Where to Get the Best Ice Cream on the Go in California

Finding good food in California is easy. There are a wide variety of good places to eat, but one of the best things to have, anywhere, is ice cream. There are some incredible local places to enjoy ice cream all up and down the Golden State, but from time to time it is nice to get some on the go or from one of the national brands that offer the frozen treat. Where do you go if you want some ice cream in a hurry or from a place you know well in California? Taste of Home recently ranked the top fast food or national chains to get ice cream from, and the results are a little surprising.

5) Shake Shack in California

Coming in at number five on the list is a place you may not think of for ice cream, but has some delicious frozen custard. The price for a cup of frozen custard might be a little more than others, but it is worth the cost to enjoy the frozen treat the next time you eat at Shake Shack.

4) Chick-Fil-A in California

Known for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and chicken salads, Chick-fil-A also offers some of the best soft-serve ice cream that you will find in the fast food industry. Their cone is affordable, it is good, and it pairs well to end a meal at Chick-fil-A. The next time you go through the drive-thru, make sure to add a soft serve cone to your order.

3) Baskin Robbins in California

While technically not a fast food chain, Baskin Robbins is a national chain that you can find all across the Golden State. If you are in need or want a cup of ice cream and you enjoy many options, Baskin Robbins is your stop. They notoriously offer 31 flavors, giving you many to choose from, and you can't go wrong with a place that makes ice cream their focus. 

2) Sonic in California

In terms of fast food chains, Sonic ranks as the best ice cream to get on the go. While known more for their drinks, slushies, and blasts, their soft-serve ice cream is also a great choice. You can get a blast to add some extra flavor and treats to it, but the ice cream stands alone as a good treat. The best part about Sonic, they are open late, making it possible to get your ice cream, not only on the go but also late at night when other options have closed. When you have a late-night craving, Sonic is the place to go. 

1) Cold Stone in Ice Cream

The number one fast food or national chain to get ice cream on the go in California is Cold Stone. Their frozen custard mixes well with treats or stands alone as a great treat. They are a little pricier on this list, but if you have ever had Cold Stone, you know it is worth it. They typically have a variety, giving you plenty of options, and you won't regret any of them. Eat it by itself or add some cookie dough, a brownie, or something else in for extra flavor. 

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While some of these may not come as a surprise, there are others not on the list that are noteworthy. It doesn't mean they aren't good, but they failed to rank in the top five. The next time you are on the go and want to get some ice cream, check out one of these places first to get the best frozen treat in a hurry in California.