1. Tifa Chocolate & Gelato Gelato
1029 Chorro Street
2. Nite Creamery Artisan Ice Cream
570 Higuera Street
4. Perfect Scoop Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
S. Higuera St
5. Snofari Frozen Yogurt Frozen Yogurt
1352 Madonna Road
8. SLO Sweets Artisan Ice Cream
1020 Court Street
9. Ziggy's Artisan Ice Cream
594 California Boulevard
10. Splendor Artisan Ice Cream
1000 Railroad Avenue
11. Teaberry Frozen Yogurt Café Frozen Yogurt
847 Higuera St
12. The Milkshake Company Artisan Ice Cream
663 Osos St
13. Insomnia Cookies Artisan Ice Cream
22 Chorro Street
14. Yogurt Creations Frozen Yogurt
1075 Court St Ste 130
16. McConnell's Fine Ice Creams Artisan Ice Cream
868 Monterey
17. Batch Artisan Ice Cream
18. SLO Maid Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
San Luis Obispo, CA
19. Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab Artisan Ice Cream
860 Higuera St
20. Doc Bernstein's Ice Cream Lab Artisan Ice Cream
860 Higuera Street
Ice cream shops in San Luis Obispo, CA: a local guide
We currently track 20 ice cream shops and parlors serving San Luis Obispo, CA in San Luis Obispo County.
What ice cream costs in San Luis Obispo
A single scoop in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo
- Ask what's seasonal or local — the best shops rotate flavors and use local dairy or fruit.
- Read reviews for portion size and freshness, not just the flavor list.
- Check hours and seasonality — many San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo shops that churn their own usually taste fresher.
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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo?
A single scoop in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo?
Many San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo shops serve both.
Are San Luis Obispo 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.
Ice cream in San Luis Obispo: the local scoop
Where's the best ice cream in San Luis Obispo?
The shops above are the independent, small-batch spots in and around San Luis Obispo — no chains. The order reflects community ratings, so the more people rate, the better it gets. Tried one? Give it a rating.
Gelato, custard, or classic scoop?
Use the category chips to filter San Luis Obispo shops by gelato, frozen custard, soft serve, sorbet and dairy-free, and rolled ice cream — whatever you're craving.
Know a spot we're missing?
This directory is built from open data and grows with the community. If a great San Luis Obispo scoop shop isn't listed, add it here.
GelatoFrozen CustardSoft ServeFrozen YogurtSorbet & VeganRolled Ice CreamIce Cream CakesItalian Ice
Scoops near San Luis Obispo
More around San Luis Obispo, CA: nearby towns and local resources.
Ice cream in nearby towns
About San Luis Obispo
Things to do in San Luis Obispo