12 Best Ice Cream Shops in Santa Cruz

“They make the best ice cream in town, with over 100 flavors to choose from“

“I stopped by Penny Ice Creamery on a Saturday evening and had a great experience! We ordered the Dark Chocolate and Honey Walnut Yogurt Jam ice creams -- both were delicious. Each scoop comes topped with a house-made toasted marshmallow, which was a fun and tasty touch I'd never had before.

What's also great is that you can sample as many flavors as you like before deciding -- and the options rotate daily, so there's always something new to try. The vibe was relaxed, and the staff was friendly.

If you're in the area and craving something sweet with a twist, definitely give this place a try. I'd happily come back!“

“During our 2 night mini vacation in Monterey this week, Feb 2 & 3, 2023, we bought a package of these cookies from a liquor store, on Lighthouse Avenue and now consider them to be our all-time favorite cookie.“

“very good ice cream. right by the water. the flavors change so something new almost every time. makes for a good selection“

“Toasted marshmallow topper 👍🏽“

“Oh my, these are good chocolates. I say this as someone who's lived in Switzerland and Belgium and tasted some of the best. And in the summer his ice cream bars are simply the best I've ever had (and I don't much like ice cream). Definitely stop in and try this place.“

“Ice cream was very good and really creamy! Servers are very friendly 🙂“

“The staff here is always fantastic and I'm so grateful to have this place in the neighborhood. We only go every few months but each time we do it's a wonderful experience. I won't say it's the best quality fro-yo I've ever had, but it's tasty and extremely fairly priced.“

“The people who served us are amazing, super nice. The atmosphere felt so welcoming and the place is so authentic. If you are looking for a non-blended original fresh Açai, this is the place. Moreover, the tacos and burritos are EXCEPTIONAL. Truly recommend ordering the shrimp burrito and the quesabirrias with carne asada. THANK YOU! ❤️“

“After 10 years we came to Santa Cruz and walked the Pacific Avenue downtown. We decided for the Cold Stone Creamery and it was delicious. Either in the cup or the cone, we've gotten Chocolate and Coffee Lovers' mix and it was stellar with a pinch of Mint flavor. Even our Frenchie loved to taste it too.“

“Santa Cruz local instution. This is a legacy NorCal small business chain. If you're not vegan you need to be supporting these people. The employees in Santa Cruz are respectful, efficient and maybe not earning a living wage required for the rents here. They work very late on the weekends until 3am. Shop local is up to YOU.“

“Chocolate Dipped Sandae (7$)The "Chocolate Dipped Sandae" that has ice cream between two crackers is a good try. It costs 7.09$ and you can choose between "Almonds" or "Peanuts" in the Sandae. We chose Almonds and liked it.“