Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
The Baked Bear
★4.4(2,307 reviews)$$Ice Cream
🕑 30-45 minutes including wait time and eating👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers enjoy picking their flavors with help from parents, while older kids and teens love the independence of customizing every detail of their creation. The decision-making process is engaging for school-age children who can read the menu and explore flavor combinations.🧡 Saved by 15 families
About
The Baked Bear is a dream come true for kids who love making decisions,and dessert! This interactive ice cream shop lets children become dessert architects, choosing from freshly baked cookies (including brownies) and premium ice cream flavors to create their ultimate custom sandwich. The sweet aroma of warm cookies baking, the fun of designing your own treat, and the Instagram-worthy final product make this a Pacific Beach favorite for families.
Highlights
- ✓Freshly baked cookies and brownies made throughout the day,the aroma alone is worth the visit
- ✓Over 20 ice cream flavors including unique options like Birthday Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, and seasonal specials
- ✓Complete customization: choose two cookies (or brownies), one or two ice cream scoops, and optional toppings
- ✓The 'Bear Bowl' option for kids who prefer a cup to a sandwich
- ✓Watching the staff assemble your creation as the warm cookies gently melt the ice cream edges
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on weekdays) to avoid the long lines that form after dinner and on weekends,waits can exceed 30 minutes during peak times
- 2.Order the 'Baby Bear' size for younger kids,it's a half-sandwich that's more manageable for little hands and appetites, and prevents meltdowns from melting ice cream
- 3.Take advantage of free samples to help indecisive kids narrow down their choices before committing to flavors
- 4.Bring wipes or napkins for sticky hands,the warm cookies cause faster melting, especially on hot beach days
- 5.Park in the public lots along Mission Boulevard or side streets, as the immediate storefront parking is very limited
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 2-4 PM offer the shortest waits. Avoid post-dinner hours (7-9 PM) and weekends when lines stretch out the door. Winter months are slightly less crowded, though this is a year-round destination in sunny San Diego.
What to Know
Custom ice cream sandwiches typically range from $6-9 depending on size and add-ons. Street parking can be challenging in busy Pacific Beach, so plan extra time. The shop is small with limited indoor seating, but there are outdoor benches and the beach is just blocks away for enjoying your treats.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer brings the biggest crowds due to beach traffic, while spring and fall offer a more relaxed experience. Occasionally features limited-time seasonal flavors around holidays. Winter evenings can have shorter lines but the outdoor seating may be chilly.
Follow The Baked Bear
Nearby Eats
The Baked Bear is located in the heart of Pacific Beach's dining district. For a full meal before dessert, try Kono's Cafe (a block away) for kid-friendly breakfast burritos and acai bowls, or The Taco Stand for simple, authentic tacos that even picky eaters enjoy.
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