Francisco see this kind of cold, but when wrapped up in the festive atmosphere and lighted walkways, the charm of the season easily warms you up. The ice rink on Embarcadero is a blast. A group of us made our way out there last week, and for a mere $13, we were on the ice putting Kristi Yamaguchi to shame. I began my routine with a light toe loop jump and came out firing with a triple salchow. The pyrotechnics hit on time, as I flew into my triple toe loop and my quadruple backflip. Needless to say, the crowd was on their feet... Ice skating on Embarcadero is a blast. Do it. read more

MEXIXANS should really stay off of ice. It's just not in our nature to have a pair of skates strapped to our feet and be out perilously balancing on slippery ice. In fact we should leave all ice skating to Canadians, Minnesotans, and tiny Asian/Eastern European ladies. That being said, ever since my first ice skating attempt last year (when I met the awesome Margaret T...for titties yay!) I have been waiting for the ice rink to come back to Justin Herman Plaza so I could defy the natural order of the universe and get back on the ice. It's actually kind of fun. Being in downtown San Francisco with the Ferry Building across the street and right next to the Embarcadero makes for a very scenic outdoor skating experience. I just know that I am pushnig my luck though and one of these years I'm going to slip and crack my noggin right open. read more

This ice rink is in a prime location and it's a cute little place to bring your girlfriend with validated parking at the embarcadero center. Now onto the bad, this rink is small and it's expected in the city. People bring their children here who have no idea how to ice skate which is also understandable but because of that, these kids destroy the ice. Since the rink is small, the average ice skater will notice the chipped ice from these kids and eat shit because of that. If you are bringing people here to teach them to ice skate like I did with my girlfriend, go to a bigger rink. I myself had issues keeping my balance because I kept getting caught in the cracks people would create from slamming their skates into the ice like gorillas. It's plenty fine for what it is but I don't like the fact that there are time blocks to skate in, you feel rushed during a time that's suppose to be filled with holiday joy and magic. It's good for a cute date with your girlfriend but if you want to skate comfortably, this is not the place. I was fearful for my life with some of these kids doing high kicks in the air with their skates who were not future Olympic athletes . Seriously people, get your kids some fucking lessons and don't just say "try again" from the sidelines. Get your ass on the ice and risk your lives like we are, just because you don't want to teach your shitty kid. read more