*This blog post has been updated for 2022!

Sacramento is quickly becoming a California foodie destination, and a true foodie can really appreciate quality ice cream, gourmet donuts and apothecary candy stores. In Sacramento you’ll find a mix of old-established family ice cream parlors and new trendy ice cream.

In preparation for this blog post, I had a lot of fun doing “research” eating ice cream all over Sacramento. It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it!

Where to Find Ice Cream in Sacramento

Gunther’s Ice Cream

Established in 1940, Gunther’s Ice Cream is a classic family creamery located in the trendy neighborhood of Curtis Park. I’ve been to Gunther’s several times and there’s always a line out the door, they have very loyal customers!

During the holidays Gunther’s makes fresh eggnog - yum! See more holidays happenings in Sacramento.

Gunther’s Ice cream parlor is located at 2801 Franklin Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95818.

Vic’s Ice Cream

Right in the heart of Land Park you’ll find another old-school family ice cream company. Vic’s was established in 1947 and the little ice cream parlor is full of nostalgia from yesteryear.

Leatherby's Family Creamery

Another family creamery in Sacramento is Leatherby’s which opened its doors in 1982. They are famous for their inventive ice cream flavors and enormous ice cream sundaes. They have locations in Sacramento, Citrus Heights and Elk Grove.

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab just recently opened up a new location in East Sacramento. They took over a large empty lot on Folsom Blvd, right in the heart of the action of East Sacramento and walking distance to the famous “Fab Forties” neighborhood.

While their main building is still pending to start construction, Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab in Sacramento has a Mobile Ice Cream Parlor which is essentially a fancy food truck. They’ve also built an outdoor seating area with twinkle lights and a locomotive train. It’s a great place to enjoy warm summer nights outdoors with ice cream treats. Scroll down to see photos from our recent visit in 2021.

We had previously visited the Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab locations in San Luis Obispo and Chico so I was already well aware of their famous Motor Oil Ice Cream flavor. Motor Oil Ice Cream is a sweet blend of dark chocolate and Kahlua ice cream with fudge swirls. Of all their cooky ice cream flavors, Motor Oil is definitely their most popular.

Tillamook Ice Cream in Old Sacramento

After a leisurely stroll through the historical streets of Old Sacramento you can stop and enjoy a few scoops of Tillamook ice cream. Boxcar Eats is an ice cream and frozen yogurt shop in Old Sacramento serving Dole’s famous soft serve and Tillamook’s ice cream.

The Sacramento Sweets Co.

Also located inside Old Sacramento, the Sacramento Sweets Co. serves up famous soft serve ice cream cones. They have a fun selection of chocolate-dipped cones - try the Double Header mega cone!

8° Fahrenheit Ice Cream

Have you tried rolled ice cream yet? The popular rolled ice cream chain 8° Fahrenheit Ice Cream has opened up a location in Sacramento. My favorite flavors are the Sexy Georgia and Matcha Lady.

Conscious Creamery Vegan Ice Cream

You can find this dairy-free crafted ice cream in-stock at local cafes and stores in Sacramento. Conscious Creamery is famous for its gelato tacos.

Yume Gelato

In East Sacramento you’ll find an Insta-worthy gelato shop called Yum Gelato. Popular flavors include Pineapple Basil, Black Sesame and Thai Tea. Shop located at 5921 Folsom, Blvd Sacramento, CA 95819.

The Parlor Ice Cream

There’s so many fun ways to eat your ice cream at The Parlor. The Ice Cream Puff is by far the most popular - ice cream inside a fresh hot donut. There’s also ice cream with churros and a giant milkshake know as “The Works.”

Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream at Bombolone Cafe

Inside Arden Fair Mall you’ll find the simple and unassuming sweet shop that sells the newest trend in dressers - liquid nitrogen infused sweets. You can order the Dragon’s Breath Liquid Nitrogen puffs for a dramatic effect to your dessert.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard

Located in Elk Grove which is about 20 minutes outside of Sacramento, Rita’s Creamery is one of the only places in the area that sells custard and Italian Ice. You can visit Rita’s at 8519 Bond Rd #102, Elk Grove CA, 95624.

Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab’s red van is part of their decor at the East Sacramento location on Folsom Blvd.

Lolo Island Shave Ice

Located in Lake Crest Village Shopping Center in southern Sacramento, Lolo Island Shave Ice has colorful and sweet fun flavors of shaved ice. Try the Mangoneada Fruit Freeze in mango or pineapple flavor!

Thrifty’s Ice Cream inside Rite Aid

Thrifty’s Ice Cream is not exclusive to Sacramento, you can find it all over the west coast. But nevertheless we enjoy grabbing Thrifty’s Ice Cream cones at the Midtown Riteaid located on K Street, it’s a short walk from the Capital Building. Circus Animals is my favorite flavor, and my husband loves the rainbow sherbet.

Devil May Care Ice Cream in West Sacramento

A modern ice cream parlor that posts a new menu everyday on social media. They offer the trendy “Ice Cream Flights”, vegan ice cream and inventive fusion flavors. Try the Lavender Chocolate and Chai Masala.

Ice Cream Sandwiches from Cream

At Cream you can custom build your own ice cream sandwich with freshly-baked cookies. They also make ice cream tacos, sundaes and cones. They have a big list of toppings and cookie flavors to select from. Located at 1600 Ethan Way, Suite 60, Sacramento, CA 95825

The Best Donuts & Cookies in Sacramento

Milk Money Donuts

Milk Money is right in the heart of Midtown in the newly remodeled R District. They have a cult following with local hipsters, and the donut shop is very modern and bright. They have a new menu every day and even vegan options served daily as well. My favorite is the “Signature Milk Money Donut”.

Cronuts & Ice Cream Donuts from Bakers Donuts

This old-school donut shop is nothing fancy, but locals have been loving their donuts for over 40 years. Patrons are loyal because of their popular menu items - maple bacon donuts, breakfast cereal donuts, cookie butter donut, ice cream filled donuts and croissant-donut hybrid called cronuts.

Bakers Donuts has two locations in Sacramento - and to be quite honest they don’t look very inviting on the outside. But you can grab a dozen to-go for any gathering of friends. They rise and open early - 4am to be exact!

Insomnia Cookies in Downtown Commons

I first heard of the popular chain Insomnia Cookies in NYC, and now they have made their way to Sacramento. Downtown Commons is a new shopping center designed for modern millennials. You can go into their retail store or have fresh cookies delivered to your doorstep. Open late until 3am.

Cookies & Milk Midtown Delivery Service

If all of a sudden you experience cookie cravings late at night, there’s no reason to fear because you can have freshly baked cookies delivered straight to your door. Cookies & Milk delivers Thursday - Sunday until midnight.

More Ways to Enjoy Ice Cream and Sweets in Sacramento

Enjoy Ice Cream at the West Wind Drive-In

One of the most unique things to do in Sacramento is enjoy movies at the West Wind Drive-In. This is one of the few movie theaters where you can actually bring in your own food. They do have a snack bar, so you can opt to pick up ice cream and snacks on-site.

Ice Cream Safari at Sacramento Zoo

This annual event takes place in August and families look forward to it every year. During the Ice Cream Safari guests will find ice cream surprises throughout the zoo property. Tickets go on sale in June.