Nothing says summer like ice cream, and that couldn't be truer in Sonoma County. Visitors can enjoy ice cream at its source since Sonoma County is home to thousands of acres of farmland and numerous creameries. Many of the ingredients are coming from mere miles away. Dare we say farm-to-cone ice cream?
Simply put, there is no shortage of homemade ice cream in Sonoma County. From the rivers to the valleys to the ocean, you can find everything from traditional ice cream storefronts serving up the classics, to modern ice cream shops scooping up reinvented classics, unique flavors, and overloaded sundaes. It's an idyllic mid-day break from wine tasting or the perfect nightcap. Below, discover Sonoma County's ice cream shops.
Noble Folk, Healdsburg and Santa Rosa
Ozzy Jimenez and Christian Sullberg, owners of Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar, develop unique and seasonal ice cream flavors while collaborating with local farms for ingredients. Adventurous flavors include Thai Tea and Black Sesame, while simpler flavors include things like vanilla bean and Oreo. For extra decadence, order a scoop of ice cream with a slice of homemade pie, or enjoy one of their cookie sandwiches. You can't go wrong with whatever you order at Noble Folk.
Nimble & Finn's, Guerneville and Santa Rosa
Nimble & Finns started out in the unique collection of businesses that make up the Guerneville Bank Club, a historic building that dates back to 1921. And just opened a second location in Railroad Square. Utilizing local produce and organic dairy from Straus Creamery, Leandra and Jazmin, the sisters behind Nimble & Finns, recreate classics with an innovative twist. All the ice cream add-ins – jams, cookies, cakes, and candles – are made in-house and change seasonally. Opt for the gold medal winner, strawberry buttermilk, or indulge in a coffee stout or plum bourbon swirl. Get your photo taken afterward, with ice cream in hand, in the photo booth located inside the original bank vault.
Wicked Slush, Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa
For a taste of Boston in wine country, head to Wicked Slush for unique soft serve and slush flavors. Mix it up with a split, featuring a combination of soft serve ice cream and slush. Choices change daily, and there is something for everyone in the family, with offerings like black raspberry soft serve, coconut soft serve, tangerine slush, and lemon lime slush. Enjoy at the original location in Healdsburg, in the alley in downtown Petaluma, and at their newest location in Santa Rosa at Epicenter, which also features "slushtails." Yes, that's slush cocktails.
Wicked Slush in Healdsburg
Sweet Scoops, Sonoma
Wandering through the Sonoma Plaza, the aroma of homemade waffle cones fills the air near Sweet Scoops. Here, you'll find less out of the ordinary flavors, and more of the classics that are as delicious as they are decadent. Flavors include cookie dough that is chock-full of dough, caramel butter brickle, and their creamy strawberry flavor made with local strawberries. If you can't decide on one flavor, opt for a flight of four tiny scoops.
La Michoacana, Sonoma
It's difficult to miss this brightly-colored building along Highway 12 outside of Sonoma that specializes in authentic Mexican-style natural fruit bars and ice cream. La Michoacana offers a range of flavors, from more adventurous options like tequila and pine nut to more traditional flavors like coconut. For something a little different, try one of their paleta homemade ice cream bars, with flavors like spicy mango or guava.
La Michoacana Natural Ice Cream
Petaluma Creamery, Petaluma
It's worth a short walk outside of downtown Petaluma for ice cream at Petaluma Creamery. Known for producing Spring Hill Cheese, made from local Jersey cows, Petaluma Creamery also serves 100% organic ice cream with dairy from the same cows. Thanks to a higher butterfat content from Jersey cows, the ice cream is extra creamy. Enjoy classic flavors like rocky road and pistachio or try something light and refreshing like lavender or lemon.
Lala's Creamery, Petaluma
For innovative flavors and assorted concoctions in the heart of downtown Petaluma, look no further than Lala's Creamery. Family-owned and operated, Lala's makes all of their ice cream on-site. They offer vegan flavors, a variety of sundaes and splits with homemade sauces, and flavors like chocolate chip `a la orange, bananas and cream, and earl gray tea. Once you have your ice cream in hand, enjoy your scoop (or two) while strolling along the river behind the shop.
Screamin' Mimi's, Sebastopol
Screamin' Mimi's is a must-stop for ice cream lovers in downtown Sebastopol. Their ice cream is made with the highest quality ingredients and their flavors rotate daily, making every trip a new experience. Extravagant flavors include fruity apricot swirl and their most popular ice cream, Mimi's Mud with cookies, fudge, and chocolate chips in espresso ice cream. Or, simply go for a classic chocolate scoop.
Two Dog Night, Windsor and Sebastopol
If you're looking for something a little different, try the liquid nitrogen ice cream at Two Dog Night. With two locations in Sonoma County, one in downtown Windsor and the other in the Barlow in Sebastopol, there's no excuse not to try their delightfully smooth ice cream. Two Dog Nights offers a variety of seasonal flavors while also churning out classic flavors year-round like banana foster crunch and dark chocolate peanut butter.
Frozen Art Ice Cream, Santa Rosa
With more than 40 years of family tradition rooted in making frozen desserts in Mexico, Frozen Art is no stranger to delicious ice cream. The secret to their smooth texture is making small single batches. Out-of-the-ordinary flavors like merlot chocolate chip and Lagunitas beer are among the offerings that also include corn and strawberry cheesecake. Not in the mood for ice cream? Try one of their popsicles, either fruit or ice cream-based, for something light and refreshing.
Captain Davey's, Bodega Bay
Treat yourself to something sweet after a day on the coast at Captain Davey's. Whether it's a dessert to follow a seafood lunch or an afternoon cone on the beach, Captain Davey's has a nice selection of traditional flavors, plus a coffee bar. Need an extra pick-me-up? Order the affogato, a shot of espresso paired with your choice of ice cream. It's like a little taste of Europe in Sonoma County.