You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! July is National Ice Cream Month and we’ve got the scoop on the creamiest, tastiest ice cream in Newport Beach. Pair your cone with one of the things on our summer bucket list!

1) The Resort at Pelican Hill’s Gelato Bar

Pelican Hill might be known for its sweeping views, top-notch luxury accommodations and a world-class golf course, but there’s something else this coastal destination does well. And that’s gelato. Pop into the resort’s cafe and market on any given day and you’ll find a choice of 10 flavors, which include traditional classics as well as concoctions inspired by seasonal ingredients.

2) Cowafornia in Balboa Village

If you’ve never scooped up a scoop from Cowafornia before, you’re missing out. Not only does this coffee-and-ice-cream joint crank out close-to 30 different flavors of creamy goodness, it also boasts a pretty solid coffee menu. Good news if you’re a fan of both because the place also whips up dishes like the Affogato Sundae—ice cream doused in double-shot espresso and topped off with some whipped cream for good measure. If that’s not the cream of the crop, we don’t know what is.

3) Sugar n’ Spice Balboa Bar on Balboa Island

Strolled through Balboa Island’s picturesque Marine Ave before? Chances are you’ve already passed by this local landmark. Established back in 1945, the joint is one of the original frozen banana stands Balboa Island holds so dearly to its heart. The frozen banana is a can’t-miss specialty, but the Balboa Bar—a stick of vanilla or chocolate ice cream dipped in melted chocolate, then rolled in your topping of choice—is equally satisfying. You can always skip the last step, but it’s so good with all that crunch, you won’t want to.

4) Atomic Creamery at Fashion Island

When spending the afternoon at Fashion Island, swing into Atomic Creamery for a refreshing serving guaranteed to make your day a whole lot cooler. The menu offers up a slew of flavor categories to choose from. You’ve got nostalgic flavors from the 1950’s (think: cherry jubilee and and butter pecan praline, just to name a few). You’ve also got the joint’s special blends like buckeye peanut butter and pistachio halvah. Or try their pure-and-simple favorites like Nutella, coffee and seasonal fruit. Got pups in tow? Ask for the creamery’s dog ice cream so your pets can partake in the National Ice Cream Day festivities, too.

5) B. Candy in Corona del Mar

There’s nothing wrong with the tried-and-true vanilla or chocolate, but sometimes, it’s nice to shake things up a little. Enter B. Candy, purveyor of a whopping 40 flavors to choose from, including some offbeat combos like chocolate-covered potato chips and caramel, lemon cookie crunch and the incredibly insta-friendly rainbow cotton candy. Want to elevate your feed even more? Opt for the soda float, which is served up in a color-changing cup that you’re also going to want to whip out your camera for. Afterward, explore the charming neighborhood of Corona del Mar.

Written by: Engrid Barnett