Few treats capture the essence of sunny Southern California quite like soft serve. Whether you’re into classic vanilla swirls or crave inventive flavor combinations loaded with toppings, Los Angeles has no shortage of fantastic options. From Santa Monica’s breezy dessert parlors to a beloved truck roaming Downtown, the city is brimming with creamy delights ready to be explored. Below, we’ve rounded up a dozen must-try spots—featuring locations in Burbank, Redondo Beach, Beverly Hills, and more—for that perfect cup (or cone) of smooth, fluffy soft serve.
Los Angeles Local Spots for Soft Serve
Honeymee Los Angeles
Location: 3377 Wilshire Blvd Suite 116, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Honeymee takes its soft serve to the next level with a drizzle of honey and a honeycomb chip. First-timers should try the signature Honeymee, which comes with milk ice cream and honeycomb, or the Sweetie, which is drizzled with raw honey. On return trips, try the affogato with espresso or the Dear Chocolate with Ghirardelli chocolate syrup.
Indigo Cow
Location: 1710 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026
Keisuke “Kay” Kobayashi launched the original Indigo Cow in 2021 in his Seattle restaurant, Yoroshiku, to bring the Hokkaido dairy tradition he missed from home in Japan stateside. From there, the brand expanded to another Washington location, in Bellevue, and then to Los Angeles (a San Diego shop is also in the works). At the Echo Park shop, find the original Hokkaido milk flavor as well as seasonal flavors and mix-ins, all of which can be had in a cup or waffle cone.
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Locations: Koreatown & Sawtelle
Boasting ultra-smooth, organic milk soft serve, Bumsan entices with flavors like matcha, Earl Grey, and classic milk. The bright, playful storefronts instantly put you in a good mood. Top your swirl with crunchy cereal, fresh fruit, or drizzles of caramel. It’s a go-to spot if you’re seeking a consistently rich and satisfying texture.
Westside Local Spots for Soft Serve
Heavy Handed
Location: 2912 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Soft serve and burgers are a match made in culinary heaven, and Heavy Handed proves it. Known for serving some of L.A.’s tastiest smash burgers, this spot also whips up crave-worthy soft serve made with organic Straus Family Creamery milk. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, or a classic swirl, available in a cup or cone—with the option to get your cone dipped for a sweet crunch. While the flagship sits on Main Street in Santa Monica, you can also find Heavy Handed outposts in Studio City and Silver Lake, making it that much easier to snag both a burger and a creamy soft-serve fix.
Creamy Boys Ice Cream
Location: 1136 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Bringing a taste of New Zealand to the South Bay, Creamy Boys Ice Cream specializes in fruit-blended soft serve crafted fresh to order. Choose from flavors like mixed berry, banana, or strawberry, which get swirled together with a smooth vanilla base for a fruity twist. Don’t miss their nod to Kiwi culture with hokey pokey—traditional vanilla featuring crunchy honeycomb toffee bits. Vegan options are also available for every flavor—just let them know your preference. With two brick-and-mortar locations in the Hermosa area plus a roaming truck, you’ll never be too far from this global scoop.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Location: Santa Monica
Though famous for its small-batch ice cream, Sweet Rose Creamery also whips up outstanding soft serve at its Santa Monica shop. Seasonal flavors—think farmers’ market strawberries or subtle lavender—blend perfectly with classic vanilla bases. Enjoy your cup or cone while strolling near the beach, and don’t be surprised if you come back for seconds.
San Fernando Valley Local Spots for Soft Serve
Fosters Freeze
Location: 201 S Glenoaks Blvd (Angeleno Ave.), Burbank, CA 91502
Launched in Inglewood back in 1946, Fosters Freeze remains a nostalgic favorite that still delivers delicious soft serve decades later. Despite its old-school vibe, quality hasn’t slipped: the classic vanilla or chocolate cone tastes just like a carefree summer day at the park. While the menu features shakes, sundaes, and more, sometimes sticking to a simple swirl is the best way to appreciate that iconic creamy texture. Drop by the Burbank location—or any other outpost around town—when you need an affordable, retro-style treat that truly stands the test of time.
Magpies Softserve
Locations: 18971 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
A pioneer in homemade soft serve, Magpies rotates flavors like horchata, malted chocolate, and unique vegan options. Their creative toppings—candied cornflakes, miso butterscotch drizzle—take each swirl to the next level. Whether you’re hanging in Silver Lake or the Valley, you’ll find a fresh, ever-changing menu that showcases big flavor in every creamy bite.
Wanderlust Creamery
Locations: 3134 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Wanderlust channels global inspiration, crafting both ice creams and occasional soft serve in flavors like Japanese Neapolitan, sticky rice & mango, or Earl Grey. Keep an eye on their rotating menu, where limited-edition soft serve pops up as a special treat. Every spoonful is an adventure, perfect for those with adventurous palates.
Conejo Valley Local Spots for Soft Serve
Pressed Juicery Freeze
Locations: 2728 Townsgate Rd Suite 4, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
For a lighter spin, Pressed Juicery Freeze is a plant-based soft serve made mostly from fruits, nuts, and veggies. Despite the health-forward ingredients, it maintains a creamy consistency in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or greens. Add cacao drizzle, fresh berries, or granola for a guilt-free dessert that still feels indulgent.
Wanderlust Creamery
Locations: 6600 CA-27, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Wanderlust channels global inspiration, crafting both ice creams and occasional soft serve in flavors like Japanese Neapolitan, sticky rice & mango, or Earl Grey. Keep an eye on their rotating menu, where limited-edition soft serve pops up as a special treat. Every spoonful is an adventure, perfect for those with adventurous palates.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Locations: Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach
While Handel’s is beloved for its classic, house-made ice cream, certain locations also serve a rotating lineup of soft serve flavors. The Redondo Beach shop is a local favorite, thanks to its generous portions and old-fashioned charm. Seasonal varieties often pop up, so check in to discover new flavors and decadent sundae creations. In the Conejo Valley, you can also track down Handel’s for that same traditional vibe and rich flavors. Seasonal varieties often pop up, so check in to discover new flavors and decadent sundae creations.
Craving something cold and creamy? Los Angeles does soft serve like no other city, presenting everything from timeless vanilla swirls to bold new creations. The next time you’re in the mood for a sweet pick-me-up, drop by one (or more) of these local favorites. With vibrant spots spanning Burbank, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and beyond, you’re never too far from a melt-in-your-mouth swirl that delights both the palate and the eyes. Enjoy—and don’t forget the sprinkles!