San Francisco

Praveen P.N/Moment/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

The idea of a California beach conjures visions of endless sunshine, bikinis and boardshorts, surfers hanging ten, warm water perfect for swimming, and nary a shirt in sight.

Find Glacial Water, Staggering Cliffs, and Abundant Wildlife at the Best Beaches in SF

Los Angeles

San Diego

Flickr/Randy Heinitz

California doesn’t have the kind of haunted architectural history you’ll find in Greece or Egypt, or, hell, even New England, but it has been around long enough to experience its fair share of booms and busts, natural- and human-caused disasters, disappearing resources, and just plain old bad breaks.

The 15 Creepiest Abandoned Places in California

New Orleans

Eat Seeker

Eat Seeker helps you find the best restaurants in your city. Check out our articles to help you find the best places to eat near you, now.

Eat Seeker: The Best Restaurants in Your City Right Now

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s great culinary cities, New Orleans offers up an edible feast for both locals and visitors.

Eat Your Way Through the Best Restaurants in New Orleans

Nation

Photo courtesy of Maverik

To drive the fiery expanses, crag-flanked freeways, and bison-filled plains of the American Intermountain West means passing one Maverik gas station after another.

The Gas Station Chain with a Surprisingly Massive Food Fan Base

We're Out Here

Discover LGBTQ-welcoming hotels in top destinations, plus tips and inspiration on where to go

We're Out Here: A New LGBTQ Travel Vertical

Pride

Join us in our celebration of the queer community and learn how to support those near you this month.

Thrillist Pride Month: How to Celebrate Pride Month This Year in Your City

Photo by Austen Diamond Photography, courtesy of Visit Salt Lake

The state of the LGBTQ+ nation—much like the state of the rest of the nation—is quite precarious these days.

The Most LGBTQ+ Friendly City in Every Red State in America

Miami

Beverage Director

Beverage Director: Find the Best Bars to Drink at in Your City

Drink

It is a glorious time to be drinking in Miami.

The Best Bars in Miami From Swanky Cigar Lounges to Rooftop Hotspots

Photo by @tinkerbellethedog, courtesy of Kona Kai Resort & Spa

Often rated as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, San Diego’s temperate weather and outdoor lifestyle make it especially inviting to our four-legged friends.

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer at a Pet-Friendly Hotel in San Diego

Considering SF was built around its saloons during the Gold Rush and, 150 years later, was a pioneer in the craft cocktail movement, it’s unsurprising that this town is full of fantastic drinking destinations for imbibing.

Get Lost in the Sauce at the Best Bars in San Francisco Right Now

San Diego’s bars continue to amaze us with cutting-edge variety from showstopping rooftops, scenic spots for boozing at the beach, low-key dive bars, and, of course, plenty of breweries to cement our status as the capital of craft beer.

The Best San Diego Bar for Every Possible Vibe

DianeBentleyRaymond/E+/Getty Images

Treasure Island (TI for short) has one hell of a history and an equally exciting future.

10 Surprising Things to Do on Treasure Island

Las Vegas

Booze is the fuel that drives Las Vegas, whether in the club, by the pool, or hanging out by your favorite slot machine.

Throw Back a Drink at the Best Bars in Las Vegas

Dallas

Photo courtesy of Visit Arlington, Texas


No longer fit to be disregarded as Dallas and Fort Worth’s little sister, Arlington has had quite the glow up in recent years.

Where to Pregame Like a Pro near Arlington’s AT&T Stadium

Pavel Ilyukhin/Shutterstock

United States

Midway Plaisance Ice Rink

From pop-up seasonal rinks to indoor facilities, these ice skating spots in Chicago offer fun for all ages.

Chicago

Maggie Daley Park

Ah, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/chicago/things-to-do-in-chicago">winter in Chicago</a>. Sure, it may not be as action-packed as summer, but it has its merits. There’s a palpable, heartwarming camaraderie that comes with a season so stark it’s basically just survival at its most primal. It’s also prime time for unapologetic comfort food, hibernating for months on end, and honing your skills for game night. And let’s not forget the sheer adrenaline rush of gliding over sheets of ice on blades of carbon steel, like the winter god that you are. Indeed, a city like Chicago, with its extended winters, knows how to make the most of the chilly season and keep things fun year round. Both indoors and out, ice skating rinks come in all different sizes and shapes—from standard ovals to not-so-standard “ribbons”—all over the city. As you brace for another classic Chicago winter, here’s where to lace up and embrace your inner Michelle Kwan.

Ah, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/chicago/things-to-do-in-chicago">winter in Chicago</a>. Sure, it may not be as action-packed as summer, but it has its merits. There’s a palpable, heartwarming camaraderie that comes with a season so stark it’s basically just survival at its most primal. It’s also prime time for unapologetic comfort food, hibernating for months on end, and honing your skills for game night. And let’s not forget the sheer adrenaline rush of gliding over sheets of ice on blades of carbon steel, like the winter god that you are. Indeed, a city like Chicago, with its extended winters, knows how to make the most of the chilly season and keep things fun year round. Both indoors and out, ice skating rinks come in all different sizes and shapes—from standard ovals to not-so-standard “ribbons”—all over the city. As you brace for another classic Chicago winter, here’s where to lace up and embrace your inner Michelle Kwan.

One of the most unique ice skating experiences in Chicago, the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a far cry from your run-of-the-mill oval. Rather, it’s a roving pathway that meanders through whimsical landscaping and around seasonal climbing walls, like a frozen-oven lazy river with the downtown skyline as your backdrop.&nbsp;<a href="https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/ice-skating-reservations/" target="_blank">Reserve</a> your 90 minute session ahead of time to guarantee your time on the ice. Cost: Tickets and skate rental prices vary (more information <a href="https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/ice-skating-reservations/" target="_blank">here</a>) Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/ice-skating-reservations/" target="_blank">here</a>)

Photo by Abel Arciniega

Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon

If you’re looking for a centrally located place to skate complete with stellar views and tasty snacks, look no further. McCormick Tribune Skating Rink sits in the heart of Millenium Park, while nearby Momentum Coffee will be serving up warm drinks and eats to keep you sated. Snag a <a href="https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/" target="_blank">reservation</a> for a 90 minute session before you head out, and remember that this is the <a href="https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/4/6/15207352/millennium-park-navy-pier-attraction-attendance" target="_blank">most visited tourist destination in the entire Midwest</a>— so the rink tends to fill up fast. Cost: Admission is free (<a href="https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/" target="_blank">reservations</a> required); skate rentals start at $13 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park10.html" target="_blank">here</a>)

McCormick Tribune Skating Rink 

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

In the summer months, Wrigley Field is hallowed ground for one of America’s most storied baseball teams. Come winter, though, and the turf transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland, complete with a German-style holiday market, Santa’s Workshop, and an ice rink located literally inside the ballpark. Along with kid-friendly rides and attractions, like the Wintertube ice slide, ice bumper cars, and Hot Cocoa Cups, which are basically theme park-like Tea Cups, but merrier, ice skating is a star attraction at the aptly dubbed Winterland. Cost: $5 admission to Wrigley Field, plus rink access costs three tickets for $12 Hours: 3 - 9 pm, Monday - Thursday; 11 am - 10 pm, Friday - Saturday; 11 am - 7 pm, Sunday

Gallagher Way Chicago

Gallagher Ice Rink

From its birch tree maze to its interactive LED displays, Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is always popping this time of year, but the heated indoor alpine skating rink decked out with a twinkly curtain of lights is worth the trip alone. In addition to rink access, your ticket includes a ride on the legendary Centennial Ferris wheel, a visit with Santa (if he’s around), and the opportunity to marvel at more than 600,000 holiday lights.&nbsp;Another great perk? Navy Pier boasts some of the most Instagram-worthy waterfront panoramas in the city. Cost: Tickets and skate rental prices vary (more information <a href="https://navypier.org/light-up-the-lake/" target="_blank">here</a>) Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://navypier.org/light-up-the-lake/" target="_blank">here</a>)

Navy Pier

Light Up The Lake

Along with an NHL-sized public ice rink in the park’s great lawn, Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park also offers upscale dining, live entertainment, bowling, a movie theater, indoor skydiving, and a comedy club. And if that isn’t enough, the nearby Fashion Outlet of Chicago is filled to the brim for a little post-skate retail therapy. Come for the ice and stay for the winter wonderland experience—masked and distanced, of course. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $8 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://rosemont.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/20211102142212/Skating21_11x17FINAL.pdf?tag=P3_AMAZON_TAG&amp;asc_source=P3_UTM_SOURCE&amp;asc_campaign=P3_UTM_CAMPAIGN&amp;asc_refurl=P3_ARTICLE_LINK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer sponsored" class="has-affiliate-link noskim">here</a>)

Photo courtesy of Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park

Parkway Bank Park at Rosemont

South Side staple Midway Plaisance Park is a Park District-run rink outfitted with a warming center plus ski rentals for adults and kids. A full roster of additional activities include skating lessons, stick and puck games, rat hockey (a pick-up style game for adults that requires players to bring their own equipment and not body-check each other), pond hockey, broomball and more—just make sure to <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/midway-plaisance-ice-rink#Register" target="_blank">register online</a> before hitting the ice. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $7 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/midway-plaisance-ice-rink" target="_blank">here</a>)

Midway Plaisance Park

Not only does the swanky Peninsula Chicago sports Chicago’s only <a href="https://www.peninsula.com/en/chicago/special-offers/rooms/peninsula-sky-rink" target="_blank">hotel ice rink</a>, it just so happens to overlook all the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue from its frosty perch on The Terrace. The hotel’s Chalet is stocked with warm beverages and food, and if a private experience with just your family and friends sounds like a plan, you can even request to rent out the entire 2,100-square-foot rink. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $20 each ($10 for kids 12 and under) Hours: Days and hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.peninsula.com/en/chicago/special-offers/rooms/peninsula-sky-rink" target="_blank">here</a>)

The Peninsula Chicago

Sky Rink

Peninsula Sky Rink

A neighborhood favorite, Warren Park houses a well-kept outdoor rink stacked with activities via the Park District, from stick and puck games to ice skating lessons. Pro-tip: The park is conveniently located near Little India, so a <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/best-indian-food-in-chicago" target="_blank">post-skate samosa</a> or two is never far away. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $7 each Hours: Days and hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/warren-park-ice-rink" target="_blank">here</a>)

Warren Park

Don’t let the big guys intimidate you at this massive indoor facility. McFetridge Ice Rink is a year-round sports center that attracts figure skaters, synchronized skaters, and hockey players from all corners of the city. <a href="https://www.mcfetridgesportscenter.com/ice-skating-1/public-skate" target="_blank">Public skate</a> hours are limited and require registration, and if you’re interested in getting a little more involved, be sure to look over their <a href="https://www.mcfetridgesportscenter.com/ice-skating-1/ice-rink-calendar" target="_blank">online schedule</a> for group activities, lessons, leagues, and more. Cost: Tickets run $5 per adult (discounts available); skate rentals run $3 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.mcfetridgesportscenter.com/ice-skating-1/ice-rink-calendar" target="_blank">here</a>)

McFetridge Sports Center

McFetridge Ice Rink

McFetridge Ice Arena

One of the Blackhawks’ practice sites, this community ice rink hosts a wide variety of organized activities and lessons in addition to public skating hours. An added bonus? Order food at Fifth Third Arena Concessions and drinks at Fifth Third Arena Bar for a ready-made date night. Hockey fans should also check the calendar to see when they can catch the pros practicing their moves. Cost: Tickets run $12 per person; skate rentals run $5 each Hours: Days and hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://member.dashplatform.com/#/online/blackhawks/calendar?location=1&amp;start=2021-12-17&amp;end=2022-01-31" target="_blank">here</a>)

Fifth Third Arena

Black Hawk's Community Ice Rink

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/elanor-bock" target="_blank">Elanor Bock</a> is a contributor for Thrillist.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/matt-kirouac" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Matt Kirouac</a>&nbsp;is a travel writer with a passion for national parks, Disney, and food. He's the co-founder and co-host of Hello Ranger, a national parks community blog, podcast, and app. Follow him on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/matt_kirouac/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

Midway Plaisance Ice Rink

Featured In

Where to Go Ice Skating in Chicago This Winter

More From Thrillist

Find Glacial Water, Staggering Cliffs, and Abundant Wildlife at the Best Beaches in SF

Bay Area beaches just hit different.

The 15 Creepiest Abandoned Places in California

These pit stops from the past offer spooky sights to see.

Eat Your Way Through the Best Restaurants in New Orleans

Creole classics, buzzy West African fare, and more.

The Gas Station Chain with a Surprisingly Massive Food Fan Base

The road to adventure is paved with incredible Maverik burritos.

The Most LGBTQ+ Friendly City in Every Red State in America

Definitely do say “gay” in these progressive and welcoming queer-friendly enclaves.

The Best Bars in Miami From Swanky Cigar Lounges to Rooftop Hotspots

Local drinking dens are raising the bar.

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer at a Pet-Friendly Hotel in San Diego

There’s no need to leave your pet at home if you’re traveling to San Diego

Get Lost in the Sauce at the Best Bars in San Francisco Right Now

San Francisco’s best bars include secret speakeasies, botanical delights, and naughty natural wine bars.

The Best San Diego Bar for Every Possible Vibe

San Diego’s best bars include interplanetary hideouts, secret speakeasies, tropical delights, and more.

10 Surprising Things to Do on Treasure Island

There’s quite a lot of fun to be had on this small island in the SF Bay.

Throw Back a Drink at the Best Bars in Las Vegas

We’ve got 15 new places for you to sip and schmooze in Sin City.

Where to Pregame Like a Pro near Arlington’s AT&T Stadium

From tacos and tequila to lagers and lobsters, here’s where to get your fill before hitting the stadium.