With the evenings becoming longer and a lot warmer, turning to ice cream to help cool off on an evening stroll just makes sense (or as a lunchtime indulgence, we don’t judge).

Here’s the inside scoop on some of the top frozen dessert spots in the Sacramento area — from historic neighborhood favorites to inventive creameries churning things up with creative flavors + confectioneries.

Gunther’s Ice Cream | 2801 Franklin Blvd.

Since 1940, this Curtis Park parlor has built an inimitable reputation in our community — in fact, its building is even recognized as a Sacramento historical landmark. Cool yourself off with a 50/50, which combines two fruity sherbet flavors of your choice with a vanilla scoop in the middle, or choose from the 40+ flavors of slow-churned, high butterfat ice cream at hand, like banana rocky road or Thai tea.

Leatherby’s Family Creamery | Various locations

What started as a family business in 1982 has expanded to restaurants in Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Sac, Folsom, and Lincoln. The retro establishment, known for its old-fashioned creations like sundaes + root beer floats, was voted best place for frozen treats by Sacramento Magazine readers in 2021.

The Parlor Ice Cream Puffs | 2620 Fair Oaks Blvd.

A cherry on top might make everything better, but what about churros + donuts? That’s the unofficial motto of this local spot, which produces a triple-scoop milkshake with a hot Nutella-filled donut or crispy churro that’s topped off with whipped cream + all the extras you want. Be sure to also check out its ice cream puffs + red velvet ice cream.

Vic’s Ice Cream | 3199 Riverside Blvd.

A family-owned business in Land Park, this old fashioned diner has been around since 1947. Although mainly serving the traditional confections and ice cream flavors, the menu doesn’t stop at shakes + banana splits — you can also find popular American comfort foods like fresh-made hot dogs and hamburgers.

Long Island Ice Cream & Coffee | 5017 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento

Since 2009, this sweet treat in Fruitridge Manor has been serving the area with dozens of ice cream flavors (carefully selected from Gunther’s and Oregon Ice Cream Co.), as well as malts, banana splits, custom-made coffee, scratch-made cupcakes, and more. Fans speak highly of the shop’s milkshakes, and its taro flavor in particular.

"Strawberry Oreo" from the Davis Creamery. | Photo by @daviscreamery

Davis Creamery | 113 E St., Davis

Sweeten your palate with handmade + gourmet ice cream from this college town creamery and confectionery. There are 20 fresh flavors that rotate daily — like chips ahoy + avocado coconut — and can be paired with house-made cupcakes and cookies.

Yume Gelato | 5921 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento

This East Sac business, which opened its doors in 2019, boasts a rotating variety of in-house gluten-free and vegan gelato options – from classic flavors to distinct profiles like strawberry basil, mango sticky rice + caramelized honeycomb.

Crazy Fruit & Ice Cream Trujillo | Various locations

Located across the street from the South Sac DMV and more recently at the Arden Mall, this Mexican eatery + creamery upends expectations by placing “sweet n’ savory” flavors side by side, like its fermented masa beverage with lime freeze.