Summer in Greater Palm Springs is all about sunshine and cool treats. We have all of the greatest spots to find any and every kind of ice cream to indulge your dessert craving. Whether you're craving something spicy or sweet, this Southern California oasis is a haven for ice cream delights. So forget the store-bought tubs and bars—come explore the wide array of options we have to offer!

1/2sies Co.

In La Quinta, 1/2sies Co. is a neighborhood gem serving up handcrafted ice cream and fresh-made doughnuts with a whole lot of heart. As a homegrown small business, every batch is made from scratch using fresh ingredients, reflecting a deep passion for both quality food and the community they serve. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a familiar face, 1/2sies Co. welcomes everyone with the kind of warmth and care that makes each sweet treat taste just a little bit more special.
 

Ben & Jerry's at The River

From their Cherry Garcia® (cherry ice cream with cherries and fudge flakes) and Chunky Monkey® (banana ice cream with fudge chucks and walnuts) to non-dairy options almond milk and sunflower butter, Ben & Jerry's at The River has you covered for all things ice cream and dessert.

Better Ice Cream

A beloved Indio institution for more than 55 years, Better Ice Cream has been a community staple since its days at the former Indio Fashion Mall and now calls North Indio home. Known for its nostalgic, old-fashioned charm, the creamery has been bringing smiles to generations of families with its classic soft-serve, hand-dipped cones, specialty lemonades, and indulgent treats like the fan-favorite Oreo cookie ice cream sandwich. Whether you're a longtime local or discovering it for the first time, Better Ice Cream is the kind of place that turns an ordinary afternoon into a sweet, cherished memory.

Brandini Toffee

Brandini's renowned toffee has graced television screens on The Food Network and The Martha Stewart Show and has even been served to the President of the United States! When you combine their exquisite toffee with ice cream, the result is truly heavenly. Their chocolate and toffee-dipped vanilla ice cream bars are the quintessential melt-in-your-mouth treat for any summer afternoon.

Carmela Ice Cream (inside Flannery Exchange)

In the mood for handcrafted ice cream and sorbet made with seasonal, farmers market produce? Carmela Ice Cream flavors include dark chocolate cacao nib, brown sugar vanilla bean, lavender honey, Coachella Valley Date, raspberry Rose sorbet, and many more.

Chef Tanya's Kitchen & Kreamery

If you are looking for vegan options, Chef Tanya's Kreamery serves organic house made soft serve from oat milk. Make sure you try their haboobs (soft serve mixed with other ingredients) such as the Desert Date Shake (vanilla, dates, almond butter, splash of OJ) or Crystal Blue Persuasion (vanilla, lavender infused blueberries, crystalized ginger).

Gelato A Go-Go

Bringing the authentic flavors of Italy to the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Gelato a Go-Go is a charming dessert hotspot where handcrafted gelato and sorbetto take center stage in a fun, retro-inspired setting. From the uniquely Sicilian Gelato Con Brioche — creamy gelato nestled inside a soft brioche bun — to the fan-favorite Gelato Flight featuring six flavors in one tasting adventure, every visit is a journey through Italy's rich dessert traditions. Paired with classic Italian pastries flown in straight from Italy, like ricotta-filled cannoli and fluffy bomboloni, and complemented by expertly crafted espresso drinks, Gelato a Go Go offers a truly sweet escape.

Gelato Granucci

This artisanal gelato shop is the place to be this summer. Gelato Granucci boasts a selection of in-house-made flavors that are simply irresistible. Their standout gelatos include pistachio, mandarin, and hazelnut, made with imported hazelnuts from Italy's renowned Piedmont region. The coffee flavor, crafted with beans sourced from the local Joshua Tree Coffee Company, is a must-try. For those seeking a non-dairy delight, the sorbet options are truly divine. Indulge in the pear cardamom, a refreshing concoction of pear sorbet infused with the floral and warming notes of cardamom, or sample other tantalizing flavors like raspberry, Meyer lemon, piña colada, strawberry, and mango!

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream 

Handel’s has been making ice cream since 1945, and their Palm Desert location delivers the same over-the-top flavor experience. Every batch is made fresh daily, with an extensive rotating menu of more than 40 flavors. Fan favorites include Graham Central Station (graham cracker ripple with chocolate flakes), Banana Cream Pie, and Spouse Like a House (a decadent mix of chocolate, peanut butter ripple, and chocolate-covered pretzels). Whether you go for a scoop, sundae, or a signature Handel pop, expect rich, creamy indulgence in every bite.

Ice Cream & Shop(pe)

Ice Cream & Shop(pe) is every instagrammer's dream, boasting some of the most unique and delightful flavors in Greater Palm Springs. The parlor features a rotating menu of gourmet ice creams, ensuring there's always something to savor! Local favorites include pomegranate chip, a vibrant burst of fruity flavor enhanced with chocolate chips. For a taste truly unique to the area, don't miss the Coachella Valley Date (available in traditional and vegan options), which beautifully incorporates local dates into a sweet, creamy flavor. Other enticing flavors on offer include ube, mexican chocolate, mango sorbet, blackberry Cabernet, and even avocado!

Kreem 

Kreem in Palm Springs serves up small-batch ice cream made with premium ingredients, offering a mix of classic and creative flavors that keep locals coming back. Their Earl Grey is smooth and fragrant, while the Lemon Meringue Pie is bright, zesty, and layered with real meringue bits. Vegan options (like the popular Charcoal Coconut and Matcha) are made with creamy coconut milk and just as indulgent as their dairy counterparts. Everything is crafted in-house, including their golden, crisp waffle cones.

La Dolce Piccola Gelateria

Nestled in El Paseo in Palm Desert, La Dolce Piccola Gelateria is a charming family-owned shop bringing the authentic flavors of Italy to the destination. Using only the freshest ingredients, their skilled artisans craft homemade gelato and baked goods that capture the elegance and warmth of Italian tradition with a modern, upscale touch. From the first scoop to the last bite, La Dolce Piccola's passion for quality and handcrafted excellence makes every visit a truly sweet experience.

La Michoacana Ice Cream Parlor Flavors

La Michoacana Ice Cream Parlor offers an extensive mix of popsicle and ice cream flavors inspired by Mexican recipes. Cool down with water-based fruit popsicles like pineapple with chili powder, guava, and soursop, or indulge in creamy delights like blackberry with cheese, plum, pecan, and vanilla raisin! Most of their flavors are available in both water and cream-based ice creams. If you’re not in the mood for ice cream, their frozen bananas dipped in chocolate are an enticing alternative. Looking for something spicy and sweet? Try a mangoneada! These concoctions are slushie-like sorbets with added flavors like lemon, cucumber, pineapple, tamarind, and strawberry, topped with fresh mango chunks, tamarind, and drizzled with spicy chamoy.

Lappert's 

A world of flavors awaits you at Lappert's! With locations in Palm Desert and Palm Springs, Lappert's boasts an impressive selection of over 125 flavors, with 32 different options featured daily on rotation. From banana cream pie to rum raisin, there's always something new to try! Not an ice cream fan? No problem! At Lappert’s, you can also enjoy their famous date shake and a delightful Dole Pineapple soft serve float. Plus, they offer a variety of dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.

Lique at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

If you are craving ice cream early in the morning or late at night, Lique inside Fantasy Springs Resort Casino serves creative signature sundaes. Get your sweet tooth fix!

Nitroinfusions 

Nitroinfusions transforms ice cream making into a spectacle by using liquid nitrogen to instantly freeze their treats into creamy delights! Thanks to this rapid freezing process, their ice cream is exceptionally silky and smooth, as it minimizes the size of fat and water particles. The organic menu at Nitroinfusions features unique flavors such as Banana Lavender, Roasted Pistachio and Olive Oil, Salted Caramel, among others. Watch in awe as your ice cream is crafted right before your eyes, and then savor your delicious treat under the sun!

Monster Shakes

With locations in Palm Springs and Cathedral City, Monster Shakes is the ultimate destination for ice cream lovers looking for everything from classic scoops to wildly indulgent creations. Their carefully curated selection of ultra-premium ice cream comes in sizes ranging from a kid's scoop all the way up to three scoops, and can even be taken home by the pint or quart — plus a creamy Dole soft serve and frozen yogurt base that serves as the perfect canvas for endless topping combinations. For those ready to go all out, Monster Shakes takes dessert to the next level with showstopping creations like chocolate-dipped bananas and monster ice cream nachos piled high with toppings, making every visit as fun to experience as it is to eat.

Perfect Pint

Perfect Pint is a gourmet frozen custard spot where classic French techniques meet locally sourced ingredients and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Located inside a vintage Air Stream at The Gardens on El Paseo, every batch is crafted to the highest standard, resulting in a rich, creamy, and utterly decadent frozen custard. At Perfect Pint, the extra time and care aren't just part of the process — they're a testament to the belief that you deserve nothing less than pure, creamy perfection in every single bite.

Shields Date Garden

At Shields Date Garden, create the perfect outing by sampling some of the finest treats in this SoCal oasis. Don't miss out on their hand-scooped date ice cream, made with vanilla ice cream and date crystals made from dates harvested locally, on-site! Stir this sweet concoction to enjoy the full flavor of the dates. 

Uji Time Dessert

For a fun twist on traditional soft serve, head to Uji Time Dessert and try Japanese and Korean flavors right here in Greater Palm Springs. Their velvety soft serve comes in unique options like matcha, ube, black sesame, and vanilla, often served in taiyaki cones—crispy, fish-shaped waffles with fillings like Nutella or sweet red bean. Toppings range from mochi and Pocky candy to sprinkles and drizzles, making each dessert a customizable, Instagram-worthy treat. It’s as much about the experience as it is the flavor.

Looking for more delicious treats in Greater Palm Springs this summer? Be sure to check out these Poolside Bites in Greater Palm Springs and explore our curated list of local cafés and eateries for a taste of authentic regional flavors. Don't miss out on the fun and food!