Summer is officially here—and if you’re anything like my family, that means it’s time for frozen treats, sticky fingers, and lots of happy sugar highs! Whether you're cooling down after a house tour or just looking for a sweet family outing, Southern California has some seriously delicious spots worth checking out.
Here are a few of my favorites—kid-approved and Instagram-worthy!
🍧 Wanderlust Creamery – Los Angeles, Pasadena, Venice
If your family loves to travel (or just eat like you do), this place is a dream. Wanderlust creates globally inspired flavors like Ube Malted Crunch and Vietnamese Coffee. Bonus: they rotate seasonal flavors, so there’s always something new to try.
🧋 Sunright Tea Studio – Torrance, West LA, and beyond
The boba here is next level. Kids love the strawberry milk tea with pearls, and I’m partial to the Sunright Boba Milk Tea with golden bubbles. Pro tip: order ahead to skip the line—this place gets busy after school lets out!
🍦 Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream – Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Upland
This old-school favorite serves up big scoops and even bigger flavor. With dozens of options daily, including dairy-free and seasonal specials, there's something for everyone. My go-to? Graham Central Station (trust me on this one!).
🍨 Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars – Mid-City LA, Culver City
For something a little different, check out Mateo’s for Mexican-style paletas and sorbets made with fresh tropical fruits. Think mango-chile, guava, or coconut with real chunks of fruit inside—so refreshing and perfect for a warm June day.
Whether you're a local or house-hunting in a new neighborhood, I always say: exploring a community is more fun with a cold treat in hand. Let me know if you check any of these spots out—and if you need help finding a home near one of them, you know who to call. 😉
Stay cool out there!