Laguna is Sweet on These Dessert Spots
During a hot day, there can be nothing better than an afternoon sweet treat… or one after dinner … or after breakfast. In my opinion, a good dessert is not limited to the time of day.
That said, we have compiled a list of the best sweet treat spots in Laguna that will be calling your name at every hour. From gelato to chocolate covered bananas to sliced ice cream, we have a dessert recommendation for every palette.
Gelato Paradiso
448 S Coast Hwy ste a, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Up first, a true Laguna Beach classic is Gelato Paradiso. Located in the iconic Peppertree Lane, you get the best of both worlds: a delicious dessert and a beautiful backdrop for your photos of the dessert. Gelato Paradiso offers traditional gelato, practically transporting you to Italy with flavors like Stracciatella and Nocciola. Every month the shop spices up their menu with a “flavor of the month,” with July’s special flavor being a S’mores Gelato. And if you are craving those sweet fruit flavors of summer, Gelato Paradiso also provides sorbetto in flavors such as mango, fragola, and limone.
South Swell
1330 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Walking back from the beach, slightly sunburned and very hungry, nothing can compare to a good soft serve ice cream. And South Swell is Laguna’s place-to-be for an amazing soft serve. South Swell hand-dips all of their menu offerings in gourmet chocolate and then toppings of your choosing. They have vanilla and chocolate ice cream bars, frozen bananas, coconut ice cream bars, and soft serve ice cream. You can customize your own toppings, or choose from a list of their specialty bars; my personal favorites include the Da Bomb Fire, The Parent Trap, and The Castaway.
La Macaron
184 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Initially started by a Mother-Daughter duo, La Macaron French Pastries brings traditional French macarons to Laguna Beach’s backdoor. They have a few locations around the US, but their desserts and pastries taste like they are fresh out of a small bakery in France. Their macarons are gluten free, and they also offer a few dairy free as well. Flavors range from traditional, such as Vanilla and Salted Caramel, to fun and unique, like Basil White Chocolate and Strawberry Key Lime.
Dolce Gelato
247 Broadway St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
A true embodiment of Laguna Beach, Dolce Gelato is a family owned gelato shop located just steps from the beach. Their menu is a perfect blend of traditional and innovative flavors, and each one is made in-house. Dolce Gelato offers a large selection of Vegan gelato, so there really is something for everyone. The Vegan gelato is made with almond or coconut milk, and sorbets are available as well. Their menu rotates each month, so some of the must-tries of July include the “Winnie the Pooh” (honey caramel crunch), Alexander Beetle (strawberries and matcha), and Christopher Robin (blueberry scone).
Nick’s
440 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Yes, Nick’s is a traditional restaurant not a dessert shop, but no, we could not make a dessert list and not include Nick’s Butter Cake. Nick’s has delicious dinner options, but sometimes the star of the show is the sweet, warm, and gooey Butter Cake. The Butter Cake is served warm, with a sugar crust, and a contrastingly cold scoop of Vanilla ice cream. If you are looking for a post-dinner sweet treat, getting dinner at Nick’s and ending your meal overlooking the Laguna coast while going spoon-first into their Butter Cake is the best option.
Rainbow Cone
244 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Chicago has been obsessing over this cone since 1926, and now Laguna gets to find out what took so long. Rainbow Cone doesn't scoop — they slice. Five flavors (chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet) get stacked layer by layer into a towering, colorful cone that looks as good as it tastes. The combination sounds like it shouldn't work, and then it completely does. First-timers are always surprised — and then immediately back in line. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of their Sliced Creations, a two- or three-flavor version of the same concept. But honestly? Start with the classic. It's been the same recipe for 100 years for a reason.
