As a Mill Valley resident and real estate advisor for over 30 years, one of the things I love most about Marin County is our incredible sense of community—and our amazing local food scene! Whether you are exploring a new neighborhood to find your dream home or just looking for the perfect weekend afternoon activity with the family, discovering a local gem is always a joy.
As the days get longer and the sun shines a little brighter on Mt. Tam, there is nothing quite like cooling off with a delicious frozen treat. To help you beat the heat, I've put together a list of my absolute favorite ice cream and gelato spots across Marin.
Here are my top picks for the creamiest, dreamiest treats in our area:
1. Angela's Organic Ice Cream | Mill Valley
Right in my own backyard! This Sonoma-based chain (with locations in Petaluma, Healdsburg, and Forestville) arrived in downtown Mill Valley last year and has been drawing lines ever since. They offer a full cooler of vegan flavors sharing space with traditional crowd-pleasers. Grab a cone, then stroll over to Depot Plaza and savor it from a shaded picnic bench.
Don't Miss: Vegan options like Irish Coffee, Caramel Crack, Chocolate Almond Bliss, and Cookies 'n' Cream. Traditional favorites include Italian Pistachio and Peanut Butter Crunch.
Hours: Mon–Thu: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sun: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
2. Frankie & Jo's | Larkspur
Though their original shop is in Seattle, Marinites are all-in on the plant-based, vegan treats at Frankie & Jo's, perfectly situated at the Marin Country Mart. This tiny shop typically offers eight "Every Day" flavors alongside beautiful seasonal rotations. They also offer ice cream sandwiches, dough bites, and pints to go!
Don't Miss: California Cabin (inspired by the Sierra Nevada), Brown Sugar Vanilla, or September’s seasonal Concord Grape Swirl.
Hours: Sun–Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
3. The Shack | Larkspur
Tucked beautifully under the redwoods next to Boichick Bagels on the edge of downtown Larkspur, this parlor serves traditional scoops, shakes, and floats. You have 12 flavors to choose from, and their waffle cones are hand-rolled right on a press. Place your order in-person or at a digital kiosk, and wait for the aroma of caramelizing sugar to tickle your nose before claiming your confection.
Don't Miss: Blue Moon, Birthday Cake, or the vegan Raspberry Lemon Italian Ice. Top it off with rainbow sprinkles or Froot Loops!
Hours: Mon–Thu: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sun: 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM
4. Fairfax Scoop | Fairfax
This sunny yellow shop on Broadway is a frequent fixture on the San Francisco Chronicle’s list—and for good reason. The milk comes locally from Marin's own Straus Family Creamery, and the waffle cones are made so fresh they're often still warm when handed to you. If there's a line (and there usually is!), the chalkboard sign hanging from a tree outside helps make the wait a little easier.
Don’t Miss: Vanilla Honey Lavender, Vegan Coconut Fudge, or Earl Grey.
Hours: Open Daily, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
5. Silbermann's Ice Cream | San Rafael
For a wonderful dose of retro charm, head to this tiny storefront near the Safeway at the expansive Northgate Shopping Center. Established in 1966, Silbermann's makes all its own ice creams. Take a seat at one of their marble tables and indulge in a true classic.
Don't Miss: A traditional banana split, a tall Chocolate Malt, or specialty seasonal flavors like Licorice, Pumpkin, and Egg Nog.
Hours: Sun–Thu: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
6. Hot Italian | San Rafael
When Chef-Owner Fabrizio Cercatore opened Hot Italian in downtown San Rafael, his menu started with his sister Eleonore’s gelato and coffee, made by a Napoli native. Even before the pizza oven was ready, there were pulls of piping hot espresso and traditional Italian gelato ($4/scoop) that immediately reminded the Cercatores of their native Liguria.
Don't Miss: House-made stracciatella, gianduja with hazelnut and chocolate, or the Pineapple Jalapeño. Try the gelato stuffed into bomboloni alongside a perfect Macchiato ($4.50).
Hours: Mon–Wed: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Thu–Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
7. Daily Recess Gelato | San Rafael
Owner and Kentfield resident Brian Bowen opened his handmade gelato pop-up in Northgate Mall's food court last year. A full-time software engineer, Brian spent years in the food-service industry and wanted to reconnect with his community. With help from pastry chef Kristi Gauslow, artisan gelato and vegan sorbets emerge daily from Carpigiani machines and are stored in traditional pozzetti-style containers to maintain the perfect texture. Free tastes on adorable little spoons are always encouraged!
Don't Miss: The bestseller is the Vanilla (featuring house-made extract and fragrant vanilla beans), but keep an eye out for rotating flavors like Raspberry Buttermilk, Mint Stracciatella, or Summer Peach & Verbena.
Hours: Wed–Sun: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
8. Bliss | Novato
If you have a sweet tooth, Bliss in Novato’s San Marin Shopping Plaza certainly lives up to its name. The hard part is deciding whether to swirl your flavors, and choosing from their fun array of toppings. Definitely ask for a "Bliss cone"—it’s shaped like a gawping fish (Koi, perhaps?) and makes eating your frozen treat that much more fun!
Don't Miss: Japanese soft serve in flavors like Taro, Ube, and Matcha, topped with Pocky sticks or crushed Oreos.
Hours: Tue–Thu: 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Sun: 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Marin is truly a special place to call home, and supporting our local businesses makes our community even stronger. I hope you get the chance to visit a few of these wonderful shops this season.
As always, if you or anyone you know is looking to make a move in the Marin County real estate market, I would be honored to be your guide.
