Published May 29, 2026
BY RUBY IRANMANESH
As summer gets closer and the weather warms, ice cream stores around the Monterey Peninsula fill with tourists and locals searching for a sweet treat. Whether looking for a classic flavor or unique combination, here are five local ice cream shops worth visiting this summer.
Scoops has a handful of delicious ice cream flavors, offering both locals and tourists handcrafted sweet treats in time for summer. Photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
Scoops
With an inviting pink interior, Scoops Ice Cream Parlor is the perfect summer visit. Located across the Trader Joe’s in Monterey, they offer tons of flavors—classic, unique and dairy free—such as blueberry cheesecake, lavender, pistachio and green tea; however, their best flavor by far is Otter 841, a cinnamon and snickerdoodle cookie combination. Scoops also offers a variety of innovative ice cream combinations such as a cotton candy burrito, an unconventional dessert most people haven’t tried before.
Nico’s offers New Zealand style ice cream which customers can customize. Photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
Nico’s
Looking for an “almost healthy” sweet treat? Nico’s is the ideal place. Located near Cannery Row in Monterey, this New Zealand-style ice cream shop serves vanilla soft-serve blended with real fruit, letting customers personalize their treat with either raspberries, strawberries, blueberries or blackberries, and then, of course, toppings. Unfortunately, there are no samples available because everything is customized; however, their ice cream is 100% worth the unknown, offering something fresh and enjoyable.
Colette’s is always a great ice cream go-to and has a welcoming seating area. Photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
Colette’s
With a bright red sign, no one can miss Colette’s. This retro-style ice cream shop, located on Lighthouse avenue in Pacific Grove, offers tons of fun flavors. Out of all their combinations, Butter Pecan stands out the most, but Cookie Monster is a close second. Plus, they have an amazing seating area of giant red stairs where anyone can comfortably enjoy a sweet treat with friends.
Revival offers a variety of unique ice cream flavors. Photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
Revival
Out of all of these options, Revival has the most unique flavors. From Apple Pie to Goat Cheese and Beet Jam, this ice cream shop, located on Alvarado Street in Monterey, offers questionable combinations that actually all taste amazing. Surprisingly, it’s also not too expensive for such lavish flavors, but the line can get pretty long on a nice day. Every person should try the Bee’s Knees ice cream at least once in their life.
Carmel Bakery, located in downtown Carmel, serves freshly-made gelato every day. Photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
Carmel Bakery
Looking for an authentic treat that’s maybe not ice cream? Well, Carmel Bakery sells housemade gelato right downtown. Although they regularly change their flavors, there is never a bad combination. Every flavor has a great consistency and perfect taste. Flavors that stand out the most are Piña Colada, Key Lime and Banana Foster.
