Ice skating?

Can someone give me the lowdown on skating—like figure skating, speed skating, synchronized skating, all of that?

I’ve been dying to get into figure skating, but I’m stuck living in
San Francisco, where there aren't any actual skating clubs to join...😢...plus, the local rink is only open for a couple of months out of the year...
...so that's great.
Does anyone know if there's a way to practice or learn without being part of an official club?
And honestly, what age should you start if you want to actually take it seriously?

Please, let me know if you guys have any info!!!! 👋