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Artisan Ice Cream Shops in Capitola, CA

Looking for real ice cream in Capitola? These 11 local ice cream across Capitola and nearby California are the artisan spots — no chains, just the good stuff.

1. Yogurt Express Frozen Yogurt

3555 Clares St

2. Souza's Artisan Ice Cream

200 Monterey Ave

3. Off The Block Artisan Ice Cream

115 San Jose Ave

5. Marianne's Ice Cream and Market Artisan Ice Cream

783 Rio del Mar Blvd

6. Windmill Café Artisan Ice Cream

2-1231 East Cliff Drive

7. Juicy Sweet Artisan Ice Cream

7518 Soquel Dr

8. Marianne's Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

218 State Park Drive

9. Penny Ice Creamery Artisan Ice Cream

820 41st Avenue

10. Yogurt Artisan Ice Cream

Capitola, CA

11. Sno-white Drive-In Artisan Ice Cream

Capitola, CA

Ice cream shops in Capitola, CA: a local guide

We currently track 11 ice cream shops and parlors serving Capitola, CA in Santa Cruz County.

What ice cream costs in Capitola

A single scoop in Capitola 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 Capitola

  • 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 Capitola scoop shops keep shorter winter hours.
  • For groups or events, ask about pints, cakes, and catering.

Questions to ask before you go

  • Do you have gluten-free cones or toppings?
  • Do you make your ice cream in-house?
  • What dairy-free or vegan options do you have?
  • Which flavors are seasonal or local right now?
  • Do you sell pints, cakes, or cater events?

Many Capitola 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 Capitola?

A single scoop in Capitola 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 Capitola?

Many Capitola 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 Capitola shops serve both.

Are Capitola 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.

Own an ice cream shop in Capitola?

Claim your shop and get featured → Add photos, hours, and your best flavors, and pin to the top of Capitola.

Scoops near Capitola

Beyond the listings above, here is a quick local index for Capitola.

Ice cream in nearby towns

Santa Cruz, CA
16 ice cream · 4 mi
Scotts Valley, CA
3 ice cream · 6 mi
Watsonville, CA
10 ice cream · 11 mi
Los Gatos, CA
6 ice cream · 18 mi
Morgan Hill, CA
11 ice cream · 20 mi
Gilroy, CA
6 ice cream · 20 mi
Campbell, CA
8 ice cream · 21 mi
Marina, CA
4 ice cream · 22 mi

About Capitola

Capitola official website
Town hall, permits, events
Capitola on Wikipedia
History, population & landmarks

Things to do in Capitola

Spas in Capitola
48 listed on StressBalans
Home Designers in Capitola
27 listed on House Designers Near Me
Antiques in Capitola
13 listed on Bottle Tree Antiques