There’s something magical about ice cream in the summer. It’s not just a treat; it’s a memory waiting to be made. As a dad, I’ve found that some of our best moments as a family happen over a cone of mint chip or a towering sundae topped with whipped cream. I’m not just talking about the ice cream itself (though that’s definitely a highlight)—it’s the adventure of finding the perfect spot, the messy faces, and the laughter that makes it all so special. If you’re looking for ways to bond with your kids this summer, there’s no better way than a little road trip to some of California’s best ice cream spots.
Here are a few of my absolute favorites, each with its own unique charm and flavors. Trust me, these spots offer more than just dessert; they serve up experiences that will stick with you long after the ice cream has melted.
1. Salt & Straw – Los Angeles and Beyond
If you’ve never been to Salt & Straw, let me paint a picture for you. Imagine creamy scoops infused with flavors you never dreamed could work in ice cream: goat cheese and marionberry, strawberry honey balsamic, or even olive oil. Yes, olive oil! What I love about this place is how adventurous it is. My kids love trying the unique seasonal flavors (even if they don’t always finish them), and I’ll admit, I’ve sampled my fair share of weird combos too.
The staff here are great about offering samples, so don’t be shy. Take your time, make it fun, and let your kids explore their taste buds. There’s something satisfying about sharing first experiences with your kids, even if it’s as simple as trying ice cream made with black pepper.
2. Fentons Creamery – Oakland
For a piece of history served with a side of nostalgia, Fentons Creamery is an absolute must. This spot has been around since 1894, and walking through the doors feels like stepping back in time. It’s an old-school ice cream parlor with massive portions, friendly service, and a lively, family-friendly vibe.
My kids always go for the sundaes—they’re basically works of art stacked high with toppings. I go for the black-and-tan sundae, which is a heavenly mix of caramel, vanilla, and almond goodness. The best part? After you’ve polished off your treat, you can watch them make the ice cream through a glass window. It’s a fun little behind-the-scenes experience that adds to the charm of this place.
3. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – Santa Barbara
Sometimes, you just want the classics done perfectly, and McConnell’s delivers every single time. Located in sunny Santa Barbara, this place has been churning out small-batch, super creamy ice cream since the 1940s. Their flavors are simple, yet there’s something about the quality of the ingredients that makes every scoop unforgettable.
On our last visit, I had the Eureka Lemon & Marionberries flavor, which was a refreshing blend of sweet and tangy. My kids, on the other hand, couldn’t get enough of their Chocolate Covered Strawberries scoop. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like sitting outside in the California sun, watching your kids try to finish their cones before the ice cream melts all over their hands.
4. Bi-Rite Creamery – San Francisco
A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Bi-Rite Creamery. Nestled in the Mission District, this spot is all about sustainability and quality. Their ice cream is made in small batches with organic, locally-sourcedingredients, which makes it taste as good as you’d imagine.
What I love most about Bi-Rite is their salted caramel flavor. It’s one of those things you try once and compare every other salted caramel to for the rest of your life. The kids, of course, are all about the sprinkles and cookies, so the birthday cake flavor is always a winner. Pro tip: grab a scoop and head to nearby Dolores Park for some family time in the sun. It’s the perfect combo.
5. Cream – Berkeley
If your kids are anything like mine, one scoop of ice cream isn’t enough. They want something extra—something exciting. That’s where Cream comes in. This place specializes in ice cream sandwiches, and they’re not playing around. You get to choose from a variety of freshly baked cookies, pick your ice cream, and then watch as they put it all together into one glorious sandwich.
What’s great about Cream is the customization. My daughter loves going wild with the toppings, while my son always opts for a classic chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream combo. As for me, I can never resist their snickerdoodlecookies paired with espresso ice cream. It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely worth it.
6. The Penny Ice Creamery – Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is one of our favorite weekend getaway spots, and The Penny Ice Creamery is a big reason why. This is one of those places where you can tell they put a lot of love and care into what they do. They make their ice cream from scratch using local, organic ingredients, and the flavors are constantly changing.
On one visit, I tried their Brown Butter Spiced Pumpkin, which was perfect for a chilly coastal day. My kids went for the toasted marshmallow topping (because why not?), which they torch right in front of you. It’s the little touches like that that make this place stand out. After grabbing our cones, we usually take a stroll through downtown Santa Cruz or head to the beach. It’s a perfect family day.
7. Lappert’s Ice Cream – Sausalito
If you’re craving island vibes without leaving California, Lappert’s is the place to go. This Hawaiian-inspired shop feels like a mini vacation with every bite. They specialize in tropical flavors like Kona Coffee, Macadamia Nut, and Mango Sorbet, which are always a hit with my family.
Sausalito itself is a beautiful spot to explore, so grabbing some ice cream and walking along the waterfront makes for a great outing. The views of the bay, the boats, and the distant San Francisco skyline create a perfect backdrop for some quality family time.
8. Handles Homemade Ice Cream – Pleasanton
For those of us out in the East Bay, Handles is a local gem. This spot is all about homemade goodness, and the portions are generous enough to keep my kids happy (which is no small feat). They have a huge selection of flavors, so there’s always something new to try.
Their Cookie Monster flavor, a bright blue scoop packed with cookie dough and Oreo chunks, is my kids’ go-to. As for me, I’m a sucker for their classic butter pecan. Handles also has a charming outdoor seating area, which gives us a chanceto sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer evening.
Each of these ice cream spots has become a little chapter in our family’s summer story. Beyond the incredible flavors, it’s the moments we share—laughing over brain freezes, debating the best flavors, or trying something new together—that make these trips special. If you’re looking for a fun, easy way to spend time with your kids this summer, pack up the car, pick a spot (or two), and make it an adventure. Trust me, you’ll leave with full hearts, happy kids, and maybe just a little melted ice cream on your shirt. That’s what summer’s all about.
