Looking for the best ice cream in san diego? This is the ultimate guide….from a local family.
There's nothing like great ice cream on a sunny day. Add in great ice cream after a beach day in San Diego? It's a formula for the perfect southern california experience.
San Diego, with its sunny climate and vibrant food scene, is pretty much a paradise for ice cream lovers. From classic flavors to fun and unique flavors , our city boasts a wide range of ice cream parlors. I can guarantee, that they are sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. From La Jolla to north county…..these are some of the BEST spots to visit.
best ice cream in san diego
Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream
Nestled in North Park, Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream is a local favorite renowned for its artisanal creations. Using high-quality local ingredients and time-tested techniques, Hammond's offers a delectable array of flavors. The flavors range from traditional favorites like chocolate and vanilla to innovative combinations like lavender honey and Thai tea. With generous portions and a cozy atmosphere, Hammond's is a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts.
Salt & Straw
Originally hailing from Portland, Salt & Straw has made a name for itself in San Diego with its imaginative flavors and commitment to sustainability. Using organic and locally sourced ingredients, they craft unique sweet treat options that push the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Some of their unique ice cream flavors include sea salt with caramel ribbons, honey lavender, and strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper. Don't be surprised if you find yourself returning for more of their irresistible scoops…. salt & straw is a gem! And bonus? They also have great vegan options and flavors!
Bobboi Natural Gelato
Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, Bobboi Natural Gelato captivates ice cream lovers with its authentic Italian gelato. Handcrafted daily in small batches, their gelato is made using organic ingredients. It's amazing flavors are a true reflection of their commitment to quality. With delightful options like pistachio, stracciatella, and blood orange sorbet, Bobboi offers a refreshing taste of Italy right in San Diego.
Mariposa Ice Cream
Mariposa Ice Cream, a charming family-owned parlor in Normal Heights, has been serving up delightful scoops for over 50 years. Their time-honored recipes have won the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From classics like mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream and peanut butter to unique flavors like horchata and avocado, mariposa homemade ice cream offers a nostalgic experience with a touch of innovation. Don't forget to try their famous waffle cones for an extra special treat.
iDessert by Jean-Philippe
For those seeking an interactive and visually stunning ice cream experience, iDessert by Jean-Philippe in Little Italy is a must-visit. Created by world-renowned pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury, this avant-garde dessert shop combines technology and artistry to create one-of-a-kind ice cream treats. Customers can personalize their desserts by selecting the base, creative flavors , and toppings using a touchscreen. The end result is a delectable masterpiece that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Sundae's at the Del
No visit to San Diego would be complete without indulging in a decadent sundae at Sundae's at the Del. This adorable ice cream shop is located inside the historic Hotel del Coronado. This iconic ice cream parlor offers a delightful selection of sundaes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. From the classic hot fudge sundae to inventive creations like the Del Signature Sundae with caramel popcorn, whipped cream, and a cherry on top, each treat is expertly crafted to perfection.
They also have amazing options from holy paleta that are one of kind! The charming seaside setting and the rich history of the hotel add an extra touch of magic. So, sit back, relax, and savor every spoonful of delight at Sundae's at the Del. You'll see how timeless elegance meets indulgent ice cream goodness!
Sweet Shoppe at Belmont Park
Nestled in the vibrant Belmont Park, the Sweet Shoppe is a beloved destination for ice cream enthusiasts of all ages. This charming parlor boasts a nostalgic atmosphere that harks back to old-fashioned sweet shops. Step inside and be transported to a bygone era filled with candy jars, colorful treats, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly made waffle cones. The Sweet Shoppe offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors. Visitors can create their own dreamy sundaes or enjoy a classic scoop. Whether you're strolling along the boardwalk or enjoying the rides at Belmont Park, a visit to the Sweet Shoppe is a delightful way to top off a fun day in San Diego. Indulge in the timeless charm and scrumptious flavors that make the Sweet Shoppe at Belmont Park a sweet destination for ice cream lovers.
Mr. Trustee Creamery
Tucked away in the heart of San Diego's Convoy Street, mr. trustee creamery is a hidden gem that is sure to delight ice cream fans. This artisanal creamery takes pride in their small-batch, handcrafted ice cream creations that showcase unique and inventive flavors. From their signature Black Sesame and Matcha flavors to seasonal offerings like Honey Lavender and Ube Taro, mr. trustee creamery continually surprises and delights with their imaginative combinations (don't sleep on their seasonal flavors ) . The attention to detail and quality ingredients result in exceptionally smooth and creamy ice cream that keeps customers coming back for more. With its cozy and inviting vibes, Mr. Trustee Creamery is the perfect spot to enjoy a scoop of their extraordinary ice cream. You'll love the space to savor the unique flavors that make this place a must-visit for ice cream fans in San Diego.
Stella Jean's Ice Cream
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Stella Jean's Ice Cream is an adorable ice cream parlor. It truly captures the essence of artisanal ice cream making. This family-owned business prides itself on using premium ingredients and creating small-batch ice creams that are bursting with flavor. From classic favorites like chocolate and strawberry to more creative flavor like honey lavender and salted caramel pretzel, Stella Jean's offers a diverse range of flavors to satisfy every palate.
What sets this ice cream parlor apart is their commitment to incorporating local and seasonal ingredients. It results in truly unique and fresh creations. With its charming storefront and inviting ambiance, Stella Jean's provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a scoop or two of their handcrafted ice cream. It's no wonder that locals and visitors alike flock to Stella Jean's for a taste of their delicious frozen treats in the heart of Little Italy.
Baked Bear
When it comes to finding in the ultimate ice cream sandwich experience, Baked Bear in San Diego takes the cake. Located in Pacific Beach, this popular dessert spot allows customers to create their own custom ice cream sandwiches. Customers love using freshly baked cookies, brownies, and even doughnuts as the delectable bookends. With a ton of cookie flavors, ice cream options, and an array of tempting toppings, the possibilities are endless.
From classic combinations like chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream to more adventurous pairings like red velvet brownies with mint chocolate chip ice cream, Baked Bear ensures that each creation is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. Step into Baked Bear and unleash your creativity. Plus you'll love sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious ice cream sandwich. I promise, it will have you coming back for more. This is one of the best places for a celebration or a fun treat!
San Diego's ice cream scene is a paradise for frozen treat enthusiasts. Whether you prefer classic flavors or crave unique combinations, the city offers a ton of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. From artisanal creations at Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream to unique flavors at Salt & Straw and Bobboi Natural Gelato's authentic Italian offerings, San Diego has something for everyone. Mariposa Ice Cream's timeless delights and iDessert by Jean-Philippe's fancy treats round out the city's ice cream offerings, providing unforgettable experiences that will leave you craving more. So, grab a cone, savor each yummy bite, and explore the diverse and delicious world of San Diego's delicious ice cream options.
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