Long before All Hallows’ Eve comes around, the candy fever starts. By late September, grocery store aisles are already brimming with family-sized bags of Candy Corn, Skittles and Tootsie Pops. Candy has, afterall, become almost as important to Halloween as dressing up. So it’s no wonder that all this sweet talk and run-ins with Hershey’s at the checkout counter got us thinking long and hard about sugary things. Just in case you’re in the same boat, here’s what you need to do. For starters, step away from that pumpkin-shaped bucket of peanut butter cups. Instead, head over to these local bakeries, candy shops and chocolatiers for the good stuff. We mean it—no tricks, just treats.

Balboa Island Baking Company

Nestled along the quaint Marine Ave. on Balboa Island, there’s a little bakery that could—and does stop passersby in their tracks. First, with that something’s-in-the-oven smell, and furthermore, with their irresistible display of freshly baked treats. Think: almond poppy-seed muffins and cinnamon streusel coffee cakes that stand out from the rest. The folks at this local bakery rise and shine before the sun itself, and get cracking on their stuff so your morning pick-me-up is as fresh as it can get.

Balboa Candy

Just a chocolate rock’s throw away from the Balboa Fun Zone, there’s a place that prides itself on stocking the “largest selection of salt water taffy in the world” in Balboa Village. This includes your classics—banana, watermelon and vanilla— as well as offbeat flavors like mango chile, cantaloupe and hot cinnamon infused with cayenne pepper. And as if that isn’t enough reason to visit, this candy wonderland also touts a bevy of old-fashioned treats, and more notably, fudge in an assortment of flavors, all made in house.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

With a slew of locations around the country, it’s safe to say that Sprinkles cupcakes are still a hot-ticket item. At Sprinkles’ Corona Del Mar cupcake and ice-cream outposts, you’ll find frozen treats and those perfectly frosted baked goods that made you—and everyone else—fall in love with this dessert empire in the first place.

Pandor Bakery & Cafe

Between the buttery, flaky pain au chocolat and baba rum cakes, deciding what to order will seem like an impossible task at this French boulangerie. (Don’t even get us started on the savory options). So we won’t judge you if you opt to box up your top contenders—eclairs, fruit tarts, oh my!—and take them home to nosh on during your spooky movie night. We might, however, judge you if you don’t.

See’s Candies

At See’s Candies, what you see is what you get. Which is a good thing, because the sweets this iconic chocolatier churns out are every bit as delicious as they look. It’s no surprise, really. This is a 98-year-old institution after all, with heaps of bon-bon making experience under its belt. Aside from some of the most delectable, velvety truffles you’ll bite into, See’s Candies is also known for its peanut brittles, crunches and toffees, all of which we suggest ordering. Oh, and throw in a box of pecan fudge to really sweeten the deal.

Written By: Mariam Makatsaria