California is home to sunshine, palm trees, and some of the most creative ice cream in the country. From artisanal small-batch makers to iconic creameries with cult followings, the Golden State is a paradise for dessert lovers. Whether you’re chasing rich classics, vegan delights, or Instagram-worthy scoops, these 15 ice cream shops are unmissable in 2025.
1. Salt & Straw – Multiple Locations (Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area)
Salt & Straw isn’t just an ice cream shop—it’s an experience in flavor creativity. Known for its rotating seasonal menu, this Portland-born brand has become a California favorite, offering everything from Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons to wild combinations like Pear & Blue Cheese.
Inventive, chef-driven flavors
High-quality, locally sourced ingredients
Seasonal collaborations with local artisans
Vegan-friendly options
- Locations: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and more
- Visit Salt & Straw
- Tip: Always ask for a tasting flight—you can try up to four flavors before deciding.
2. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – Santa Barbara & Statewide
Founded in 1949 in Santa Barbara, McConnell’s has been perfecting the art of ice cream for over seven decades. Using Central Coast dairy and small-batch production, their texture is ultra-creamy, and the flavors are timeless.
Iconic California brand with a loyal following
Flavors like Eureka Lemon & Marionberries and Turkish Coffee
100% pasture-grazed dairy for a rich, natural taste
Now available in scoop shops and grocery stores
- Locations: Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Studio City, and more
- Explore McConnell’s
- Tip: If you can, visit the original Santa Barbara shop—it’s as classic as the ice cream.
3. Smitten Ice Cream – San Francisco & Oakland
At Smitten, your ice cream is made right in front of you using liquid nitrogen for an ultra-smooth texture. Founded with a patented ice cream machine inside a red wagon, Smitten has grown into a Bay Area institution for foodies and tech lovers alike.
Made-to-order ice cream in minutes
No preservatives—just fresh, natural ingredients
Seasonal flavors like Brown Sugar with Cinnamon Shortbread
Sleek, modern shop design
- Locations: San Francisco, Oakland, Lafayette
- Check Smitten Ice Cream
- Tip: Their Brookies ‘n Cream flavor is a cult favorite—don’t skip it.
4. Cream – Berkeley & Statewide
Famous for their custom ice cream sandwiches, Cream (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me) lets you choose your cookie and ice cream combo for a personalized treat. With generous portions and affordable prices, it’s a hit with students and families.
Endless cookie + ice cream combinations
Vegan and dairy-free options available
Warm, freshly baked cookies made daily
Fun, casual vibe perfect for groups
- Locations: Berkeley, Davis, Fresno, San Jose, and more
- Visit Cream
- Tip: Add toppings like hot fudge or sprinkles for the ultimate Instagram shot.
5. Afters Ice Cream – Southern California
Known for pushing dessert boundaries, Afters Ice Cream gained fame for its Milky Bun—a warm donut stuffed with ice cream. Their colorful, playful branding matches their bold flavor combinations.
Innovative creations like Cookie Monster and Jasmine Milk Tea
Unique Milky Bun dessert
Instagram-worthy presentation
Fun, upbeat atmosphere
- Locations: Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego
- Explore Afters Ice Cream
- Tip: Visit during off-peak hours—lines can get long on weekends.
6. The Penny Ice Creamery – Santa Cruz
If you love ice cream with a farm-to-table twist, The Penny Ice Creamery is a must-visit. This artisan shop uses organic dairy and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, often from nearby farms in Santa Cruz County. You’ll find unique flavors like Meyer Lemon Sorbet, Burnt Caramel, and seasonal fruit swirls. The vibe is small-town friendly, and you can even peek into their kitchen through a big window to see how everything is made.
7. Humphry Slocombe – San Francisco
Humphry Slocombe has become a San Francisco legend for its bold, quirky flavors. This isn’t your typical ice cream shop — think Secret Breakfast (bourbon + cornflakes), Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, and Toasted White Chocolate. The shop has a cool, urban vibe, perfect for foodies who love trying something unexpected.
8. Salt & Straw – Los Angeles (Larchmont & Arts District)
Originally from Portland, Salt & Straw has made a huge splash in LA with its creative and collaborative flavor approach. Each month features special flavors inspired by local chefs, farmers, and artisans. Crowd favorites include Honey Lavender, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, and seasonal specials like Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake.
9. Afters Ice Cream – Irvine
Known for its colorful aesthetic and “Milky Bun” (ice cream sandwiched inside a warm glazed donut), Afters Ice Cream has become an Instagram sensation. Popular flavors include Cookie Monster, Jasmine Milk Tea, and Mango Sticky Rice. The shop’s vibe is fun, youthful, and perfect for dessert lovers who want a sweet photo-op.
10. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – Santa Barbara
With a history dating back to 1949, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams is California ice cream royalty. They handcraft their flavors using Central Coast milk and cream, without artificial additives. Classics like Double Peanut Butter Chip, Salted Caramel Chip, and Eureka Lemon & Marionberries are rich, creamy, and unforgettable.
11. Lappert’s Ice Cream – Sausalito
A Hawaiian-inspired gem in Northern California, Lappert’s Ice Cream serves tropical flavors alongside classics. You’ll find scoops of Kauai Pie, Kona Coffee, and Coconut Macadamia Nut, all made in small batches. The shop’s bright, beachy vibe feels like a mini vacation by the Bay.
12. Sweet Rose Creamery – Los Angeles
Tucked into Brentwood Country Mart and other LA neighborhoods, Sweet Rose Creamery specializes in small-batch, organic ice cream made from scratch daily. Their flavors change with the seasons — think Roasted Strawberry in summer or Pumpkin in fall — alongside classics like Fresh Mint Chip.
13. Smitten Ice Cream – San Francisco
Smitten Ice Cream stands out for its made-to-order approach, using liquid nitrogen to churn your ice cream fresh in front of you. This results in an ultra-creamy texture and intense flavor. The menu often features creative combos like TCHO Chocolate and Earl Grey with Chocolate Chips.
14. Gunther’s Ice Cream – Sacramento
A Sacramento staple since 1940, Gunther’s Ice Cream is known for its classic, old-fashioned charm and high-quality ingredients. The shop’s signature “Fruit Freeze” — a refreshing blend of ice cream and fruit sorbet — is a local favorite, especially during hot Central Valley summers.
15. Mitchell’s Ice Cream – San Francisco
Serving San Franciscans since 1953, Mitchell’s Ice Cream is beloved for its tropical flavors inspired by the owners’ Filipino heritage, like Ube (purple yam), Macapuno (coconut), and Mango. They also serve classics like Chocolate and Cookies & Cream, all made with rich, high-quality dairy.
Final Scoop
From the craftsmanship of McConnell’s to the wild creativity of Afters, California’s ice cream scene offers something for every taste. In 2025, these shops aren’t just about dessert—they’re about stories, community, and flavors you won’t forget.
If you’re planning a California road trip, try visiting at least two of these spots—you might just find your new favorite scoop.
FAQ
Q1: Which shop is best for unique flavors?
Salt & Straw and Afters lead the pack in creativity.
Q2: Are there vegan options?
Yes—Salt & Straw, Cream, and Smitten all have dairy-free flavors.
Q3: What’s the most Instagrammable dessert?
Afters’ Milky Bun wins for presentation and originality.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
