Summer Treats in Newport Beach
Summer is here, and with it comes sun-soaked days, leaving us dreaming of creamy frozen treats and morning trips to the donut shop. Whether a swirled soft-serve is your go-to, or maybe you prefer a milkshake or cotton candy, Newport Beach has plenty of options to choose from. Here are our picks for summer treats in Newport Beach!
Must-Try Treat: Balboa Bar With Rainbow Sprinkles
Sugar ‘n Spice has been serving frozen treats to Balboa Island residents and visitors alike since 1945. Known for The Original Frozen Banana and their famous Balboa Bars, this classic dessert shop makes everything to order. Each frozen banana and Balboa Bar is double-dipped in milk chocolate, then rolled in your toppings of choice. Grab the whole fam and take a bite out of Newport Beach history!
Must-Try Treat: Breakside’s Barrel-Aged Chocolate Stout
Located in the Westcliff neighborhood, Salt & Straw was originally founded in Portland, Oregon, and has since made its way south. The shop’s menu features 14 classic flavors along with a rotating monthly selection of ice creams that reflect the seasonality of ingredients. After hitting the beach this summer, stop by for a scoop and savor their limited-edition Brewers Series, featuring flavors like Breakside’s Barrel-Aged Chocolate Stout, Russian River’s Supplication Ale with Manchego and more!
Must-Try Treat: Apple Fritter
This classic Balboa Peninsula shop whips up everything from fresh donuts and cronuts to sweet and savory croissants and Thai iced teas. Start your day with a breezy bike ride down the Balboa Peninsula, and stop in for one of their glazed old-fashioned donuts or tasty ham and cheese croissants.
Must-Try Treat: Saltwater Taffy
With two locations, one on Balboa Island and the other in Balboa Village, it’s no surprise Balboa Candy is a go-to spot to satisfy a sweet tooth. This old-school candy shop is famous for its saltwater taffy and retro selection of candies, including Abba-Zaba Bars, Jelly Bellies, Curly Wurly chocolate bars, Wacky Wafers and more! Feeling the nostalgia yet?
Must-Try Treat: Sea-Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich
Is there anything better than warm cookies and ice cream? We think not! And if anyone has mastered the combo, it’s Milk & Cookies on the Balboa Peninsula. This sweet destination whips up ice cream sandwiches that’ll make you melt. Simply choose your cookies (think toffee crunch, snickerdoodle and chocolate chunk), then pick your ice cream (think lavender, salted caramel and Dutch chocolate), and voila!
Must-Try Treat: Cotton Candy
Located in the historic Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Beach Treats serves up a variety of snacks, ice cream and frozen bananas by the bay. After the kids have had their fill of fun and games in the retro arcade, stop by for a swirl of soft serve or some French fries if you’re feeling something savory. They even offer powdered sugar-dusted funnel cakes, churros and cotton candy!
Must-Try Treat: Acai Freeze
For those in search of a healthier ice cream alternative, meet Pressed Juicery, located at Fashion Island! This trendy juice shop has gained massive traction in recent years for its delicious, customizable freezes. These plant-based soft-serve treats are all the rage and come in a variety of different flavors that rotate based on the season (think acai in the summer and pumpkin in the fall). And possibly one of the biggest draws is the vegan and gluten-free toppings, which range from sauces like granola butter and almond drizzle to add-ons like chocolate chips, shredded coconut and sliced almonds.
Must-Try Treat: Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake
For decades, Crystal Cove Shake Shack has been serving up classic burgers, crispy fries and creamy milkshakes. The best part? This outpost sits on Pacific Coast Highway and boasts an incredible view of the ocean and the park’s Historic District. On a hot summer’s day, opt for the original chocolate or vanilla milkshake, or get fancy with their Banana Date, Orangesicle or Peanut Butter Cup flavors.
The moment you walk into this Fashion Island creamery, you’re hit with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked waffle cones. Translation: there’s no way you’re leaving without a sweet treat. Gelato Paradiso is celebrated for its authentic Italian gelato, and trust us, it lives up to the hype. They use old world recipes and traditions, and each flavor is handmade in small batches right in the shop every morning. Delight your taste buds with flavors like stracciatella, tiramisu, fragola cheesecake, dulce de leche, panna cotta and more. Need a dairy-free alternative? Try one of their sorbettos, which combine ripe, seasonal fruit with pure water and a dash of sugar.
