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50+ Places to Celebrate and Get FREE Ice Cream or National Ice Cream Day Deals 2025
July is national ice cream month and National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 20th, 2025! See where you can celebrate with FREE ice cream and deals at a scoop shop near you or even free delivery! We’ll update this post all month, so keep coming back! Find deals for national ice cream day at your favorite places like Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Jeni’s, and Coldstone! Hooray for Ice cream deals on National Ice Cream Day!
After’s Ice Cream - Venice
Where to get FREE ICE CREAM and Ice Cream DEALS on National Ice Cream Day and throughout National Ice Cream Month - 2025
Updated: 7/20/25
When is National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday (or SUNDAE) of July, making National Ice Cream Day 2025 on July 20th! Every year, locations all over the US celebrate with free ice cream or sweet discounted deals!
Where can I find ice cream deals on National Ice Cream Day?
After some thorough research, reaching out to my favorite ice cream places and stalking their Instagrams, here's the scoop on where to find your sweet treat! See our list of 50+ places below to find the best ice cream deals on national ice cream day.There are also some great events to attend.
Throw an Ice Cream Social
See my Amazon list for my favorite Ice Cream Gear as well as everything you need to throw an Ice Cream Social. Don’t miss my favorite Ice Cream Scooper… You’ll order one as soon as you see it, I swear!
Check back here throughout the month for additional updates. If you see blank spaces below, don’t worry, we’ll update them as your favorite scoop shop confirms their deals!
Angelinos, check out my favorite ice cream locations in LA ranked with a map: BEST ICE CREAM SCOOP SHOPS IN LA
Also don’t miss: Where to find free treats on your birthday
Try our favorite Ice Cream Word Search!
Get your Ice Cream Word Search for your next flight or just hanging around the house while eating ice cream!
FREE ICE CREAM AND ICE CREAM DEALS AT YOUR FAVORITE SCOOP SHOP ON NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY 2025
Check out all the offers, contests, and sweet rewards clubs to join to get free ice cream! Remember to keep checking back, we will be updating all month long!
**If you live in Southern California - there is a Los Angeles specific section after this one! Scroll down!
7-Eleven - Free Slurpee
The Scoop: Free Slurpee in any 7-eleven shop
When: 7-11
Wanderlust Creamery
16 Handles - Free Soft-serve!
On National Ice Cream Day, customers can get a free soft-serve treat (up to $5) when they download the 16 Handles app and visit a participating location
When: Sunday, July 20
Baskin-Robbins - $5 off
The Scoop: Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can get $5 off orders of $20 or more through 3rd party delivery.
When: July 20–26
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse - Free Pizookie
The Scoop: Get a free Pizookie (a deep-dish-inspired cookie) when you sign up for the restaurant's Premier Rewards Plus program any day of the year! PLUS you get another one on your birthday!
Blue Ribbon - Giveaway
The Scoop: Here's your chance to make it National Ice Cream Month every month when you enter their giveaway for a chance to win a $25 gift card
Breyers - BOGO
The Scoop: Find BOGO free and bundled deals on Breyers ice cream at Publix and Kroger the week of July 30, plus get digital discounts in select Albertsons stores as low as $2.97.
Bubbies Ice Cream - BOGO
The Scoop: This year, Bubbies Ice Cream and Whole Foods are kicking off National Ice Cream Month by offering a buy-one-get-one promotion on all Bubbies Ice Cream products
When: July 2 through July 15
Burger King - Free Soft Serve
The Scoop: Royal Perks members can enjoy a free soft serve with a purchase of $1 or more
When: Sunday, July 20
Carvel - Free Topping and $5 reward
The Scoop: Add Mother's® Chocolatey Dynamite Dinosaurs™ Cookies on any scooped ice cream or soft serve for FREE? You read that right! July 4th-6th - top your ice cream with these delicious chocolatey dinosaur cookies, but only while supplies last!
When: Offer available in shop only 7/4 - 7/6/25
Summer offer: Celebrate summer with a sweet treat, and for a limited time, get a $5 reward when you spend $25 in gift cards
Cold Stone Creamery - Double Points - FREE Ice Cream for a Year Giveaway!
The Scoop: Earn Double Points when you spend $25 or more in-store or online anytime between July 1, 2025 - July 13, 2025.
Sign up for the My Cold Stone Club Rewards and get a “buy one, get one free creation” coupon loaded to your account right away. You will also receive a BOGO free Creation dessert on your birthday. Receive $5 off purchases with every 50 accumulated points.
Extra Scoop: AMAZING Giveaways!
Five Grand Prizes
🍦Cold Stone® Ice Cream for a year*!
🍦Cold Stone® University Sweatshirt
💙 OREO® Flavored Lip Balms Variety Pack
💙 OREO® Branded Black Nike Hat
💙 OREO® 26oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Ten Runner-Up Prizes
🍦Cold Stone® $25 Gift Card
🍦Cold Stone® Hat
🍦Cold Stone® Stickers
Enter here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMVdJKPOG0U/?hl=en
Creamistry - 10% off
The Scoop: Join their mailing list to receive the latest special promotions, offers, and updates! All new members will receive an exclusive offer for 10% off their next order! Sign Up
Dairy Queen - Free Dilly Bar
The Scoop: Dairy Queen’s National Ice Cream Day deal includes offering DQ Rewards members a free Dilly Bar with any online or in-app purchase of a $1 or more!
When: July 14 - 20
Dippin Dots - Free Mini Cups
The Scoop: Dippin Dots is giving away free mini cups of Dippin' Dots (during a 2-hour window) on National Ice Cream Day. Plus, the first 100 guests at each participating location will receive a collectible cup
When: July 20
Dunkin’ Donuts - Discount and Double Points
The Scoop: Rewards members can celebrate National Ice Cream Day (July 20) with $3 medium Refreshers and 3x points on Dunkin' frozen beverages.
When: July 20
RELATED POST: See my Amazon list for my favorite Ice Cream Gear as well as everything you need to throw an Ice Cream Social. Don’t miss my favorite Ice Cream Scooper… You’ll order one as soon as you see it, I swear!
eCreamery Ice Cream - $15 off
The Scoop: Offer good for $15 off any 4+ pint ice cream gift. Use discount code SWEET18 at checkout.
When: Valid through June 27, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST. Limit of 3 orders per customer. Online purchases only.
Another Scoop: 20% off any order containing a 4+ pint ice cream gift. Use discount code SUMMER25 at checkout.
When: 7/14 - 7/20/25 at 11:59 pm CS
Friendly’s - Free Cone!
The Scoop: Friendly's is celebrating National Ice Cream Day, which is also happens to be their 90th birthday! They are offering Fan Club Rewards members a free cone or dish in-store, online or for carryout. If you're not a rewards member you can join for free and get this deal. Non-members can still celebrate with $0.90 scoops (in-store and carryout only).
When: July 18-20
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company - Discounted Sundae
The Scoop: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is celebrating National Hot Fudge Sundae Day on Friday, July 25, with a special one-day-only deal. Participating Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shops will offer a Mini World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae for just $7.25. The offer excludes locations at Disney California Adventure and Oracle Park.
When: Friday, July 25
Gopuff - deals!
Here's a breakdown of the current Gopuff ice cream deals:
Buy 2 for $10: This deal includes select flavors of Ben & Jerry's and Talenti pints.
Buy 2, Get 1 Free: This offer applies to all Ben & Jerry's pints.
25% off Select Ice Cream: A discount on a variety of ice cream options.
My/Mochi Mochi Ice Cream Sandwiches: These are exclusively available for Gopuff FAM members in select markets (initially) and include Strawberry Mochi Ice Cream & Sugar Cookie and Vanilla Mochi Ice Cream & Chocolate Chip Cookie.
National Ice Cream Day (July 20th): Bay Area customers can get a free pint of Humphry Slocombe's Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple Ice Cream with any order.
Graeter’s - Free Cones!
The Scoop: In celebration of National Ice Cream Day, Graeter’s is offering its Sweet Rewards Loyalty Program Member $1.55 single-dip sugar cones.
When: Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20
Another Scoop: Graeter’s is also marking National Ice Cream Month through July with its annual Coloring Contest: Children who submit a completed coloring sheet will get a free scoop of ice cream.
Halo Top: Got An Ice Cream-Inspired Name?
Halo Top is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with one of the most unique promos we’ve seen. If your first, middle, or last name matches a classic ice cream brand like Ben, Jerry, Baskin, or even Talenti, you could score a free pint of Halo Top. Visit HaloTop.com/IceCreamDay to see if your name qualifies and claim your reward! Halo Top is only giving away 8,000 pints in honor of its eight new mix-in flavors so definitely act fast!
When: July 14 to July 21
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream - Free Ice Cream
To commemorate its 80th anniversary and National Ice Cream Day, Handel’s is giving guests 80 and older a free small cone or dish at participating locations.
When: July 20
Humphrey Slocombe - Giveaway and Buy Two Pints Get One Free
The Scoop: On July 20th, at all our Bay Area Scoop Shops, customers can buy two pints and get one free! This offer applies to both pre-packed and hand-packed pint flavors available in our dip case.
Another Scoop: So excited to share that Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream has been featured as one of @goldbelly's All-Star Artisan honorees for the first-ever National Restaurant Week from July 1-7! The best part is they are giving $50 with EVERY Goldbelly purchase (unlimited times) this week to celebrate! Order Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream on @goldbelly now and get our Best Seller Pint Box shipped right to your door!
When: July 1-7
Extra Scoop: Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with up to 27% off at Goldbelly and FREE nationwide shipping.
When: Hurry, offer ends July 16th!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - Free Fudge Sauce, Free Delivery, and Giveaway
The Scoop: Splendid Rewards members: don’t forget our ice cream challenge! Visit a scoop shop (or purchase at jenis.com or via the Jeni’s app) three times between now and 7/6. Your prize: a special mystery pint containing a reward of up to $100!
Order local delivery via the Jeni’s app (delivery is FREE on orders of four or more pints!).
Summer Flavors:
Popcorn Brittle - Sun-popped popcorn ice cream with a corn-toffee crunch.
Strawberry Pretzel Pie - Pretzel streusel and strawberry sauce in cream cheese ice cream.
Watermelon Taffy - Like an uber creamy, tart candied watermelon.
Another Scoop: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is offering free Sundae Fudge Sauce to any order for free on National Ice Cream Day
When: July 20
Kilwins - Sweepstakes
The Scoop: Enter for the chance to win free ice cream for a year by tagging a friend in the comments on the sweepstakes Instagram post and including the hashtag #Kilwins_Sweepstakes. The lucky winner will receive a Kilwins e-gift card valued at approximately $600.
When: From July 20-31
Klondike Bar - Digital Coupons
For National Ice Cream Month, throughout July, Klondike is making digital coupons for its treats live across Fetch, iBotta and Walmart Cash.
Marble Slab Creamery - Free Scoop!
The Scoop: On National Ice Cream Day, Marble Slab Creamery is offering loyalty members a free small cup of ice cream, no strings attached!
When: July 20
McDonald's
The Scoop: Get the HERSHEY’S S’mores McFlurry with HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate, crunchy graham crackers and soft marshmallows
When: thru 8/11
Milk Bar
The Scoop: new Lemon Meringue Pie Soft Serve available!
My/Mochi - Great giveaways!
The Scoop: Every Sunday in July, which is officially National Ice Cream month, My/Mochi is giving away “summer chill packs” with ice cream coupons and other fun merch. On National Ice Cream Day, July 20, fans have a chance to scoop up a year’s supply of its premium ice cream when they follow My/Mochi on Instagram, like a post, comment with summer plans, and tag a friend.
Petco - Free pup cups!
The Scoop: Even pets can get in on the National Ice Cream Day deal action, with free pup cups of ice cream in-store, courtesy of participating brands.
When: July 20
Popsicle - BOGO
The Popsicle ice pops brand is offering customers a chance to celebrate National Ice Cream Month with buy-one-get-one-free offers at Target, Publix and Kroger
When: All July long
Salt and Straw - Free Scoop!
The Scoop: Sign up for their new loyalty program and get a free waffle cone upgrade with your first online order. On the big day, July 20, every order (yes, you heard right) comes with a digital scratch-off prize that could win you free scoops, merch, or even an ice cream-making sesh with founder Tyler Malek. Basically, it’s the kind of over-the-top, sprinkle-covered celebration that makes you remember why ice cream deserves its own holiday in the first place.
When: July 14-20
Smitten Ice Cream
Smitten Ice Cream - Free Ice Cream
The Scoop: Heads up! You must RSVP and show your ticket to enjoy your free scoop. Limited to 100 guests—1 ticket = 1 scoop. No purchase needed. Extra scoops or toppings sold separately. Available only at our San Francisco shop (904 Valencia St) on July 10 starting at 4pm until 100 scoops have been claimed!
When: July 10 4-6pm
Steak 'N Shake - 1/2 Price
The Scoop: 1/2 price shakes at Happy hour weekdays 2-5p at participating restaurants
Rewards Club: Download the Steak 'n Shake App and become a member of its loyalty program to get a free Specialty Milkshake with your first purchase as a club member. Sign-up details here.
Talenti - BOGO
The Scoop: Target Circle will offer a BOGO 50% off deal the week of National Ice Cream Day only, from July 14 through 20.
During the same week, Wakefern shoppers can enjoy a promotional price of two for $9 from the gourmet frozen treat brand. After that, through the end of July, Talenti will be two for $10.
Additional deals will be available for shoppers on iBotta through mid-August.
TCBY
The Scoop: Sign up for TCBY‘s TCBY Insider program and get special, exclusive deals for National Ice Cream Day and beyond.
Van Leeuwen Kraft Macaroni and cheese ice cream
Van Leeuwen - Discount Scoops and Giveaways
The Scoop: Van Leeuwen ice cream is celebrating National Ice Cream Day and the 10th anniversary of its popular Honeycomb flavor by offering $3 scoops of Honeycomb at all shops nationwide from 12 noon to 2 p.m. ET on July 20. Additionally, one ice cream fan will win a 3-gallon tub of Honeycomb ice cream, the Lovesac x Van Leeuwen Honeycomb CitySac, and a newly launched Material ice cream scooper. For those in New York, Van Leeuwen Tribeca will offer the first 100 guests a scratch-off ticket offering the chance to win prizes.
This is your summer flavor itinerary:
Strawberry Yuzu Cheesecake
Sweet Corn & Blueberry Jam
Mango Sorbet
New locations opening soon! Check their social media channels for more info!
City Point, Brooklyn (NY) - July 10
Ponce City Market, Atlanta (GA)
Hoboken (NJ)
Northshore Mall (MA)
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn (NY)
Wendy’s - Free Frosty
The Scoop: If you’re a member of Wendy’s rewards program and use their app, you can score a free small Frosty-cino or small coffee with any purchase.
Whole Foods/Instacart
The Scoop: Get 50% off with Prime Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts or 44% off without Prime
When: July 2-16
Yogurtland - Double Points
The Scoop: Earn double points in store or online!
When: July 20
Another Scoop: Enter to win a Princess cruise for four people! Hope they have all you can eat ice cream aboard! I think I’ll take my chances!
When: Through July 13
Your Pie Pizza - FREE Scoop!
The Scoop: Free Gelato scoop today!
When: July 20
See my Amazon list for my favorite Ice Cream Gear as well as everything you need to throw an Ice Cream Social.
Where to Get Free Ice Cream on National Ice Cream Day in LA
Live in Los Angeles? Me too! Here are some awesome places to get free ice cream in Los Angeles on National Ice Cream Day. If you don’t live in Southern California, go to the next section!
Also, see my favorite ice cream locations in LA ranked with a map: BEST ICE CREAM IN LA
Bruster’s Christmas in July Celebration
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream - Rancho Cucamunga
My favorite things have collided!!! They have Christmas in July right now with Santa and a car show on 7/11. The Christmas flavors like Gingerbread Man, Eggnog, Peppermint Oreo are here through the 15th.
They will also offer fresh peach the 18-20th! Dubai chocolate just hit as well as Brookie and Peanut Butter made with Nutter Butters!
The Scoop: Loyalty members get double points
When: National Ice Cream Weekend July 18-20th
Carmela Ice Cream Co
Capri Gelato and Coffee
The Scoop: New flavor of the week: Pomegranate Mojito Sorbetto 🍹✨
It’s refreshing, tangy, and just the right amount of minty—like summer in a scoop! Come by and try this bold, bright flavor before it’s gone.
Fosselman’s Ice Cream
The Scoop: TOASTED MARSHMALLOW is back for limited time!! Get it before it’s gone!! 🔥🤍
Frozen Fruit Co
The Scoop: Raspberry Truffle Plant-Based "ice cream" - made from a creamy raspberry base of coconut cream, raspberry, and organic blue agave with swirls of our signature dark chocolate (organic coconut oil, cocoa, and date) and an additional oomph of raspberry powder.
When: Available until this Friday
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
The Scoop: 15% off site wide on National Ice Cream Day!
Use code SMS5 for $5 off your first order
Try their new See’s Candies collaboration! We found some pints at Whole Foods but there are new flavors online and at the following scoop shops:
Santa Barbara - both State Street locations
Downtown Los Angeles
Studio City
Third Street Promenade
San Luis Obispo
San Juan Capistrano
Carlsbad
Rori's Artisanal Creamery - Extra Scoop!
The Scoop: Buy a single scoop, and they'll make it a double scoop!
When: Sunday, July 20
Another Scoop: Celebrate July 4th all month long with Star-Spangled Banner ice cream. This is a creamy white chocolate ice cream with stripes of housemade strawberry and blueberry jam. And while supplies last all month long, enjoy seasonal sprinkles and a mini flag in your scoop!
All locations will be open on July 4th for all of your ice cream needs:
Montecito: 12 - 7p.m.
Santa Barbara: 12 - 7p.m.
Santa Monica: 12 - 7p.m.
Carpinteria: 11a.m. - 7p.m.
Camarillo: 12 - 5p.m.
Arroyo Grande: 12 - 7p.m.
Ventura: 12 - 7p.m.
P.S. Head over to their Instagram to find out how you can enter to win a $100 Rori's gift card, just for posting a photo of your Star-Spangled Banner ice cream!
SWEET ROSE CREAMERY
The Scoop: Join their Loyalty Program, for every $1 you spend at our Brentwood Country Mart shop, you earn 10 points, which goes towards a free pint of your choice!
Daily Scoop Club 2025: One Scoop a Day, All Year Long: Stop by our Brentwood Country Mart shop any day in 2025 for a Single Scoop of ice cream on us! Simply check in with your Blackbird account using your cell phone— choosing a flavor will be the hardest part!
Exclusive Monthly Perks: Watch your inbox for details on exciting monthly add-ons! Right now, we are offering Free Sundaes to all Daily Scoop Club members Mondays through Wednesdays!
Membership Purchases for the 2025 Daily Scoop Club membership are closed. If you would like to purchase a membership as a gift, please contact info@sweetrosecreamery.com.
Locations: Brentwood, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice
Wanderlust Creamery
Wanderlust Creamery - BOGO
The Scoop: “Corn Latte” ice cream and ALL Summer seasonal flavors are BOGO (Double scoop for the price of a Single) this Sunday at all locations for National Ice Cream Day
When: Sunday, July 20
NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY EVENTS
Sprinkle Pool - Museum of Ice Cream Los Angeles
MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
Locations: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, Singapore & New York
How about a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream? Make sure you buy tickets in advance! Unlimited ice cream, over 14 interactive playscapes, exclusive treats, and a sprinkle pool - what could be better?!
A NEW LOCATION is opening soon in Los Angeles! See our post from the last time MOIC was in LA!
ICE CREAM ALLEY at Smorgasburg LA
Ice Cream Alley features all of LA's best ice cream and sweet treat purveyors in one place, open every single Sunday, all through Labor Day!
Find a rotating crew of special popup vendors like:
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Sweet Rose Creamery
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
Blast Ice Cream
Afters Ice Cream
Madame Shugah (all vegan)
And more!
Plus Smorgasburg LA regulars:
Wanderlust Creamery
Donut Friend (all vegan)
Yellow Business - HK Egg Waffle
Churro Boss
Sweet n' Hollow
Bumblecrumpets
When: Sundays July 15 - September 2, 10am - 4pm
Ice Cream Made Here Sign at Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream
ICE CREAM DELIVERY ON NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY
Don't want to go anywhere? Don't fret, you can get ice cream delivered to your front door!
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Caviar, and Postmates will also deliver sweet ice cream from places like Carmela Ice Cream Co or Sweet Rose Creamery!
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM OR THROW AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL
I love making my own ice cream! Check out the best ice cream makers and starter kits at Williams Sonoma!
Every good scoop from home deserves a good scooper!
To throw the BEST Ice Cream Social you need an Ice Cream Garland and our MUST HAVE Scoop! Check out our Amazon Shopping list!
Afters Ice Cream
Brief History of National Ice Cream Day
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared the third week of July to be National Ice Cream Day along with July known as National Ice Cream Month by signing proclamation 5219. In this proclamation, the president called ice cream the perfect dessert and snack food and stated that over 90 percent of Americans enjoy it on a regular basis. He also stated that Americans should observe this day with activities and celebrations. So let's party, it's basically the law.
Now, let's EAT!
****All offers may subject to change. Offers were researched by contacting shops directly or taken from their websites/social media.
Please share in the comments below where you are celebrating! See you for some #sundayfunday or as I like to call it, #sudaefundae
This post was made from my love for ice cream and National Ice Cream Day! Please help me by sharing with your friends on social media!
MORE ICE CREAM POSTS? Yes PLEASE!!!
Where to (and where not to) watch Fireworks on the 4th of July in Marina del Rey, California
Get the best tips for watching 4th of July fireworks in Marina del Rey, CA! Discover ideal viewing spots, where to park, and how to navigate street closures. Avoid the crowds and find hidden gems for a spectacular Independence Day celebration. Your guide to a fun and stress-free Fourth in Marina del Rey!
Fireworks on the Fourth of July in Marina del Rey, CA
Crack the Code: Your Insider's Guide to Marina del Rey's 4th of July Fireworks!
Having spent over a decade living in Marina del Rey and celebrating every 4th of July there, I've got the inside scoop on how to make your Independence Day celebration a blast. From prime viewing spots to navigating the notorious traffic, here’s my best advice for a fun-filled Fourth in the Marina!
For more information, here is the city website http://marinadelrey.lacounty.gov
Keep in mind, they also shoot off fireworks on New Years Eve in the same spot. Typically a small show around 9p and the big show at midnight!
Ride a bike around the Marina!
Getting To and From Marina del Rey on the 4th
Be prepared for street closures! Typically, roads around Marina del Rey start shutting down to non-residents around noon. It's smart to check the Beaches and Harbors website beforehand for specific closure times and locations, depending on where you're headed.
Bring a bike or you can hop on a scooter (check out the apps Spin, Veo, or Wheels, to locate the closest scooter) or city bike to get from here to there!
See my Google Map for parking and viewing references.
Sunsets in Marina del Rey
Where to Park in Marina del Rey for Fireworks
Parking on the 4th of July in Marina del Rey is a competitive sport. If you don't snag a street spot by 10 AM, you're likely looking at paying for a lot, which usually runs $25-35 for the day. These paid lots also fill up quickly, often by noon. I've put together a Google Map with my best parking tips and viewing references to help you out.
Map of Marina Del Rey with Parking and Viewing Locations for the Fireworks on the 4th of July
Considering a shared ride? They're great, but hold off on ordering your Uber or Lyft until around 10:30 PM, once the post-fireworks traffic starts to die down. Otherwise, you could be waiting an hour or more. My pro tip: bring some cookies and a deck of cards (we love Monopoly Deal!) and enjoy a relaxed dessert while you wait.
Find your spot for the fourth of July befor the sunsets!
Where to Watch Marina del Rey Fireworks on the 4th of July
On 4th of July, Marina del Rey sets off quite a show! The 20 minute spectacular can be anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach.
The fireworks barge has moved in recent years from its former spot near Whiskey Red's to further down the jetty, closer to the ocean. If you have a chance earlier in the day to check out where it is, that’s your best bet to know where to watch the fireworks. This change significantly impacts visibility, making it challenging to see the show from the west side of the Marina. For the best views, you'll want to be on the east side, facing southwest.
Here are some top viewing spots:
Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292): This is a fantastic spot on the east side of the Marina. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with a DJ playing music, food trucks, and a festive crowd. We've brought a blanket, a picnic, and deck of cards and simply found a cozy spot on the grass.
Charlie Beach: If you're looking for a beachside view, this is a great option, especially if you can get a spot along the jetty fence. It's perfect if you plan on spending the day partying on the beach and then just walking closer for the show.
Whiskey Red's (13813 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292): This remains a perfect spot for viewing from the west side, thanks to its direct line of sight. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, as it gets incredibly crowded.
From a Boat: If you're lucky enough to have access to a boat, it's an awesome experience! Just be aware that the Marina gets packed with boats, which can be a bit stressful for the captain.
You can enjoy synchronized music to the fireworks from the following locations:
BURTON CHACE PARK - 13650 Mindanao Way
FISHERMAN'S VILLAGE - 13755 Fiji Way
Where NOT to Watch the Fireworks in Marina del Rey
Avoid the west side of the Marina facing east. Areas like Bora Bora Way, Tahiti Way, Marquesas Way, and Panay Way will have obstructed views, if any at all. You might catch a glimpse of a few flares, but you'll miss the main show.
Fireworks view at the end of Bora Bora Way
Fun Things to do in Marina del Rey
If you decide to arrive early to beat the traffic, there's plenty to keep you entertained throughout the day:
Hang out at the beach
Take the Water Bus around the Marina. A one way ticket is only $1 https://marinawaterbus.com
Book a tour on a yacht https://www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Monica/Marina-Del-Rey-Rentals/d32539-378698P6
Walk or bike to Santa Monica Pier
Bike the scenic paths around the Marina
Kayak or Paddleboard - rentals be found at Mother’s Beach
Enjoy the local restaurants. Our favorites include Uovo, Killer Shrimp, 26 Beach, and even The Cheesecake Factory (great views and drinks!).
Grab some ice cream! Try Capri Gelato and Coffee Bar or Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream
Spot some sea lions – they're always "lion" around (ha!).
Keep an eye out for all the fun characters dressed head-to-toe in red, white, and blue!
After the fireworks spectacular, all the boats in the Marina honk their horns for a few minutes in a noisy "round of applause." Surprisingly, our babies slept through it every year!
Related Article: Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles https://www.thesweetestescapes.com/blog/best-ice-cream-los-angeles-2020
If you're planning to enjoy the dazzling fireworks display over the Marina del Rey harbor and want to avoid the post-show traffic and crowds, consider extending your visit with a stay at one of the area's excellent hotels. You can find great rates and a variety of options on booking.com, including:
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey Marriott
Marina del Rey Hotel
Jamaica Bay Inn
Hotel MdR Marina del Rey - a DoubleTree by Hilton
Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey
Staying local means you can simply walk back to your room after the last rocket bursts, ensuring a relaxing end to your festive evening.
We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
Do you have any favorite 4th of July traditions in Marina del Rey? Share them in the comments below!
Boat horns blasting after the fireworks on the Fourth of July in Marina del Rey.
Hope you have a happy and safe 4th!
More things to do in LA:
Ice Cream Review: The Dolly Llama - Los Angeles
Looking for a unique ice cream experience? Dolly Llama Ice Cream offers quirky flavors, Instagrammable llama decor, and a fun atmosphere. Discover why this is the perfect spot for a sweet treat and a mood boost. #icecream #llama #quirky #foodie
I'm holding a bubble waffle Dolly's Dream - cookie monster ice cream, chocolate sauce, brownie, strawberries, and whipped cream!
Alpaca Your Bags (and Your Spoon!): A Quirky Ode to Dolly Llama Ice Cream
ICE CREAM SPOT: DOLLY LLAMA
LOCATIONS: Across the US
Pricing: -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ $10 for a fresh made waffle ice cream and toppings - its kinda like a meal
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy soft-serve)
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan option always available
Take-out: Local delivery service available
Is your mouth watering yet? Mine was as I was handed the delicious Dolly Llama “cone” above!
Let's be honest, the ice cream scene is saturated. Every corner boasts artisanal swirls, gourmet toppings, and flavors that sound like they belong in a Michelin-star restaurant (lavender-infused goat cheese with black truffle dust, anyone?). But sometimes, you just want something… different. Something with a touch of whimsy, a sprinkle of fun, and maybe, just maybe, a hint of llama magic. Enter: Dolly Llama Ice Cream.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Llamas and ice cream? Is this some kind of fever dream?" Fear not, dear reader, for Dolly Llama is not some hallucination brought on by excessive sugar consumption (though that is a distinct possibility after a visit). It's a real, tangible, and utterly delightful ice cream experience that I'm here to wholeheartedly endorse.
Let’s start with some fun facts of why we at the Sweetest Escapes and Dolly Llama get along… we both love travel and ice cream (but I mean, really, who doesn’t?):
Belgium OG Liege waffles served - I’ll explain more later…
Hong Kong-style crispy on the outside and soft on the inside Bubble Waffles
The Dolly Llama sent two employees and chefs to Belgium to learn how to craft the perfect OG Liege waffles
The name 'The Dolly Llama' comes from co-founder Samuel Baroux who was in the South of France and met a real-life llama named Dolly and just fell in love with the weirdness of naming a shop after the llama. MY FAVORITE FACT!
Dolly Llama logo - Sherman Oaks location is now closed :(
Why should you ditch the predictable and embrace the llama-licious? Let me break it down:
The Names are Pure Genius: Forget boring vanilla and mundane chocolate. At Dolly Llama, you're ordering things like "Salted Caramel Swirl," "Cookie Monster," and "Matcha Made in Heaven." Okay, those might sound normal, but they have unique twists. The names on the menu themselves are fun and quirky. It's like they hired a poet laureate of puns to craft their flavor descriptions. It's an experience just reading the menu!
Dolly Llama Menu
More reasons…
It's an Instagram Dream: Let's be real, we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) love a good photo op. Dolly Llama understands this. Their shops are designed to be utterly charming, often featuring, you guessed it, llama-themed decor. Think pastel colors, quirky artwork, and maybe even a plush llama or two hanging around. Your Instagram feed will thank you.
The Ice Cream is Actually Amazing: All the quirky branding in the world wouldn't matter if the ice cream wasn't up to snuff. Thankfully, Dolly Llama delivers. They use high-quality ingredients and create unique and delicious flavors. It's not just a gimmick; it's genuinely good ice cream.
It's a Mood Booster: Walking into Dolly Llama is like entering a tiny pocket of pure joy. The vibrant colors, the playful atmosphere, and the promise of delicious ice cream are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It's the perfect antidote to a bad day, a mid-afternoon slump, or, let's be honest, any time you just need a little bit of happiness.
Dolly Llama Ice Cream options
How to build a yummy concoction? Well, let’s pick an ice cream base and a cup or cone (always pick the bubble waffle) and then sprinkle toppings to your heart’s content!
Fan that fresh bubble cone! Don’t let the ice cream melt!
Ice Cream Artist at work!
AND TA DAAAAAAAA!
The llama is having an OG Liege waffle with caramel salted ice cream!
The llama above is having an OG Liege waffle with caramel salted ice cream! What the heck is that? The Liège waffle is one of the two main types of waffles that originated in Belgium. Known for its rich sticky texture, its unmatched flavor and caramelized finish are what make it so unique.
My only word of warning: Be prepared for a sugar rush. And maybe a slight obsession with llamas. But hey, there are worse things in life, right?
So, next time you're craving a sweet treat, skip the usual suspects and head straight for Dolly Llama. You won't regret it. Just remember to alpaca your spoon! (I couldn't resist.)
P.S. If you see a real llama wandering around the shop, please alert the authorities. That's probably not supposed to happen.
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Another scoop please!
St Patrick's Day Ice Cream 2024 - Shamrock Your Sweet Tooth
Get ready to Shamrock your sweet tooth with these St Patrick’s Day treats from your favorite places such as Salt and Straw, McDonald's, Ben & Jerry's, Dairy Queen, and Coldstones! They’re magically delicious and only available for a limited amount of time! Grab a spoon and eat that ice cream!
Shamrock Your Sweet Tooth: A St. Patrick's Day Ice Cream Extravaganza!
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the luck of the Irish than with a scoop (or two) of delicious ice cream? This year, there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for your taste buds, with festive flavors popping up at all your favorite ice cream spots. So, get ready to shamrock your sweet tooth with these magically delicious treats!
Lucky Charms Ice Cream at the end of the rainbow - St Patrick’s day ice cream at Coldstones
Cold Stone Creamery: Lucky Charms Ice Cream at the End of the Rainbow
Cold Stone is serving up a flavor that's magically delicious (I need this shirt, btw)! Their Lucky Charms ice cream is packed with those colorful marshmallow bits you know and love, and it's topped with even more for good measure. Plus, a sprinkle of gold glitter makes it look like you found the pot of gold at the rainbow's end! They've also got a "Sprinkled with Charms" shake for those who prefer a sippable celebration. Don't be a fool and miss out on this one.
Find your closest Coldstone Location
McDonald's Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry
It’s Shamrock Shake Season! The Shamrock Shake is a minty masterpiece that's perfect for cooling down on a spring day. Plus, the iconic green color adds a festive touch to your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Don’t be shy to try the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry (about $4; prices are set by individual restaurants), which comes with crushed Oreo cookies! Just be sure to grab one before they disappear faster than a leprechaun!
Salt & Straw: Pots of Gold and Rainbows - Seeing Rainbows Pack
Salt & Straw: Pots of Gold and Rainbows
If you're looking for something a little more unique, Salt & Straw has you covered with their limited-edition "Pots of Gold and Rainbows" ice cream. This whimsical flavor combines a hand-sort of luck from the charms, steeping the whole-grain cereal in cream for that bottom-of-the-bowl sweetened milk before stirring in mountains of rainbow ‘mallows. It's a flavor explosion that will have you feeling like you've struck gold!
Get it by the scoop or order the Seeing Rainbows pack - 5 pints!
Dairy Queen: Mint Brownie Blizzard and Under the Rainbow Shake
Dairy Queen: Mint Brownie Blizzard and Under the Rainbow Shake
The Under the Rainbow Shake features a "mixture of magical strawberry flavor and rainbow sprinkles blended with creamy DQ vanilla soft serve with whipped topping and rainbow sprinkles," while the Mint Brownie Blizzard includes "a delicious combination of rich, chocolatey brownie pieces, choco chunks, and cool mint blended to perfection with DQ’s world-famous vanilla soft serve." Both be making a comeback to menus for a limited time.
Ben & Jerry’s: Dublin Mudslide
So, there you have it! With all these delicious options, you're sure to find the perfect St. Patrick's Day ice cream treat to make your holiday extra sweet. Remember, it's not just about the green, it's about finding the flavor that makes you happy and brings a little bit of magic to your day. So grab a spoon and get ready to celebrate – after all, it's not every day you get to indulge in a sweet treat that's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
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Hotel Review: Hyatt Regency Westlake
Hotel review of the Hyatt Regency Westlake location! Perfect for events and overnight stays in Los Angeles. The guest rooms have been recently renovated and are very nice!
Hotel Review: Hyatt Regency Westlake
Address: 880 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
We had a free night expiring and wanted to see how the baby would do away from home, so after a day trip to Santa Barbara, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. It was weird staying in a hotel 15 minutes from where I grew up, but nice to break up the 2+ hour drive, and baby’s first hotel stay!
Main Entrance - Hyatt Westlake
There is valet or self park, we opted to self park because we knew we’d be in and out. Self parking was FREE!
The lobby was large and felt a little dated but had some charm to it.
Guest Rooms
The guest rooms are really nice and spacious! They have been recently renovated and have really nice wood floors, modern furniture, and are relatively quiet, though we were on the top floor and I don’t think anyone was in the room next to us.
The room had a very large TV and an empty mini fridge, perfect for leftovers and baby bottles! There was a nice Keurig with some pods and paper coffee cups. Not sure if it’s a new thing, but there weren’t any glasses or cups in the room. I like to take a glass and put my toothbrush in it in the bathroom. I improvised this trip.
The 4th and 5th floors have balconies but there isn’t a ton of room to do anything but stand and get fresh air. We were hoping to hang out there after the baby went to bed but there wasn’t any patio furniture or room to pull out a chair. There isn’t much of a view, just of the parking lot, which by the way, has plenty of self-parking and is free!
When the curtains and blackout curtains are drawn, the room is nice and dark. The hotel is really close to the freeway so you could occasionally hear freeway noise, but we brought our white noise machine and it really drowned it out.
One nerdy thing that got us excited was that the outlets by the bed had not only usb3 chargers but USB-C chargers for our iPhones! There was also a hole that you could slip the cord down and charge in the shelf below the drawer so you have more room on top of the nightstand.
There is a couch in the room with a pullout bed, or you can just use it as a couch to write blog posts and eat your Sprinkles cupcake. I do regret not taking a picture of said cupcake, I do not regret eating the cupcake. 😂
We asked for a crib and they brought us a Graco pack n play that is just like ours at home! It didn’t have a mattress but had a pad with a sheet tightly wrapped.
Balcony at Hyatt Westlake
The bathroom was a decent size, though it’s not huge, but had enough counter space for our toiletries and a shelf below for towels and storage. There wasn’t a tub, but a shower with a wand so we could give baby a bath. I did like the clock in the mirror as well as the dim automatic light while I was trying to be quiet and keep it dark to not wake the baby.
Bathroom Hyatt Westlake Guestrooms
Shower Hyatt Westlake Guestrooms
Restaurants
There’s a restaurant and bar called Harvest in the hotel, which has indoor and outdoor seating. There were also some grab and go items for breakfast.
There are a ton of restaurants nearby and shopping centers if you need anything! May I recommend Brent’s deli for breakfast or lunch, Paul Martins for dinner, and Sprinkles Cupcakes for dessert! I also love the wine bar, Stonehaus, which is about a mile away, they have tons of outdoor seating in a beautiful garden and great wine and food (mainly salads, sandwiches, and pizza). Perfect spot for lunch or cocktail hour!
Brent’s Deli Westlake
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Malibu Wine Hikes - Best Hike in Los Angeles, California
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!
Malibu Wine Hikes Trail and Saddle Rock Wine!
Malibu Wine Hikes - The best thing to do outside in LA!
Address: 32111 MULHOLLAND HWY. MALIBU, CA 90265
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!
Malibu Wine Hikes Trail
Our Wine Hike Experience
I went with 7 of my girlfriends, who I hadn’t seen since the beginning of the year! We wore masks (took them off for pictures) and kept our distance, it was so nice to see them in person and not on a screen!
We checked in and waited in the shade for our guide, Joe! He was nice, entertaining, and knew so much about the vineyard and grounds. Since we’re all concerned about the spread he took photos of us throughout the hike and sent them to us in a dropbox at the end of the day. This was above and beyond our expectations.
Strike a pose in the Santa Monica Mountains
Typically the hike starts with Rosé pops, but ours weren’t frozen enough, so they gave them to us at the end.
We toured around the grounds on a 2-mile loop, the trail wasn’t too steep. It took us about 3 hours, but we weren’t in any rush, just enjoying the sunshine and company. There were water stations at the beginning of the hike and about halfway through. You can bring your own reusable bottle or purchase one of theirs.
Joe would point out the crops that were growing in the gardens, and said we could try the berries (SNACKKKS).
Berries on the hike!
White Sage growing
There are even Chumash Native Cave paintings on the property and if you’re lucky, you might even find one of their spearheads!
Chumash Native Cave Paintings
The Woolsey fire in November 2018 took out the tasting room and a lot of the vegetation on the grounds. Luckily the animals were ok and from our hike, many of the crops came back and a lot of the vineyard survived! 2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone, but their safety protocols and open-air tours make it easier for people to be together and still do fun things! We saw zebras, water buffalo, and other animals!
Malibu Wines Zebras
After we were done touring around, we returned back to the entrance where we had our rosé pops and chose our bottle of wine to take to go. I like their rosé but went with the Merlot, which is a nice red with notes of spice and pepper. These weren’t full bottles but enough for 2 large glasses of wine!
Saddlerock wines
Booking Your Hike Reservation
The grounds are not open to any to walk around, you must be on a tour or attend an event. Book your ticket and reserve your spot on malibuwinehikes.com. We booked 3 weeks in advance to get our desired date and time.
WINE HIKE - The open hike is a 2 mile loop hike where you get to explore the vineyards of Saddlerock Ranch, organic gardens, Chumash Native American cave paintings, and more! Guests will receive wine to-go when the hike concludes. $49/person
4x4 VINEYARD TOUR - There is also a vineyard tour that you ride in a 4x4 for an adventure tour around the Saddlerock Ranch Vineyards. Guests will explore the vineyards and natural areas on the property. Includes snacks, beverages and wine to-go! $375/Vehicle (each vehicle holds 1-5 people).
Saddle Rock Ranch Sign
Arrival and Parking
There is a huge dirt and gravel parking lot with plenty of parking spots. There are also nice trailer bathrooms in the parking lot too, better than a port-a-potty, but it’s not the Four Seasons or anything.
Don’t drink and drive!
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11 Best Ice Cream Trucks and Catering in Los Angeles
Exceptional artisan ice cream trucks found in Los Angeles! Soft serve, vegan options, and more can be found in our top 11! Ice cream trucks are fun for catering parties and corporate work functions, but also nice when they are near you so you don’t have to drive across LA to their shop.
Ice Cream Trucks you need to try in LA!
These aren’t your creepy vans that sell Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pops, these are exceptional artisan ice cream trucks that Angelino’s seek out! Ice cream trucks are fun for parties and work functions, but also nice when they are in your area.
Here are some of my favorite ice cream trucks in LA:
King Kone Ice Cream Soft Serve
King Kone Ice Cream Truck
If you’re looking for soft serve and sprinkles, this truck’s got you covered! Their menu doesn’t end there, try an ice cream sandwich, milkshake, or banana split! No matter what, there is something for everyone!
CVT Soft Serve Truck
CVT’s goal is to make the best soft serve around! Using local California dairy, they have perfected their soft serve and claim it is the best west of the Atlantic. As they say, “is it arrogant if it’s true?” Their comedic and transparent personality makes for a great follow on their Instagram! Whatever you do, don’t ask them for free things in exchange for social media posts, Influencers pay double! #welovemostofourcustomers
Recess Ice Cream Truck
Recess Ice Cream Truck
We ordered this truck a few times for work functions and they didn’t disappoint! Recess offers fun options like french toast sliders, frozen hot chocolate, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and more!
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck
I often see the Van Leeuwen truck on Abbott Kinney, but you can also rent for parties and events! Their artisan ice cream flavors will please any audience and they offer gluten-free and vegan flavors!
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Truck
McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream Truck
“Have ice cream, will travel” is this Santa Barbara-based company’s motto! LA locals are familiar with McConnell’s scoop shops around town and their ice cream truck can often be found at street fairs. You can book them for parties, weddings, corporate events, and more!
Blast Ice Cream Truck
Blast Ice Cream Truck
Blast truck serves liquid nitrogen ice cream so it is sure to be in its freshest purest form. They serve organic ice cream, scratch-made, and finish each order off with locally sourced toppings. We first found them at Smorgasburg LA.
Happy Ice Truck
Happy Ice, per their website, is an “ultra-premium Water Ice product, made from a secret recipe from Philadelphia with an artistic LA twist. It has the smooth, rich, creamy texture of ice cream and the light, fruity refreshment of a sorbet, without egg or dairy products of any kind.” You can spot this truck from miles away with the vibrant colors. It is also black-owned business, show some support!
Oat-ly Ice Cream Truck
Oat-ly Ice Cream Truck
Oat-ly is an original oat milk company from Sweden that turns nutritious liquid oat milk into ice cream! It’s plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free! They also are earth-conscious, making their ice cream while reducing their carbon footprint as much as possible.
Kona Shaved Ice Truck
Have a luau or tropical island-themed party? Have some authentic shave Ice to go with your tiki decor! They even do fundraisers for functions like schools and sports teams!
Sweet N Hollow Chimney Cake
Sweet N' Hollow
Ok, so this may not be a truck, but a great ice cream catering option! Instead of a waffle cone, ice cream is served in Chimney Cakes! What are those? Well, “Ever been to PRAGUE or BUDAPEST? Then maybe you’ve tried this Eastern European sweet pastry! A warm bread made with fresh yeast dough rolled on a wooden cylinder and baked in a rotisserie grill. ‘Kürtőskalács’ or ‘Trdelnik’ is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. A cinnamon-sugar topping makes this a classic European delight!”
You can often find them at Smorgasburg DTLA!
SuperCool Creamery
SuperCool Creamery
Supercool combines ice cream and magic with a little liquid nitrogen! Fantastic flavors and a variety of toppings (including booze), they’ll add pizaazz to any party! They used to have a shop in Silver Lake but are currently only offering their catering service. See our full post: SuperCool Creamery Review
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Ice Cream Review: Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Great Ice Cream in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing organic ice cream flavors can be found at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery in Los Angeles such as Wild berry Chocolate Crisp. YUM! Best ice cream in LA | Ice Cream in Los Angeles | things to do in LA #icecream #LA #losangeles
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Century City
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery - Fantastic Los Angeles Local Ice Cream
Locations: Santa Monica, Century City, Long Beach (and up the coast)
Website: rorisartisanalcreamery.com
Pricing: Get a split scoop in a bowl for your best value. The cones are really good too.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints are available and you can find them in select grocery stores. See their website for more!
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery Ice Cream Cone
LA Ice Cream Natives
Rori’s originates here in California, freshly scooped from Carpinteria! Owner, Rori Trovato, makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes, and try some of her great flavors like Biscoff, Black Pepper Pistachio, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, Nutella, Peanut Butter Candy Swirl - mix a unique flavor with a classic flavor for the best combo!
Rori’s Ice Cream Menu
Rori’s Ice Cream Menu
Get shakes, floats, homemade cookies, brownies, What the Fudge bars and pints to go here too! They even cater parties, but you have to invite me if you hire them! ;-)
Rori Trovato makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes! She finely crafted each flavor to organic perfection. Rori used to supply the lavender and lemon from her garden but has since sourced it from local organic farms.
Straus Family Creamery Organic cream, milk and eggs create a delightfully creamy texture to their unique flavors including Honey Almond Crunch, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.
"The best cream for your coffee is ice cream!!" I'm adopting this as my new motto. Need a pick me up? Try an affogoto (coffee/espresso with ice cream)! Also, love that they have candy and cookies - SO MANY SWEETS!
Rori has even made ice cream for your dog to enjoy! Organic yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter will leave your four-legged friend happy too!
Not near a scoop shop? That’s okay! Local supermarkets like Erewhon are selling Rori’s ice cream by the pint!
You MUST try the Wildberry Chocolate Crisp and Malted Milk ball
GET FREE ICE CREAM ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
Join their birthday club! CLICK HERE - see the bottom of the page for email signup. They also make ice cream cakes to make your special occasion even more special! AND they have Taco Tuesday... ICE CREAM TACOS! WHAT! Anyone wanna try these with me?! Also, they sell ice cream by the pint if a scoop isn't enough! ;-)
Rori’s Ice Cream Locations
Rori's has more locations along the California coastline, including Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica. Visit the factory near Santa Barbara next time you’re in town!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Need another scoop? Try these:
Ice Cream Review: Halo Top Scoop Shop in Los Angeles, CA - Best soft serve!
Love ice cream? Hate dieting? Halo Top’s got you covered - a lower calorie treat yet creamy and full of surprises. They’ve permanently closed most Halo Top Scoop Shop locations but one is still open in the Grove, where you must try their fabulous soft serve ice cream! Read all about it in my review! #icecream #whatdiet #losangeles
Halo Top Scoop Shop
LA Location: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036 - all other locations have been permanently closed! :(
Website: https://www.halotopscoopshop.com/
Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 for their soft-serve but 3/5 for their ice cream)
Take-out: Take-out only - enjoy on the grass near the fountain!
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy Free Options Available and Guilt-Free Options!
Hot pink ice cream cone with Halo Top’s Peaches and Cream Soft Serve!
I love ice cream but I hate dieting! I was thrilled when I discovered Halo Top at my local Ralphs, finally, a low-calorie ice cream that is delicious! I love everything about this brand, their marketing, flavors, and was so excited to hear the news that an ice cream scoop shop was opening near me!
2020 UPDATE: A lot of the scoop shop locations have closed but The Grove is open with the same options as my visit to Century City! The Grove location is right in front of Nordstroms where Haagen Dazs used to be. It’s best to grab a soft serve cone and enjoy it near the fountain!
Don’t forget to check out our complete list of Best Ice Cream Scoop Shops in Los Angeles
Halo Top Scoop Shop - Century City - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu Flavors
If I buy the pint, I’ll want to eat the whole thing! Here you can get not only your favorite pint flavors but also incredible soft serve options! Since I can get a pint anytime at my local Ralphs, I wanted to try something different so I went for the soft serve. I tried all three soft serve options - Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peaches & Cream. All were tasty, but the peaches and cream flavor was perfect for the warm summer day!
There were so many different options from 4 different kinds of cones to ice cream sandwiches and ICE CREAM TACOS! Also, the cones came in the best colors - pink and a bluish turquoise!
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu
Halo Top Ice Cream Scoop Shop
Halo Top Scoop Shop Menu
It was also chock full of topping options to add to your delectable treats.
Toppings bar at Halo Top
I was debating on what my base should be, and when I heard they had pink ice cream cones, I knew it was a must (and it matched my nails!).
YUM! If you get the chance, grab a cone or a taco and always add sprinkles on top!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage and the little black cone | Downtown Los Angeles
Little Damage is located in Downtown Los Angeles and is known for its iconic charcoal black waffle cone! Ice cream flavors are made in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms. Vegan options are available. See our full review of this Instagrammable LA ice cream scoop shop! Grab this gothic cone in DTLA!
Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Little Damage
Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Website: littledamage.com
Pricing: Generous soft-serve portion for a great price (one free topping included -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for that)
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 creamy soft-serve)
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan option always available
Take-out: Local delivery service available
I had been wanting to visit Little Damage for a long time and always saw on social media how the line went out the door and wrapped around the corner. I waited until winter to finally check it out and it was definitely worth the hype!
Little Damage counter and menu with a list of their flavors!
ABOUT LITTLE DAMAGE
Little Damage is known for its devilish, black charcoal waffle cone. It gives a unique look against contrasting colorful soft serve or bright sprinkles. Flavors often rotate as they make their ice cream in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms and zero preservatives.
Little Damage Ice Cream Quote - “I licked it, so it’s mine!”
LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM QUOTES
The shop is small but has cute neon signs with fun sayings like:
“I licked it, so it’s mine”
“Cute but psycho, but cute”
“I like love you”
Are you singing the “Cute but Psycho” song too?
Little Damage neon sign quote - Cute but psycho, but cute
HOW IT TO ORDER AT LITTLE DAMAGE
I mean it’s not complicated but here we go: there are a handful of flavors listed on the wall, pick one of those plus a free topping from the selection of topping jars on the counter!
Kiki n Cream was blue! Tasty with crumbled Oreos on top!
LITTLE DAMAGE IS SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDLY
This place is an Instagram dream! So many great spots for social media pics from neon signs to spots on the side walk out in front! They even have a FREE photo booth in the back to entice you to take pics with your ice cream and post to social media!
Cute outline for Instagram pictures of gothic ice cream in front of Little Damage
In conclusion (because that’s how you end a good blog post, right?) if I’m in DTLA, I’d stop here again for a gothic black ice cream cone!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Ice Cream Review: Little Damage Ice Cream DTLA
More Ice Cream Related Posts:
6 Most Instagrammable, Pretty, Colorful Ice Cream Shops in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has tons of Instagram worthy ice cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, LA locals - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures! Best Instagram spots in Los Angeles!
6 Best Instagram Ice Cream Spots in LA
You know I love ice cream… especially pretty ice cream pictures! You can go to places like Black Tap and get crazy Freak Shakes for $15 or you can go to a local ice cream shop and get something just as tasty and Instagram worthy! Los Angeles has tons of Instagram Ice Cream shops, you just have to know where to look. Influencers, tourists, Angelinos - here is our list for your next perfect social media ice cream pictures!
Related Post: BEST ICE CREAM SCOOP SHOPS IN LOS ANGELES (Rated, ranked, and map included)
After’s Ice Cream in Venice
Afters Ice Cream
Locations: All over LA (this photo was taken at the Venice Beach location)
Afters Ice Cream has tons of tasty flavors and some are bright in color! Cookie Monster ice cream is blue and tastes amazing, but caution, it will temporarily leave your mouth blue! Totally worth it though. The Venice location is nice with a picture-perfect beach background, however, keep in mind ice cream can melt pretty fast!
They also have witty sayings like, “ruining diets everywhere.”
See more photos in our full review: AFTERS ICE CREAM REVIEW
Little Damage Ice Cream - Downtown LA
Little Damage
Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
This devilish, black, charcoal waffle cone gives a unique look against contrasting colorful soft serve or bright sprinkles. Flavors often rotate as they make their ice cream in small batches with local ingredients from organic dairy farms and zero preservatives.
See our full review here: LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM REVIEW
Milk Bar LA
Milk Bar
Location: 7150 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Shopping in Melrose? Momofuku’s Milk Bar is open in Los Angeles and people are flocking from all over for these tasty treats! Cookies, cakes, and soft serve will leave you happy and full!
Lots of hot pink colors here! Outside there is a cake painted on the side of the building that is a full story high! See it in our full review: MILK BAR REVIEW
Sloan’s Ice Cream Shop
Sloan’s Ice Cream
Locations: Santa Monica and Woodland Hills
These pretty pink stores are vibrant and can be seen a mile away! Inside, you’ll find walls with sprinkles and lollipops with fancy chandeliers hanging. Sloan’s also has amazing ice cream flavors and serves up generous portions!
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Location: Koreatown - 534 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Ok, don’t these pretty ice cream cones just scream Instagram ME!? The colors, toppings, and fancy swirl give these classy cones an edge. Bumsan serves premium 100% organic soft-serve ice cream from the leading organic dairy producer in Korea.
SomiSomi Ah-Boong Fish Shaped Waffle Cone with Ice Cream
SomiSomi Soft Serve and Taiyaki
Locations: Santa Monica, Glendale, Little Tokyo, Koreatown and more!
SomiSomi serves a very special Korean dessert known as “Ah-Boong,” which is a fish-shaped waffle cone with your choice of filling and topped with soft serve.
Flavors include: Milk, Matcha, Ube, Black Sesame and more.
Filling stuffed inside the taiyaki cone include: Custard, Nutella, Red Bean, Cream Cheese and Taro.
Don’t forget a topping like Oreo crumbs, Strawberry, macaron, Graham crackers, Fruity Pebbles, or rainbow sprinkles (always my fave)!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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6 Most Instagrammable, Pretty, Colorful Ice Cream Shops in Los Angeles, California
More ice cream posts please!
Ice Cream Scoop Shop Review: Supercool Creamery | Los Angeles, CA
STEP RIGHT UP for ice cream and a show! With the magic of liquid nitrogen, this nitro-artisan ice cream is made by hand! They have great flavor options such as Key lime with dark rum, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Coffee Toffee, and Berry Sorbet (dairy-free). Located in Silver Lake, California!
Supercool Creamery
SUPERCOOL CREAMERY
Location: 4469 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: supercoolcreamery.com
Pricing: Hearty scoop and show make it worth the price!
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy-free Options Available
Take-out: Local delivery service available
NOTE: They are TEMPORARILY CLOSED! I’m spreading the word so you can come back when they reopen!
With a name like SuperCool, I wasn’t sure what to expect! I was pleasantly surprised when we walked in and the ice cream artists were dressed like performers and put on quite a show!
SUPERCOOL ICE CREAM MENU AND FLAVORS
STEP RIGHT UP! The best ice cream can be found within! With the magic of liquid nitrogen (which is -320 degrees), the cream base I chose, turned into ice cream before my eyes. They call it nitro-artisan ice cream made by hand - yeah, that’s accurate! They have great flavor options such as Key lime with dark rum, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Coffee Toffee, and Berry Sorbet (dairy-free). You can always get a float or a shake if you’re in the mood! It took me a while to figure out what I wanted, but I ended up with Coffee Toffee!
Supercool Menu - so many great flavors!
Here is a little video from my adventure:
THE ICE CREAM MAGICIAN
Once I had my selection, the ice cream magician went to work. Ok, I don’t know if that’s what they actually call themselves, but go with it… He was so animated and funny, it was definitely an experience and not just going into Baskin Robbins for a scoop. Even shops like Creamistry or Smitten will use a mixer of some sort, but Supercool does it by hand!
SUPERCOOL CREAMERY LOCATION AND CATERING
Located in Silver Lake, they are right next to the Vista Theater. I noticed the ice cream sign, otherwise, I would have thought it was part of the theater! They also cater events and parties which would probably be really fun as the ice cream magicians are so enthusiastic! They’ll even spike their ice cream for events, so keep that in mind for your next party! I know I will!
Ta DA!
Supercool is a win in my book! Check them out when you can!
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20 Best Ice Cream Scoop Shops in Los Angeles - Ranked and Map Included!
Happy National Ice Cream Month! We’re starting off the celebration with the best ice cream scoop shops (ranked) in Los Angeles! Since LA is so big, I’ve even provided a Google map of Southern California from the SFV to Hollywood to Silver Lake to Beverly Hills to Santa Monica, so you can see what’s in your area! Looking for Vegan or Dairy-free ice cream options? They’re in there too!
20 Best Ice Cream Scoop Shops open and delivery options in LA (with map)!
It’s that time of year again! July is National Ice Cream Month and I’m here to celebrate despite the state of the world at the moment! Ice cream is my happy place and I think we all need a little happiness these days!
NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY is JULY 19, 2020!
See our post on where to find FREE scoops and deals: National Ice Cream Day 2020
I’ve ranked my favorite shops (best to last), and have even included a map for you to access anytime, anywhere in LA! I’m also adding in where you can get pints to go, as it is still very important to wear masks and social distance. Find the “best ice cream places open near me” by using the map below!
Looking for vegan and dairy-free ice cream options? I have those too! Now let’s get scoopin’!
Strawberry Rhubarb and Blood Orange
GINGER’S DIVINE ICE CREAMS
Location: West LA - 12550 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Website: gingersicecream.com
Pricing: Great value for amazing homemade ice cream
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Homemade cookies, pops, brownies, and pints to go are also available here as well!
I discovered the best-kept secret on the Westside called Ginger's Divine Ice Creams! Ginger herself creates all ice creams and is often found at farmer’s markets in the area for the best local ingredients that are California homegrown. So many fresh flavors such as Strawberry Rhubarb, Chocolate Covered Crack, Oaxaca Habanero, "The Dude" White Russian, Unicorn Cotton Candy, it’s hard to choose and you’ll want to return again and again! Her flavors are inventive and different from other scoop shops, see her latest mashups here: Gingers Divine Ice Cream Flavors.
I’m gonna call it the Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles and my favorite ice cream in LA!
See the full review here: Ice Cream Review: Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams
Rainbow Buttermilk on top of Cream Puff
JENI’S ICE CREAMS
LA Locations: Santa Monica, Larchmont, Calabasas, Los Feliz (see more on their site)
Website: jenis.com
Pricing: Great value for artisan ice cream flavors ($6 for a split scoop)
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan and dairy-free ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints are available to go or you can order online! NEW: You can even find some flavors in select stores!
Jeni’s flavors are out of this world! A true artisan ice cream confectionary that started in Ohio and has made its way to California! So many flavors to choose from including Blackout Chocolate Cake, Boston Cream Pie, Cream Puff, Frozé, Coffee with Cream and Sugar, and Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks… literally, try them all!
New flavors are featured each month (Jeni’s Ice Cream Flavors) and get this, you can even have an ice cream subscription and have ice cream delivered to your house monthly! Happy to help you eat them.
SALT AND STRAW
LA Locations: Downtown LA, Mid-city (Beverly near Fairfax), WeHo, Studio City, Venice
Website: saltandstraw.com
Pricing: On the higher side, but the ingredients are more complex
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints are available to go or you can order online
I LOVE Salt and Straw! So many interesting Classic Los Angeles Flavors including Roasted Strawberry & Toasted White Chocolate, Honey Lavender, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese, Freckled Mint TCHO-colate Chip, and Dandelion Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies & Cream).
They also offer about 6 new rotating flavors every month! Don’t forget to come back for their Thanksgiving series in November - try the mashed potatoes with gravy or the stuffing! Weird but good!
Sloan’s Ice Cream with snowcaps!
Sloan’s Ice Cream
LA Locations: Santa Monica and Woodland Hills
Website: sloansicecream.com
Pricing: Moderate price for a scoop and topping!
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Try UberEats, Postmates, Doordash!
SLOAN’S IS GOALS! This place is pink, pretty, and has all the goodies! Not only do they have tons of different flavors of ice cream like Almond Joy, Mom’s Apple Pie, and Chocolate Cookie Cheesecake, but they have baked goods, chocolates, and candy too!
Bring some friends, and I dare you to eat TRACY’S KITCHEN SINK - ultimate sundae with everything including the kitchen sink – 18 scoops of ice cream, all of the deluxe toppings, 4 cookies, 4 brownies, gobs of whipped cream & cherries – all served in a real sink! Best ice cream in Santa Monica!
SWEET ROSE CREAMERY
Locations: Mid-city (Beverly near Fairfax), Brentwood, Palisades, Santa Monica
Pricing: The sundae is the best bang for your buck
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy-free ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints and ice cream cakes are available to go!
I’ve loved Sweet Rose Creamery for a long time! Not only do they make their own ice cream in house, they make all their cones and toppings as well! Favorites include: Peanut Butter Fudge, Fresh Mint Chip (so fresh and made from mint extract - also, it’s not green!), Toasted Coconut. Check out their current flavors here: Sweet Rose Creamery Flavors
Ice cream pints, homemade toppings, ice cream cakes, party packs and other frozen treats can be delivered straight to your door through Postmates, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Doordash and Caviar!
Frozen Rose
WANDERLUST CREAMERY
Locations: Tarzana, Atwater Village, Venice
Website: Wanderlust Creamery
Pricing: Great value for your ice cream!
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints are available to go
Wanderlust Creamery is literally my dream ice cream shop, combining my favorite things, ice cream and travel! Their motto is A DESTINATION IN EVERY SCOOP and flavors are amazing concoctions using ingredients from around the world. To give you a taste, you can try flavors like Vegan Sticky Rice Mango inspired by Thailand, Abuelita Malted Crunch inspired by LA, Japanese Neapolitan, Violet Marshmallow inspired by France. Don’t miss out on their Ube cone (made from yams, another weird but good combo) and their monthly flavors: Wanderlust Creamery Monthly Flavors.
Don’t miss them at Smorgasburg LA over the weekends in Downtown LA (when they resume after social distance rules have lifted). Hopefully, they come back this summer in time for Ice Cream Alley!
MAGPIES
Locations: Silver Lake and Tarzana
Website: magpiessoftserve.com
Pricing: A cone with a topping is decently priced!
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan soft serve options available
Take-out: Soft serve in a cup or pints, pies and more! Use Postmates or UberEats!
The owners of Magpies went to a Dairy Queen one day and came up with the idea to make a chef-y soft serve. They hit the nail on the head! Instead of chocolate or vanilla, you can get exquisite flavors such as Malted Milk Chocolate, Sweet Cream, Corn Almond (Vegan - Almond Milk), Brown Sugar Vanilla (Vegan - Oat Milk), Blueberry Pie (Vegan - Oat Milk), or Apple Pie! They even make soft serve pies which were perfect for birthdays at work! All toppings are made in house, including Butterscotch Rice Krispies, Chocolate Covered Honeycomb (Vegan), Brownie Bites (Vegan), and Graham Cracker Streusel - to name a few!
Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean & Fresh Mint CHip
CARMELA ICE CREAM
Locations: Mid-city and Pasadena
Website: carmelaicecream.com
Pricing: Get a split scoop in a bowl for your best value. The cones are really good too.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints, Quarts, and ice cream sandwiches - Uber Eats and Doordash!
This shop is classy, pretty, and feels like an ice cream parlor. They make all their own flavors (favorites include Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean, Intelligentsia Espresso, Salted Caramel, White Peach Vanilla Bean), and you can smell the fresh waffle cones once you step in the door! See their seasonal flavors here: Carmela Flavors
Get a cone, an ice cream sandwich, or try their delicious coffee, something for everyone! You can even take an ice cream class and make your own ice cream!
Wild Berry Chocolate Crisp and Malted Milk English Toffee
RORI’S ARTISANAL CREAMERY
Locations: Santa Monica, Century City, Long Beach (and up the coast)
Website: rorisartisanalcreamery.com
Pricing: Get a split scoop in a bowl for your best value. The cones are really good too.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints are available and you can find them in select grocery stores. See their website for more!
Rori’s originates here in California, freshly scooped from Carpinteria! Owner, Rori Trovato, makes all the ice cream, cookies, cones, and candy recipes, and try some of her great flavors like Biscoff, Black Pepper Pistachio, Fresh Mint Patty, Malted Milk English Toffee, Nutella, Peanut Butter Candy Swirl - mix a unique flavor with a classic flavor for the best combo!
Get shakes, floats, homemade cookies, brownies, What the Fudge bars and pints to go here too! They even cater parties, but you have to invite me if you hire them! ;-)
Peppermint Stick
VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM
Locations: Hollywood, Silverlake, Downtown LA, Culver City, and a Food Truck!
Website: vanleeuwenicecream.com
Pricing: More on the expensive side but really creamy exquisite ice cream.
Dietary Restrictions: LOTS of Vegan ice cream options available
Take-out: Pints can be delivered nationwide with Goldbelly or locally by delivery service (Doordash, UberEats, etc.)
I first tried Van Leeuwen ice cream in New York many moons ago! I was so excited when they first had a food truck and then shops started to pop up! I love their fun flavors which are pretty classic but mighty tasty: Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Cookies & Cream, Honeycomb, PB Marshmallow Crunch, Pistachio, and Salted Carmel to name a few. There are a lot of vegan options here! Seasonal flavors are also offered here, I love the Peppermint Stick during Winter, right now, keep up with their seasonal flavors here: Van Leeuwen Flavors.
MILK SHOP
Locations: Beverly and Silverlake
Beverly - 7290 BEVERLY BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90036
Silverlake - 1639 SILVER LAKE BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
Website: themilkshop.com
Pricing: Get an ice cream sandwich!
Take-out: See their website for their delivery menu which includes cookies, cakes, pints, scoops of ice cream, and ice cream sandwiches
All ice creams and sorbets are made from scratch in their kitchen in LA from locally sourced products! You have to try their ice cream sandwiches! See all the best combinations here: Ice Cream Sandwich Flavors
Best ice cream sandwich combo: Fruity Pebbles, Grasshopper (mint), and California Strawberry - YUM!
Coffee caramel and red velvet cupcake with sprinkles on top
LITTLE DAMAGE
Location: Downtown LA - 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Website: littledamage.com
Pricing: Great price for soft serve. Take a free picture in the photo booth!
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy-free ice cream options available
Take-out: take-out is available
This family-owned soft-serve ice cream shop is located in the heart of DTLA, known for its signature charcoal cones with an impressive rotating list of unique flavors. My favorite combo: Coffee caramel and red velvet cupcake with sprinkles on top. The cookies and cream flavor is really good too!
Their trendy ice cream is prepared daily in small batches, using local ingredients supplied by organic dairy farmers. The signature black ice cream cones are naturally colored with activated charcoal, and hand-rolled minutes before you get one.
See our full review here: LITTLE DAMAGE ICE CREAM REVIEW
McConnell’s Ice Cream - Silver Lake
McCONNELLS FINE ICE CREAMS
Locations: Downtown LA, Silver Lake, Studio City
Website: mcconnells.com
Pricing: Fair pricing for good flavors! I’ll get a pint now and again!
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy-free Ice Cream Options Available
Take-out: Pints are available for take-out and delivery. You can also find them in select grocery stores! See their site for more info! Join their Pint of the Month Club! You can get 3 of their best-flavored pints 3 months a year delivered right to your door!
McConnell’s has been serving creative fun flavors to LA since 1949! To this day, it is still family-owned, as the third generation is still scooping divine ice cream. So many great options here: Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Double Peanut Butter Chip, Salted Caramel Chip, Sprinkle Cake, Sea Salt Cream and Cookies, and my absolute favorite: Whiskey Pralines and Cream!
Supercool Creamery - Entertaining and delicious!
SUPERCOOL CREAMERY
Location: 4469 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 - CURRENTLY CLOSED!!!!!!!!
Website: supercoolcreamery.com
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy-free Options Available
Take-out: Use a local delivery service or they deliver certain items nationwide!
With a name like SuperCool, I wasn’t sure what to expect! I was pleasantly surprised when we walked in and the ice cream artists were dressed like performers and put on quite a show! With the magic of liquid nitrogen, the cream I chose turned into ice cream. They have great flavor options such as Key lime with dark rum, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Coffee Toffee, and Berry Sorbet (dairy-free). I loved every moment of my visit here! They also cater events and spike their ice cream! Keep these cool scoops in mind for your next party!
See our full review here: SUPERCOOL CREAMERY REVIEW
MANHATTAN BEACH CREAMERY
Location: 1120 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: mbcreamery.com
Pricing: Their Sundae has the best value!
Dietary Restrictions: Gluten Free Options Available
Take-out: Use a local delivery service or they deliver certain items nationwide!
Ice cream and ocean views? What could be better during summer in LA?! Check out why Manhattan Beach Creamery is one of the best places for ice cream in Los Angeles! Home of the artisan ice cream sandwich, the Cream'wich ice cream sandwich is a combination of artisan cookies from Katella Bakery, and their signature ice cream. Try the Super Sonic ice cream, a sweet cream taste, filled with lots of sprinkles!
See the full review here: Manhattan Beach Creamery
Manhattan Beach Creamery - Super Sonic Ice Cream
Cookie Monster Ice Cream Sandwiches
THE BAKED BEAR
Locations: Hermosa, Burbank, La Canada, USC
Website: BakedBear.com
Price and Value: Great price for 2 cookies and a LARGE scoop of ice cream!
Take-out: Have your sweets delivered from a local delivery service, and make sure you get a dozen cookies!
Love cookies and ice cream? Get the best ice cream sandwiches at the Baked Bear, made fresh to your favorite combination! See my favorite concoction and where to pick up one of these bad boys!
Read the full review here: The Baked Bear
MOTHERMOO CREAMERY
Location: Sierra Madre - 17 Kersting Ct, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Website: mothermoo.com
Value: Great value for a scoop!
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy Free Ice Cream Options Available
Take-out: Get pies, cookies, cakes, ice cream, and more, delivered to your door (through Postmates). Or you can do a contactless pickup in the alley behind them - it’s not as shady as it sounds!
MotherMoo’s ice cream is made in-store as small-batch, homemade ice cream using locally sourced ingredients, many grown within miles from the scoop shop. Favorite flavors include Salty Chocolate, Dutch Apple Pie Crumble, Pretzel and Caramel, Peppermint Stick, Fresh Coffee, House-made Peppermint Patty. Most interesting flavors: Roasted Fig Leaf, Organic Celery, Fresh Basil, Orange Peel & Szechuan Pepper. See all flavors here: Mothermoo Flavors
Not only do they have phenomenal ice cream, but they also have cookies, pies, and cakes!
AFTERS ICE CREAM
Locations: All over Southern California - find one near you!
Website: aftersicecream.com
Menu: Afters Flavors
Value: Ice cream is priced a little higher than most shops (2 scoops for $6.50) however handcrafted ice cream usually is! They also have very pretty colored sprinkles! Worth every penny to me!
Take-out: Postmates delivers!
Afters is very trendy ice cream scoop shop with relatable quotes. Afters offers many unique flavors including Cookie Butter and Cookie Monster (it’s blue), also home of the Milky bun, which is a warm glazed bun (donut like) stuffed with ice cream! As they say, “Less talk, more ice cream!” My favorite location is the Venice creamery - ice cream on the beach, how cool is that?
Read the full review here: Afters Ice Cream
Thanks Give Me a Cookie and Graham Central Station
HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Locations: Northridge, Long Beach
Website: handelsicecream.com
Value: SO MANY SCOOPS IN ONE CONE!
Take-out: Handel’s delivers ice cream anywhere (limited for now), but use Postmates for now!
Great options here - cones, pops, ice cream sandwiches, smoothies, and pints! They even have a Hurricane which is similar to a McFlurry, ice cream blended with mix-in candies!
Lots of fun flavors that differ from store to store and many seasonal options. Huge fan of their Graham Central Station and Thanksgiving flavors! Thanks Give Me a Cookie is basically ice cream with a ton of different kinds of cookies!
Dark Chocolate and Cookies & Cream
SAFFRON AND ROSE
Location: West LA - 1387 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Website: saffronroseicecream.com
Value: Great, a small comes with 2 scoops
Dietary Restrictions: Vegan Ice Cream Options
Take-out: Take out and contactless delivery available!
Saffron and Rose serve up Persian style ice cream in Westwood! It’s lower on my list because it has all of those weird flavors like lavender and rose... things that smell amazing but not fragrances I prefer in my ice cream. See all the florals, nutty, and chocolate flavors here: Saffron and Rose flavors
You get 2 scoops even for their smallest size, so I played it safe and went for the dark chocolate (that had brownie bites and walnuts in it) and cookies n cream! The guy at the register judged me for taking my picture and said “Nice picture” in a move out of the way tone. Judge away, I’m doing it for the gram, dude! Oh well, the ice cream was good, though!
CREAMISTRY
Locations: Downtown, Hollywood, Woodland Hills, Glendale
There are many locations throughout California, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Find one near you: Creamistry Locations
Website/Menu: Creamistry Menu
Price/Value: I thought it was a little pricy but you get a pretty good-sized serving!
Dietary Restrictions: Non-dairy ice cream and Gluten-Free items
Creamistry ice cream makes you smarter! Well, you learn a little science lesson about liquid Nitrogen and how to make ice cream with it! Super creamy dense ice cream will fill you up and last a while! They have so many options, everyone will walk away happy!
See our full review here: Creamisty Ice Cream Review
GO FORTH AND ENJOY NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH! TRY ALL THE ICE CREAMS!
Thanks for reading, please leave any thoughts in the comments section below!
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Need more ice cream?
Behind the Scenes at Disney: Inside a Private Walt Disney Office
Come tour Walt Disney’s office set up just as he had it when he worked on the Walt Disney Studios lot from 1940-1966. Read all about the fun stories, famous Walt Disney quotes, and experience where magic once happened.
Updated January 24, 2026
Team Disney Building with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Insider Tour of Walt Disney's Restored Office Suite at Walt Disney Studios - Los Angeles, CA
Most Disney fans will never step foot inside this space — and I didn’t even know it existed until I was there.
Tucked away from the parks and crowds is a private Walt Disney office in Burbank, California. It’s filled with history, creativity, and details that feel frozen in time. This is a rare behind-the-scenes Disney experience few people ever get to see — and one I’ll never forget.
As a kid, my Mom would take us to the Disney lot to see Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs (that were 19 feet tall) hold up the now Team Disney building. Years later, who knew I’d be working for the company?! As an employee, I was selected in a lottery to tour Walt Disney’s office suite. Unlike other lots like Warner Bros, Universal, or Paramount, Walt Disney Studios doesn’t offer lot tours often, only D23 Members receive offers now and again. Well friends, I’ll give you the tour for free!
Who Will Love This Experience
Disney history fans
Creative professionals & designers
Disney adults who love behind-the-scenes stories
Anyone obsessed with rare, invite-only experiences
Hyperion Bungalow
What It’s Like to Experience a Private Disney Space
I thought I’d give you a tour of Walt Disney’s office set up just as he had it when he worked on the Disney Studios lot from 1940-1966. Disney’s first office was over at Hyperion Studios in Silverlake. The original home of the Disney Publicity and Comic Strip Departments was moved from Hyperion Studios to the Burbank lot and is now known as Hyperion Bungalow.
Walt’s office was in the top left corner - Suite 3H
Unique Disney History
After the success of Snow White, Disney was able to purchase the land in Burbank to build a new campus. Disney moved into Suite 3H in the Animation building until his death in 1966. There were a few occupants in the office including Roy Disney, and even television producer, Marc Cherry. The office was restored in 2016 and now looks just as if Disney had walked away for the day thanks to Disney Legend and archivist, David Smith, who carefully catalogued and documented every inch of the suite after Walt had passed.
Walt Disney’s Office Desk
What It Felt Like to Step Inside a Private Disney Space
Trophy Cabinet and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Oscar
When you enter the lobby and secretary area of Suite 3H, there is a trophy case including a replica of the Oscar for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This special Oscar was presented by Shirley Temple to Walt Disney and was a special statue made with the 7 little Oscars behind the main one! Walt Disney won 32 Academy Awards between 1931 and 1968, and still holds the record for most individual Academy Awards won (per Google). This replica was used in Saving Mr. Banks, the real Oscar is up on display at The Walt Disney Family Museum near San Francisco.
Walt Disney’s Secretary Desk
Walt had two secretaries to maintain his busy schedule!
Hidden Disney History Inside the Formal Office of Walt Disney
Walt Disney’s Formal Office Desk
Walt’s suite essentially had 2 offices, a formal office, and a working office (pics to come). This desk is part of his formal office which initially was his only office in 1940.
Here are 5 fun facts about his formal desk area:
MINIATURES - Walt loved to collect miniatures and had a collection from his travels as well as gifts from family and friends.
NORMAN ROCKWELL - Pictures of his daughters, Sharon and Diane, hang on the wall to complete his corner. Oh, and the pencil drawings were originals, drawn by Norman Rockwell. Most Dad’s have that in their office, right? Walt had his daughter’s shoes bronzed and made them into bookends.
GIANT BELL - The giant bell on his desk was presented to Walt by the United States Coast Guard, in recognition of a film Walt produced showing how icebreakers make their way through heavy Arctic icepacks. One day in the office, Walt’s secretary rang the bell to get his attention to remind him about lunchtime. He loved it so much, he asked her to do it every day at 12:30, so he would remember that it was time to go to lunch.
FURNITURE - Most of the furniture in the office was designed in a Streamline Moderne style by industrial designer and architect, Kem Weber. Disney loved the style so much, he made Weber the supervising designer of the original animation building, along with several of the original studio lot buildings.
CURTAINS - Those are the original curtains and blinds in the windows! What stories they could tell.
Walt Disney’s Piano
Many songwriters auditioned songs and score for features on this piano. Famous singers would also audition for Walt, accompanied by this piano. Disney songwriter Richard Sherman frequently played Walt’s favorite song from Mary Poppins (1964), “Feed the Birds,” on this 1914 Knabe grand piano. The piano was customized just for Walt by Kem Weber in 1940 to match the other Weber designed furniture.
The books on the shelves behind the piano were meticulously returned as Walt had them. Disney archive historians looked through many photographs to replicate the shelves as Walt once had them.
Guest seating and treasured trinkets
The birds in the cage were found on one of Disney’s travels and inspiration for audio-animatronics in Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted House. Do they remind you of the Enchanted Tiki Room? There’s a reason for that. ;-) There is also a Lady plush in the cubby under the table.
Panoramic View of Walt’s Formal Office
Inside Walt Disney’s Working Office: A Space Frozen in Time
Walt Disney’s Working Office Desk
Here are 5 Fun Facts about Walt’s working desk:
SCRIPTS - On the right side, it looks ordinary stacks of paperwork. Those are actually original scripts that Walt read and would take home in his briefcase that you can see on the right behind his desk.
BAMBI - Up in the corner, below what looks like a figurine of a head, there is a little Bambi miniature figurine that Walt Disney made himself!
PLANES - There is a model of a Grumman Gulfstream which was the type of plane Walt would fly over Central Florida in to view the property that would become the Walt Disney World Resort!
SPACE - The desk here was lower and larger than the formal office as it was often used to layout large blueprints.
BROTHERLY LOVE - The window on the right looked across to Roy O. Disney’s office. He wanted to keep a close eye on his brother.
Aerial View of Disneyland
Walt had an aerial view of Disneyland in his office. The red markers represented completed projects and yellow markers were in progress. The in-progress markers included a New Tomorrowland and It’s a Small World!
There was even a full kitchenette! Meals were made here using famous products like V-8 and Spam. There are also engraved personalized glasses with WED - Walter Elias Disney.
Walt Disney’s Working Office
Original Disney Animators Desks
Disney Animator Desk
Here is another Kem Weber furniture design specific for animators so they would be comfortable while working long hours.
Disney Animator Desk Drawer
Walt Disney and the Olympic Games
There was even an Olympic torch in the office! Why? For the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, Walt Disney served as the Chairman of the Pageantry Committee.
Here are fun facts from WaltDisney.org:
As Chairman, Walt’s duties included staging the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, scheduling nightly entertainment for the athletes, providing decorations to enliven the valley, and taking care of a number of logistical details including parking concerns, security, and ticketing systems. He enlisted the help of a number of seasoned employees of WED, design and development of Disneyland, (and forerunner to Walt Disney Imagineering).
Veteran Disney artist John Hench designed the 1960 Winter Olympic torch. Though the design was modeled after the torches for the 1948 and 1956 Olympiads, Hench decided on a slightly smaller version that would be easier for torchbearers to carry. The earlier, taller models proved to be difficult to manipulate as they were top-heavy when filled with fuel. Hench also added black tape to the top part of the shaft to enable runners to pass the torch easily and ensure a stable grip.
Walt Disney Studios
And that’s our tour! For more fun Disney history, check out The Imagineering Story on Disney+! If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, you’ve probably already seen it!
5 Great Walt Disney Quotes:
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
“Why worry? If you’ve done the best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.”
“That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up. They forget.”
“A man should never neglect his family for business.”
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St Patrick's Day Ice Cream & Events in Los Angeles 2020
Happy St Patty’s Day! See how to celebrate in Los Angeles on St Patrick’s Day! Things to do on St Patrick’s Day in LA | Ice Cream for St Patrick’s Day
HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY! Let's celebrate with a wee bit o' ice cream!
O’Venice Sign in Venice Beach
I normally like to list the St Patrick’s Day events around town but it seems like they have all been canceled due to the Coronavirus. :( Instead, I’ll just share a few things that will require minimum social contact. Help stop the spread!
St Patrick’s Day Ice Cream
Salt and Straw
Salt and Straw features many different unique flavors that you won't find in most ice cream shops.
November Menu
Monthly, they rotate seasonal flavors relating to the season or a holiday! For instance, see the weirdest flavors we tried last November:
The buttered mashed potatoes and gravy flavor was uh interesting, to say the least.
For March 2020, here is a good flavor to enjoy in celebration of St Patrick’s Day per their website for Los Angeles flavors:
James Coffee & Bourbon We cold brew our favorite roast from James Coffee Co. and blended it with the warm, woodsy, sweetness of Greenbar Distillery Slow Hand Whiskey to make a new spin on coffee ice cream.
Made with James Coffee and Greenbar Distillery Whiskey
Pots of Gold and Rainbows - St Patrick’s Day 2019
Stop everything that you're doing and get to the nearest Salt and Straw! Locations and local flavors can be found: HERE
Afters Tipsy Cream Boozy Ice Cream - St Patrick’s Day 2020
Afters Ice Cream
Locations: Southern California
Try Afters Ice Cream’s new Tipsy Irish Cream this St Patrick’s Day!
As luck of the leprechaun would have it, this ice cream is made with a whiskey-infused coffee liqueur ice cream and a Guinness Stout beer chocolate ganache swirl! It's available starting on Friday 3/13 at all 27 Southern CA locations for a limited time only. Don’t forget to lick responsibly!
Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry - From McDonalds Instagram
McDonalds
The return of #ShamrockShakeSZN is back! Celebrate 50 years with the creamy Shamrock Shake or with the delicious new OREO Shamrock McFlurry!
I’m lovin’ it! Do they even say that anymore?
Goldbelly Irish Cream Boozy Ice Cream
Goldbelly Delivers Tipsy Scoop to Your Door
Quarantined with the coronavirus? Thank goodness Goldbelly will deliver ice cream right to your door! Get St Patrick's Day Boozy Ice Cream - 4 Pints for only $99 + free shipping!
Flavors include:
Vanilla Bean Bourbon – Vanilla bean ice cream infused with bourbon
Spiked Mint Chip – Mint chocolate ice cream infused with creme de menthe and chocolate liqueur
Irish Coffee – Ice cream spiked with Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Coffee Liqueur
Dark Chocolate Whiskey – Dark chocolate ice cream with salted caramel infused with whiskey
PLEASE NOTE THAT AN ADULT SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED UPON DELIVERY. Package will not be left at the door. All flavors contain up to 5% alcohol by volume and can only be consumed by those 21 and over.
Middle West Whiskey Pecans Spoonhead - from Jeni’s
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Here’s a flavor to enjoy at Jeni’s for St Patrick’s Day:
MIDDLE WEST WHISKEY & PECANS - A classic returning for the season. Middle West Spirits whiskey-fueled ice cream laden with crunchy, salty, toasted pecans.
You can even order this one ONLINE!
The Venice Beach Sign - St Patrick’s Day
The Venice Chamber has been in the holiday spirit, adding elements to the iconic VENICE sign at Pacific St and Windward Ave! The Venice Sign Committee is responsible for the maintenance of the sign and started the Adopt-a-Bulb program.
Venice Beach Sign - O’Venice
At Christmas, there were red and green bulbs, for Valentine's Day they added a heart with purple lights. See more holidays on their website, Venice Sign Committee. For St Patrick's Day, they add the "O" to the beginning and change the lights to green! So cute!
Hope you enjoy your St Patrick's day! :) Be safe out there!
The Best Christmas Sweets, Ice Cream and Treats at the Disneyland Resort 2019
Merry Christmas Eve! See where to find the best Ice Cream and Sweet Treats at the Disneyland Resort. See the best finds at the Festival of Holidays 2019, only a few more days left, don’t miss out!
Merry Christmas Eve! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year, especially at Disneyland! Although this post is a little late, I imagine there are still many people going to Disneyland the next few weeks! Here’s a rundown of my favorite desserts at Disneyland during Christmas time!
Peppermint Mickey Shake at Schmoozies
Peppermint Mickey Shake
Found at Schmoozies in California Adventure
This adorable Peppermint Mickey Shake is made with Peppermint Chocolate Crème Cookie Shake, Whipped Topping, Christmas Accents, Chocolate Crème-filled Cookie Ears for only $7.99 (AP and Cast member discount available).
Peppermint Ice Cream Bar
Chocolate Peppermint Bar
Found in Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shop
Peppermint and chocolate is my favorite combo, I’m glad there are multiple options this year! Find the seasonal chocolate peppermint ice cream bar at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream shop in California Adventure!
The Chocolate Peppermint Bar includes your choice of Ice Cream Bar dipped in Chocolate, drizzled in Peppermint Icing, topped with Crushed Peppermint $5.69
Peppermint Soft Serve
Peppermint Soft Serve
Found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your sprinkles!!! This Christmasy peppermint soft serve can be found at the Cozy Cone Motel in California Adventure! It’s almost too minty (and I LOVE peppermint ice cream) so be prepared. Can be served in a cup or cone for only $5.49!
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festive Cran-Blackberry Mimosa and a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron
Festival of Holidays - Making Spirits Bright Booth At California Adventure
We always enjoy the Festival of Holidays booths, this year seems to offer the best treats yet! I double fisted with a Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron and a Cran-Blackberry Mimosa from the Making Spirits Bright booth.
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron (Gluten-Friendly) for $5.50 - The macaron was better than is looks! So soft and chocolatey with a marshmallow fluff to it.
Cran-Blackberry Mimosa for $15 - both festive and delicious! There was a flight option along with Apple and Pomegranate for $17
See the full menu here: Festival of Holidays Menu
Trolley Treats
Find these wintery sweet treats including themed Cake Pops, Caramel Apples, and Rice Krispie Treats. Something for everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from us to you and may all your Christmases be sweet!
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Features on Lonely Planet and Life Lately!
I wrote a few articles for Lonely Planet! You should check them out and what I’ve been up to lately!
It’s Sunday, my favorite day to relax and blog! I’ve had a busy month writing for Lonely Planet, leaving less time for the blog between my full-time job, personal life, and travels!
We went to Hawaii and celebrated our 5 year anniversary, retuning the Sheraton Maui where we got engaged then married, and have returned every year for our anniversary since! It was also the place where I thought to start a travel blog, 3 years later, here we are!
Maui Sunset at Merriman’s Kapalua
The Sweetest Escapes had it’s first anniversary last month, doing well for the first year! Thanks to all who follow our crazy adventures and sweet finds around the globe!
Ok, so, when we went to Monterey Bay for 4th of July this year and were driving up the coast, I found a few spots to stop along the way. When we returned and I started to map our trip with ice cream stops, I thought this would be a great pitch for another publication. I had enough stops to run from San Francisco to San Diego and couldn’t wait to get started. I pitched to Lonely Planet and was commissioned within a week to write my article and it was a paid gig!
I was pleased with the outcome, please visit Lonely Planet and read my Sights and Sweets Along the California Coast article.
Fall in love with Autumnal Flavors on Lonely Planet
I started to get emails from my favorite ice cream shops with all the different fall flavors they were featuring, and thought it might bode well for another Lonely Planet article! Fall in love with these Autumnal flavors on Lonely Planet!
Anyway, thanks for your support and hope you enjoy our posts!
Stay sweet,
Kathleen
Fall Ice Cream Flavors in Los Angeles
In LA it’s hard to find the leaves turning, but you can find the ice cream churning! Check out the fall ice cream flavors in Los Angeles!
It’s often hard to find fall leaves around Los Angeles but if you look in local scoop shops, you’ll find all your favorite autumn flavors: pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato. Sweet potato?! Yes, sweet potato.
If you’re feeling spoopy, check out these scoop shops! Info below is copied straight from their site!
Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows at Jeni’s
Jeni’s Ice Creams
Locations: Click HERE for all Locations
PUMPKIN CAKE ROLL PINT - Sweet heirloom pumpkin ice cream swirled with spiced sweet cheese and cake.
Nutty and creamy with lots of warm spices, pumpkin rolls are a fall favorite of Jeni. We’ve infused this ice cream with all the same character as the classic dessert. Part rich, sweet cream cheese ice cream. Part pumpkin ice cream—bursting with the deep roasted flavor of buttercup pumpkins grown just for us by Mike Hirsch in Chillicothe, Ohio. And lots of brown sugar and Jeni’s unique Chinese 5-Spice blend of cinnamon, fennel, star anise, white pepper, and ginger. (No allspice to be found!) It’s said to represent all the elements: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—and it makes a perfect pumpkin spice. The finishing touch? Lots of vanilla-spiced cake pieces.
SWEET POTATO WITH TORCHED MARSHMALLOWS PINT - Roasted sweet potatoes scented with nutmeg and cinnamon. Studded with handmade, hand-torched marshmallows.
When we whip up a batch of this ice cream in our kitchen, we make the marshmallows, cube them, and then spread them on sheet trays and caramelize them with blowtorches. Millions and millions of them (or so it seems). Then we roast cinnamon-scented sweet potatoes, grown for us by our longtime farm partner, Mike Hirsch, on his family farm just an hour from our kitchen. It’s definitely kitschy, but it reminds us of a certain delicious casserole on Midwestern holiday tables, which makes it even better.
Salt and Straw
Locations: Click here for all locations
Salt and Straw’s October flavors in Los Angeles don’t sound too bad!
The Great Candycopia - As darkness falls across the land, the candymaking hour is close at hand. Swarms of housemade trick-or-treat favorites—crisp shortbread and nutty nougat buried in caramel, peanut butter trapped inside walls of chocolate, pecans smothered in BOOrbon vanilla toffee—all get folded into a disgustingly delicious salted butterscotch ice cream, stuck for eternity.
Creepy Crawly Critters - One, two, ten prickles along your skin. Dozens of critters are hiding in the grass by way of this matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets. Don Bugito in Oakland provided the delicious insects, we delivered the creepy.
Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiced Potion (v) - In the middle of our lab, a cauldron boiling. Amber leaves of rooibos flicker, then flakes of pumpkin make the gruel thicker. A fuming broth of caramel sizzles, while a sliver of blackberry shoot fizzles. Three stinging droplets of vanilla smolder. Featuring August Uncommon Tea, this intoxicating, buttery concoction will satiate your deepest, darkest PSL desires.
Dracula’s Blood Pudding - A blood-curdling chocolate-y ice cream. We start with pig’s blood from Portland butcher Nicky USA and cook it with warm spices, like cinnamon and coriander, and brandy. The flavor ultimately is a nod to the Italian dessert sanguinaccio: rich in cocoa with a hint of minerality.
Black Cat Licorice & Lavender - Rounding the corner with a ghastly squeal, a jet-black figure pounces on your shadow. In this ominous, unexpected flavor, we’ve conjured up superstition with a silky, pitch-dark anise and fennel caramel swirled with luminous salted lavender ice cream. We wouldn’t turn our backs if we were you.
Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams
Location: 12550 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Butterscotch Pumpkin Brulee
Ginger Cinnamon
Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Vegan Pickled Strawberry & Boysenberry Pie
Sweet Corn Blueberry & Thyme
Ample Hills
Sweet as Honey at Ample Hills
Location: Los Feliz Scoop Shop - 1824 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Maple Bourbon Barrel - Maple bourbon ice cream made with Widow Jane bourbon and Crown Maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels and sprinkled with chocolate-coated maple-candied pecans
Sweet as Honey - Sweet cream ice cream with homemade honeycomb
Carmela Ice Cream Co.
Locations: Mid-City and Pasadena
Pumpkin Spice - Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Pumpkin mixed with seasonal spices. Just like pumpkin pie!
Spiced Apple Sorbet - Apple Cider? Say no more! Organic, tart, farmers' market apples with spices and citrus vest.
Yogurtland
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pecans & Pralines NSA - Let the flavors of sweet southern pralines, with freshly toasted pecans, work their charm on you.
Pumpkin Pie - So much to give thanks for in every spoonful. Dip your spoon into the creamy, spiced comforts of home.
Ben & Jerry’s
Locations: Find the closest location HERE
Pumpkin Cheesecake - Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream with a Graham Cracker Swirl
Disneyland
This might not be Los Angeles, but it is in Southern California!
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies in California Adventure
Dead-Cadent Funnel Cake which is funnel cake topped with a brownie, white chocolate raspberry ice cream, and chocolate pearls! Only $8.99 at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland. AP and employee discount offered.
Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
Create your own boozy Pumpkin Spice Milkshake!
1 graham cracker
1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
2 shots of Kahlua
2 shots of Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
3-4 scoops of ice cream
Mozart Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Liqueur - Boozy Milkshake Recipe
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Disneyland Resort Halloween Time 2019 - Decorations, Events, and Food Guide
Fall is finally here and so is Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! See our decoration, events, and food guide for your next trip to the happiest place on earth! #Disneyland #halloweentime #fall
Main Entrance Mickey and Friends Pumpkins
HAPPY FALL! Even though it’s supposed to be really hot outside today, it is officially fall in California and the Disneyland Resort is ready to go with their Halloween decorations! Even Downtown Disney and California Adventure are in full spirit too.
Full Food Guide here: Halloween Time Food Guide at the Disneyland Resort
SO MANY PUMPKINS! Downtown Disney's planters were filled with colorful fun pumpkins! You can enjoy the spookiness of Halloween Time from September 6th through October 31st, 2019.
What started out as a "Mickey's not so Scary Halloween" at Disneyland with pumpkins here and there, Disney has added more of a scary element to California Adventure with headless horsemen and ghoulish echoing laughs throughout the park. I think it could be a little scarier to compete with Six Flags and Universal Studios, but maybe they need a few more years.
Also, don't forget to check out the Halloween decor at Disneyland Paris.
HALLOWEEN TIME AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Every year it seems like California Adventure is adding more and more Halloween decorations each year. The highlight for me is always food-related and they nailed it with the Minnie Witch Shake this year! Ok, let’s start with the front of the park, here is the main entrance:
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time Oogie Boogie MAIN ENTRANCE DAYTIME
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Halloween Time MAIN ENTRANCE NIGHTTIME
After entering the gates, Buena Vista Street had lots of bats and purple banners and lights, which I liked because it differentiated from Main Street at Disneyland that is filled with pumpkins and orange harvest decor.
Bats along Buena Vista Street
Last year, Carthay Circle was so cool with the bats flying out! They didn’t do that this year or put the banners up.
Mickey Mouse in his Halloween Costume
Even Mickey Mouse himself was dressed up in costume!
My favorite Halloween decoration is the Headless Horseman, who greets you just before you enter Hollywood. He laughs about it too. Muahahahhaa... Might be too scary for Disneyland, but perfect for California Adventure.
The highlight of my day was getting this Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies! A perfectly blended mint chocolate chip shake with a Halloween Minnie flair!
Disneyland Halloween Food - Minnie Witch Shake at Schmoozies
Schmoozies Halloween Treat Menu
Minnie Witch Shake - Mint Chocolate Chip Shake with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Cream-filled Cookie ears $7.49
Mummy Donut - filled with Peanut Butter and Jelly $8.99
Caramel Apple Smoothie - Apples, Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce and a Caramel Apple Lollipop $6.99
Also, across the way at Award Weiners try Oogie's Worms & Dirt Funnel Cake Fries - dusted in Crushed Chocolate Cream-filled Cookies with Cream Cheese Sauce, Cookie Pieces, Gummy Candies, Chocolate-coated Candies, and Whipped Cream $8.99
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark 2019
After we got our milkshakes, we went over to get in line for Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark! The Collector’s Fortress cages had been opened releasing all the monsters. We joined Rocket in a thrilling race to rescue Groot during this daring Halloween adventure! As we were waiting in line there were employees looking for the monsters that had been released and it was pretty funny.
CARS LAND at Halloween Time
Cars Land Halloween time - I don’t know this kid, but he’s cute
The next area haunted was Cars Land, where Halloween decorations covered every inch of it.
I LOVE these posters! They literally made me LOL, especially Hocus Spokus because Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie out there.
So I started to think that I hadn't paid enough attention to detail without the halloween decorations, because have they always had these tire planters? So clever!:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CARS LAND
I loved how they lit everything at night with green and purple lighting. I'm really glad I took a picture of this because I did not spend nearly enough time absorbing everything that was happening on this building.
Trunk or Treat… Get it?
Trick-or-treat! Speaking of, let's talk treats. In the Cozy Cone Motel, according to the Disney Parks Blog there were the best Halloween food options at the various cones:
· Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone – Fresh-cooked pasta with spicy red pepper cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs, served in a Black Cauldron Cone
· Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn
· Junkyard JamBOOree Mix – Choice of flavored popcorn with optional “nuts and bolts” (e.g., green M&M’s, candy corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, Boston baked beans, etc.)
We had to try the Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone and got lemonades with pomegranate limeade on top! Review: Mac & Cheese = good, edible cone = bad. It definitely had a nice spice to it but for $9 I was expecting more both palate wise and by size. The crushed chile-cheese puffs were a nice touch. As for the lemonade, you had the option to add vodka to it!
This year we also tried the Haul-O-Ween Churro, which is a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies!
Haul-O-Ween Churro, a churro rolled in Oreos, green icing, gummy worms, and candies
Cozy Cone Motel Halloween Treat Menu 2019
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies $5.99
Slow Burnin' Mac 'n' Cheese Cone - Pasta with Spicy Red Pepper Cheese Sauce topped with crushed Chile-Cheese Puffs served in a Bread Cone $8.99
"Spoke-y" Cone Macaron - filled with Marshmallow Buttercream and Candy Corn $5.99
Cozy Corn - Buttered Corn on the Cob, brushed with spicy Lime Mayo, rolled in choice of Cotija, Cheese Puffs or spicy Cheese Puffs $6.49
Haul-O-Ween Churro - rolled in Crumbled Chocolate Creme-filled Cookies, Green Icing, Gummy Worms and Candies
Halloween Time ICE CREAM
Last year, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream was scooping up the Bat Wing Raspberry Sundae which had white chocolate-raspberry swirl ice cream with raspberry splatter, blood-red sprinkles, whipped cream, and Bat Wing cookies.
This year they have changed the menu and the closest thing sounded like the Boogie Man Sundae, a Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl.
Here is the Halloween Menu this year:
Last Year’s BAT WING RASPBERRY SUNDAE at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream
Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream Halloween Menu 2019
Arendelle Aqua Macaron - Mickey-shaped Arendelle Aqua sparkly Macaron with Buttercream and Blueberries and Cream filling $5.99
Spider Silk Macaron Sandwich - Black Macaron with Charcoal-Tart Cherry Ice Cream topped with Popping Candy and drops of Raspberry Sauce $6.49
Minnie Witch Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate, with Chocolate accents and Sprinkles $5.69
Vampire Mickey Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream Bar dipped in Milk Chocolate and Shortbread Cookie $6.49
Boogie Man Sundae - Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, and Gummy Candies in a Chocolate-dipped Waffle Bowl $7.49
Poison Apple Premium Mug with Sundae - choice of Sundae served in a Purple Poison Apple Premium Mug $17.99
COCO
There was a special section that was loco with Coco!
We started to trek our way over to Disneyland and kept finding cute decorations!
DISNEYLAND HALLOWEEN TIME DECORATIONS
Disneyland was all decked out with pumpkins and fall foliage!
As we were walking around before the fireworks started, we walked right by the Walt and Mickey statue that had carved pumpkins that were carved from the front and back (they weren't real, but they looked like they were)!
Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Holiday
I loved Nightmare Before Christmas as a kid and love that they decorate the Haunted Mansion every year for the holidays. I can’t believe this movie has been out for over 25 years now!
THIS IS HALLOWEEN, THIS IS HALLOWEEN.....
Try and catch the Electrical Parade before it goes away again before Sept 30, 2019!
Electrical Parade Alice in Wonderland
FRONTIERLAND Halloween Time
Dias de los Muertros took over Frontierland!
Halloween Fireworks
Stay for the Halloween Screams fireworks shows at 9:30p on selected nights!
What a great day! I can't wait to go back! Hurry baaacccckkkk, hurrry baaaaaaaaaccccckkkk!
Reference: For more info on the special Halloween treats served at Disneyland and California Adventure, check out the Disney Parks Blog.
Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:
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Before Summer Ends, You MUST Visit Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA
Giving you the who, what, when, where details of Smorgasburg LA’s Ice Cream Alley and why you must visit this summer! Best thing to do in LA on a Summer Sunday!
We kicked off the Ice Cream Alley season at Smorgasburg LA on National Ice Cream Day, make sure you stop by for a scoop before Labor Day! Let me give you the who, what, where, and when!
*******THIS SUNDAY, Aug 11, 2019 - APPLE PAY x ICE CREAM ALLEY TAKEOVER THIS SUNDAY********
This Sunday, Apple Pay is taking over Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA to bring you 40% off at select vendors featuring sweets & treats! Stroll on down to find discounts from all sorts of vendors like:
Plus, more TBA! Just like the rest of Smorgasburg LA, Ice Cream Alley is completely free to enter. Just pay for the sweets and treats once inside. See you in Ice Cream Alley!
WHO IS AT ICE CREAM ALLEY?
Ice Cream Alley typically includes the Smorgasburg veterans: Wanderlust Creamery, Sweet Rose Creamery, Buddy Pops (vegan), Donut Friend, Afters Ice Cream, Smoreology and more!
McConnell’s visits often as well!
We loved trying vendors we haven’t tried before like Blast and Sweet ‘N Hollow. Their chimney cakes are SO GOOD!
Oreo for Real? Chimney cake from Sweet ‘n Hollow
Total Recall sundae from Blast
Ice Cream Alley entrance
WHEN IS ICE CREAM ALLEY OPEN?
Ice Cream Alley typically opens starting on National Ice Cream Day and runs through Labor Day.
Smorgasburg is open every Sunday year round from 10AM-4PM and some of the ice cream vendors are regulars!
It’s ALWAYS free to get in, you just have to pay the vendors for your items!
What a typical Sunday looks like at Smorgasburg LA
WHERE IS ICE CREAM ALLEY (AND WHERE CAN YOU PARK)?
Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Located in Downtown LA, you can park at ROW DTLA and free parking for an hour! Yes, it’s true, easy and parking in Downtown Los Angeles! There is a giant structure if you enter off of S Alameda and Center St, I recommend going to a higher floor so you don’t run into those waiting for someone to pull out.
Don’t forget your ice cream purse!
WHAT IS SMORGASBURG LA?
Smorgasburg LA is a great place to eat, really! SO MANY vendors selling anything you could think of: BBQ, burgers, fish, french fry station, grilled cheese, pizza, tacos, Indian food, Korean food, falafels, churros, donuts, ice cream, popsicles… literally everything!
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in New York and Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors.
See which vendors are attending next weeks Smorgasburg here: Vendors
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Planning a trip to Maui? This Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026) covers everything you need to know—from where to stay and the best time to visit, to top things to do, restaurants, and real insider tips. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a honeymoon or babymoon, or visiting Maui for the first time, this guide breaks down Kāʻanapali vs. Wailea, must-see attractions, itineraries, and planning advice to help you create the perfect Maui vacation.Planning a trip to Maui? This Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026) covers everything you need to know—from where to stay and the best time to visit, to top things to do, restaurants, and real insider tips. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a honeymoon or babymoon, or visiting Maui for the first time, this guide breaks down Kāʻanapali vs. Wailea, must-see attractions, itineraries, and planning advice to help you create the perfect Maui vacation.