50 Best Ice Cream Shops near Imperial Beach

“I had such an awesome experience at Cowabunga Ice Cream! Mick, Gabe, and Emma K were hands down the nicest, friendliest people I’ve ever met at an ice cream shop. They greeted me with such a warm and genuine welcome that it instantly made me feel at home. You can tell they truly care about making customers happy.
The atmosphere was fun, upbeat, and inviting — the kind of place that makes you want to hang out for a while (and definitely come back again!). Great people, great vibes, and of course, AMAZING ice cream.
Thanks Mick, Gabe, and Emma K for making my day!“

“Had a great experience here at this Cold Stone. The worker Ilenia gave the most amazing customer service! Her interaction with my family absolutely made our day! She is very sweet and kind and has a heart of gold. We live in Chula Vista but my family will make the drive just to come to this Cold Stone to interact with Ilenia!“

“As we walked in the first thing we noticed is store was extremely clean, we have not been in for a couple of years (due to previous bad experiences) but heard it was under new ownership. The cakes are really nice we had a Dubai bar and it was 1000/10 also grabbed some shakes their ice cream selection is also really good 100% recommend“

“Today we received wonderful service and comforting food. I’ll be honest I didn’t come with the highest expectations due to some of the reviews but I’m so happy we gave it a chance. Kind service and friendly smiles. Our lattes were made perfectly, really meshed well with the outdoor vibe. We had the chilaquiles and hot chicken Benedict’s. Very good if I had to make a suggestion just a pinch of salt but nothing major. Overall very happy with everything. I would say if you come starving, then just be aware food is made to order and fresh so it does take a little bit which is normal. Also just 2 people serving perhaps because it wasn’t as busy but on a busy day they may have more help. Regardless I highly recommend it, you won’t regret it. Thank you for giving us a pleasant experience.“

“Crème brûlée gelato is addictive!“

“STELLAR service, flavors & vibe! Came here directly after some condescending service at a nearby restaurant but our interaction with Kevin at Salt & Straw turned the entire day around!! Kevin's ability to make every customer feel like the most valued human on the planet took me from a pretty annoyed mood (from my other experience) to over the moon happiness & excitement in less than 60 seconds!
We tried a handful of flavors & EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! Kevin asked if we were open to try certain pairings & guided us to some super yummy options we probably wouldn't have considered. Super knowledgeable & my palate appreciates you 👍😎
This place does an amazing job creating unique flavor profiles & an even better job blending them in an exceptionally complimentary way. Super high quality product with service that exceeds any possible expectation!
I've sent their 6 packs as gifts before & received fantastic feedback... always wanted to try them myself & today's experience sealed my loyalty!
These guys have 100% of my business in the frozen treats department.
Thanks Kevin for a TOP NOTCH experience & for making my day better 🙌“

“I was nervous about the flavors, mostly because I didn’t know what they were! But was able to taste test and decided on the Quattroberry and stracciatella. Delicious! Great price- $6.50 for two big scoops! Definitely wanted to go back. Try the dragon fruit/lemon one- super tart and so good!“

“The best ice cream in San Diego hands down“

“Best ice cream I've ever had!
Cheesecake filled with salted caramel, dipped in white chocolate, drizzled with milk chocolate and had to have the sprinkles too!
Friendly service, highly recommended!
Geoff from the UK“

“Perfect for a hot day! We tried the sundae with Mexican chocolate ice cream, almonds and churros. It was so so so good! It’s a decent size, big enough to share. We also got a pint to go with the guava sorbet and tamarind sorbet. Both sorbet flavors were so refreshing. I’d like to visit again and try the lemon sorbet!“

“The best ice cream with super unique flavors. Highly recommend!“

“Had to Sundays. Something…salted Carmel and mint Sunday. Both were so evil (good!).
Enjoyed the sweet middle of the day treat.

Had to take away one star because when we went to the counter to order, the dude was on his cell. He saw me and put it down, and didn't say anything. So, I just stared at him for about 7 seconds until he greeted is and ask for our order.

The place was super clean and my service dog was able to lay down and wait/“

“The flavor of the ice cream is worth the $$$ that we paid for it My favorite flavors are great golden pistachio and butter pecan“

“Great ice cream! The cookie dough sundae was awesome!“

“Very good and authentic Mexican food owned and operated by a great family! Viva Cristo Rey!“

“Super fresh, delicious and nutritious!!! The fruit in the açai bowl was super fresh and it was nice to have a dessert option high in protein (PB and various nuts) and all natural sugar. My partner really enjoyed their milkshake and smoothies. Thank you Nancy and team!“

“By lili: the popsicles were great and had a variety of flavors, including non-dairy ones (goodfor people with dairyallergy). I would personally recommend the strawberry cheesecake.

I wish it had more seats (it has no indoor seats).“

“Fantastic ice cream and fantastic service! This was my first time visiting this shop after passing by several times and observing lines out the door. My ice cream did NOT disappoint! I chose Blueberry Cobbler, which was excellent, and I can’t wait to try some other incredible flavors. The staff were friendly and efficient. 10/10 recommend!“

“best local burger spot. Fresh, delicious and great prices. 👍 Support local businesses.“

“Best Ice cream in San Diego“

“muy buenos sus productos“

“D lux la nieve“

“Stumbled upon this lovely little place while walking on Little Italy area. On stepping in you are greeted by the several paletas from fruit to milk based flavors on the counter. Place has a nice vibe and is spacious. They also have customizable topping options available for a surcharge.

Coffee flavor was amazing and had a center of leche, which nicely balanced out the strong coffee flavor. Loved the pistachio paleta.. it wasn’t overpowered by sugar, had a nutty flavor that let pistachio shine! Highly recommend the place.“

“friendly staff and everything we ordered was delicious“

“Not only a very clean and friendly store; staff were happy and amazing. I was greeted by multiple staff and helped with my app as I hit something unexpected.
Product was delicious will be returning to try more flavors. Kudos to Terra Nova location!“

“My boys ❤️ the coconut yogurt!!“

“I went today and got the mazapan ice cream. It was delicious, and tasted fresh! The staff was extremely attentive and happy to help. The store was clean and tidy. I will make this a repeat spot when I travel to San Diego! I highly recommend Oasis.“

“I highly recommend them! The service size is fantastic! We came in tonight and got a bunch of the cookie monsters, a strawberry cheesecake and halo halo. All were delicious! The guy doing the icecream took time to explained to my kids how the icecream hardens when they asked. And any concerns or questions were handled amazingly. So worth it! Coming back!“

“SO GOOD 10/10 I ordered a custom order which is a cup of elote with everything, two small bags of hot Cheetos added, and personally I like the nachos cheese as well. THEY DIDN’T DISAPPOINT!!! It came out just the way I wanted it the only thing I would change is to ask to have the hot Cheetos crushed up. I’ll be coming here regularly for sure!“

“Love it and delicious... I will be back definitly... Very cheap prices...“

“la nieve muy deliciosa(Gelato) matcha late no esta muy concentrado como ami me gusta, el pan que venden muy rico, la chicas que atienden muy amables, pero sobre todo una vista maravillosa... P.D. precios accesibles.“

“La atencion al cliente muy buena.“

“We recommend the outdoor seating area. When the sun is shining, it's absolutely stunning. Lido Marina Village exudes a relaxed vibe everywhere you look“

“Best raspados in San Diego! I’ve been a client/fan of theirs for over 20 years ! Been visiting them since I was a kid and now I bring my kids here . All natural homemade flavors . Chamoy and Ciruela with lechera are my 2 faves ! Always some nachos as well. This family business has always been super friendly and respectful. Their commitment to quality and service has never changed and sets them apart from any other place . Always super clean and incredibly humble business“

“I don’t like posting negative reviews.. I love the yogurt and selection and have even ordered on door dash and was super impressed by the servings although I hate to mention I went in today and the young girl working there had her earphones on. That’s highly unprofessional. It was full in there she should be aware of that customers have questions and should have her attention at all times. Just saying.“

“I love this place . Kallie and aiko helped me and were great . They are nice and patient . They work hard and fast to get their customers their order . They make sure thier customers are happy and don’t walk away until they are satisfied. I go here to much but it’s worth it . I love their custom halo halo it’s good .“

“Super Delicious Tejuino (teh-huee-no) from the northwest pacific region in Mexico,you must try.another thing is their dorilocos fresh all . This is a very humble place dont expect fanfare.if you do and thats totally fine,is not for you.one more thing before i go... YOLO“

“I've been going here for as long as i can remember! My mom would always take us here to buy each of us a box of the flavor popsicle we chose....simply DELICIOUS, great service and its close to our home! Now, i go in and buy all kinds for my husband! :)“

“This place is A+!!! You can buy posicles for 50 cents each or a dozen for only six bucks and you can pick any flavors you want and make your own custom box! I don't know why it's not as popular but it's my favorite store now. Definitely check it out if you can, you won't be disappointed“

“Nice ice cream shop with a good variety of ice cream and Mexican candy and treats. When I called the worker didn’t speak English but that was OK because they didn’t have the item I was looking for when I arrived. he was very friendly and they box up your ice cream with leftover boxes, which is nice that they are recycling!“

“If you visit in the off season there is a great outdoor seating area just a block NE of here. Typically closed till late afternoon and in the off season. I think it was a burger joint. Locals sit around here and visit quiet often. They are very friendly once you get to know them and they you.“

“tenders are great ❤️ milkshake too“

“I Don’t Go Often But When I Do I’m Never Disappointed!! Yum“

“I’ll start off my review with saying great customer service . It shows the owner has put in a lot much of his/her time to train their employees properly . Every time I walk in I am always greeted and never rushed when ordering . I personally love there fruit waters and making my own chip bowl. All prices are decent and affordable so they fit everyones budget . It can get busy from time to time but totally worth the wait . I definitely recommend visiting this location to grab something for your sweet tooth or salty craving:) . Most importantly this location is always clean and sanitized ! You will never see a mess.“

“Lo que pruebes esta delicioso! 🤤🤤“

“this ice cream place is good! Worth a try. But, was disappointed in the flavors. The earl grey was almost there! It just needed a liiiitle more wha-bam. The carrot cake was tasty! Madagascar vanilla fell flat. The flight is a creative and neat way to try a ton of flavors!! That was awesome!Water rating: 7/10.“

“Papaleco is a true gem in the neighborhood! Their gelato is absolutely amazing — so creamy, flavorful, and authentic. You can really taste the quality in every scoop.

All of their paninis are perfect, with the freshest ingredients and just the right balance of flavors. I’ve also tried their toasted sandwiches, and they are just as delicious — warm, crispy, and satisfying.

The place has such a charming, local vibe. It’s the kind of spot that makes the whole neighborhood feel cozy and welcoming. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or sitting down for a bite, Papaleco never disappoints.

Highly recommend if you’re in the area — it’s one of those places you’ll want to come back to again and again!“

“😁❤️ always excellent service“

“We are locals and every time we visit Seaport Village we always visit this Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop. We’ve visited so much we’ve had the pleasure of meeting the owner Michelle. She’s very friendly and loves her customers. She’s adamant all her employees make every customer feel special. On this occasion we were served by Julian who was a very nice, cheerful and a polite young man. We adore their homemade waffle cones dipped in a large variety of toppings from chocolate to sprinkles to nuts and many more. We are in awe of the huge selection of flavors. They have so many varieties they even have a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream made and dedicated for doggies. We love our ice cream and we love this family owned business. Go get your 🍦“

“Todo muy delicioso y buena atención al cliente ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“