What’s the Best Ice Cream Shop in Oakland, California?

Oakland has a Mediterranean climate with an average of 260 sunny days per year. The summer months are typically dry, while the winter months are cool and wet.

Oakland is a culturally diverse city with a large number of immigrants from all over the world. The city's African-American population is the largest of any city in the country, and Hispanics make up a significant portion of the population as well. Oakland also has a large Asian population, and Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in the country.

The economy of Oakland is diverse, with major contributions from healthcare, education, government, transportation, and manufacturing. The Port of Oakland is the fifth-busiest port in the United States, and Oakland International Airport is the tenth-busiest airport in the country.

Oakland, California is a vibrant and eclectic city with much to offer its visitors. From its world-renowned museums and theaters to its amazing restaurants and nightlife, there's something for everyone in Oakland. And if you are looking for a sweet treat while you're here, be sure to check out one of the city's many ice cream shops.

Why Visit Oakland? Top 3 Attractions in Oakland, California

1. Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland Museum of California strives to tell the many stories that comprise one state's history and natural surroundings. OMCA's expansive art collection comprises pieces from centuries past, teaching us about both ourselves and others through their beauty. The paintings are only a fraction of what you'll see!

The Oakland Museum of California's goal is to inspire all Californians to work together to make a brighter future for everyone. The museum, which opened its doors 50 years ago, houses an art gallery, history section, and natural science department.

The OMCA is home to more than 1.9 million objects, including art and history that bring first-person accounts into the light alongside narratives often untold in California’s 110 thousand square feet of gallery space as well as seven-acre campus and gardens. These include seminal artworks, historical artifacts, ethnographic objects, natural specimens, and photographs exploring California's character and identity. This is shaped by its extraordinary natural landscapes as well as successive waves of migration unique to this state's culture of creativity and innovation.

The galleries at the OMCA invite visitors to interact and add their own voices to the stories of California. With a wealth of interactive features, visitors can explore centuries of California's history and people, generations of its art and artists, and millennia of natural science all in one place. Check the OMCA website for information about special programs and popular after-hours offerings.

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is located in Oakland at 1000 Oak Street and 10th Street. Admission to the museum is $16 for non-members and children under 12; $11 for seniors and students with identification; $7 for adolescents ages 13 to 17; and free for members. Exhibitions in the Great Hall have an additional admission fee of $5.

OMCA has an onsite underground parking garage, and it is a block away from the Lake Merritt BART station. The Museum's main entrance at 1000 Oak Street has an accessibility ramp. museumca.org.

2. Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is a man-made body of fresh water in Oakland, California. It was originally part of an estuary that covered almost 1,000 acres and was fed by streams in the area. The Chochenyo people hunted and fished there until they were forced to move to Mission San Jose in 1810 when the Spanish colonized the area. In 1820, the Spanish crown granted Lake Merritt and 45,000 surrounding acres to Luis María Peralta.

Lake Merritt is a 3.4-mile-long, 155-acre lake located in Oakland, California. The depth of the lake can vary depending on how much water is flowing into it from the nearby estuary and how much rain has fallen recently. There are several parks and other recreational facilities near Lake Merritt that visitors can enjoy. Some of these include Snow Park, Rotary Nature Center, Gardens at Lakeside, Eastshore Park, Cleveland Cascades running path, Athol tennis courts, The Lake Merritt Boating Center kayak rentals, and Fairyland for children.

Merritt's Lakeside park is a must-see with different gardens featuring Japanese, Mediterranean, and Bonsai themes. Another popular attraction is the necklace of lights encircling the lake which has 3,400 pearly bulbs and 126 lampposts.

If you're looking to get up-close views of many different species of birds, Lake Merritt is the perfect place for you. Home to large breeding populations of herons, egrets, geese, and ducks, this is the oldest wildlife refuge in North America. You'll be able to see hundreds of scaups as well as the incredibly tame black-crowned night herons and snowy egrets if you visit during the winter months when countless migratory birds make the lake their home.

There are three handicap-accessible parking spots with striped access aisles off Lakeshore Avenue at the south end of the trail. The pathway is made of smooth concrete and is regularly 8 feet wide or more, making it easily accessible for all individuals. With an estimated grade of 3% or less, the entire trail is wheelchair/mobility equipment and stroller friendly. There are also benches along the route for resting.

3. Morcom Rose Garden

The Morcom Rose Garden is a beautiful place to visit, with thousands of exotic roses in bloom from Mother's Day until the end of October. The Amphitheatre of Roses inside the garden is especially lovely, and it's perfect for weddings, renewals, memorial celebrations, and other special occasions.

Originally known as the Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, Arthur Cobbledick's 1930s design for the garden is still evident today. His son Bruce Cobbledick, an Oakland-based gardener and activist, donated the original drawings along with his insights to help fill in gaps about the garden's history.

The Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland has a long history of cooperation and partnership, dating back to 1932. The garden was designed as an inspiration for the Businessmen’s Breakfast Club, with the intention of highlighting the beauty of roses against a rugged natural setting. Mayor Frank Morcom planted the first rose in 1933, and since then the garden has become a popular spot for Oakland residents seeking rest and stimulation.

The garden is divided into three sections. The south entrance of Jean Street features a curved colonnade, stone walls, and a walkway lined with roses. There is also a small service building next to the entrance.

The center section contains a reflecting pool that's surrounded by rose beds and has a sophisticated 14-step cascade to the west side. There is also an octagonal wedding terrace made of stone above the cascade with additional rose beds. From the east, there is a loggia in a Mediterranean style that overlooks the pool and faces the Cascade. This space serves as an office and storage area.

An expansive Florentine oval garden rests at the north end, with terraced flower beds lining its walls on all sides. Elegant rock walls support these structures and stone stairways border them, providing access from every direction. A meandering path lies among the trees above the garden.

The Amphitheatre of Roses, situated in a picturesque residential area, is the perfect venue for your special event. Whether you are looking to tie the knot or celebrate another momentous occasion, this enchanting location will not disappoint. With seasonal blooms and winding walkways, there is no shortage of breathtaking photo opportunities. The reflecting pool, graceful stairways and fountain cascade offer partygoers ample opportunity to stroll around and take in all that this magical garden has to offer.

Best Ice Cream Shop in Oakland - Fentons Creamery

Fentons Creamery is the Ice Cream Shop Team Your Family Will Love

Founded in Oakland, California in 1894, Fentons Creamery is a landmark institution that has served its famous handcrafted ice creams and sauces to generations of fans. Our ice cream sundaes are world-famous – the Black & Tan Sundae is our signature item, made with one of the many ice cream flavors invented by Melvin Fenton – Toasted Almond. Fentons Creamery has been featured in the Pixar movie “Up” on countless tv shows on the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the Food Network, and in print like USA Today and Zagat, SF Chronicle, and hundreds more.  Fentons Creamery even offers ice cream production tours by appointment!  Come see what the buzz is about and enjoy the absolute best ice cream you’ve ever had.

Top 3 Questions People in Oakland, California Have About Ice Cream

1. What age group eats the most ice cream in Oakland?

Oakland has a lot of great things going for it – a diverse and vibrant community, an exciting arts scene, and proximity to both the Bay Area and Wine Country. But one of its best-kept secrets may be its ice cream scene. There's no doubt that Oakland loves its ice cream. The city is home to some of the best ice cream shops in the Bay Area, and there's always a line out the door during the summer months.

But who buys the most ice cream in Oakland?

Almost everyone enjoys ice cream, regardless of age. Some people like to experiment with new flavors to find their perfect gelato or ice cream experience. They are significant customers as well.

Age and gender have an impact on ice cream preferences. Surveys show that African American households consume more ice cream than the average American home each month, as well as a wider range of frozen dessert goods.

Additionally, 4 or more quarts of ice cream are consumed each month by 34% of households with kids. That number is significantly higher than the 20% of homes without kids. Teens enjoy eating a variety of ice cream flavors and other frozen treats.  Even though girls typically prefer healthier flavors, there are still tons of choices that fit most dietary restrictions. No matter the situation, boys will always choose to eat ice cream. 

On average, Oakland teenagers eat about three gallons of ice cream per year. That's nearly double the amount consumed by the next highest age group, which is adults aged 18-24. Last but not least, it was shown that families with kids who are traveling are more likely to make a pit stop at a neighborhood ice cream shop than families without kids.

Interestingly, Oakland residents are more likely to buy ice cream from local businesses rather than national brands. This could be due to a preference for fresher, locally-sourced ingredients, or simply because there are more local ice cream shops to choose from. Whatever the reason, it's clear that Oaklanders have a sweet tooth!

2. Why do people love ice cream in Oakland?

There's no denying that Oakland is a foodie town. With so many amazing restaurants and chefs, it's no wonder that people love to eat here. But when it comes to dessert, there's one treat that always seems to stand out: ice cream.

Oakland is a city with a lot of flavors, and that includes its ice cream. Whether you’re looking for something classic like vanilla or strawberry, or something more creative like olive oil or lavender, Oakland has an ice cream shop for you. Why do people love ice cream in Oakland so much? Let’s take a closer look at a few reasons why Oaklanders love their ice cream.

There are some great ice cream shops in the city. 

Whether you're looking for a classic scoop of vanilla or something more adventurous like a mint chocolate chip with avocado, you'll be able to find it in Oakland.

It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. 

With temperatures often reaching into the 90s, it's no wonder that people want to enjoy a refreshing scoop of ice cream.

There are endless flavors to choose from.

When you go to an ice cream shop in Oakland, there are so many flavors to choose from. You could get a classic flavor like vanilla or chocolate, or you could get something more unique like lavender or matcha. There's something for everyone, and that's one of the things people love about ice cream shops in Oakland.

There are also a lot of vegan and dairy-free options.

Ice cream shops in Oakland use high-quality ingredients, and it shows in the final product. The ice cream is rich and creamy, and the flavors are well-balanced. It's no wonder people love ice cream from Oakland!

Oaklanders love ice cream because it reminds them of childhood. 

Whether it's taking a trip to the local ice cream shop or enjoying a cone at one of the city's many festivals, there's something about ice cream that just brings back happy memories.

So next time you're looking for a delicious treat, be sure to head to one of Oakland's great ice cream shops. You'll be glad you did!

3. What flavors of ice cream are popular in Oakland? 

Oakland is a city with a lot of character. From the food to the culture, there's something for everyone in Oakland. And when it comes to ice cream, there are plenty of flavors to choose from! Here is a list of some of the most popular ice cream flavors in Oakland.
There are a few factors that determine what flavors of ice cream are popular in Oakland. The first is the weather. If it's hot outside,

people are more likely to want something cold and refreshing like mint chocolate chip or strawberry. If it's chilly, they might go for something heartier like cookies and cream or chocolate peanut butter.

The second factor is what's available. Some ice cream shops only carry a limited selection of flavors, so whatever they have is what's popular by default. Other shops have a wider variety, giving people more options to choose from.

And lastly, personal preference plays a role. Some people simply don't like certain flavors, no matter how popular they may be. So even if everyone else is eating a mint chocolate chip, they'll go for something else instead.

So what are the most popular flavors of ice cream in Oakland?

One flavor that always seems to be popular is chocolate. Whether it's plain chocolate, chocolate chip, or anything else, people love chocolate ice cream. Vanilla is also a classic flavor that is always popular, especially when it's made with real vanilla beans. Other flavors that are popular in Oakland include strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and pistachio.

There are always new flavors popping up as well, so you never know what you might find when you visit your local ice cream shop. What exactly makes these flavors so popular is up for debate, but one thing is for sure- Oaklanders love their ice cream! If you're ever in Oakland and looking for a delicious treat, be sure to try one of these popular flavors. You might just find your new favorite!

Map to Our Location from Oakland, California

Are You Looking for an Amazing Ice Cream Experience in Oakland?

Founded in Oakland, California in 1894, Fentons Creamery is a landmark institution that has served its famous handcrafted ice creams and sauces to generations of fans. Our ice cream sundaes are world-famous – the Black & Tan Sundae is our signature item, made with one of the many ice cream flavors invented by Melvin Fenton – Toasted Almond. Fentons Creamery has been featured in the Pixar movie “Up” on countless tv shows on the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the Food Network, and in print like USA Today and Zagat, SF Chronicle, and hundreds more.  Fentons Creamery even offers ice cream production tours by appointment!  Come see what the buzz is about and enjoy the absolute best ice cream you’ve ever had.