50 Best Ice Cream Shops near Imperial Beach

“IB doesn't have a Hodads that's worth waiting in line, but we have Cowabunga and their ice cream is so good and goes great with a little walk on the pier, but if you don't want to walk, there are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy. Worth the wait in line which usually goes by fast. Also, great service!“

“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!“

“Get the guava cheesecake! It's a must try. Probably the best dessert I have ever had. The rest of my family had fruit-based paletas (strawberry, mango, watermelon) and raved about how fresh-tasting they were. Super friendly service too.“

“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!“

“Delicious ice cream in the heart of Little Italy.

Heavy scoops and friendly staff make this the ideal spot to grab a treat after a nice meal.

There is a reason why the line is always out the door.

The hype is real and hasn't faded since they've opened.“

“The best ice cream in San Diego hands down“

“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!“

“Always loved acai and Sweet Things is located just below the Hilton Bayfront.

The quality and serving size of the acai is excellent. Tried the classic and PB Chocolate acai bowls for two breakfasts and both were a layered journey of discovery for the taste buds.

Coming from the world's most expensive country to live in, I couldn't help but compare the prices. Similar acai bowls here cost more than back in Singapore. Would have been better if the hotel's meal credits could be used here.“

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

“The ice cream was too runny, which caused it to melt quickly. Regardless, it had a great flavor. The environment is fantastic, despite being located in the heart of Gaslamp, renowned for being one of the best night spots in San Diego.

Parking: Ghirardelli is on a very popular street, so it's typically closed to traffic. Parking can be tough to find in the Gasslamp area.

Kid-friendliness: Absolutely.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

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

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

“Best Ice cream in San Diego“

“Very good! The selection is so amazing you can find all kind of pops here

I went a little basic and got the fruit yogurt, no regrets it was very good!

The service was great, they helped me with recommendation and were nice:)“

“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).“

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

“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!“

“muy buenos sus productos“

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

“D lux la nieve“

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

“Lo que pruebes esta delicioso! 🤤🤤“

“friendly staff and everything we ordered was delicious“

“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.“

“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!!“

“Best ice cream I’ve had in my life. Love their Pistachio flavor!“

“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!“

“La atencion al cliente muy buena.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“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! :)“

“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“

“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’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.“

“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“

“😁❤️ always excellent service“

“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“

“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!“

“Lo que pruebes esta delicioso! 🤤🤤“

“This place is amazing. We are actually from Michoacan, and the ice cream/ paletas and everything tastes as good or better than the ones we get there. The place is clean, and the cashiers/servers are quick. On a hot day, we go in and can sit and eat our ice cream there.“