McConnell’s is a true staple—they’ve 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 their 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. Learn More

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. Local tip? Visit on a Tuesday to treat yourself to an ice cream taco. Learn More

Tucked into a cozy corner of Montecito on Coast Village Road, this friendly gelato shop is a favorite of local celebs like country singer Brad Paisley. And for good reason—the tempting, candy-colored, farm-to-scoop gelato and sorbets are made in-house, and the selection is wide enough to please any palate. Inspired by what’s in season, the lineup changes often, but locally grown fruit always takes center stage. Think strawberries, blood oranges, plums, apricots and lemons, along with more exotic varieties like the cherimoya, a creamy, apple-like fruit that tastes a bit like a pear. Learn More

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. Learn More

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. Learn More

Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center just got a little sweeter with the recent opening of Tondi Gelato. Made entirely from scratch with all-natural ingredients, this sweet treat sets new standards for the world of artisanal gelato. In addition to classic flavors such as cioccolato, crema vaniglia, and limone, taste your way through their unique menu of flavors and treat your taste buds to pistachio, espresso coffee, pineapple, and more. Dairy-free and vegan options are available. Learn More