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Top picks in San Diego

Candy shops

You have a specific standard for candy that grocery store aisles just do not meet. You want the real thing.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
See's Candies image 1
See's Candies image 2
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Chocolate shop

Black and white decor creates a classic tone in a clean space filled with fragrant chocolate. Busy vibe shows steady love for preservative-free chocolates. Finest dark and milk chocolates delight, with staff offering fresh samples like coconut milk chocolate.

Finest dark and milk chocolates make tummies smile here. Staff serve with cordiality and offer fresh samples like coconut milk chocolate during checkout.

People are saying

"I loved the complimentary chocolate sample offered!"

"I thought the peanut brittle was the best."

"I think the candy here is honestly the best."

Good to know

1

Ask for the 20% off coupon for Easter candy during your visit.

2

You can choose 12 chocolates for a gift box for about $20.

3

A 1-pound box contains 26 pieces of See's Candies.

02
Little Italy Smoke and Vape image 1

Smoke shop blends a chill atmosphere with a wide selection of vapes and international snacks. Find Mexican chips and candy alongside drinks for a fun night. Space feels like a community market with affordable prices and clean layout.

Offers a great assortment of candies from around the world, including Mexican chips and candy. The selection pairs well with drinks and snacks for a good night.

People are saying

"I found a great selection of candies and vapes here."

"It's a great late night spot, open until midnight every day."

"I was encouraged to stop in and say hello to my new local snack stop."

Good to know

1

The shop is open until midnight every day.

2

They have a great selection of international snacks and candies.

3

Prices for vapes and snacks are very competitive.

03
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and warm lodge decor creates a lively, homey vibe. Bacon Candy offers a unique savory-sweet treat that pairs well with desserts. Busy spot needs reservations, blending casual meals with social fun.

Bacon Candy stands out as a unique sweet treat here, often paired with desserts like the S'mores Brownie. The combination of savory and sweet flavors makes it a notable choice among the candy options.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The American Food here, especially the steak, is amazing."

"You have to try the candy bacon; it's my guilty pleasure."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

04
See's Candies Volume Savings image 1

See's Candy shines with great taste and friendly staff who offer a free treat. Ample free parking makes visits easy. The shop feels calm and clean, with luxurious chocolates priced slightly below mall stores.

See's Candy offers a selection that stands out for its great taste. Friendly staff provide helpful advice and a free piece of candy upon entry.

People are saying

"The staff's suggestions for chocolate were all great."

"Phyllis's candy selection advice was extraordinary and helpful."

"I found plenty of easy parking available."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and free at See's Candies Volume Savings.

2

Christmas chocolates are currently 25% off.

3

Some government employees and teachers receive a 10% discount on prepackaged chocolates.

05
Cousin's Candy Shops image 1

Rows of handmade caramels and retro candies fill the shop with vibrant colors and rich aromas. Candymakers work in view, adding craftsmanship and freshness. The lively, nostalgic atmosphere draws both kids and adults alike.

Packed with old-school favorites like Sugar Daddies and Big Hunks, the shop offers a wide variety of candies including sugar-free options and handmade sweets. Watching the candymakers in action adds to the experience, alongside a dedicated section for retro and limited-edition candies.

People are saying

"They have a huge variety of candy, including old-school favorites."

"I loved the chocolates here; they had great quality and freshness."

"You can see them making the fresh, in-house toffee right there."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a wide variety of handmade candies and chocolates.

2

Expect busy crowds on Saturday evenings, especially during peak hours.

3

Most candies are sold by weight, so be prepared for varying prices.

06
Nobibi Convoy image 1
Ice cream shop

Colorful shop offers pink and blue cotton candy made in view. Ice cream topped with cereals and sprinkles delights kids. Spacious seating fits families, while fresh ingredients and Instagrammable decor create a fun, cozy vibe.

Cotton candy comes in pink or blue and different sizes. Kids watch it being made through clear glass while enjoying ice cream topped with cereals and sprinkles.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so smooth and not too sweet."

"The cotton candy here is super fluffy and cute, perfect for sharing."

"The ice cream shop is really cute and great for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider street parking or nearby lots.

2

No cash is accepted; only credit cards and mobile payments are allowed.

3

The menu features a variety of ice cream flavors, milk tea, and cotton candy.

07
IT'SUGAR image 1
Candy store

Bright, colorful space offers a huge candy selection with old school sweets and novelty items. Scooping candy by the pound lets you choose any flavor. Buzzing atmosphere includes pop culture collectibles like Tokidoki, making every visit a fun surprise.

Huge selection of old school candies and novelty items fills the shelves. Scooping candy by the pound lets you pick any flavor or brand you want.

People are saying

"I found an amazing variety of candy from all over the world."

Good to know

1

The store recently hosted a signing event with Tokidoki artist Simone Legno.

2

Fans can meet artists and get signed posters during special events.

3

IT'SUGAR offers a wide variety of candy and novelty items.

08
Balboa Candy image 1
Candy store

Candy store shines with obscure selections and vintage flavors like Cinnamon Roll. Prices are steep, about six times higher than usual. Kids love the small taffys and unique tastes that spark memories.

Offers obscure candy selections and vintage flavors that evoke memories. Prices run high, with candies costing about six times more than typical stores.

People are saying

"You'll find a wide variety of candy, including obscure and vintage flavors."

"Kids loved the atmosphere and the candies here."

Good to know

1

Balboa Candy has a unique selection of obscure candies not found elsewhere.

2

Prices per pound for candy are clearly posted in the store.

3

Expect to pay around $15.80 per pound for most candies.

09
Rust General Store image 1
General store

Shop feels like stepping into a 19th-century general store with wooden shelves and vintage goods. Staff wear era-themed outfits and speak formally, adding to the immersive vibe. Kids enjoy free samples of licorice and butterscotch candy for good behavior.

A variety of candies like licorice, pretzel bites, cake licorice, and butterscotch are available. Employees offer free samples and let kids pick candy for good behavior.

People are saying

"I always bought some candy there to eat while visiting other historic sites."

"The staff's charming old-fashioned outfits really immerse you in the period atmosphere."

"These historical sites really take you back to the 1860s."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the Traditional Tea Service on weekends at 2:30 PM.

2

The store features a private garden for the Traditional Tea Service.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly on weekends.

10
Mitsuwa Marketplace - San Diego image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store offers authentic ramen and fresh sushi in its food court. Shelves boast unique Japanese candies with fun packaging. Clean, organized space includes anime shops and a gaming room for a true Japan vibe.

A wide variety of Japanese candies and snacks fill the shelves, including sweets with action figure packaging similar to those found in Okinawa or Guam. The candy section sits alongside snacks, drinks, and bakery goods for plenty of choices.

People are saying

"This grocery store has authentic Japanese ingredients and specialty items."

"The food court here has fantastic ramen and crepes."

"I found a good selection of candy and Japanese goods."

Good to know

1

Parking can be very challenging, especially during lunch hours.

2

Visit early for the best selection of bento boxes and fresh sushi.

3

Prepared foods are often marked down by half near closing time.

11
Par Liquor image 1
Liquor store

Offers exceptional whiskey and the coldest beer in town alongside a large selection of exotic candies and unique sodas. Staff know regulars well, creating a neighborhood-friendly atmosphere. Open late for convenience and stocked with diverse snacks.

A large selection of exotic candies and snacks fills the shelves. The variety includes many unique sodas and ice creams alongside the candy.

People are saying

"I found the candy snack selection to be the best."

"I found the beer here to be the coldest I ever had."

"It's a great late night spot, always open when you need it."

Good to know

1

Par Liquor is open late, making it convenient for late-night shopping.

2

The store offers a wide variety of liquor, snacks, and candy.

3

Prices at Par Liquor are generally fair and competitive.

12
Hanaya Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate space offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic Japanese music enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy free Japanese candies as unexpected extras, adding a sweet touch. Sushi features fresh, artfully presented fish with a focus on genuine flavors and warm hospitality.

Guests receive various Japanese candies with their meals, often as unexpected extras. The owner and staff frequently include free candy bags and multiple candy types alongside other small treats.

People are saying

"This lunch spot owner gives you thoughtful extras like candy and fruit."

"This dinner spot's chef is so kind and generous with his knowledge."

"The owner gave me a bag of Japanese candy for free."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with no dine-in option available.

2

Prices for sushi are reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours due to limited staff.

13
Lรคderach image 1
Chocolate shop

Premium Swiss chocolates shine with authentic quality and a fancy atmosphere. Truffles and dark candies offer a mild flavor that may not suit all tastes. Prices reflect the imported selection and upscale experience.

Truffles and dark chocolate candies lack strong flavor and taste like plain palm oil. Not every candy matches typical sweet preferences.

People are saying

"I found the chocolate here to be the most delicious I ever ate."

"I highly recommend their nutty chocolate; it's amazing."

"These Swiss truffles are heavenly, truly the best chocolate."

Good to know

1

A quarter pound of chocolate costs about $13, and a pound costs $56.

2

The pralines and truffles are decently priced at about $20 for 8 pieces.

3

Customers should be aware that high-end chocolate stores do not accept returns or exchanges for packaged products.

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San Diego, California

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