Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Salt & Straw
★4.6(1,806 reviews)$$Ice Cream
🕑 30-45 minutes including browsing, sampling, and enjoying your ice cream👶 Perfect for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Little ones (2-5) enjoy the sampling experience and classic flavors, while older kids (6+) love trying wild combinations like honey lavender or olive oil ice cream. Teens appreciate the Instagram-worthy presentations and unique flavor profiles.🧡 Saved by 38 families
About
Salt & Straw on trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a must-visit ice cream destination where kids can sample adventurous flavors alongside classic favorites. This artisan scoop shop uses locally-sourced ingredients to create unique seasonal flavors that change monthly, making each visit a new taste adventure. The friendly staff encourages sampling before committing, which kids absolutely love, and the creative flavor combinations spark curiosity and conversation.
Highlights
- ✓Unlimited sampling policy lets kids try before they buy
- ✓Monthly rotating flavors featuring local ingredients and creative combinations
- ✓Kid-friendly classics available alongside adventurous options
- ✓Waffle cones made fresh throughout the day with an amazing aroma
- ✓Special sundae options and ice cream sandwiches for sharing
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 3pm on weekends to avoid the longest lines,summer evenings can mean 20-30 minute waits
- 2.Don't be shy about asking for multiple samples; the staff is generous and patient with indecisive kids
- 3.Grab your ice cream to-go and walk two blocks to the Venice Canals for a scenic picnic spot
- 4.Download their app to see the current monthly flavors before you visit so picky eaters know what to expect
- 5.Parking on Abbot Kinney is tough,try side streets like Westminster or arrive early for metered spots
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2-4pm) offer the shortest lines and a relaxed atmosphere. Avoid weekend evenings when the street becomes packed with adults. Visit during their monthly flavor releases (first week of each month) for the freshest seasonal options.
What to Know
Expect to spend $6-8 per scoop with generous portions. Street parking is metered and limited, so plan extra time. The shop is stroller-accessible with indoor seating, though most families opt to walk the boulevard while eating.
Seasonal Notes
Summer months (June-August) bring the longest lines but also feature refreshing fruit-forward flavors. Fall flavors often include pumpkin and apple varieties kids love. Holiday specials in December are festive but expect peak crowds.
Follow Salt & Straw
Nearby Eats
Head to The Cow's End Cafe (two blocks south) for kid-friendly breakfast and lunch options, or try Figtree's Cafe for healthy bowls and smoothies that balance out the ice cream indulgence.
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