As a father, I’ve learned that sometimes the simplest joys in life are what bring us closer together. For my family, one of those joys is ice cream. There’s something magical about the way a single scoop can brighten a kid’s day—or, let’s be honest, a dad’s day too. That’s how I found myself embarking on what I like to call my “Scoops & Smiles” journey: an ice cream tour across California with my kids in tow.
This wasn’t a meticulously planned trip with a strict itinerary. Instead, it was a combination of family road trip, ice cream indulgence, and a quest to create memories my kids would treasure forever. California, known for its endless sunshine and creative food culture, turned out to be the perfect backdrop for this sweet adventure.
Starting in San Francisco: The Land of Creamy Dreams
We kicked off our tour in San Francisco, a city known for its foggy mornings and vibrant food scene. Naturally, our first stop was the iconic Bi-Rite Creamery. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by the rich aroma of freshly baked waffle cones. Their salted caramel flavor was a revelation—sweet, slightly savory, and completely unforgettable. My youngest, ever the traditionalist, went for classic vanilla, while my oldest decided to mix it up with their balsamic strawberry. Watching my kids argue over whose scoop was better felt like the perfect start to our journey.
Heading South to Santa Cruz: Surf and Scoops
Santa Cruz brought us to The Penny Ice Creamery, a local gem that prides itself on small-batch, organic ingredients. The kids were mesmerized by the open kitchen, where they could see the ice cream being made from scratch. I opted for the toasted marshmallow topping, which was torched right in front of me—it was like s’mores in a cup. Afterward, we strolled along the boardwalk, cones in hand, with the Pacific Ocean crashing in the background. It was one of those moments where everything felt right with the world.
Los Angeles: A Taste of Creativity
Los Angeles is a city of innovation, and its ice cream scene is no exception. Salt & Straw was our first stop, and its menu felt more like a masterclass in flavor experimentation than anything else. I took a risk with their honey lavender scoop, which was floral and creamy in all the right ways. My eldest, braver than I, decided to try their black olive brittle and goat cheese flavor. I’ll admit, I was skeptical, but one taste had me rethinking everything I thought I knew about ice cream.
Later, we visited Wanderlust Creamery, a spot inspired by global flavors. My kids loved the Japanese Neapolitan, which combined matcha, hojicha, and black sesame. As we sat together, sharing bites of our exotic scoops, I realized that this trip wasn’t just about ice cream—it was about expanding our palates and trying new things as a family.
Palm Springs: Sweet Treats in the Desert Heat
Driving into Palm Springs, the desert air wrapped around us like a heated blanket, making our next stop even more rewarding. Great Shakes isn’t just about ice cream—they specialize in milkshakes topped with mini donuts. Yes, donuts! I couldn’t resist their salted caramel and pretzel shake, while my youngest went for a rainbow sprinkle extravaganza. We laughed as we tried to eat the donuts before they slid into the milkshakes, the heat quickly melting everything into a delicious mess.
San Diego: Scoops by the Sea
Our final stop was San Diego, where we visited Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream. This place is famous for its flight of mini ice cream cones, allowing you to try multiple flavors without committing to just one. My kids loved the idea of having their own “sampler pack,” and I have to admit, it was pretty fun for me too. From Kona coffee to lilikoi (passion fruit), every bite was a new adventure. We ended the day watching the sunset over the Pacific, sticky fingers and all.
Lessons from the Road (and the Cone)
Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about chasing the best scoops in California—it was about slowing down and savoring the moment. Ice cream, in its simplicity, has a way of bringing people together. Whether we were debating the best flavor, racing to finish before it melted, or sharing bites of something new, it was always about the connection.
I’ll admit, being a dad on the road with kids isn’t always easy. There were meltdowns (both the ice cream kind and the emotional kind), sticky car seats, and more bathroom breaks than I care to count. But there were also belly laughs, surprise discoveries, and countless photos capturing the joy of the journey.
Why Ice Cream Matters
Ice cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a vehicle for memories. It reminds us to take time for the little things, to embrace the messiness of life, and to find joy in the everyday. Whether it’s a single scoop on a sunny day or a full-blown ice cream tour across a state, it’s the smiles that matter most.
California gave us more than just great ice cream. It gave us moments to bond, to share, and to simply be together. So, here’s my advice to fellow dads (or anyone, really): grab a cone, hit the road, and let the scoops lead the way. You might just find that the sweetest part of the journey isn’t the ice cream itself—it’s the smiles that come with it.
