SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- A new ice rink is coming to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, bringing a new holiday attraction to the waterfront for the first time.
The rink is expected to open Sunday or Monday, according to Peter Mott, CEO of On Ice Rinks, the company leading the project. Crews were still working on preparations Friday, including clearing excess ice and building covers to protect the rink's pipes.
Fisherman's Wharf is known for its restaurants, waterfront views and boat tours. The new rink will give visitors another activity to enjoy at one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations.
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Mott, whose company has operated San Mateo On Ice for 16 years, said bringing an ice rink to San Francisco has long been a goal.
“I always wanted to do a rink in the city, the city is my favorite place, we live in Napa but this is our town, this is our city,” Mott said.
Mott also recalled the longtime holiday ice rink at Embarcadero Center, which shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he wanted to bring another rink to the city, ideally along the waterfront.
“When they closed I thought well, the city really needs another rink somewhere, but it needs to be on the water, it should always be on the waterfront because this is iconic San Francisco right here,” Mott said.
About a year ago, Mott approached the Port of San Francisco with the idea.
“And after a lot of blood, sweat and tears and effort, here we are!” he said.
The new attraction could also provide a boost to businesses along the waterfront.
Tony Roumph, managing director of the Argonaut Hotel and Blue Mermaid Restaurant on Jefferson Street, said Fisherman's Wharf took a hit during the pandemic. He believes new attractions could help bring more visitors back to the area.
“It’s definitely been better in 2025 and this year in 26', but we still have a ways to go. So, seeing the sky wheel and the ice rink is a huge win for us in the local business community,” Roumph said.
When the rink opens, skate rentals will be included with admission, Mott said. He hopes the attraction will bring more energy to the waterfront during a slower time of year.
“And we’re bring this to the city and the community here at Fisherman’s Wharf, to bring hopefully more energy during the slower time of the year,” Mott said.
Mott said he and his crews are working hard and hope to open the rink this Sunday or Monday.
The rink is expected to remain open through Jan. 18, giving locals and visitors another way to enjoy the waterfront during the holiday season.
