So many Ice Cream Stores in Town, which one to choose?
After a long, sunny morning exploring tide pools or playing on the golden sands of Santa Teresa, there is only one thing on every kid’s mind (and, let’s be honest, yours too): Ice Cream!
For a small beach town, Santa Teresa has some really great options for frozen treats! To help you navigate the options with your little ones, we’ve rounded up the three absolute best spots in town. Whether you’re looking for authentic Italian craftsmanship, tasty crunchy waffles, or a customizable soft-serve playground, we’ve got you covered!
L'arte del Gelato: The Authentic Hidden Gem If you are looking for pure, old-school quality, this is the spot. Opened right in the center of town, it remains a true hidden gem that is incredibly friendly on the family travel budget. The owner is originally from Italy and pours his heart and soul into every single flavor. He makes completely fresh batches of ice cream every Monday. This spot is also very kiddo and family-friendly with seating inside and outside.L'arte del Gelato offers fantastic dairy-free options, meaning no one has to miss out on a post-beach treat. It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly delicious.
Gaucha: Crunchy Waffles & Café Vibes With two super convenient locations—one in Santa Teresa North (right across from ESO) and one in the South (next door to Kaukau)—Gaucha is a fantastic midday pitstop for the whole family. It’s a bit more of a premium experience price-wise, but it functions as a full café. Beyond great ice cream, they serve up great coffee/espresso drinks, fresh smoothies and small bites like sandwiches and homemade banana bread. The best part about Gaucha South is the smell! The second you walk in, you’re hit with the aroma of freshly bake
Suave: The Customizable Soft-Serve Playground As one of the newer additions to the Santa Teresa food scene, Suave brings something totally unique to the beach: Greek yogurt soft-serve. This is a massive hit for kids because of the interactive experience. You get a smooth, refreshing Greek yogurt base (natural and occasionally, a flavored one as well) or acai bowl and get to choose your own adventure with a creative lineup of toppings and sauces! The toppings are top-tier, but the crowd favorite are their house-made sauces.
Pro-Tip from Santa Baby Rentals: Strolling through town with toddlers and melting ice cream cones can be intense. Pop your kiddos in one of our lightweight, all-terrain rental strollers or wagons to keep them comfy (and contain the drip) while you sample the town's best dessert spots
What is your family's go-to flavor? Drop by our WhatsApp or check out our site to grab your beach gear, strollers, or high chairs for your stay!

