The best ice cream shops California

It was in April 1940 that the Gunther family created this ice cream shop. Since then, the store has never been empty and is definitely considered the best in town. Large choice of flavors, more than thirty, from chewing gum to strawberry cheesecake, including green tea and ginger. Some sorbets, sundaes and yoghurts complete this picture perfect for the gourmets. All homemade. We like Gunther's character, his colorful mural and his store in a corner with a large bay window, overlooking a nice sunny terrace.

The ice cream institution in the city of Santa Cruz. Here, everything is organic, seasonal and delicious... and above all, homemade! Enjoy classic flavors like Tahitian vanilla or dark chocolate sorbet, and depending on the season, original flavors like black tea or the unforgettable New Orleans coffee. You also have the choice in the assembly. Yummy! The establishment has a nice little terrace. The Penny institution has grown and now has 4 establishments, including a second one in Santa Cruz.

After opening their bakery in the heart of the city, Ozzy Jimenez and Christian Sullberg embarked on the Noble Folk adventure in 2014 with this first small, designer store. People come here for the wide selection of homemade pies and ice cream: the undeniable craftsmanship combined with original recipes make the establishment an ideal stop on hot summer days. In addition, the power duo opened another address in 2018, in Santa Rosa.

This delicious chain is named after its founder, Jeni Britton Bauer, who opened her first store in 1996 under the name Scream. She launched the very first Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams store six years later. Her recipe for success: creamy, gourmet ice creams. Gooey butter cake - dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon roll, peanut butter... Hard to resist!

Founded in 2006, this small, family-run establishment specializes in the artisanal preparation of ice creams for the general public, as well as those based on plant-based milk. Madagascar vanilla, Ecuadorian chocolate, hazelnut, coffee, stracciatella, cookies and cream, vegan dark chocolate, toasted coconut, strawberry or mango sorbet... These are the classic flavors. Young and old alike also flock to Pazzo Gelato for its more original flavors, such as avocado, banana with dulce de leche, brown sugar with candied bacon, or salted butter caramel. Delicious!