Posted: Thursday, Jul 18th, 2024
Best Local Ice Cream Shops in Ventura You Have to Try
There’s nothing like having that first taste of chocolate ice cream on a warm evening. Rich, creamy, and not too sweet — these are the flavors that end the perfect day in Ventura. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation to Ventura, California or you have a sweet tooth year-round, you’re in for a treat! In celebration of National Ice Cream Day, we’ve compiled a list of must-visit ice cream spots in Ventura that promise to delight your taste buds.
Here’s your guide to some of the best local ice cream shops in Ventura you have to try!
Palermo
Palermo is a staple in the Ventura coffee community but did you know you can also get delicious gelato? From flavors like Cafe Mocha to vegan Raspberry Sorbetto and of course, the classic affogato, don’t let the initial smell of coffee beans as you step inside fool you. There’s plenty more at Palermo to explore and enjoy.
Located in the heart of Downtown Ventura, Palermo is a quaint and cozy café with indoor and outdoor seating perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon with a cafe and a scoop of ice cream.
Why Visit
Palermo is really a three-in-one: coffee cafe, gelateria, and gift store! Buy unique gifts like beautiful mugs, dishes, soaps, and more as you’re waiting for your name to be called. Hang out in Palermo’s cozy atmosphere with a book or with a friend and enjoy a taste of Italy in California.
What to Do Nearby
After enjoying your gelato, take a stroll down Main Street, where you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and the historic Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. History buffs will love taking a self-guided tour through the Mission and exploring the historical district of Ventura. Pick up a self-guided history of Ventura walking tour pamphlet from the Ventura Visitors Center to dive into all the interesting culture of Ventura!
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery
Milk Chocolate Chunk, Honey Lavender, Peanut Butter Chocolate Candy Swirl, and Lemon Curd… is that enough to get your mouth watering? Rori’s Artisanal Creamery is one of the newer ice cream shops in Ventura (based in Carpeteria), and celebrates local Central Coast ice cream. From partnership with regional farmers to include only the freshest ingredients in each scoop.
Why Visit
Rori’s is celebrated for its creative approach to ice cream making and distinct flavors. Besides the taste, it’s just plain fun to visit Rori’s. The colorful artwork and welcoming environment make you want to sit for a spell and enjoy your delicious treat. Plus, stop by Rori’s during Kid’s Happy Hour!
What to Do Nearby
After you’ve finished the last bite of the ice cream cone, explore Downtown Ventura and go thrift shopping! You never know what treasures you’ll find in one of the many thrift, vintage, and antique stores all around Main Street.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
A staple in the Central California ice cream scene, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams is a family name when talking about ice cream in Ventura. Founded some 75 years ago in Santa Barbara, McConnell’s has always stuck to the basics — making their ice cream from scratching, using local ingredients, and keeping it natural. Today, you can get a delicious scoop(s) of ice cream in their Midtown Ventura location.
Why Visit
McConnell’s dedication to quality and its rich history in the ice cream industry make it a must-visit spot. The Ventura location is small but mighty and is the perfect local ice cream experience.
What to Do Nearby
Make it a field day at one of the nearby parks. Just a short drive away, head to Camino Real Park (home to three playgrounds, a huge field, picnic tables, tennis courts, and a dog park) or Arroyo Verde Park (home to the City’s first all-inclusive playground and miles of hiking trails).
Coastal Cone
Ice cream with a harbor view? Count us in. Coastal Cone’s ice creams are just as delicious as they are perfectly Instagrammable. Known for its signature “fish-shaped” cones and colorful ice cream flavors, your kids will love eating an ice cream cone from Coastal Cone. The harbor views provide a beautiful backdrop as you enjoy your sweet treat.
Why Visit
The picturesque harbor location and whimsical cone options make Coastal Cone one of the best local ice cream shops in Ventura and one of the best shops for that perfect Instagrammable moment that will leave your friends and family wondering where you got that ice cream from!
What to Do Nearby
Explore the Ventura Harbor Village, where you can shop, dine, and even rent boats for a day out on the water. Families will love visiting the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center to learn about the local marine life and ecosystems. Have some waterside fun and jump on a fun character pedal boat and wave hello to harbor seals and explore the marina. And if you’re planning to stick around town for a weekend, book a trip to the Channel Islands National Park — you won’t regret it!
exVoto Chocolates & Confections
Chocolate and ice cream — can you name a more iconic duo? While primarily known for its beautiful artistic chocolates, exVoto also offers a delightful selection of ice creams and sorbets. Like everything at exVoto, their ice cream is made with love and care. Made in-house in small batches, you can taste the quality in each bite. A truly elegant and artisanal experience, exVoto ice cream won’t disappoint.
Why Visit
exVoto is perfect for those looking for an ice cream shop that’s a little different from the rest which is why it’s one of the best local ice cream shops in Ventura. Plus, don’t stop just at ice cream. Do yourself a favor and grab a box of their artisanal chocolate bonbons.
What to Do Nearby
After your treat, explore Midtown Ventura where you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a happy hour in just a few blocks. Plus, walk through eclectic stores like Plant Shop 805, Dexter’s Camera, Timbre Books, and so much more.
Things to Do
Ventura Shopping
Pet Friendly
Outdoors
Biking & Hiking Trails
Food & Drink
Restaurants
Outdoor Dining
Crave Gelato
Your one-stop shop for gelato, coffee, and sweet treats, Crave Gelato brings a taste of Italy to Ventura with its authentic gelato offerings. Known for their small handmade batches with organic and botanical ingredients, Crave has to be on your ice cream shop visit list. Their gelato is created with oat milk and organic coconut milk, ingredients that often aren’t thought about in the ice cream-making world.
Why Visit
If you’re looking for a fresh new ice cream shop that isn’t afraid to do things differently (and deliciously), Crave should be at the top of your list. Their oat milk and coconut milk-based gelato make it stand out as a shop that is inclusive of all kinds of dietary needs.
What to Do Nearby
Portside Ventura Harbor is known to host all kinds of fun community events. From Movies Under the Stars to art markets on the weekend, check our events page to find out what’s happening at Portside Ventura Harbor.
La Frutileta Michoacana
Bringing the flavors of Michoacán, La Frutileta Michoacana is a vibrant local ice cream shop in Ventura that specializes in traditional Mexican paletas (ice pops) and ice creams. With so many flavors, it’ll be hard to choose! Tip: try their Mangonada — it’s a local favorite.
Why Visit
For a taste of authentic Mexican ice cream, La Frutileta Michoacana stands out from other ice cream shops on this list.
What to Do Nearby
Welcome to Ventura’s Taco District! Along the Ventura Avenue, you’ll find tons of locally owned and operated taquerias and restaurants that serve authentic Mexican food and some of the best tacos you’ve ever had. There are a lot of spots to choose from — here’s a guide to Ventura’s Taco District to help out!
Surf n Yogurt
While technically not ice cream, it seems like a disservice to not include Surf n Yogurt. It’s a popular spot for frozen yogurt lovers, with a ton of flavors and toppings. Just a block away from the beach, you can grab and enjoy right on the sand.
Why Visit
It’s a build-your-own fro-yo spot! Plus, the location right by the beach means fro-yo during your beach break!
What to Do Nearby
South Seaward is its own piece of Ventura — walk along this small block and you’re transported to an earlier time with the Beach Boys playing in the background, flip-flops every where you look, and a bit of sand on your feet. From burgers to fish tacos to lazy days under the sun there’s a lot to do in this neighborhood!
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