Get the scoop at San Diego’s ice cream shops

I scream. You scream. We all scream for unique and gourmet ice cream.

As National Ice Cream Day approaches on July 16, children will surely not be the only ones celebrating. Yes, they may be the ones who run after the ice cream truck, but it’s totally appropriate for adults to still seek out a frozen treat on a hot day. So grab the spoons, a cone or perhaps a cup, and head on over to some of San Diego’s classic and unique ice cream shops to celebrate.

Read more about National Ice Cream Month here.

Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream

Why order one cone when you can try six? At Hammond’s, guests continue to flock to their three locations for a flight of “Tropical Dreams super premium ice cream and sorbet.” Flavors range from Ginger Cream and Honey Lavender to Peanut Butter Guava Jelly and Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Nut.

North Park: 3077 University Ave., 619.220.0231; Pacific Beach: 1418 Garnet Ave., 858.230.7433; Point Loma: 3470 Sports Area Blvd., 619.550.5893, hammondsgourmet.com

ICMonster

Scooped or rolled up, ice cream is always delicious. At this Mira Mesa shop, they specialize in custom ice cream rolls that can be eaten in a cup, waffle or doughnut. Roll into the shop to taste the Berry Heaven, Dark Monster or many of the other unique flavors.

8945 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa, 858.860.5998

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Mariposa

For the past 10 years, Mariposa has been churning out homemade ice cream on site at its Adams Avenue location. By “using fresh milk and cream and other quality ingredients,” the shop has developed many classic flavors, including Mexican Chocolate, Cookies & Mint and Banana Walnut, that have customers returning day after day.

3450 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, 619.284.5197, mariposaicecream.com

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The Baked Bear

Add a fresh cookie, brownie or doughnut to a scoop of ice cream, and what do you get? Happiness. At The Baked Bear, customers can choose from 14 ice cream flavors to squish into an ice cream sandwich. Beware: The line out the door can seem daunting, but the first bite into a sandwich makes it all worth it.

Carmel Mountain: 11640 Mountain Rd., 858.451.2253; La Costa: 7610 Via Campanile, 760.635.8526; Carmel Valley: 5950 Village Way, 858.847.2288; Pacific Beach: 4516 Mission Blvd., 858.886.7433, thebakedbear.com

Tocumbo Ice Cream

For a taste of Mexico north of the border, Tocumbo is serving up homemade paletas, nieves and ice cream sundaes. Guests keep returning to Tocumbo for their warm customer service and rich flavors.

Downtown: 4686 Market St., 619.264.0391; Barrio Logan: 1900 Main St., 619.230.0391; Chula Vista: 619.476.4444, tocumboicecream.com

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Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Made fresh daily in store, Handel’s has become an Encinitas favorite for their classic and creative flavors with a homemade touch. Read more about Handel’s here.

90 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 760.230.6948

Neiderfrank’s

While the world continues to progress, Niderfrank’s happily sticks to their old ways. For the past 67 years, the National City ice cream shop has maintained the same practices to produce high quality, classic ice cream. Today, Niederfrank’s has dozens of classic ice cream, sorbet and sherbert flavors to choose from, as well local craft beer flavors that are infused by Stone Brewing Co. and South Park Brewing Co. products.

726 A Ave., National City, 619.477.0828, niederfranksicecreams.com

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Creamistry

Science has never been so tasty. At Creamistry, trained Creamologists make unique flavors before customers’ eyes by using liquid nitrogen to freeze ice cream instantly. Read more about Creamistry here.

Caramel Valley: 7825 Highlands Village Place, 858.365.7797; Kearny Mesa: 7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., 858.874.6407; San Marcos: 731 W. San Marcos Blvd., 760.744.2214. creamistry.com

Ice cream freebies, deals and news

New flavors to try and where to score a free or discounted scoop.

Whole Foods Market

On July 16, customers can purchase two Ben & Jerry’s pints for $6.

McDonald’s

The golden arch will premiere their new soft serve by giving away free vanilla cones all day on July 16 through the McDonald’s app.

Dippin’ Dots

Enjoy a free mini cup at participating locations on July 16.

Baskin Robbins

Download the Baskin Robbins mobile app to receive exclusive offers on National Ice Cream Day.

Häagen Dazs

The famous brand has recently released Häagen Dazs Spirits, a new line of flavors that are infused with alcohol. Flavors include Whisky Chocolate Truffle, Vodka Key Lime Pie, Rum Ginger Cookie, Vanilla Caramel Blondie and Irish Cream Coffee & Biscotti. Unfortunately, Häagen-Dazs Spirits is only being sold in Canada, but who doesn’t love a good road trip? haagen-dazs.ca/hd-en

Not quite ice cream, but almost...

Pappalecco Café

If you have both a travel itch and a sweet tooth, then a taste of Pappalecco’s homemade Tuscan gelato might be your perfect remedy. With five locations throighout the county, customers have ample opportunities to taste the café’s signature and seasonal flavors that can be enjoyed in a gelato croissant sandwich, affogato (scoop of gelato in a shot of espresso), cup or cone.

Cardiff by the Sea: 2101 San Elijo Ave., 760.230.2940; Del Mar: 12925 El Camino Real, 858.847.2910; Hillcrest: 3650 Fifth Ave., 619.906.5556; Kensington: 4202 Adams Ave., 619.255.4770; Little Italy: 1602 State St., 619.238.4590, pappalecco.com