When the temps climb in the desert, there’s no better excuse to treat yourself to something cold, creamy, or wildly creative. From over-the-top milkshakes to vegan ice cream and dreamy boba teas, here are some of our favorite dessert spots in Palm Springs—complete with addresses so you can plan your route.
Kreem
Address: 170 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264. This modern ice cream shop is famous for both its traditional and coconut-based vegan flavors. Favorites include ube, a sweet purple yam, and toasted tapioca marshmallow. It's a minimalist, photo-worthy stop that always delivers.
Dragon Lili Boba Bar
Address: 425 S Sunrise Way Ste H-7, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Offering over 100 combinations of milk teas, frozen drinks, and smoothies, this spot is all about customization. Try the Melon Cooler, a refreshing kiwi-cantaloupe green tea with popping boba. “Every step is an adventure,” says managing partner Amber Castillo.
Monster Shakes
Address: 425 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (inside Lala’s). These jaw-dropping milkshakes are as wild as they look. The Cotton Candy Explosion is a must-try: cotton candy ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a giant puff of pink-and-blue cotton candy. It's a full-on sugar spectacle.
Lala’s Waffles, Crêpes & Shakes
Address: 425 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Build your own crêpe or waffle with 20+ toppings, sauces, and ice cream choices—or go for a house favorite like The Philadelphia, topped with fruit, cream cheese, and condensed milk. It’s breakfast... and dessert all in one.
Tea Be Honest
Address: 170 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264. A family-owned gem that puts a fun twist on boba tea and non-dairy milkshakes. Try the Galaxy Tea, layered with chia seeds, green tea, and butterfly pea flower—delicious and beautiful.
Nitroinfusions
Address: 140 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Ice cream made right before your eyes using liquid nitrogen at -321°F. Owners Nancy and Sebastian Prieto use family recipes for their ultra-creamy creations. It’s dessert meets science experiment.
Shields Date Garden
Address: 80225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201. A true Coachella Valley institution for over 100 years. Known for inventing the famous date shake using patented date crystals from their on-site farm. Owner Heather Raumin emphasizes the importance of supporting local family farms.
Shop(pe) Ice Cream & Gifts
Address: 170 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Tucked inside a chic boutique, this ice cream counter offers rotating flavors like rose water and black sesame alongside year-round favorites like Mexican chocolate and birthday cake.
Uji Time Dessert
Address: 425 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Originally from the Bay Area, Uji Time serves soft-serve in fish-shaped taiyaki cones. Try their matcha, ube, or black sesame flavors with a filling of red bean or Nutella. It’s as tasty as it is unique.
Bonus: Lappert’s Ice Cream
Address: 130 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262. A Hawaiian classic with tropical flavor flair. Scoop up Kona Coffee, Kauai Pie, or Coconut Macadamia Nut for a truly island-inspired treat.
Final Scoop
Whether you're a classic cone lover or a dessert daredevil, Palm Springs offers no shortage of creative, cool treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your shades and your appetite—and let the dessert crawl begin!
