The days are long, the temperatures are high, and families are squeezing every last drop out of summer. From nostalgic soft serve and handcrafted gelato to Persian ice cream and hidden gems, these North County favorites are worth a stop before the school bells ring.
Classic Summer Stops
Solana Frosty
Part nostalgic roadside stand, part modern ice cream shop, Solana Frosty serves soft serve, hard-scoop ice cream, milkshakes, shave ice, dirty drinks, boba and more. It delivers the charm of an old-fashioned summer ice cream stop with an updated menu that keeps families coming back year after year.
124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Suite 101, Solana Beach
Gelato 101
A longtime North County favorite serving authentic Italian gelato made with natural ingredients, organic products whenever possible, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Pair it with an espresso before strolling Highway 101.
153 N. Highway 101, Solana Beach
Bacio di Latte
Born from two brothers who traveled Italy learning the secrets of traditional gelato-making, Bacio di Latte serves creamy Milan-style gelato made fresh daily using authentic Italian recipes.
2650 Via de la Valle, Flower Hill Promenade, Del Mar
Cali Cream
With more than 70 homemade flavors and vegan options made fresh daily, Cali Cream has become an Encinitas tradition. From banana splits to towering sundaes, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why summer and ice cream belong together.
90 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas
The Baked Bear
Build your own ice cream sandwich by mixing and matching freshly baked cookies or brownies with your favorite ice cream flavors, then finish it with toppings or have it served warm. A classic crowd-pleaser just steps from the beach.
587 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Since 1945, Handel’s has been making every batch fresh in each store, creating the dense, creamy texture that has earned generations of loyal fans. With more than 100 rotating flavors, there’s always something new to discover.
12843 El Camino Real, Del Mar Highlands
Handcrafted & Homemade
An’s Hatmakers
An artisan gelato shop led by an executive chef with more than 15 years of experience consulting in France, Italy and Spain. Every batch is made completely from scratch using premium ingredients, with seasonal flavors worthy of the Michelin-starred restaurants that also serve his creations.
1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
JoJo’s Creamery
This family-owned shop makes nearly everything in-house—from waffle cones and cookies to brownie chunks, honeycomb, caramel, fudge and cookie dough. Organic Straus Family Creamery dairy and thoughtfully crafted vegan recipes make every scoop feel handcrafted.
937 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas
Little Fox Cups + Cones
Little Fox sources its milk from a local certified-humane dairy and incorporates organic produce from nearby farms into many of its seasonal flavors. Tucked beside Rosehill Purveyors and just a short walk from the Cardiff campground, it’s an ideal stop after a beach day.
111 Chesterfield Dr., Cardiff-by-the-Sea
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Scratch-made since 1935 using grass-fed milk, cage-free organic eggs and premium ingredients without stabilizers or fillers. Their commitment to quality has made McConnell’s one of California’s most respected ice cream makers.
The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad
Worth the Drive
Bobboi Natural Gelato
Frequently mentioned among San Diego’s best gelato shops, Bobboi specializes in traditional Italian recipes featuring exceptional pistachio, hazelnut and seasonal citrus flavors. The location just blocks from La Jolla Cove makes it the perfect excuse for a coastal afternoon.
8008 Girard Ave., La Jolla
Wynston’s Ice Cream Co.
A favorite among North County locals for its imaginative small-batch ice cream and constantly rotating seasonal menu. Every visit offers something different, making it well worth the drive to San Marcos.
250 North City Dr., San Marcos
1022 Café & Gelateria
A charming Oceanside café known for authentic Italian gelato, excellent espresso and indulgent affogatos. An easy stop while exploring Oceanside’s growing downtown and waterfront.
1022 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside
Flavors You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Saffron & Rose Persian Ice Cream
Forget vanilla and chocolate. Organic ingredients and globally sourced flavors like saffron, rosewater, orange blossom and pistachio create an unforgettable Middle Eastern take on ice cream that’s unlike anything else in North County.
207 15th St., Del Mar
Hidden Gem
EscoGelato
Tucked into downtown Escondido, this longtime favorite serves artisan gelato inspired by local farms and seasonal ingredients. It may be one of North County’s best-kept secrets—and it’s well worth leaving the coast to discover.
203 E. Grand Ave., Escondido