Best of 13 ice cream shops in Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach, a vibrant coastal community in San Diego, is home to a variety of delightful ice cream shops. These establishments, nestled among the scenic beaches and lively streets, offer a wide range of flavors and experiences for both locals and visitors. From classic creameries to modern, artisanal parlors, ice cream shops in Pacific Beach are a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- 1. Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co.
- 2. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream in Pacific Beach
- 3. Mr. Frostie
- 4. The Baked Bear
- 5. Stella Jean's Ice Cream Pacific Beach
- 6. Ocean's Ice Cream
- 7. Cold Stone Creamery
- 8. Big Kahuna's Ice Cream
- 9. Yogurt On The Rocks
- 10. Glazed Coffee & Creamery
- 11. Insomnia Cookies
- 12. Chocolate Haus in Pacific Beach
- 13. Chocolate Bash
1. Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co.
Classic soda fountain atmosphere since 1991

Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co., located at 1010 Grand Ave in San Diego, is a popular destination for ice cream lovers. The parlor offers a wide range of flavors, from classic choices like vanilla and chocolate to more unique options like salted caramel and honey lavender. Customers can also enjoy sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen treats.
According to recent reviews, Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co. is a must-visit spot for anyone in the area. The ice cream is described as delicious and rich, with a great texture. The parlor also gets high marks for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. Some reviewers recommend trying the salted caramel flavor, while others praise the shop's vegan options. Overall, Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co. is a popular choice for a sweet treat in San Diego.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
2. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream in Pacific Beach
Hand-crafted ice cream prepared daily on-site

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is a popular dessert destination known for its unique and delicious flavors. Ube, pistachio, banana, rocky road, and the highly recommended coconut caramel are just a few of the scrumptious options available, served in generous portions on cones. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
The ice cream shop is tucked near Birch and Box Bakery, Diesel Book, and a place that sounds like Giapetto. It's open late, making it a convenient option for those looking for a sweet treat after 8PM, particularly in the Mission Valley area. Despite being a somewhat hidden gem, Handel's draws a long line of customers, all eager to taste the creamy and flavorful ice cream that is neither too sweet nor overpowering.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
3. Mr. Frostie
Classic 1950s ice cream parlor decor and atmosphere

Pacific Beach brings back memories of my carefree college days. A popular spot on the main drag is Mr. Frostie, known for its soft serve ice cream and enormous sandwiches packed with flavor.
Mr. Frostie is well-known for its delicious soft serve ice cream, attracting many customers with its friendly staff and quick service, even when there are long lines. The ice cream offered is highly praised, and a generous amount of toppings is provided.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
4. The Baked Bear
Fresh ingredients, unique combinations

The establishment offers a unique ice cream experience through their homemade ice cream sandwiches. Customers can select from a variety of freshly made cookies for the top and bottom layers. The assortment of ice cream flavors available allows for a customizable center to the sandwich.
I decided to try their ice cream cookie sandwich, choosing a Snickerdoodle cookie as the bottom layer, a Funfetti cookie as the top, and Cookies n Cream as the center ice cream. This combination resulted in a delicious and personalized dessert experience. The option to choose from a variety of cookies and ice cream flavors makes for a fun and customizable treat.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
5. Stella Jean's Ice Cream Pacific Beach

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
- Weekend Dining
6. Ocean's Ice Cream

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
7. Cold Stone Creamery
Friendly service, entertainment while making ice cream

A birthday cake was purchased for $60 but turned out to be inedible, leaving the purchaser feeling disappointed, frustrated, and let down. The cake, which should have added enjoyment to a special day, instead resulted in a waste of money and a search for a replacement.
Despite the late hour, Atef, an employee or owner of a store or restaurant, greeted the customers in a warm and welcoming manner. The customers, who may have been expecting curt or rushed service, were instead made to feel valued and appreciated, creating a positive end to their shopping or dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
8. Big Kahuna's Ice Cream

TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
9. Yogurt On The Rocks
Self-serve fro-yo with various toppings

The product or service in question was once affordably priced, with a cost as low as $0.39 per ounce. However, there is no option for sampling before purchasing. Regarding customer service, the staff's behavior is reportedly unacceptable. Some customers have experienced rudeness and unwillingness to help, while others have noted inconsistencies in the staff's attitudes.
To expand, the product or service's previous pricing was a significant advantage, but the lack of sampling creates a risk for customers. In terms of customer service, the inconsistency in the staff's behavior is concerning. While some staff members are super nice, others are extremely rude, which can negatively impact the overall customer experience. This inconsistency in staff behavior needs to be addressed to maintain a positive reputation and ensure customer satisfaction.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Budget-Friendly Eats
10. Glazed Coffee & Creamery
Beachfront location and pet-friendly

Located right on the SanD boardwalk in Pacific Beach, this establishment is highly convenient for people who are nearby, whether they're walking, biking, or surfing. They offer a variety of options beyond coffee, including food and ice cream. Customers can expect quick and friendly service.
I recommend trying the ice cream, which comes in vanilla, chocolate, or a chocolate/vanilla swirl. For an extra touch of indulgence, add one of their glazes on top. It's a great way to elevate an already delicious treat to something truly decadent.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
11. Insomnia Cookies
Midnight delivery available

Insomnia Cookies is a popular late-night dessert delivery service that specializes in gooey cookies, rich ice cream, and delicious cookie'wiches. However, recently there has been a change in the Deluxe Cookie'wich offering.
Formerly, the Deluxe Cookie'wich came with buttercream sandwiched between the cookies, but Insomnia Cookies has since replaced it with ice cream. This change has disappointed some customers, like myself, who preferred the buttercream filling over the ice cream.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Hidden Gems
- Mid-Range
12. Chocolate Haus in Pacific Beach

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
13. Chocolate Bash

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots