Churning up some of the best ice cream spots in San Diego is harder work than it seems. California has over 80,000 self-proclaimed ice cream shops. And San Diego is a hub for cold, tasty treats after a beach day. Here鈥檚 our guide on the 鈥榶ou can鈥檛 miss it鈥�s of soft serve!
Top Shops for SD鈥檚 Best Ice Cream
Several of our honorable mentions are just around the corner from campus and are sure to impress! Whether you have a time gap between classes or need a pick-me-up during another day in America鈥檚 finest city 鈥� we鈥檝e got you covered.
#10. Scoops La Jolla
Beachside for your convenience, has been scooping ice cream since 2018. They pride themselves on creating an environment for SD families and serving the community quality flavors on a sunny day.
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Cold Brew Shake
#9. Salt & Straw
While it may have started in Oregon, has migrated over to Little Italy to give San Diego a wide variety of flavors. Working with local partners, Salt & Straw has successfully created unique flavors that are sure to intrigue (because where else can you find the flavor Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken?). So after a night of dining in Little Italy, it鈥檚 only right to end your night with a sweet treat before making your journey back to campus.
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches
#8. North Park Creamery
Locally owned, organic, and family-run 鈥� earned a place on our list for its unique and rotating flavors. Since opening its doors in June 2021, this ice cream parlor has dedicated itself to serving organic soft serve to all locals. Not in the mood for a sundae? North Park Creamery also serves exceptional coffee that can offer a different kind of 鈥榩颈肠办-尘别-耻辫.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Coconut Ube & Dole Whip Twist
(Image Via )
#7. MooTime Creamery
On Island time? Then you have to pay a visit to this . Whether you鈥檙e testing out their 鈥渕ootacos鈥� 鈥� a delicious taco-shaped waffle cone, or their 鈥渕oopies鈥� 鈥� your choice of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies, you鈥檙e sure to leave with a satisfactory sigh. And don鈥檛 forget to grab a pic with Elvis on your way out!
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Peach Crumble
#6. Mariposa Ice Cream
Normal Heights鈥� local ice cream shop, is another option to satisfy all chilled cravings. Whether it be soft serve, coffee, or sorbet, Mariposa has all bases covered.
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Strawberry Sorbet
#5. The Craft Creamery
Just five minutes down the road, the is known for being a hub for Loma students 鈥� and for good reason. Also the home to Moniker on Rosecrans, this is your one pit stop for creamy ice cream and coffee.
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Scout Mint Brownie
#4. Stella Jean's Ice Cream Point Loma
You can enjoy ice cream in four different San Diego locations! Started on the value of building a strong local community, this ice cream parlor expanded all throughout California to ensure this mission. Whether it be Pacific Beach or Point Loma (depending on where the day takes you), Stella Jean鈥檚 offers timeless flavors that show you why this San Diego ice cream shop needs more than one location.
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Strawberry Oat Crumble
(Image via StellaJeans.com)
#3. The Baked Bear
What started as a homemade bakery project turned into one of San Diego鈥檚 most iconic creameries. This ice cream cookie shop opened its first store in Pacific Beach and since then has earned nationwide recognition for its from-scratch cookie recipes and seasonal ice cream flavors. Visit the PB location of to try customized, ice cream sandwiches that are made for your personal tastes.
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Snickerdoodle Cookie + Churro Ice Cream
#2. Hammond鈥檚 Gourmet Ice Cream
Dubbed as 鈥渉ome of the ice cream flights鈥� never disappoints when it comes to unique flavors! Whether you鈥檙e into classic vanilla or a 鈥淵ippee Skippee鈥� (taken straight from their menu), Hammond鈥檚 will always have something for you. Visit this North Park Creamery to see it for yourself.
Loma鈥檚 Must Try: Door Country Cherry
Join 国产剧麻豆剧 student Nica for a highlight of An's Dry Cleaning in San Diego!
#1. An鈥檚 Dry Cleaning
Confused as to why a dry cleaner is our top pick? An鈥檚 gelato shop opened in a historic dry cleaning building built in 1934. To pay homage to the building鈥檚 roots, the name stuck but the profession didn鈥檛! , is a San Diego favorite for a reason. If you haven鈥檛 been to the San Diego favorite yet, every visit to An鈥檚 begins with a flavor tour of their menu, helping visitors sample their selection (which changes every two weeks!).
Loma鈥檚 Must Try (as of this week): Carbon Fiber
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We All Scream for Ice Cream
From fan favorites to hidden gems, San Diego has a lot to offer for anyone looking for a sweet treat. Make sure to follow along on our social media for more locally-owned shops we highlight in our community. Not in the mood for something sweet? Check out our guide to the best burrito shops in San Diego for a more savory treat!