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Artisan Ice Cream Shops in Santa Cruz, CA

Craving a scoop? Below are 16 ice cream in Santa Cruz, CA — small-batch and independent, ranked by the community. Compare flavors, ratings, and hours.

1. Marianne's Ice Cream Plant Artisan Ice Cream

2100 Delaware Ave

2. Polar Bear Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

389 Coral St

3. Izzy's Ices Artisan Ice Cream

106 Lincoln St

5. Marianne's Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

1020 Ocean Street

6. Top A Lot Yogurt - Santa Cruz Frozen Yogurt

738 Water St

7. Mission Hill Creamery Artisan Ice Cream

1101 Pacific Avenue

8. Polar Bear Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

1224 Soquel Ave

9. Gran Gelato Caffè Gelato

525 Cedar St #10

10. Dippin' Dots Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 400 Beach St

11. Casa Del Gelato Gelato

☆ Rate · 119 Madrone St

12. Happy Tummy Artisan Ice Cream

103 Lincoln Street

13. Loards Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

307

14. Insomnia cookies Artisan Ice Cream

1010 Pacific Avenue

15. Top•A•Lot Yogurt Artisan Ice Cream

Santa Cruz, CA

16. Carousel Cones Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · Santa Cruz, CA

Ice cream shops in Santa Cruz, CA: a local guide

We currently track 16 ice cream shops and parlors serving Santa Cruz, CA in Santa Cruz County.

What ice cream costs in Santa Cruz

A single scoop in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz

  • For groups or events, ask about pints, cakes, and catering.
  • Look for house-made or small-batch ice cream — Santa Cruz shops that churn their own usually taste fresher.
  • 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.

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 Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?

A single scoop in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?

Many Santa Cruz 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 Cruz shops serve both.

Are Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

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

Scoops near Santa Cruz

Handy links for Santa Cruz and the surrounding area.

Ice cream in nearby towns

Capitola, CA
11 ice cream · 4 mi
Scotts Valley, CA
3 ice cream · 6 mi
Watsonville, CA
10 ice cream · 15 mi
Los Gatos, CA
6 ice cream · 18 mi
Campbell, CA
8 ice cream · 22 mi
Cupertino, CA
6 ice cream · 24 mi
Morgan Hill, CA
11 ice cream · 24 mi
Marina, CA
4 ice cream · 24 mi

About Santa Cruz

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