(updated February 2026)
There’s no better way to enjoy the California sunshine, than cooling off with a cone of melty ice cream. It doesn’t matter if you are a local or visitor to San Diego. Everyone needs to know where to find the best ice cream in Carlsbad, California.
From trendy ice cream shops to nostalgic brands, there are numerous establishments serving ice cream in Carlsbad, CA. Whether you crave the classics or want unique new flavors, Carlsbad has options for every taste.
As a Carlsbad local, I will share the “scoop” on the best places for ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato. For the last 20 years, our family has sampled these North County San Diego favorites. Keep reading to learn the places with the best ice cream in Carlsbad, CA!
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
Keep Reading For a Helpful Ice Cream in Carlsbad Chart Below!
Places to Get Delicious Ice Cream in Carlsbad
1. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
In 1945, the Handel’s brand originated with a homemade recipe in Cleveland, Ohio. Handel’s Ice Cream in Carlsbad Village opened in 2019 and its popularity keeps growing year after year. There are over 90 Handel’s Ice Cream stores nationwide. According to their website, Handel’s is recognized as “the #1 ice cream in the world”.
Handel’s Address:
- 2825 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours For Handel’s Ice Cream Carlsbad:
- Monday-Thursday, Sunday 11:00-9:30
- Friday & Saturday 11:00-11:00
Why You Might Like Handel’s Ice Cream:
Handel’s ice cream menu currently includes 40+ ice cream flavors, watermelon ices, and vegan sorbet. Choose from Handel’s ice cream flavors such as banana cream pie, blue monster (vanilla with oreos and chocolate chips) and salty caramel truffle. There are so many delicious options, it’s hard to choose a favorite!
At Handel’s in Carlsbad Village, order at the counter and sit outdoors on wooden benches. Prepare for a line; this is a popular spot for ice cream in Carlsbad!
Additional Services at Handel’s Ice Cream Carlsbad: They offer catering, to-go orders, and community fundraising programs.
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you are looking for late night ice cream, Handel’s is open latest in Carlsbad Village. In addition, you can bring your dog with you because there in no indoor space at Handel’s.
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2. Aloha Ice Co.
Aloha Ice Address:
- 445 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours For Aloha Ice:
- Monday-Sunday 9:00-9:00
Why You Might Like Aloha Ice Carlsbad:
Aloha Ice in Carlsbad Village serves over 30 flavors of frosty real Hawaiian ice and ice cream. You can try their Aloha Creations which are a combination of three flavors of Hawaiian shaved ice, ice cream and toppings. Ice cream flavors are island inspired vanilla, macadamia nut and coconut. Choose from toppings such as chocolate, caramel, sour spray or sweet cream drizzle. Aloha Ice takes your tastebuds to Hawaii!
Additional Services at Aloha Ice Carlsbad: They sell 100% Kona & Maui coffee, poke bowls, and poke nachos. Food truck rentals and catering are available.
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you want an early treat, Aloha Ice is the ice cream shop that opens earliest in Carlsbad Village.
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3. Gelato Love
In 2015 Gaia Gelato opened its doors in the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center. Then, the company rebranded to Gelato Love in 2018. No matter what the name, the delicious high quality gelato will delight your taste buds.
Gelato Love Address:
- 300 Carlsbad Village Drive Suite 104 Carlsbad, CA 92008 (Ground Level of the Carlsbad Village Shops)
Hours For Gelato Love Carlsbad:
- Monday-Thursday 12:00-9:00
- Friday 12:00-10:00
- Saturday 11:00-10:00
- Sunday 11:00-9:00
Why You Might Like Gelato Love:
Gelato Love in Carlsbad Village tastes fresh because the company uses local dairy and seasonal produce such as Carlsbad strawberries. To hand craft their gelato, nut pastes and chocolates are imported from Italy and Belgium. Their sweetener has fewer calories than traditional sugar sweetened ice cream (a 4 oz cup has under 5 grams of sugar). In fact, gelato is richer, creamier, and has less air than ice cream.
Additional Service at Gelato Love: The gelato shop also sells adorable mugs, souvenirs, candles and accessories. They also have grab-and-go cakes. Best of all, Gelato Love is dog-friendly!
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4. Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
Next, visit the newest ice cream shop in Carlsbad Village. Stella Jean’s Ice Cream is tucked inside the adorable new Cottages on Roosevelt. Stella Jean’s philosophy is “great food celebrated with valued friends and neighbors”.
Address for Stella Jean’s Ice Cream Carlsbad:
- 2956 Roosevelt Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours for Stella Jean’s Carlsbad Village:
- Daily 12:00-9:00 pm
Why You Might Like Stella Jean’s Ice Cream:
Enjoy small batch ice cream and cookies in the sunshine at their charming outdoor space. Choose “always” flavors such as smores, and brown butter pecan, or tantalizing “for now” seasonal flavors. I tried the spicy-sweet pumpkin spice latte ice cream and it was delicious!
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5. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery Address:
- 2967 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours For Cold Stone Carlsbad:
- Monday-Thursday 11:00-9:00
- Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:30
- Sunday 11:00-9:00
Why You Might Like Cold Stone Ice Cream:
Cold Stone is another great place for ice cream in Carlsbad Village. At Cold Stone you order your ice cream flavor, choose mix-in toppings of candy or nuts, and they swirl it into the perfect dessert concoction.
Additional Services at Cold Stone: This is a favorite location to pre-order specialty ice cream cakes for birthdays. You can do everything online from ice cream flavor, layers, and toppings. Then specify your pick-up time and pay.
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6. Sweet Spot Carlsbad
The Sweet Spot Carlsbad was formerly part of Linda’s Yogurt and Deli. This whimsical family owned business has been transitioned into the ice cream and candy shop you see today. It’s truly a child’s dream come true!
Sweet Spot Carlsbad Address:
- 3001 Carlsbad Boulevard Suite B Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours For The Sweet Spot:
- Monday, Tuesday 1:00-8:00 (CLOSED during winter)
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 1:00-8:00
- Friday & Saturday 1:00-9:00
Why You Might Like Sweet Spot:
The Sweet Spot Carlsbad has over 20 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and a huge array of candy. Flavors include birthday cake, black cherry vanilla, espresso almond fudge, pistachio and more.
As you enter the brightly colored shop, the sweet smell of waffle cones envelops you. Barrels of candy, self-service candy bins and nostalgic candy brands fill the room. They also serve milkshakes, malts, banana splits, smoothies, and acai bowls.
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7. The Strawberry Shack
Address of the Strawberry Shack:
- 2906 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours For the Strawberry Shack:
- Monday-Thursday 12:00-8:00
- Friday & Saturday 11:30-9:00
- Sunday 11:30-8:00
Why You Might Like the Strawberry Shack in Carlsbad:
The Strawberry Shack is the place to go if you love strawberries! They serve strawberry custard, strawberry whip, strawberry shakes, strawberry lavender sundaes. If that wasn’t enough strawberries you can also order cheesecakes, cannoli, chocolate dipped strawberries, and more!
Seeking Stamps Tip: There is an additional location inside the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Use the Carlsbad Village location unless you plan to pay admission. The Flower Fields location is open March-May.
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(Video Courtesy of the Strawberry Shack)
8. Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
Haagen-Dazs luxurious ice cream was created in the 1960’s by the Mattus Family. Their first store opened in New York in 1976 and is still operating today. Through the decades they have continued to make the high quality ice cream you know and love.
Haagen-Dazs Address:
- 5620 Paseo Del Norte Suite #123C Carlsbad, CA 92009
Hours For Haagen-Dazs:
- Monday-Thursday 10:00-7:00
- Friday & Saturday 10:00-8:00
- Sunday 9:00-7:00
Why You Might Like Haagen-Dazs:
The Haagen-Dazs brand is one you probably already know and love. This location is the perfect place for ice cream in Carlsbad while you shop at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. It is also convenient if you are looking for ice cream near the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch or Legoland. Haagen Daz ice cream is smooth, rich and creamy.
Additional Services at Haagen-Dazs: They offer delivery with UberEats and GrubHub. Sign up for rewards and free cone day.
9. Jeni’s Ice Creams
Jeni’s Ice Creams was created by James Beard Award winning chef, Jeni Britton. This is the luxury brand of ice cream, and can be a bit pricey. The Jeni’s brand originated in Cleveland, Ohio in 2002 and is renowned for its unique ice cream flavors.
Our family was introduced to Jeni’s Ice cream when we received a gift box one holiday. Cue my excitement when I learned a store was going into the Beacon Shopping Center in Carlsbad!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Address:
- 7744 El Camino Real Suite J Carlsbad, CA 92009
Hours For Jeni’s Ice Cream Carlsbad:
- Daily 12:00-10:00
Why You Might Like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams:
Jeni’s has a wide selection of premium ice cream flavors. Wildberry Lavender, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, and Blackout Chocolate Cake are some favorites. If you are a Ted Lasso fan- try the “Biscuits With the Boss” flavor.
Additional Services at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Carlsbad: Ice cream pints are ready for local and national delivery. You can find takeout pints in-store or at select grocery stores. In addition, you can save yourself a trip to the store and order Jeni’s Ice Creams on Amazon. According to Jeni’s Ice Creams, use pints of ice cream you bring home within two weeks for the best flavor.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Sign up Jeni’s Ice Cream rewards for free birthday treats. During the week, Jeni’s ice cream store is open latest in Carlsbad (Monday to Thursday).
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10. Thrifty Ice Cream at Rite Aid
There’s no ice cream that brings back childhood nostalgia like Thrifty Ice Cream. The prices have gone up over Thrifty Ice Cream’s 70 year history, (it was just 5 cents when I was a kid). Yet, it’s still one of the most affordable scoops of ice cream around. At $1.99 per scoop, go ahead and have two or three scoops!
Rite Aid has two locations in Carlsbad:
- 955 Tamarack Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008
- 7100 Avenida Encinas Carlsbad, CA 92011
Hours For Rite Aid:
- Daily 8:00-10:00 pm
Why You Might Like Thrifty Ice Cream at Rite Aid:
From old school flavors like Rocky Road, Pecan Praline, Chocolate Malted Crunch, and Mint Chip, to my favorite Chocolate Brownie, Thrifty Ice Cream is delicious! It may be “no-frills” but the price can’t be beat! Take a trip down memory lane with a scoop of Thrifty ice cream.
Additional Services at Rite Aid: Thrifty Ice Cream is sold on a 1.5 quart size if you prefer to buy it in store and take it home. You can even buy an old-school Thrifty Ice Cream Scoop!
Seeking Stamps Tip: Thrifty is the ice cream shop that opens earliest in the La Costa area. The downside of Rite Aid is there isn’t any cute ice cream store vibe or seating.
11. McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
The newest ice cream store in Carlsbad is McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream in the Carlsbad Forum. McConnell’s opened in Santa Barbara in 1949 and has been family owned and operated for three generations. You can find McConnell’s ice cream locations in California including San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles.
Mcconnell’s Ice Cream Address:
- 1935 Calle Barcelona Suite 175 Carlsbad CA (follow directions to the Carlsbad Forum)
Hours For McConnell’s Ice Cream Carlsbad:
- Daily from 11:00 am- 10:00 pm
Why You Might Like McConnell’s Ice Cream in Carlsbad:
The reason McConnell’s ice cream is known as some of “the finest ice creams in the world” is their use of organic ingredients without artificial coloring and sweeteners.
We finally had the chance to taste their ice cream for the first time, and we are HOOKED! The biggest difference we tasted, is how rich and creamy their ice cream is. They loved the chocolate caramel cookie and Santa Barbara strawberry flavors! My kids are begging to go back for more!
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you are looking for “ice cream near me” McConnell’s is another ice cream shop that is open late in Carlsbad.
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12. Cali Cream
Cali Cream is technically in Encinitas, just past the border of Carlsbad. Yet, it’s one of the best ice creams in Encinitas, so it HAD to make the list. You can feel the love in this locally owned and operated ice cream store. They also have a location in downtown San Diego.
Cali Cream Address:
- 90 North Coast Highway 101 Suite 101 Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours For Cali Creamery Encinitas:
- Sunday-Thursday 10:00-10:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday 10:00-11:30 pm
Why You Might Like Cali Cream Ice Cream in Encinitas: Cali Cream has over 70 ice cream flavors in their Encinitas ice cream shop. Many of their handcrafted ice creams are also gluten free. You will find 20+ toppings to try such as marshmallows, tajin, peanut butter cups and gummy candy. Some popular flavors are graham cracker ice cream with chocolate covered honeycomb, key lime pie, cotton candy and more! They also sell super cute ice cream sundae cupcakes. It’s no wonder why Cali Cream is called the best ice cream in Encinitas!
Additional Services at Cali Cream: Delivery is available for the Encinitas location. They sell themed “ice cream only” cakes, ice cream pies and ice cream cakes. Try a sundae box with 2 pints of ice cream, 4 waffle cone bowls and toppings to go!
Seeking Stamps Tip: Cali Cream Ice Cream is open latest on the weekends near Carlsbad. It’s within walking distance to Moonlight Beach, so it’s a perfect place to soak up the view. FYI- Parking can be tough during the summer.
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If You Don’t Want Ice Cream- Try Carlsbad Frozen Yogurt
13. Froglanders Crepes & Yogurt
Froglanders Crepes and Yogurt is a small frog-themed shop in Carlsbad Village. This cozy space opened in 1986 has indoor and outdoor seating.
Froglanders Address:
- 2992 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours of Operation For Froglanders:
- Monday 9:00-10:00 pm
- Tuesday-Thursday 11:00-10:00 pm
- Friday 11:00-10:30 pm
- Saturday 9:00-10:30 pm
- Sunday 9:00-10:00 pm
Why You Might Like Froglanders: Froglanders frozen yogurt has a variety of traditional yogurt flavors such as dark chocolate, vanilla kiss, salted caramel pretzel, tart and peanut butter. They also offer seasonal flavors such as Banana Cream Pie, Cookies-n-Cream, Mountain Blackberry, and more. Tango Soft Frozen Fruit, a mango-tangerine flavor, is vegan and free of dairy, soy, and gluten. Froglanders frozen yogurt comes in “tadpole”, “smallish” or “bullfrog size”. One perk of Froglanders is the yogurt and toppings are not sold by weight, so load up those toppings. However, your creation must close with a lid, or you pay the larger size.
The Froglanders menu also has delicious french crepes in both sweet and savory flavors. Some of the options include Nutella, Cinnamon Roll, Greek or Vegetarian.
Additionally you can order Boba Tea, coffee, acai bowls, smoothies and milkshakes at Froglanders.
Additional Services at Froglanders Carlsbad: Froglanders offers Froyo and Crepe Station Catering in San Diego. Take out is available on Uber Eats and Doordash.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Sign up for a free frozen yogurt on your birthday!
14. Menchies
Address For Menchie’s: Menchie’s frozen yogurt has two locations for frozen yogurt in Carlsbad:
- 2659 Gateway Road Suite # 107 Carlsbad, CA 92009 (Bressi Ranch)
- 7625 Via Campanile Suite #126 Carlsbad, CA (La Costa)
Hours For Menchie’s Carlsbad:
- Sunday-Thursday 12:00-10:00
- Friday & Saturday 12:00-11:00
Why You Might Like Menchie’s: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Carlsbad has a vibrant interior and the yogurt is tasty. It gets many votes for the best frozen yogurt in Carlsbad. Your kids will love the variety of toppings such as boba, cheesecake, candy, fresh fruit and marshmallow cream. Keep in mind that the yogurt price is based on weight!
One perk at Menchie’s is that you can swirl two flavors together in your bowl. Try chocolate, peanut butter, hazelnut, tart, or red velvet. Menchie’s offers a selection of over 100 flavors that vary by season. Check with your local store to see what’s available in-store. They also offer options including non-fat, vegan, no sugar added, low carb or dairy-free flavors.
Additional Services at Menchies: Menchies offers frozen yogurt cakes, catering, and fundraising programs for the community. Menchie’s has a dog-friendly patio.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Sign up for Menchie’s rewards programs to earn free fro-yo. They even have “double smile days” when rewards are doubled. There is ample parking in this shopping center.
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15. The Original Yogurt Shack
The Yogurt Shack Address:
- 6990 El Camino Real Suite L Carlsbad, CA 92009 (La Costa Area)
Hours For the Yogurt Shack:
- Monday-Saturday 12:00-9:00
- Sunday 12:00-8:00
Why You Might Like Yogurt Shack in Carlsbad: The Original Yogurt Shack in Carlsbad is a no-frills local ice cream store that keeps it simple. The frozen yogurt here is sold by size, not by weight. So go ahead and load up the candy bricks and gummy sharks.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Parking is easy at this location.
Ice Cream Carlsbad: What Ice Cream Shops Are Open Early and Late in Carlsbad?
Ice Cream Carlsbad: Final Thoughts
Take some time to taste the sweetness life offers. Whether you prefer a cup or a waffle cone, frozen yogurt, Hawaiian Shave Ice, gelato or ice cream all of these ice cream shops in Carlsbad are sure to make you smile! I hope this information helps you find the best ice cream in Carlsbad, CA!
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Hi! Very comprehensive list on the ice cream options! My favourite might be Gelato Love! But all the ice cream is lovely…
I love ice cream, but these yoghurts look delicious as well. Thanks for sharing.
All of the icecreams you mentioned look great! This must have been a fun post to research 😅😅
Yes- my kids were thrilled to participate! 🙂
So many options for ice cream. Now which to visit first, when in Carlsbad? Tough choice!
Great list! The chart of hours is also so helpful! I think I’ll need to do a tour de ice cream on my next Carlsbad visit.