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Artisan Ice Cream Shops in San Diego, CA

Whether it's a waffle cone tonight or a new favorite to hunt down, here are 167 ice cream in San Diego, California — community-rated, locally owned.

1. Lappert's Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

12265 Scripps Poway Pkwy

2. Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

3077 University Ave

3. Cup of Yo Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 955 Catalina Blvd #104

4. Portside Coffee and Gelato Gelato

2614 Shelter Island Dr

6. DixiePops Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 555 W Beech St Ste 101

8. Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt Frozen Yogurt

1 Park Blvd

9. My Yogurt Frozen Yogurt

542 5th Ave

11. Mondo Gelato Gelato

435 10th Ave

12. Mutual Friend Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

3004 Juniper St

13. Lighthouse Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

5059 Niagara Avenue

14. Scoops La Jolla Artisan Ice Cream

2179 Avenida De La Playa

16. Yogurt Farm Frozen Yogurt

4882 Newport Ave

17. Zoe's Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

734 Ventura Pl

20. Pacific Beach Ice Cream Company Artisan Ice Cream

1010 Grand Ave

22. Uncle Biff's Artisan Ice Cream

910 Grand Ave Ste 108

23. Ocean's Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

707 Reed Ave

25. La Michoacana Estrella Artisan Ice Cream

1418 Garnet Ave

Ice cream shops in San Diego, CA: a local guide

We currently track 25 ice cream shops and parlors serving San Diego, CA in San Diego County.

What ice cream costs in San Diego

A single scoop in San Diego usually runs about $4-$7, with specialty sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a little more than soft-serve chains.

What to look for in an ice cream shop in San Diego

  • Check hours and seasonality — many San Diego scoop shops keep shorter winter hours.
  • For groups or events, ask about pints, cakes, and catering.
  • Look for house-made or small-batch ice cream — San Diego shops that churn their own usually taste fresher.
  • Check for dairy-free, vegan, or no-sugar-added options if you need them.
  • Ask what's seasonal or local — the best shops rotate flavors and use local dairy or fruit.

Questions to ask before you go

  • Do you have gluten-free cones or toppings?
  • Do you make your ice cream in-house?
  • What dairy-free or vegan options do you have?
  • Which flavors are seasonal or local right now?
  • Do you sell pints, cakes, or cater events?

Many San Diego listings also serve hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, and dairy-free options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does ice cream cost in San Diego?

A single scoop in San Diego usually runs about $4 to $7, with sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a bit more than soft-serve chains.

Where can I find dairy-free or vegan ice cream in San Diego?

Many San Diego shops now carry dairy-free, vegan, or sorbet options. Check the listings above and ask, since offerings change with the season.

What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

Gelato has less fat and less air than ice cream, so it is denser with more intense flavor. Several San Diego shops serve both.

Are San Diego ice cream shops open year-round?

Some keep shorter winter hours or close seasonally. Check the hours for the shop you have in mind before you go.

Own an ice cream shop in San Diego?

Claim your shop and get featured → Add photos, hours, and your best flavors, and pin to the top of San Diego.

Scoops near San Diego

Handy links for San Diego and the surrounding area.

Ice cream in nearby towns

La Mesa, CA
7 ice cream · 7 mi
Santee, CA
10 ice cream · 8 mi
Lemon Grove, CA
6 ice cream · 8 mi
El Cajon, CA
14 ice cream · 10 mi
National City, CA
11 ice cream · 11 mi
Coronado, CA
16 ice cream · 12 mi
Del Mar, CA
12 ice cream · 12 mi
Poway, CA
15 ice cream · 12 mi

About San Diego

San Diego official website
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