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Best of San Diego

Ice cream shops

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

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Scoops La Jolla Cove image 1
Scoops La Jolla Cove image 2
Scoops La Jolla Cove image 3
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Ice cream shop

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

"These crepes are so tasty and made right in front of you."

"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
Stella Jean's Ice Cream Pacific Beach image 1

Ice cream shop offers unique, bold flavors with many gluten-free and vegan options. Space feels casual and welcoming with both indoor air-conditioned seating and an outdoor patio. The vibe is fun and relaxed, attracting people looking for a tasty treat in a friendly setting.

Offers a variety of unique flavors that stand out. Every scoop delivers consistent quality and taste.

Ube pandesal and mango sticky rice stand out as unique ice cream flavors here. The ice cream is exceptionally creamy with clean, bold flavors and no artificial additives.

People are saying

"The ice cream here has such unique and rich flavors, like ube toffee."

"The berry lemon hand pie was so fresh and sweet."

"I loved trying flavors like ube and mango sticky rice at this ice cream shop."

Good to know

1

They offer many gluten-free and non-dairy options.

2

The ice cream servings include split scoops for variety.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

03
Sunday Ice Cream image 1
Ice cream shop

Small shop offers unique Asian-inspired flavors with homemade waffle cones and free samples. Warm, cozy atmosphere features artistic decor and a quick-moving line despite crowds. Customers enjoy premium ingredients and a casual, mom-and-pop vibe.

Small and clean shop offers a wide mix of unique flavors. The ice cream is homemade with amazing taste options.

Unique Asian-inspired flavors like ube, matcha, and pandan stand out with creamy, tasty textures. Custom options such as Honey Jujube and Mango Passion Fruit add variety to the homemade ice cream selection.

People are saying

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

"It's a cozy ice cream shop with artistic decor and a wide mix of flavors."

"This ice cream shop has amazing flavors like taro and strawberry milk."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging during peak hours, but a garage is nearby.

2

The location is small, so seating is limited.

3

Sunday Ice Cream is open late at night.

04
Nobibi Convoy image 1
Ice cream shop

Colorful ice cream shop with Instagrammable decor and clear glass displays showing cotton candy and ice cream making. Atmosphere is cozy and welcoming but can be loud due to music. Spacious seating area suits families and groups, with a focus on fun, unique desserts and fresh ingredients.

Spacious layout with plenty of seating makes it easy to relax while enjoying ice cream. The shop features a beautiful decoration that adds to the overall experience.

Soft serves stand out with creamy texture and potent coffee flavor. Unique flavors like avocado, taro, biscoff, and dalgona offer a fun and carefully crafted ice cream experience.

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 here is delicious, velvety, and creamy."

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.

05
An's Electronics Repair image 1

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."

"The flavors here are so unique and delicious."

"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.

06
Handelโ€™s Homemade Ice Cream image 1

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."

"The strawberry cheesecake and Cookie Monster flavors are a kid-friendly hit."

"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.

07
Sunny Scoops image 1
Ice cream shop

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 found so many great Dairy Free flavors here."

"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.

08
Scoops Ocean Beach image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers wide variety of vegan and dairy flavors with sampling allowed to help choose. Atmosphere suits date night or after dinner dessert with a clean, well-maintained space. Crowds vary, often busy but quiet late evening.

A cute little ice cream parlor recently opened in the area. It offers a cozy spot to enjoy ice cream without the long lines found nearby.

Ice cream here uses very high quality ingredients and offers rich, creamy flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and honeycomb. Vegan options taste like real chocolate, and the blue jasmine passionfruit swirl stands out.

People are saying

"The pistachio ice cream here tastes like real pistachios."

"These crepes are so delicious, especially with strawberries and chocolate."

"The ice cream here is rich, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Scoops Ocean Beach offers gluten-free and vegan options.

2

The vegan ice cream costs $7.25 for one scoop.

3

They allow sampling of as many flavors as you want.

09
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 1

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

"Their chocolate sundaes are a real treat."

"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.

10
Famous Oasis Ice Cream Parlor image 1

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 loved their Gansito flavor; it brought back memories of my grandma's house."

"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.

11
Mutual Friend Ice Cream image 1

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 vegan ice cream flavors here are unique and taste very good."

"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.

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