As the desert sun turns up the heat, finding small, sweet escapes becomes a necessity. While pools and shade are great, nothing cools you down quite like a scoop (or two) of handcrafted ice cream. Fortunately, our desert cities are sprinkled with some seriously tasty local gems serving frozen treats worth the indulgence.
Whether you're a full-time desert dweller or here for a summer escape, here are three standout ice cream spots to keep on your radar this season:
Great Shakes
Location: Downtown Palm Springs
Vibe: Retro dessert shop with a modern twist
Great Shakes takes milkshakes to a whole new level. Think thick, creamy shakes made with premium ice cream and topped with everything from fresh-baked donuts to crushed candy bars and toasted marshmallows — all served with a mini donut on the straw (yes, really).
You’ll find classic flavors like Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Bean, but the real fun comes from their custom creations like Salted Caramel Pretzel, Lemon Meringue Pie, or Banana Nutella.
This spot is walkable from the main downtown strip, making it perfect for a cool detour after dinner or during your Thursday night VillageFest stroll. Just be ready for a sweet overload — and a happy sugar buzz.
Learn More at greatshakes.com
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Location: Palm Desert & Indio Locations
Vibe: Classic, nostalgic, and worth the wait
If you're in Palm Desert and craving old-school goodness with big flavor, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is the place to go. Originally founded in 1945, Handel’s has built a cult following — and once you try a scoop, you’ll understand why.
Their menu is huge and packed with flavor: from Graham Central Station (graham cracker base with chocolate-covered graham chunks) to Blueberry Cheesecake and Orange Dreamsicle. Everything is made fresh on-site daily, and the generous portions mean no one leaves disappointed.
Lines here can get long on summer nights, but trust us — it’s totally worth the wait. Grab your scoop, find some shade, and let that handcrafted cold cream work its magic.
Learn More at handelsicecream.com
La Dolce Piccola Gelateria
Location: 73255 El Paseo, Suite 20, Palm Desert, CA
Vibe: Authentic Italian charm in the heart of El Paseo
Now serving sweet relief in Palm Desert, La Dolce Piccola Gelateria brings the traditional taste of Italian gelato to El Paseo. Small-batch and made fresh daily, their rotating menu of flavors includes rich favorites like Pistachio, Stracciatella, and indulgent seasonal picks like Ricotta Fig or Blood Orange Sorbet.
The texture? Silky smooth.
The sweetness? Perfectly balanced.
The portions? Ideal for strolling the shops or cooling off on the shaded patio.
They also offer dairy-free and vegan options, so everyone can enjoy a taste of Italy right here in the desert.
Learn More at ladolcepiccolagelateria.com
More Local Favorites Coming Soon...
Stay tuned for part two of our Frozen Treat Tour across the Coachella Valley — featuring more local creameries, fruit paleterías, and shaved ice stands that are perfect for summer.
Have a favorite we should include? Tag us on Instagram @DesertCitiesHome and share your go-to scoop in the desert.
Stay cool, stay sweet, and treat yourself — you’ve earned it.
After all, summer in the desert isn’t a season, it’s a lifestyle. 🌞🍦
