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South Swell Ice Cream in California

Discover South Swell Ice Cream in Laguna Beach, CA. Check menu, hours, reviews, and casual dining options for this trendy dessert spot.

4.6 83 reviews $1–10 Restaurant American · Southern

1330 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · California · 82123
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South Swell Ice Cream

Laguna Beach, California, USA

Chocolate Pieces Oreo Dr Pepper Float
Rating★ 4.6 / 5
Price$1–10
CategoryRestaurant
Today 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

South Swell Ice Cream is a popular ice cream restaurant nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach. With a focus on specialty ice cream bars and classic frozen treats, it combines casual, trendy vibes with exceptional quality. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of creamy, handcrafted flavors, complemented by fresh toppings and decadent dips.

This eatery is well-loved for its friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere that attracts solo diners and families alike. Offering multiple service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, it’s a flexible spot ideal for quick visits or leisurely indulgences along 1330 S Coast Hwy.

Gallery

Photos from South Swell Ice Cream

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Visitors flock to this trendy Laguna Beach eatery for delicious desserts, quick service, and a welcoming beach-town vibe.

Highly Rated Desserts

Enjoy rich, creamy ice cream bars, soft serve, and unique flavor combinations highly praised by locals and tourists alike.

Friendly & Attentive Staff

Friendly service with generous samples and a cheerful atmosphere keeps guests coming back time after time.

Popular Ice Cream Treats

Must-try favorites include Chocolate Pieces, Oreo, and Dr Pepper Float, perfect for solo dining or sharing.

Casual & Trendy Atmosphere

The casual setting with vibrant decor creates an inviting spot ideal for quick visits or relaxing breaks.

Accessibility & Parking

Features wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, alongside free and paid parking options for convenience.

Flexible Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, and delivery services accommodate every preference for enjoying sweet treats.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Discover the best ways to savor South Swell Ice Cream’s unique frozen delights and vibrant setting.

A must-visit spot for anyone seeking creative ice cream bars with fresh toppings, served by friendly staff in a fun, casual environment. Perfect for a quick treat or a relaxed dessert stop. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Solo Sweet Treat

Enjoy a personalized ice cream bar and explore countless flavor combinations in a welcoming spot tailored to solo diners.

Afternoon Chill

Drop by during afternoon hours for a refreshing frozen dessert that pairs perfectly with Laguna Beach's relaxed vibe.

Takeout Convenience

Order for takeout and enjoy specialty bars or classic ice creams at home or on the go, with quick service to suit busy days.

Family-Friendly Treat

A great stop for families with kids, offering accessible seating and a menu full of fun, kid-pleasing flavors and textures.

Evening Hangout

Open until 10 PM, this trendy destination is ideal for a casual nighttime dessert or sweet snack while exploring Laguna Beach.

Easy Payments & Parking

Flexible payment options including credit cards and mobile NFC, with various parking choices nearby for hassle-free visits.

Best for

Solo dining Quick visit Takeout Good for kids Casual atmosphere Open daily afternoon to night Free & paid parking Credit & mobile payments

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

HF
Hannah Fletcher 1 month ago

"Came here twice on our trip down! The ice cream bars are absolutely amazing. The staff dunks the bar and decorated it with lots of yummy options right in front of you! The treats are delicious and the staff was really kind and sweet!"

MF
Morgan Fisher 2 month ago

"This place is amazing. We visited every day of our three day trip to Laguna, and it was perfect every time. Delicious and such nice staff!"

SF
Sundas Freddie 2 month ago

"Here’s a NED-style review for South Swell Ice Cream: --- What Works Well - Homemade, creamy texture with unique and classic flavors. - Cozy beach-town vibe – great for families and casual visits. - Friendly staff who offer generous samples. - Waffle cones are freshly made and highly recommended. --- What to Watch Out For - Limited seating inside and outside, especially on hot days. - Flavors rotate, so favorites might not always be available. - Can be a bit pricey for ice cream, especially for larger servings. --- Verdict A must-visit local gem for sweet treats by the sea. Great quality and charm, just be ready for a line during peak hours. Rating: 4.6 / 5 ---"

AL
Audrey Lenard 3 month ago

"We love South Swell! They have the options for your base: vanilla or chocolate ice cream bar, vanilla or chocolate or swirl soft serve, frozen banana, or dairy free ice cream bar. Then you choose your toppings/chocolate dip. You could go every single night for a year and still not try all the combinations! So delicious. The line gets long on summer nights but normally moves quickly and defo worth the wait. Fun music while you wait in line normally too."

BP
Bentley Peabody 3 month ago

"Worth the wait! A bit of a line but the deliciousness totally made up for it. The flavor combinations (like salted caramel and toasted coconut or Nutrageous) were creative and tasty. Big shoutout to the staff, too – good vibes only, even with a crowd. A must-try when you're in Laguna Beach!"

AC
Ashly Cowardin 3 month ago

"Melissa went out of her way to make the best chocolate gingerbread man sundae topped with heath bar pieces! She was so patient with us as this was our 1st time trying this place out and even offered us mini wet towels to go. The shop was so clean and I loved the pink decor. Such a cute place with great sundae options, we will definitely return!"

CS(
Cameron Stout (Personal Gmail) 3 month ago

"South Swell is the TRUTH. It’s embarrassing how many times I’ve stopped here when I’m in Laguna. The ice cream is so good, but also the people that work here actually have brains. And like, good attitudes. I swear that does not exist in your normal ice cream/fast service type places these days. It might be “expensive” but I would gladly pay double what they charge just to have their good ice cream, served by the people they have working there that actually acknowledge you and are generally pleasant. But make no mistake, you need to add an extra mile to that run in the morning to make up for this sweet treat haha"

CM
Casey M 4 month ago

"This place is tasty. Very sugary sweet treats, but yummy. We ordered one bar and one soft serve type, but the soft serve is a way better base. The girls working the ice cream shop were young, but attentive. But, they had no AC in the shop which was really brutal with our hot summer. I asked one of the girls about the heat and she said the AC broke. But, you're in Laguna Beach, charging top dollar, have a busy flow of people non-stop and have ice cream and workers that need to be supported with cooler conditions. I hope the owners chopse to address the cooling conditions."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

This spot suits quick visits or casual dining, with peak hours best avoided to skip lines during summer nights.

Afternoons and Evenings (2 PM - 10 PM) Weekends from Noon Offer Extended Hours Expect Short Visits of 10 Min to 1.5 Hours Casual Dining without Table Service Evening Hours Perfect for a Sweet Nightcap

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to South Swell Ice Cream in California .

Address 1330 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
Phone +1 949-715-0369
Area California
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about South Swell Ice Cream in Laguna Beach to help plan your visit and enjoy the best frozen treats.

Open Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays or special occasions.

The menu includes specialty and classic ice cream bars with creative toppings, such as The Parent Trap and The OG. Popular items include Chocolate Pieces, Oreo, and Dr Pepper Float. Menu offerings may change seasonally.

Options include vanilla or chocolate ice cream bars, soft serve, frozen bananas, and dairy-free bars. Toppings and chocolate dips allow for customization, catering well to different tastes and preferences.

Yes, the location features a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot to ensure a welcoming experience for all guests.

Customers can enjoy onsite dine-in seating, takeout, and delivery. Note that there is no table service, and dining atmosphere is casual and trendy, ideal for quick visits or solo dining.

Yes, free parking is offered in a parking lot and on the street, with some paid street parking options nearby as well.

Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payment options, making transactions easy and convenient.

Visits usually range from 10 minutes to 1.5 hours, fitting well with quick stops or relaxed casual outings along Laguna Beach.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.