Ice cream and summer are a match made in heaven!
San Diego is the perfect city for ice cream enthusiasts, our sunny weather nearly demands it! This is why we decided it was time to go on an ice cream reconnaissance mission. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! Luckily we have so many amazing places to choose from! Here are 10 amazing ice cream spots dear and near to San Diegans. We included classic and iconic shops as well as newer and exciting spots, all of which serve fabulous scoops!
1. An’s Hatmakers
Is there anything cuter than a hat-maker-themed gelato shop? This lovely spot serves delicous handmade gelato with the freshest ingredients. They change up their menu every month, so you’ll always have something new to try!
Location: 1555 Camino Del Mar Suite 115, Del Mar, CA 92014
2. JoJo’s Creamery
JoJo’s Creamery is a family-run business in sunny Encinitas’ Lumberyard Shopping Center. All of their ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, waffle cones, and sauces are made from scratch! They have delicous traditional ice cream as well as four vegan flavors. The best is that you’ll get a free regular or gluten-free mini cookie with each ice cream you buy!
Location: 937 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
3. Bing Haus
This Thai-style rolled ice cream shop is a treat for your taste buds and eyes! You’ll see how your chosen flavors transform into intricate rolled-up ice cream. We highly recommend green tea and passion fruit ice cream. They also have delicous soft-serve ice cream and refreshing shaved ice served with red beans, fruits, and condensed milk.
Location: 4425 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
4. Salt & Straw Ice Cream
Salt & Straw was started by cousins Kim and Tyler. With zero ice cream experience, they got to work and have created not only an amazing product but a thoughtful business with the community in mind. They work with local suppliers and are truly a part of their community. This is evident in their unique flavors and the friendly atmosphere when visiting their shops.
Location: 1670 India St, 3705 Caminito Court, Suite 0580
5. Somi Somi
Somisomi is an awesome ice cream place that serves a special Korean dessert known as “Ah-Boong.” This is a fish-shaped waffle cone filled stuffed with your choice of filling and topped with velvety soft serve. This is a unique ice cream experience we highly recommend. The filling inside the teriyaki cone can be either Custard, Nutella, RedBean, Red Bean, and Cream Cheese, or Taro. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?!
Location: 4620 Convoy St, 9168 Mira Mesa Blvd
6. Hammond’s
With over 300 favors, Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream has just about everything an ice cream lover could ever dream of! They are a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Their iconic Hammond’s ice cream flights are a definite must and a fabulous date idea!
Location: 3077 University Ave, 3740 Sports Arena Blvd, Suite 6
7. Mariposa Ice Cream
Mariposa Homemade Ice Cream is located in the heart of Normal Heights in San Diego, California. They make and sell all of their delicious Ice Cream, Sherbet, and Sorbet out of their shop. For the past 21 years, they have been recognized among the Best Ice Cream in San Diego. They are highly respected and require no gimmicks. Just good old-fashioned ice cream, served by the people who make it. We recommend their Mexican Chocolate and Peanut Butter Fudge!
Location: 3450 Adams Avenue
8. Milkissimo Gelato
In Little Italy you’ll find many beautiful places to spend a lovely day out. During these sunny summer days, there’s nothing quite like gelato! Milkissimo gelato is an excellent small gelato shop run by the very popular owner Klaudio. His small business is known for its fantastic, friendly service and excellent gelatos! You should try their Charcoal flavor!
Location: 1640 Camino Del Rio N
9. Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
This small-batch ice cream shop utilizes the best ingredients to produce spectacular. You can now purchase their delicious waffle cones and ice cream pints online to enjoy at home! Their Guava Cream Cheese flavor is the perfect refresher for the summer.
Location: 4404 Park Blvd., San Diego, 270 E. 17th St. Ste.16, Costa Mesa, 4195 Voltaire St., San Diego (Coming Soon)
10. Mutual Friend Ice Cream
Mutual Friends is that cool ice cream shop you wish was around growing up. Or is that us projecting? They serve up small-batch, craft ice cream that is both nostalgic and unique. They love their movie references, and so do we! Check out their Risky Business, coconut and peanut butter ice cream with strawberry jam and salted cracker chunks!
Location: 811 25th St