Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Diego

Ice cream shops

You have a specific standard for what makes a quality ice cream shop.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
User
User
User
Updated
01
Scoops La Jolla Cove image 1
Scoops La Jolla Cove image 2
Scoops La Jolla Cove image 3
View all

Bright shop with ocean view and dog-friendly outdoor seating offers a homey design and plenty of space to relax. Atmosphere stays chill and inviting, with a calm pace and open layout. Visitors enjoy a large selection of dairy-free and vegan options alongside freshly made crepes and creamy ice cream.

Offers a cute setting with a vibe that stands out from typical ice cream shops.

Creamy and flavorful ice cream comes from Van Leeuwen, offered in a variety of great quality flavors. Half scoops are available, making it easy to try more than one.

People are saying

"The ice cream staff here are so friendly and nice."

"You can try two flavors with half scoops at this ice cream shop."

Good to know

1

Scoops La Jolla Cove is open until 10pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

They offer half scoops of ice cream, allowing you to try more flavors.

3

The shop has dog-friendly outdoor seating for pet owners.

02
Handelโ€™s Homemade Ice Cream image 1
Handelโ€™s Homemade Ice Cream image 2
Handelโ€™s Homemade Ice Cream image 3
View all

Small ice cream shop offers old school feel with open windows and outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays pleasant and fun despite busy peak hours. Ice cream features generous portions and a wide variety of homemade flavors.

Offers a delightful array of rich and creamy flavors. Located in a big plaza, the shop serves each scoop with consistent quality.

Creamy texture stands out with a great selection of flavors, including a notable Black Cherry. Service is fast, making it easy to enjoy homemade ice cream treats.

People are saying

"The ice cream here has amazing flavors and a great selection."

"This ice cream shop has a great selection of delicious flavors."

Good to know

1

The shop opens at 11am.

2

This place gets very busy during peak hours.

3

A small cup of ice cream costs $5 for a single flavor.

03
Sunny Scoops image 1
Sunny Scoops image 2
Sunny Scoops image 3
View all

Spacious ice cream shop with outdoor seating and lawn games creates a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Quiet and clean environment invites casual hangouts. Offers non-dairy options alongside a variety of flavors.

Cute little neighborhood spot with a lovely vibe. Offers a local ice cream experience worth supporting.

Creamy texture stands out with rich flavor and excellent variety including non-dairy options. The "Birthday Cake" flavor offers a unique choice among consistently delicious selections.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so creamy and delicious."

"I thought the ice cream here was the creamiest and most delicious."

Good to know

1

Sunny Scoops offers a variety of ice cream flavors, including vegan options.

2

A single scoop costs nearly $6, and a milkshake is about $9 for 16 ounces.

3

Expect small portion sizes; a kiddie scoop is $5.50.

04
An's Electronics Repair image 1
An's Electronics Repair image 2
An's Electronics Repair image 3
View all

Ice cream shop styled like an old electronics repair store with vintage gadgets and flavor listings on TVs. Atmosphere blends nostalgic 90s vibes with a quiet back patio for outdoor seating. Creative scoop sizes and themed decor create a unique, community-connected experience.

Unique flavors stand out with a lineup you won't find elsewhere. The shop features cool decorations and offers great customer service that adds to its distinct atmosphere.

Super creative flavor combinations mix sweet and fruit-forward sorbets. Sampling each flavor on the ice cream tour reveals unique and tasty gelato options.

People are saying

"The ice cream staff is so kind and knowledgeable about flavors."

"This ice cream shop has a unique atmosphere and cool decorations."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

2

Everything is gluten-free, which is important if that is a concern.

3

They offer free samples of all available flavors before you decide.

05
Famous Oasis Ice Cream Parlor image 1
Famous Oasis Ice Cream Parlor image 2
Famous Oasis Ice Cream Parlor image 3
View all

Mexican-inspired ice cream shop offers natural ingredients and a wide variety of unique flavors like Gansito and tamarind sorbet. The atmosphere is casual and family-owned, with a cash-only policy and overpriced servings compared to typical ice cream shops.

Gansito flavor stands out as a unique choice. The ice cream here is consistently great and draws repeat visits.

Smooth, creamy, and flavorful ice cream stands out here, with unique options like Gansito and queso flavors. Ice cream bars and fresh-tasting scoops add to the variety and quality.

People are saying

"This ice cream is the best I've ever had."

"I considered this the best ice cream shop in the region."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash.

2

An ice cream cone with one scoop costs 6 dollars.

3

The shop now offers mini bars for $1.

06
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 1
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 2
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 3
View all

Spacious chocolate shop inside a historic building blends Victorian architecture with modern nightlife energy. The air fills with a rich chocolate aroma, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Plenty of seating offers comfort amid attractive, well-organized chocolate displays.

Classic chocolate and ice cream flavors create a familiar vibe. Vegan options deliver a full ice cream experience. The shop feels like a real ice cream parlor with a fun atmosphere.

Ice cream sundaes blend creamy, rich ice cream with warm, thick fudge. Portions are generous and the ice cream is high quality, making it a delightful dessert experience.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream here delicious and enjoyable."

"The ice cream here is so delicious and smooth."

Good to know

1

The store is open until midnight for late-night visits.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

There is limited parking nearby, so plan to walk a bit.

07
Mutual Friend Ice Cream image 1
Mutual Friend Ice Cream image 2
Mutual Friend Ice Cream image 3
View all

Bright space with string lights and a large neon sign shares room with a coffee shop. Ice cream features unique, ever-changing flavors including vegan and gluten-free options, served with great samples and popular waffle cones. Seating is limited and the interior tends to be hot.

Offers a handful of flavors rather than a full menu. Focuses on quality over quantity in its ice cream selection.

Smooth, creamy ice cream features unique flavors like Ube, Cookies and Goat cheese cream, and cold brew sorbet. The lemon cake with raspberry swirl and dark horse coffee options stand out for their balanced, rich taste.

People are saying

"The ice cream flavors here are so unique and tasty."

"The ice cream shop has delicious and unique flavors."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, but can be tricky during busy afternoons and weekends.

2

The menu features a rotating selection of unique flavors.

3

Expect limited seating, with only a few seats available.

Discover more

San Diego, California

Area guide