I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Written By: LOCALE Editors Best Ice Cream SoCal
Nothing beats a cold ice cream treat on a hot summer day. While the entire month of July is National Ice Cream Month, July 19 is National Ice Cream Day! To celebrate, we’ve rounded up the best local ice cream shops in Southern California. Whether you’re into classic vanilla or a sweet vegan treat, put a cherry on top of your day and indulge in creamy goodness!
Los Angeles Best Ice Cream SoCal
Salt & Straw
Location: Los Angeles (Larchmont, Venice Beach, Arts District, Studio City) and San Diego (Little Italy, Del Mar)
July 19 Deal: Buy three pints, receive one free with pick-up or local delivery from scoop shops!
Why We Love it: Salt & Straw consistently boasts new, unique flavors that never disappoint. Their new Birthday Cakes and Blackberries flavor will take you back to childhood (think rainbow sprinkles and double vanilla ice cream) while the new Meyer Lemon and Blueberries vegan flavor will transport you to coastal Italy.
COOLHAUS
Location: Culver City (currently only available on Postmates and UberEats), available in select stores
Why We Love it: COOLHAUS offers premium cookie sandwiches and ice cream pints made with real ingredients (dairy-free options also available). It is a women-founded brand on a mission to empower women and rethink industries.
Van Leeuwen
Location: The Point El Segundo, Culver City, Franklin Village, Silver Lake, The Arts District
July 19 Deal: 100% of sundae sales will be donated to Color Of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, to support their mission of inspiring decision-makers in corporations and government to create a less hostile world for Black people in America.
Why We Love it: Van Leeuwen is delicious, creamy ice cream made with real, wholesome ingredients. Flavors include peanut butter brownie chip, vegan caramelized banana praline and honeycomb. Mmmm!
Pressed Juicery
Location: Multiple locations in OC, LA and SD
July 19 Deal: 50% off their Freeze and frozen mini cups all day!
Why We Love it: A plant-based freeze made with real ingredients, topped with delicious almond butter, vegan gummy bears and blueberries hits the spot.
Orange County Best Ice Cream SoCal
Afters Best Ice Cream SoCal
Location: Multiple locations in OC, LA and SD
Why We Love it: Afters offers crazy, creative handcrafted ice cream concoctions that are perfect for indulging! Afters is home of The Milky Bun, a warm glazed bun stuffed with cold ice cream—your sweet tooth will thank you.
Han’s Homemade Ice Cream
Location: Santa Ana, Anaheim, Huntington Beach
Why We Love it: Han’s Homemade Ice Cream has been serving the Orange County community since 1972. Classic and signature flavors are made with rich cream from local dairies. Satisfy your ice cream craving with something savory on a warm summer day!
Popbar Best Ice Cream SoCal
Location: Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Arcadia, Rancho Cucamonga, Torrance
Why We Love it: Classic with a twist is what Popbar is best known for. Handcrafted gelato, sorbet and yogurt with a variety of toppings, such as rainbow sprinkles, pistachios and dark chocolate, will have the whole family smiling.
San Diego Best Ice Cream SoCal
BING HAUS
Locations: Carlsbad, Kearny Mesa
Why We Love it: You’ve got to try the Ice Cream by the Sea—a fish-shaped waffle filled with soft serve and fruit! Pair it with one of their delicious coffees.
Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Locations: North Park, Point Loma
Why We Love it: You can sample two to six flavors, each scooped on individual mini cones, or you can order a flight of 32 flavors and try every single one!
The Baked Bear
Locations: Pacific Beach, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Hermosa Beach, Burbank
Why We Love it: Decadent ice cream cookie sandwiches—wear your stretchy pants!
Mr. Trustee Creamery
Location: Mission Hills
July 19 Deal: $1 per sale will be donated to Ice Cream for Change, a platform of ice cream lovers and makers advocating for social change and civic action.
