Tasty Ice Cream Shops in Santa Barbara

McConnell’s is a true staple — the shop has been serving up mouthwatering scratch-made ice cream since they first opened on Mission and State Street in 1950. Now with two prime Santa Barbara locations (downtown and The Funk Zone), McConnell’s continues to honor the Central Coast’s agricultural legacy by using local, grass-grazed milk and fresh produce to create its ultra-creamy concoctions. Choose from favorites like mint chip and cookies and cream, or try limited-edition specialties like strawberry rhubarb and olive oil with salted almonds. Can’t choose just one? Order a flight of three small scoops for triple the yum factor.

Photo credit: Eric Wolfinger

Treat your taste buds to an adventure at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery, where the selection of small-batch, organic flavors takes culinary creativity to the next level. Located in the hip Santa Barbara Public Market, Rori’s has an always-rotating menu that runs the gamut from super-sweet to intriguingly savory, usually with a few dairy-free/vegan options in the mix. A scoop of Cinnamon Toast Cereal Crunch will have you feeling like a kid again, whereas unusual combinations like black pepper pistachio showcase local ingredients to delicious effect. You can also find Rori’s in Montecito Country Mart, complete with a shaded courtyard for al fresco enjoyment.

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While Creaminal Ice Cream may not be located in your traditional ice cream shop, the small-batch, handmade offerings pack a big flavor punch and are worth the effort to find. Available at Your Choice Restaurant, these pint-perfect servings combine traditional ingredients with Thai-inspired flavors. Perfected by Piti Sukavivatanachai, we recommend trying the Thai tea oreo, Vietnamese coffee mud pie, classic coconut, and basil mint chocolate chip.

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Idyllically situated on Stearns Wharf, Great Pacific Ice Cream Co. boasts 32 flavors of ice cream and sherbet to choose from. You can’t go wrong with a scoop (or two) in a crisp handmade waffle cone, especially when it’s complemented by the incredible ocean view as you stroll along the pier or grab a bench to watch the sunset after dinner. Great Pacific Ice Cream Co. also dishes up reliably scrumptious standbys like banana splits and hot fudge sundaes with a cherry on top.

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Bringing a dose of nostalgia to downtown Santa Barbara, Mister Softee serves up classic soft-serve cones, sundaes, floats and shakes from its bright blue, red and white shop on State Street. The spot channels old-school ice cream truck charm with a modern twist — perfect for a sweet treat after a beach day or stroll through down State Street.

Located in Paseo Nuevo, Rolld Ice Cream brings a fun, interactive twist to dessert with hand-rolled creations made fresh before your eyes. Customize your flavor, watch it come to life on a frozen slab and enjoy a sweet treat in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.