1. Mission Street Ice Cream & Yogurt Artisan Ice Cream
201 West Mission Street
3. The Lovin' Spoonful Artisan Ice Cream
2028 Cliff Drive
4. Monkeyshine Artisan Ice Cream
121 E Yanonali St
5. Great Pacific Ice Cream Co Artisan Ice Cream
219 Stearns Wharf
7. Rolld Ice Cream Rolled Ice Cream
819 State Street
8. Mangione's Italian Ice Italian Ice & Shaved Ice
1222 State Street
9. Rori's Organic Creamery Artisan Ice Cream
1421 Mountain Ave
10. Sweet Creams Artisan Ice Cream
607 Paseo Nuevo
12. Von Hoppen Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
1525 State St Ste 203
13. La Michoacana Premier Artisan Ice Cream
21 N Milpas St
14. Sweet Creams Artisan Ice Cream
651 Paseo Nuevo
16. Harbor Snack Shack Artisan Ice Cream
305 West Cabrillo Boulevard
17. Haas’s Fine Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
3987 State Street
18. Baskin-Robbins Artisan Ice Cream
3611 1/2 State St
19. Cold Stone Creamery Artisan Ice Cream
504 State Street
20. Ben & Jerry's Artisan Ice Cream
305 Paseo Nuevo
21. Yogurtland Santa Barbara Frozen Yogurt
621 State St
Ice cream shops in Santa Barbara, CA: a local guide
We currently track 21 ice cream shops and parlors serving Santa Barbara, CA in Santa Barbara County.
What ice cream costs in Santa Barbara
A single scoop in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara
- 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 Santa Barbara 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 — Santa Barbara shops that churn their own usually taste fresher.
Questions to ask before you go
- Do you sell pints, cakes, or cater events?
- What are your hours this time of year?
- 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?
Many Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?
A single scoop in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?
Many Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara shops serve both.
Are Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara: the local scoop
Where's the best ice cream in Santa Barbara?
The shops above are the independent, small-batch spots in and around Santa Barbara — 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara scoop shop isn't listed, add it here.
GelatoFrozen CustardSoft ServeFrozen YogurtSorbet & VeganRolled Ice CreamIce Cream CakesItalian Ice
Scoops near Santa Barbara
More around Santa Barbara, CA: nearby towns and local resources.
Ice cream in nearby towns
About Santa Barbara
Things to do in Santa Barbara