Lighthouse Ice Cream

Loved our visit to Lighthouse Ice Cream! Right by the pier and the ocean — classic OB vibes. We tried cotton candy, cookies & cream, salted caramel, and chocolate peanut butter cup. Friendly staff, quick-moving line. Definitely recommend!

Cozy ice cream cafe close to the beach with many different options and ice cream flavors. Seating is available indoors and outdoors

Great ice cream. Tried the mystery flavor. so good. Awesome people working there. Recommend and will go back.

This used to be a fun place to go visit. But no more, the manager is flat out rude and she can be because they rely on tourists to keep their doors open, they clearly don't value the local community. The ice cream has never been very good. There are 3 other local places within steps of this place that are friendly and have way better ice cream. Scoot down the road a few steps and get better service and quality. I'll never set foot in there again.

It is a sweet evening escape with the ocean views. They have variety of ice cream flavors with waffle bowls, waffle cones and many other options. They have several tempting toppings as well. Overall, it's a treat for taste buds!

Ok the ice cream waffle sandwich is one of the best things I’ve ever had in my life. I want to take an entire separate trip to San Diego again just for this place.

Tasty soft serve but the portion wasn't impressive. A little bit in the cone and just a half inch above it nearly matching the edge of the cone with like 5 sprinkles. Could have gotten 2 gallons with that price. 🫤

My little family cannot wait for Lighthouse Ice Cream to reopen! They’re truly a gem of Ocean Beach, serving up delicious treats served on a freshly made waffle! Whether you’re craving a classic scoop or one of their creative specialties, this spot never disappoints. The shop perfectly captures the OB vibe—fun, welcoming, and flavorful. Here’s to counting down the days until we can enjoy their amazing ice cream again.

This was a post dinner must. I went with the butter pecan and white pistachio and my friend went with the white pistachio and salted caramel. I had a bowl and they had a waffle cone. The flavors are amazing. The combination of pistachio and butter pecan was fire. I got a smaller size and I didn't want to overdue it, but I wanted more. Highly recommend this spot.

I miss this place. After getting tacos next door (tues or weds), I normally would come here and get my fix of a bacon ice cream waffle. Hard to find parking but this spot is great and service is always good.

The first time I've been here was over 10 years ago and I still catch myself coming here whenever I'm in the area and craving something sweet. They offer ice cream, hot waffle ice cream sandwiches, floats and more. I don't particularly have a favorite thing because they have so much to offer but I definitely recommend the waffle sandwich in any ice cream of your choice. It comes out fresh and the warm waffle and ice cream together is beautiful. I also recently fell in love with their orange soda float, their Maui Wowie sherbet and waffle ice cream sundae. Just go and try it all! Back then we were able to go inside and I remember they even took photos of their customers and hung it on their wall; they did that with my big group of friends and I when we were teens, but now they are closed off at the door and just take orders from there. Service is always nice. Ask for their stamp card! Usually a line. Few tables to enjoy your yummy dessert

Popped in with a friend after seeing various "World Famous Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich" signs while walking around Ocean Beach. Listen, going great lengths to advertise a product like this and me being a foodie, I had to stop in and try it. The staff here were really nice for letting my friends and I pop in and wait in line 5 minutes after their stated 9 PM closing time so for that I give them kudos, they were also really friendly in handling all of our questions. While I didn't hate my Waffle Ice cream sandwich, it was pretty standard and I wasn't blown away. I think the waffles needed an extra ingredient to make it sweeter like maybe more sugar in the Batter or the waffles could've been dipped in cinnamon sugar or chocolate. I also personally would've liked the Waffle to be a bit more toasted (now that I know if I find myself here again I'll ask for my Waffle to be extra toasted.) All in all, Lighthouse Ice Cream just didn't excite me as much as other Ice cream shops in San Diego I've been to (Stella Jean's, An's Laundry Service, etc.) But I would definitely go back to try other things on their menu as they had an abundance of other options besides the Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich.

My boyfriend and I walked past this shop and the smell of the waffles were soooo good that we decided to come back for it after lunch. It's located next to the South Beach Bar & Grille on the corner of Newport Ave and Ocean Front Wy in Ocean Beach. There's a parking lot next to the shop but almost impossible to find any time after 10-11am. There are also street parking all around the area but also difficult to find during rush hours and weekends. The smell of the waffles roped us in, so we had to get their famous waffle ice cream sandwich. We got it with the chocolate chip cookie dough. We were super excited for the ice cream sandwich only to be disappointed. The waffles didn't taste amazing like how it smelled. It was soggy and not a crispy waffle that would have given it its oomph as a dessert. The ice cream was just normal ice cream that also didn't really stand out too us. We felt that it wasn't exciting to eat, but it did satisfy our ice cream craving. Overall, it's conveniently located in next to the beach and near many other restaurants. It's a good and convenient place to stop by after going to the beach or walking around the area if you're ever craving ice cream. P.S. They have a loyalty stamp card if you plan to frequent this shop often.

I LOVE Lighthouse Ice Cream. I've been going here since 2004! The only reason I removed the star is because we can't come inside anymore :( I could understand why for COVID, but it's gotten better now. I loved being inside and smelling the aroma of freshly made waffle cones, waffles, and more. And seeing the ice cream tubs in person, allows us to see what the crowd likes. And the photos don't do it justice on the windows. I came here with my aunt on Sunday. I got the Maui Waui Sherbet because I didn't want a purple mouth (with my usual, cotton candy flavored ice cream). It was so refreshing and delicious. My aunt got a scoop of Java chip and the caramel I believe? The caramel was so delicious and together with the Java chip it reminded me of a caramel latte. Perfect combo for the "fall" weather. I'll definitely come back no doubt about it.

Low price but not low quality. Wonderful ice cream - dense and delicious. We ordered their signature hot waffle ice cream sandwich which is perfectly sized to hold in your hand. The waffles were fresh and hot. The location is unique - literally 30 or so steps from the ocean. Lots of people bumping around and a short line waiting for ice cream. The service was excellent. There are some seats to the side and rear of the store but you'd be better off taking your treat and walking along the beach. Highly recommend. I think we spent less than $16 for the waffle sandwich and a cookie sandwich.

Right by the beach. What more can you ask for. Really local mom and pop shop I got a baby scoop and walked down to the beach and watch the sunset

This is a locally staple to O.B. What I liked is that there are a lot of flavors available here. After spending time in the beach, surf and sand I few coops of ice cream hits the spot and this place will satisfy that craving. Service: 5/5 Taste: 2/5 Depth of menu: 5/5 Location: 5/5 Return visits:1/5 What was a miss for me was the taste of the ice cream, it was average at best. I dislike giving a Mom and Pop shop a low rating but I'm willing to pay up or down if the place and can make ice cream that says, 'Yeah this was worth!' This place will satisfy your craving for something sweet but it was a miss for me coming back here. It was nice they have vegan options. I've been to one place in San Diego that gets the texture, consistency, flavor and 'Wow This is Vegan' comment. It's a place in University Heights. To get vegan ice cream done right, there's a lot involved. I'm sorry it was a miss for me. They have outside seating and they take credit cards, Apple Pay, the usual payment methods. Parking is first come first served. It's a popular beach. On a warm sunny day in O.B. and you are looking for something close to the sand, this place this place will satisfy your craving for something sweet if you are solo or in a group.

Ice cream by the beach? Yes, please! Too many choices though lol. Their Maui Waui sherbert was pretty dang good!

The Waffle Truth Locally-owned ice cream shop that specializes in quality ice cream with unique flavors and their insta-worthy hot waffle ice cream sandwich. The Good: *Customer service was great; the young man who took our order was very friendly and knowledgeable. *It's ice cream. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ *Lots of outdoor seating to enjoy your ice creams *Vegan options available The Meh: *Lots of flavors I wanted to try were sold out on the day of our visit. The Ugly: *Decided to try their "Famous" hot waffle ice cream sandwich, and it was borderline inedible. The waffle itself had no flavor and--forget about the "hot" part--as it was old, cold and tasted like it had been sitting around for a few days. Maybe more of the ice creams might've made it more palatable, as the ratios of ice cream to the waffle were not good. TLDR: I hate to give mom-and-pop shops a low rating, but when you claim to make an amazing whatever--make sure that whatever is truly amazing. Or be prepared to disappoint a lot of people.

Everything everyone else said is true. This is insanely good. Everyone needs one of these at some point.

Great ice cream shop . I have come here a few times and it's always such a nice treat . I like that they have many ice cream flavors and a few other alternatives as well . The freshly made warm waffles made into an ice cream sandwich is a winner all the way . Tonight I tried the java chip, it was creamy and had lots of coffee flavor and chocolate chips throughout . There is Seating on the outside of the building to relax and enjoy your treat . * Be careful if you take it to the beach the seagulls wouldn't leave me alone the one time I gave that a try and I dropped my ice cream .

What a treat!!! Our beach house was only a block from here so after my husband discovered this little piece of HEAVEN we went back several times on our vacation. My husband was HOOKED on the waffle sandwich. Grab a scoop or 2 and walk down the beach.., perfect atmosphere!

You have to try the Pumpkin ice cream. I'm not a big fan of pumpkin spice... him not at all... and this is in no way in the overpowering pumpkin spice everything crazies category. There is just enough spice to compliment the Pumpkin ice cream. Rich, creamy, and I am definitely coming back for more scoops of the Pumpkin before the season for this flavor ends. We both had waffle cones; mine was 2 scoops; Pumpkin on top and Moose Tracks on the bottom. He had one scoop with his fav; White Pistachio. I made him try my Pumpkin scoop and he even snuck a couple more dips using a piece of his waffle cone like a chip. We came here directly after having the Happy Hour Oyster Friday at South Beach this afternoon. Had to say no to that tempting extra taco to save room for this treat at Lighthouse.

This ice cream shop is steps away from the beach and pier. They offer a few dairy free flavors. I went with a scoop of vanilla bean and a scoop of cherry chocolate chip. Both flavors were very tasty. The employees were very nice. I would definitely come back Next time I'll try non Vegan flavors.

My family and I decided to come here as I've always been told this is an amazing place for ice cream and, for once, the line wasn't long. We got Marionberry Sorbet, Death by Chocolate, Black Cherry and Caramel Daze. Personally, the only two I genuinely liked were the Marionberry Sorbet and the Caramel Daze. The Black Cherry tasted weird to me and the Death by Chocolate was really sweet. I would've liked for a mixture of milk and dark chocolate instead to take away some of the sweetness. I'd definitely like to come back here, but I wouldn't say it's anything special. I'd only stop if the line was short.

Fun spot with lots of options and flavors when you're craving ice cream by the beach! Waffle sandwich was decent, the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream inside was really good but the waffle came out piping hot and cooled down really quickly due to the coldness of the ice cream. Texture/taste of the waffle was not as great once it was cold so make sure to eat quickly! They do have a few outdoor seats available past a gated area to the side which is tucked away from the crowded street/beach. Faces the courtyard area of a motel or apartment complex of some sort though so not much of a view but is shaded from the sun which can be nice if you're looking for an escape to enjoy your ice cream.

Ice cream was very tasty and the waffles smelled delicious and you could see them making them from the window. There were only 3 employees so service was very slow, they were taking customers orders by the front door then calling names once ready.

Came here last weekend after walking along Ocean Beach and spending an afternoon in the sun, did not disappoint! Our orders: - waffle ice cream sandwich with vanilla - dole whip pineapple ice cream in a sugar cone It's a stop, grab and go kind of place, no seating, just the shop. COVID vibes - you have to have a mask to approach the shop (which I guess doesn't make total sense because everyone on the sidewalk has their masks off eating ice cream and just walking around, but they probably have to do it because of regulations) Pros: - Quick, fast service, ~ a 5 min wait after we ordered. - HUGE variety on the menu - reminds of me of Santa Cruz's Marianne's, lots to choose from, something for everybody! - Reasonably priced - Great location - so easy to stop and grab ice cream on your way off the beach to your car/home - The waffle ice cream sandwich is such a fun item, my first time trying this kind of thing haha Cons: - Have heard a few sad things about inconsistent customer service when it comes to not wearing a mask - covid is a weird time so I feel forgiving for establishments like this. Overall, definitely will be back because of the convenience and taste! Honestly such a great idea to have ice cream close to the beach in SD weather.

You know a place is popular when there is a long line forming outside. It was my first time here. The cashier was super nice.

Decent ice cream, super friendly employees, really good waffle cones but I just paid over $8 before tip for some soft serve. That's insane!

Best mint chip ice cream ever & it's vegan. I only wish they sold it in a pint. Go now. You will not be disappointed.

Not great, but not terrible. The ice cream lacked flavor and didn't wow the tastebuds. Great location and the customer service was fantastic!

This place has so many options from ice cream flavors, to toppings, to types of ice cream cones. There's no way you can come here and not find something that you'd like. I had a double mini scoop of rocky road and chocolate peanut butter, in a sugar sprinkle cookie cone. Yummmm. The description of the chocolate peanut butter says the peanut butter ribbons are thick, but still, I was not ready. It's like having large spoonfuls of peanut butter throughout the chocolate ice cream. It tastes great, but it's a lot. Service was pretty fast considering how busy they were. I love the variety. I'll visit again if ever I'm back in town.

YUMMMM!! The waffle sandwich from here is to die for. Every-time I'm in sand Diego I don't leave before having one

I came here first thing when they opened on a Monday. They have a clearly marked and roped off line. They have a menu board that lists all their offerings. I was glad there was not a line as I had a hard time choosing from all the flavors and options. Ice cream waffle sandwich? Ice cream pancake sandwich? various cone flavors, sundaes and much more. If you come here with a group of people everyone is sure to find something they enjoy! After deliberating between salted caramel (I am obsessed) and death by chocolate I went with death by chocolate as a waffle sandwich. It came wrapped in a paper wrapper and napkins. The beach is steps away so I wandered down there to socially distance and eat my sandwich. The waffles were fluffy and airy. They were however not even in temperature. Some places were warm and others were cold (and it wasn't from the ice cream). Maybe since I was there when they first opened the iron wasn't super hot? It was still delicious and some where I would go again. I was also able to purchase a gift card for a gift and the lady working was super nice even though it was hard to hear between face masks, a plexiglass barrier and the sound of the ocean.

Super tasty ice cream right by the ocean in Ocean Beach! A must visit ice cream stop when in Ocean Beach. There's no where to sit and eat indoors, so it's more of a "stop, grab and go" ice cream kind of joint. The staff was friendly, following COVID guidelines, and gave us our ice cream quickly! There are SO many flavors of ice creams and cones to choose from! Yep, you heard that right, different flavors of CONES! I was in shock when I read the menus... it was a little overwhelming but there is truly something for everyone on this menu! I enjoyed a "single" scoop of birthday cake ice cream on a sprinkle cone and it was delish. I highly recommend stopping by Lighthouse Ice Cream in Ocean Beach even if your tummy is full from eating at the yummy places in the area before!

I've heard a few people ranting about the waffle ice cream sandwich. Odd combination, but I had to try it! The waffle ice cream sandwich was not good. It doesn't help that the waffle was not warm. Ehh, it'll be a firm pass for me. Staff were friendly.

The flavors are all over the top intense-- overkill-- even by the owner's admission! Too bad, because I believe that they use high quality ingredients.

Omg!!!! The strawberry cheesecake ice cream is delicious!!! I wish we had this ice cream in New York!

This place isn't too bad. Only complaint I had was the pecan praline was not fresh at all. Frozen pieces of ice within the ice cream but when I went back to let them know they immediately replaced it. Everything else ordered was great. Nice place to grab ice cream before you walk around the pier.

In the heart of OB steps away from the beach, Lighthouse Ice Cream is an OB favorite. Tons of flavors to choose from and don't be shy to sample everything. The soft serve Dole Whip reminds you of Disneyland. The wait can get long especially if the line is out the door but that gives you plenty of time to think about what you want. Also be sure to check out their seasonal flavors. They have very limited seating outside but you're also right next to the beach so you might as well go there if theres no seating. Apparently they're famous for their waffle sandwich but I stuck with the classic mint chip in a cone. I'll have to get the waffle sandwich next time. If you're getting dinner in OB, Lighthouse Ice Cream is the perfect dessert spot.

As somebody who used to work at an all night I've cream shop during my college days - this place brought back good memories! Lots of options and the line moves fast. I loved that they offered soy ice cream and other dairy free options for people with ice cream sensitive stomachs. The guy who took our order was friendly. The wait wasn't too bad either and it made for a perfect evening treat.

Came to this location a few weeks ago. Noticed it was one of the only ice cream shops near OB and so close to the beach. This seems to be a very popular place. Upon arrival there was a line of about 8 people. The line went by very fast. They also have images and menus along the line so you can start thinking about what to order. The cashier that took my order was also very very nice. He answered all my questions and was very helpful. The type of person you can tell loves his job and interacting with people. Overall very happy.

We came here for dessert after having tacos at South Beach Bar & Grille. They used to be cash only, but now accept card!!! I have been eating so much ice cream recently, and have become really addicted to pistachio ice cream. They had pistachio ice cream here with almonds, so I got a single scoop since the kids scoop looked too small. They also had cookies and a wide variety of sundaes here. The sundaes looked really good but also a bit too much food for me. Great little ice cream spot in OB, will be back to try their other flavors!

This place has been here since 1997! WOW! Ice cream and steps from the beach. What more can you ask for? When we came, it wasn't crowded at all but still appeared to be getting good business. There are an unlimited amount of flavors you can try which is awesome. My favorite is the Mint n chip and my boys loved the cake batter and dole whip float. They carry Double Rainbow and Cascade ice cream which is hard to find supposedly. Lucky for us! I enjoyed the ice cream and the environment. This would be a great hang out spot after covid, I really recommend even if you want to just stop in for quick ice cream! There's other options that I want to come back and try as well. A+ service!

BEST. EVER. Tradition to go here everyday we're in SD. Cherry and oreo are the best flavors.

This is such a cute little hole in the wall spot in Ocean Beach. We stumbled onto this place during our walk around the beach after lunch and it did not disappoint. I got the waffle ice cream sandwich with birthday cake ice cream and it was soooo good. They had a million options to choose from pancake sandwiches, cones, to floats. My sandwich did get stolen by some seagulls a couple bites later but I just suppose it's that good to be stolen. Staff was super friendly and I got my order super quick.

Been here a few times while visiting OB. It's small but packed with so many options to choose from... never a bad decision. While my wife shops across the street, I tend to wait around here and enjoy their famous treat. The waffle ice cream sandwich is so good! Very creamy and the bacon is crunchy. What's even better is, the more you visit, you'll eventually earn a free one. The staff are young, friendly and efficient. They keep the lines moving. The patio seating is best, it allows you to enjoy your dessert while overlooking the beach and the people. Remember to bring cash, makes things easy. There is an ATM inside but they charge a nominal fee. I noticed there are from Christian messages in a few spots inside and outside, so if this bothers you, just don't read them lol. I'll be back for sure to the good smell of the waffles and the flavor of the yummy ice cream. Kudos to the staff, we always share a good laugh.

This place is in the heart of OB. It's small but has a good following. Seven of us walked there from another place just to sight see and get the ice cream. I did not personally have any but my group sure liked what they had. The prices weren't bad considering it's right at the beach. OB has a different vibe than the other beaches like Mission and Pacific. I mean there are still tourists but it has a much more local feel. The ice cream shop had a good selection of flavors. They had handmade waffle cones but sadly no gluten free cones so my niece had to get a bowl. From what I heard (or didn't hear from all the eating) the ice cream was a hit. The people working the counter were nice and efficient. They take you entire group at once so the line moves quickly. We had a good time sitting out front people watching in OB. Good times!

I have always passed this place and perhaps went in once and liked the atmosphere... but I forgot and had been craving it for so so long. So glad I got to go on National Ice Cream Day 2021! The line was medium-long and didn't wait more than 15 to get our names called. Very happy they have kids sizes for $2 all the way up to a triple scoop for $15! Pretzle cones & waffle cones & chocolate cones galore. I got the creamiest chocolate scoop, I wish I had gotten two but I also got cookies& cream since no sampling due to COVID precautions.. SO GOOD. Highly recommend as a local favorite & tourist spot.

UPDATE: Debit and credit now welcome The line is usually out the door at this cash-only location. NOTE: There is an ATM on site. But you will likely catch a smell of the waffle cones cooking before you see the massive crowds that flock to this tiny ice cream joint. I am not even a huge fan of desserts (certainly not waffle cones), but I was easily lured in. The place has the feeling of everyone on staff being part of the family. Yes, it's family-owned, so maybe they are. Maybe not. No matter. The folks who run this place are cordial, helpful and kind. Having a hard time making a decision given the dozen of options, the team will gladly give you samples. One of the points of pride: the team boasts that its treats come without artificial flavors or colors. In addition to the barrels of ice cream, the team is serving slices of pie, soft-serve ice cream, parfait, cookies, frozen yogurt and more. And bring your pups! This place is pet-friendly, and they serve a cold treat to your pup friends. You can even go with the Twisted Cones, which allows you to add several different flavors to a single cone. Even breakfast is on the menu -- the team serves a Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich, which comes with bacon. Great location, too! It's about a 1.5-minute walk to the sand. Another NOTE: Apparently, National Waffle Week is during the first week in September.

We tried the cookie cone ice cream- cookie cone was a bit hard so that wasn't pleasant but the strawberry cheesecake ice cream was delicious! We also had the waffle ice cream sandwich with cookies and cream ice cream and definitely a 12/10! The warm savory waffles complemented the ice cream so well!

We were in town for Labor Day weekend for some beach time and found this little gem! It's located right off the pier in OB next to all the other restaurant and bars. I have been watching my blood sugar but wanted to a little dessert after dinner. I tried looking up some sugar free options and Lighthouse popped up. I was kind of confused considering its an ice cream shop, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had a Black Cherry Sugar Free option. We walked over and decided to try it out. Man, they had so many flavors! I have to say, to be sugar free, the Black Cherry was SO GOOD. It didn't taste chalky or bad like those other alternative ice creams. It tasted amazing. I would honestly buy it in stores if I could! My boyfriend ordered Huckleberry Haven and the Salted Caramel. I tried a little bit of both and WOW they were delicious. Highly recommend for some really good ice cream if you're in the area! We walked the beach while eating the ice cream.

Terrible service. The worker, treated us so horribly. Don't go here. And I'm a local. So being disgusted with how a worker treats you says a lot.

Went there an ordered a 2 scope soft serve strawberry sundae paid 8.25 no strawberries went back paid 1.25 for strawberries. There signs say free whip cream and nuts etc for free was charged 5 for that so 15 for a double strawberry sundae! All the ad ones where given to me in cups. Last time I go there!!

It's my first time at lighthouse ice cream. I got the ice cream sundae and a banana split for 1150. Totally worth it. This is some of the best ice cream I've ever had. Service with a smile. I will come back here again. I give this place five stars next I want to come back and get the hot waffle ice cream sandwich.

The ice cream was delicious as you can tell by all the reviews. I enjoyed strawberry cheesecake and my friend the cookies and cream. Service was friendly and prompt. Minus 1 star because they were out of quite a few flavors and weren't exactly sure when they would come back in stock.

The waffle sandwich sundae is definitely the way to go. The hot waffle mixed with the ice cream and hot fudge was amazing. Tons of flavors to choose from although some were out for the day so keep that in mind. There's tables to eat at but it's right next to the beach so perfect for a walk on the beach! The staff were very friendly and even though there was a line the ice cream came out within 5 minutes.