Summer is in full swing, and that means we’re all in search of the perfect ice cream shops to cool down! Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly stop on your summer road trip or looking for some sweet flavors with an adult twist, Napa Valley has you covered.
City of Napa
Oxbow Public Market is the perfect Downtown Napa spot to enjoy the sunshine and savor some sweet treats. At Live Fire Pizza try the root beer float, hot fudge sundae, or just a scoop of Lappert's ice cream. Loveski Deli offers soft serve or an ice cream float with New York seltzer.
Lunch Box at Copia, located next door to Oxbow Public Market, is an ideal spot for a casual lunch. Pick up one of their conveniently portable bowls or sandwiches, and, of course, don’t forget dessert. They offer classic vanilla and chocolate soft serve, as well as some perfectly creamy cold brew float. For espresso connoisseurs, try an affogato, which pairs their signature espresso with their handcrafted ice cream.
Anette's Chocolates in Downtown Napa serves ice cream, artisan truffles, caramels, wine sauces, beer brittles and decadent specialties. Combine their toffee, marshmallow bits, caramel sauces, and mini chocolate chips for the best sundae ever.
The Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at the Archer Hotel Napa might bring to mind expansive views and delightful drinks, but did you know there's more than cocktails on tap? The nighttime hotspot serves a meny of rotating flavors (both dairy and non), with the options to add over a dozen toppings. We'll cheers to that!
Vintage Sweet Shoppe, tucked in the Historic Napa Mill, offers ice cream alongside a plethora of treats, including their famous chocolate-dipped wine bottle.
And of course, for the classic ice cream experience, head over to Ben & Jerry’s in Downtown Napa. Locally owned, this shop gives you Ben & Jerry’s the way it was originally intended to be experienced – scooped fresh and enjoyed strolling a sunny downtown block.
St. Helena
You’ll find Gott’s Roadside in Downtown St. Helena. (There's a second location in Downtown Napa, which shares the same menu.) What really makes this location special, besides being the original, is its large, grassy yard in the back – perfect for kids, or for adults, too, to enjoy an ice cream cone. Insider tip: after you're finished eating your meal, there's a counter at the back, facing the yard, with a much shorter line where you can order an ice cream (or another glass of wine or beer).
The European-style Valley Cafe serves up what some call “the best gelato in Napa Valley.” You can decide for yourself after a perfect cup of espresso and a panini or flatbread pizza.
Erosion might be the only tasting room, tap house, and creamery combined. Stop in for a pint and try some inventive flavors like Campfire, which combines smoked ice cream with toasted marshmallows, or Rice Rice Baby, inspired by horchata and layered with cinnamon.
For a sweet, refreshing end to a wine tasting, look no further than V. Sattui Winery. Their house-made Gelato and Sorbetto is a delightfully luxurious dessert option. Offered daily in its own dedicated cooler inside the iconic winery Marketplace, featuring flavors of vanilla, pistachio, chocolate, strawberry, mango, melon, and Fior di Latte, which means “flavor of the milk.”
Calistoga
Calistoga Creamery offers an all-organic ice cream experience, with fresh waffle cones made homemade daily. They even have a gluten-free waffle cone option, just as delicious as the original, as well as several vegan options! If you find yourself up-valley, this iconic ice cream spot is a must. Stop by and pick up one of their ice cream selections, or try their frozen yogurt, a thick custom milkshake, or a root beer float.
For a midday pick-me-up, Cafe San Marco has everything you need. They offer great espresso and coffee options, as well as homemade pastries and an expansive ice cream selection.
Mis Raices is a coffee and ice cream shop in the heart of Calistoga. Indulge in an affogato, or jumpstart your afternoon of wine tasting with RedBull infusions.
Frosé All Day!
Frozen treats aren't just for kids! Adults can enjoy a boozy twist for the perfect refresher on a hot summer day in the valley.
Along with all their fantastic soft-serve and milkshake options, Gott’s Roadside serves frosé – the perfect blend of strawberry, citrus, and rosé.
At Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa, Bar Lucia offers frosé with a side of people watching on their beautiful deck at the front of the market. Top it with a sparkling wine float for a little something extra.
Right next door, Lunch Box at Copia is another fantastic option for frosé. Or, if frozen rosé isn’t your thing, try their spiked lemonade slush. A wine industry and local favorite, Bay Grape has Pink Wine Slushees made with sparkling rosé, off-dry Riesling, blood orange aperitif, and fresh strawberry purée. Served during the summer Friday through Sunday until Labor Day, don’t miss the chance to grab a glass and catch some sun on their patio.
Oakville Grocery is a classic spot for picnic fare, lunch, breakfast, snacks, and wood-fired pizza. To round out a perfect picnic afternoon, there’s nothing better than a glass of their frosé.
The Charter Oak in St. Helena is an elegant yet casual restaurant that serves a delicious Space Age Frosé out of a slushie machine by the bar. A seat in their stunning courtyard is a summer treat, especially if you visit during happy hour.