1. Scoops Creamery Artisan Ice Cream
380 Santa Monica Pier
2. Soda Jerks Ice Cream Shop Artisan Ice Cream
200 Santa Monica Pier
3. Rita's of Santa Monica Artisan Ice Cream
2307 Main St
4. Kokolato - Santa Monica Artisan Ice Cream
2400 Main St
11. Handles Artisan Ice Cream
1703 Ocean Park Blvd
12. Treats Frozen Yogurt & Ice Bar Frozen Yogurt
1700 Ocean Park Blvd
13. Mama's Boys - Shaved Ice & Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream
1500 Ocean Park Blvd
14. Via Marina Walkway Artisan Ice Cream
Via Marina
15. Ugo Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
17. Turn Dough Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
18. Go Greek Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
20. Neveria El Oasis Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
21. McConnell's Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
22. Rori's Artisanal Creamery Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
23. Sweet Rose Creamery Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
24. Salt & Straw Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
25. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Artisan Ice Cream
Santa Monica, CA
Ice cream shops in Santa Monica, CA: a local guide
We currently track 25 ice cream shops and parlors serving Santa Monica, CA in Los Angeles County.
What ice cream costs in Santa Monica
A single scoop in Santa Monica usually runs about $4-$7, with specialty sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a little more than soft-serve chains.
What to look for in an ice cream shop in Santa Monica
- Check for dairy-free, vegan, or no-sugar-added options if you need them.
- Ask what's seasonal or local — the best shops rotate flavors and use local dairy or fruit.
- Read reviews for portion size and freshness, not just the flavor list.
- Check hours and seasonality — many Santa Monica scoop shops keep shorter winter hours.
- For groups or events, ask about pints, cakes, and catering.
Questions to ask before you go
- Which flavors are seasonal or local right now?
- Do you sell pints, cakes, or cater events?
- What are your hours this time of year?
- Do you have gluten-free cones or toppings?
- Do you make your ice cream in-house?
Many Santa Monica listings also serve hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, and dairy-free options.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ice cream cost in Santa Monica?
A single scoop in Santa Monica usually runs about $4 to $7, with sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a bit more than soft-serve chains.
Where can I find dairy-free or vegan ice cream in Santa Monica?
Many Santa Monica shops now carry dairy-free, vegan, or sorbet options. Check the listings above and ask, since offerings change with the season.
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Gelato has less fat and less air than ice cream, so it is denser with more intense flavor. Several Santa Monica shops serve both.
Are Santa Monica ice cream shops open year-round?
Some keep shorter winter hours or close seasonally. Check the hours for the shop you have in mind before you go.
Ice cream in Santa Monica: the local scoop
Where's the best ice cream in Santa Monica?
The shops above are the independent, small-batch spots in and around Santa Monica — no chains. The order reflects community ratings, so the more people rate, the better it gets. Tried one? Give it a rating.
Gelato, custard, or classic scoop?
Use the category chips to filter Santa Monica shops by gelato, frozen custard, soft serve, sorbet and dairy-free, and rolled ice cream — whatever you're craving.
Know a spot we're missing?
This directory is built from open data and grows with the community. If a great Santa Monica scoop shop isn't listed, add it here.
GelatoFrozen CustardSoft ServeFrozen YogurtSorbet & VeganRolled Ice CreamIce Cream CakesItalian Ice
Scoops near Santa Monica
Beyond the listings above, here is a quick local index for Santa Monica.
Ice cream in nearby towns
About Santa Monica
Things to do in Santa Monica