From funky small-batch gelaterias to shops serving giant scoops at the beach, San Diego brings serious flavor game to the ice cream world. Whether you like soft serve stuffed in crispy taiyaki cones, gooey Ghirardelli fudge, or tropical twists with ube and mango, this sunny city truly has a scoop for everyone. Get ready to plan your next frozen adventure with this guide to the top local ice cream shops.
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Salt & Straw: Wild Flavors, Always Fresh
Salt & Straw delights with farm-fresh ingredients from California, crafting imaginative flavors that push boundaries. Expect wild, seasonal creations alongside beloved classics at their lively Little Italy, La Joll and Del Mar area.
Their limited-edition options change frequently, inviting you to sample something new with each visit. Staff are eager to share the stories behind every scoop, making the experience personal and fun.
Inspired by local produce and a love of invention, Salt & Straw turns each visit into a treat for your senses. Our favorite flavor is the Gooey Chocolate Brownie.
Frostie’s PB: Beach Vibes & Classic Dips
Frostie’s PB brings timeless charm to Pacific Beach with its nostalgic walk-up window and retro signage. Just steps from the ocean, the scent of saltwater mixes with anticipation for those iconic, chocolate-dipped cones—simple, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
Affordable prices and genuinely friendly service reinforce the classic American vibe, making this spot a favorite for locals and surfers alike. Grab a cone after catching waves or strolling at sunset, and savor a taste of San Diego’s laid-back, sun-kissed sweetness.
Stella Jean’s Ice Cream: Creativity in a Cone
Stella Jean’s Ice Cream transforms sweet cravings into a global adventure through inventive flavors like ube pandesal, mango sticky rice, and Vietnamese coffee. The ever-changing menu celebrates the best of each season, weaving local ingredients into creative blends that surprise and delight.
Don’t miss their ice cream sandwiches—thick scoops nestled between homemade cookies—offering a playful twist on the nostalgic treat. The bright, welcoming shop makes everyone feel at home, drawing neighbors and curious foodies alike into its inviting embrace.
An’s Dry Cleaning: Award-Winning Gelato
Stepping into this retro-themed parlor, you’re greeted by playful fabric nods—scoops go by names like canvas (olive oil and rosemary) and velour (caramel, salt, chocolate).
The ever-changing small-batch menu ensures each visit offers something new, with flavors always incredibly rich and creamy. National acclaim followed, as the shop was even named the country’s top indie ice cream stop by a major publication.
Unique décor paired with imaginative gelato makes this spot a must on San Diego’s dessert map.
Mutual Friend: Local Love in Every Scoop
Tucked in Golden Hill, Mutual Friend reveres the art of restraint, spotlighting a dozen or so rotating flavors that celebrate the season. Smoked banana cream or wild strawberry balsamic tempt regulars and newcomers alike.
The vibe is always friendly—no rush, no fuss, just neighbors savoring simple pleasures. Each scoop feels curated for the community, making you want to linger on the patio just a bit longer. It’s quality over quantity, and every visit tastes like home.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Flavor Reimagined
A treat for both loyal fans and new converts, this nationally beloved scoop shop has carved a niche in San Diego’s vibrant scene. The Carlsbad and North Park outposts boast a bright, open atmosphere—perfect for lingering over inventive flavors like wildberry lavender or brambleberry crisp.
Driven by a devotion to original recipes and stellar ingredients, each visit feels like a discovery. The cheerful, modern design mingles with a sense of adventure, drawing locals back for bold, ever-changing tastes.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: Supersized Scoops After Dark
Handel’s is a favorite among locals for its legendary, oversized scoops and a menu that never stops growing. With over 40 flavors on rotation—including can’t-miss picks like Graham Central Station and blueberry cheesecake—there’s always something new to try.
Evenings buzz with energy as families and friends gather, taking advantage of late-night hours to indulge. Each San Diego location radiates a friendly, community feel, making it the perfect place to satisfy an after-dark sweet tooth and share towering cones.
Mariposa Ice Cream: Nostalgic Classics Perfected
Step inside Mariposa Ice Cream and you’re greeted by a retro setting that feels straight out of a neighborhood past. Known for classic flavors like banana nut bread and strawberry, each scoop is rich, creamy, and perfectly textured, a tribute to traditional recipes.
Locals flock here for a taste of simpler times, returning again and again for old-school favorites crafted just right. The warm, vintage charm and unwavering quality make every visit feel like a cherished tradition.
North Park Creamery: Secret Soft Serve Surprises
Tucked in a lively corner, North Park Creamery puts its own spin on soft serve magic. Every cone starts with impossibly smooth, rich swirls, then gets dressed up with creative, homemade toppings—from browned butter streusel to tangy fruit clusters.
Regulars rave about the secret menu’s hot fudge stuffed cones, featuring gooey chocolate hidden beneath the ice cream. The menu is compact, but each offering is thoughtfully balanced. Warm smiles and a neighborhood spirit make every visit feel like a local secret worth sharing.
SomiSomi: Soft Serve with a Sweet Twist
Dive into a dreamy blend of Korean-inspired soft serve wrapped in whimsical, golden fish-shaped cones. Flavors like velvety ube, earthy matcha, and toasted black sesame steal the spotlight, inviting you to try something new each visit.
Pair your swirl with mochi bites, sweet custard cores, or even red bean for extra delight. Every treat is meticulously styled, making each cone a photogenic masterpiece. With cheerful service, this spot delights not just your taste buds but your feed, too.
Oasis Ice Cream Parlor: Fruity and Dairy-Free Delights
Oasis Ice Cream Parlor stands out in San Diego for its generous variety of fruity, non-dairy, and vegan treats. Their Italian ices, soft and bursting with real fruit flavor, are especially popular—orange is a local favorite, offering a zesty lift.
The mango chamoy cups are another hit: tropical sweetness meets a tangy, spicy swirl for a vibrant, refreshing snack. With so many creative, dairy-free options, this parlor satisfies both traditionalists and adventurous eaters seeking something light and cool.
Pacific Beach Ice Cream: Homemade by the Seaside
Just steps from the boardwalk, Pacific Beach Ice Cream tempts locals and visitors with their creamy, made-in-house flavors. Every batch is spun fresh, resulting in ultra-smooth scoops that draw lines after a sun-soaked day.
Warm smiles from the staff add to the charm, making it easy to linger over creative seasonal specials like tangy honey-lavender or classic vanilla bean. The cozy, beachy vibe makes this spot a beloved detour for anyone craving a sweet, chill ending after their ocean adventures.
