You are probably already counting down the days until it’s summer. Sandals, shoulderless dresses and sunnies are in full effect. You squeeze in as much time as you can to work on that base tan. When summer hits, most meals are going to be enjoyed al fresco style for the next three months. Think backyard BBQ’s, dining poolside at The Resort at Pelican Hill, and opting for picnics at Crystal Cove. Needless to say, desserts that help you stay chill will become a top priority, and the sweets from these treats are just what you need as the temperature rises.

Caffè & Market
The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 S Pelican Hill Rd
Newport Coast, CA 92657
855.315.8214 | pelicanhill.com/dining/caffe

When the weather starts to crank up, gelato really does become your best friend. Nothing goes better than resort-made Italian-style gelato with a sunny afternoon. You can enjoy up to 10 daily flavors that vary from traditional to seasonally inspired at Caffè & Market, located at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Not sure which flavor to pick? Try them all! Thankfully, Italian ice cream provides a lower fat content than your traditional American style ice cream, so you don’t have to worry about the effects on your figure. Settle into one of the most popular spots at the Resort, the ocean-view terrace, or stroll the grounds as you indulge in your sweet treat.

Sprinkles Ice Cream
952 Avocado Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.718.9400 | sprinkles.com

This is definitely an indulgent treat, so you might want to visit here on your cheat day. Their ice cream is low churned and high in butter fats, creating a rich, creamy texture. They offer fourteen flavors that rotate daily, visit their website to check calendar details so you can plan ahead before you arrive. Sprinkles Ice Cream pairs with their cupcakes perfectly. Put a cupcake in your ice cream wherever you see fit. Menu items include cupcake ice cream sandwiches, cupcake crumbles, cupcake milkshakes — basically, they are in everything. Not sure why you would bring someone here who doesn’t like cupcakes, but they have freshly baked cookies for those monsters.

Dad’s & Donuts Ice Cream
318 Marine Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92662
949.673.8686

Balboa Bars are an iconic staple of summer time dining on Balboa Island. If you’ve never had one, it’s vanilla ice cream, dipped in fudge, and then rolled around in your choice of topping. Seems simple enough, but it’s all in the details. These bars are made from their own proprietary vanilla ice cream recipe, and the flavor of this fudge will make you think you traveled back in time. Classic comes to mind when reminiscing on how delicious these taste. Let’s talk toppings. If you’re particular you can personally select what to roll your bar in. If you’re along for the ride, go for the everything mix where you get a little bit of sweet and salty.

After’s Ice Cream
1835, 1835 Newport Blvd D160
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
aftersicecream.com

The creation of the Milky Bun happened in 2014 and people are still talking about it. Within two years they’ve expanded to eight locations with no plans of stopping anytime soon. If you haven’t tried one yet, a Milky Bun is a delicious classic donut, glazed or nonglazed, filled with your choice of artisanal ice cream, with the option to add toppings (Or in this case, would it be middlings?). Artisanal ice cream flavors include Vietnamese Coffee, Cookie Butter, Acai Blueberry, Jasmine Milk Tea and more. Feeling adventurous? Take on their food challenge and order the 4X4. Don’t forget to snap a photo for Instagram, because that experience will be unreal.

Snow Monster
17406 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
snowmonsteroc.com

If you like Macaron ice cream sandwiches, Thai tea and ice cream sundaes that look like an edible galaxy, then this is the place for you. They definitely push the envelope when it comes to the desserts category. Not only are they innovative in their concepts, but the execution of quality in flavor and presentation are on point. Treat the kids to something special today. It’s not every day they get to enjoy spun-to-order cotton candy nestled around a scoop of ice cream.