Nanas and Pops Sweet Shop - Best Ice Cream Candy in Oceanside, CA

Overview

Nana's and Pops Sweet Shop, tucked away at 280 S Harbor Dr in Oceanside, is a charming haven for anyone craving classic ice cream and nostalgic sweets. This small but vibrant shop radiates warmth—both from its friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit feel like coming home.

The heart of the experience lies in their hand-scooped ice cream, where creative flavors like Bubble Gum, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Pineapple Coconut invite you to indulge beyond the usual. Traditional favorites such as Chocolate, Mint Chip, and Butter Pecan sit alongside unique treats like Caramel Pretzel and Kona Coffee, offering a spectrum of tastes that appeal to a diverse crowd. Their Double Scoop Hot Fudge Sundae and Root Beer Float add that comforting, old-school charm to the menu.

Beyond ice cream, the shop thrives as a candy paradise. From the fruity saltwater taffies in watermelon and grape to luscious caramel apples and classic lollipops, the selection satisfies every sweet tooth. Smoothie lovers will find the Mangonada a refreshing twist amidst the sugary options. This layering of ice cream and confectionery crafts an experience that resonates with families, beachgoers, and locals alike.

Despite its unpretentious size, Nana’s and Pops is packed with character. Guests frequently praise the friendly employees who make each visit special, reinforcing the shop's role as a community staple. Regulars fondly recall childhood memories here, while new visitors encounter an authentic slice of Oceanside’s sweet scene.

Whether you're stopping by for a creamy caramel apple or a nostalgic choco taco on Taco Tuesday, Nana’s and Pops Sweet Shop offers more than just desserts—it delivers moments of joy and connection. For those seeking a genuine ice cream parlor experience with a rich variety of handcrafted treats, this Oceanside gem is a must-visit destination.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Atmosphere

Casual

What Customers Say

Rosaura Paredes

Mar 26,2026

5/5

This is paradise for someone who has a giant sweet tooth. There is candy galore and the ice cream is delicious and hand scooped!!!! The employee was super warm and welcoming. It's a small place but it is packed with sweets. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is willing to listen.

Vahe Yacoubian

Mar 26,2026

5/5

Has been my favorite sweet shop in oceanside ever since I was a kid. The ice cream is pretty good and they offer a wide variety of sweets. However, the best thing to get has to be the saltwater taffy. Best flavors are watermelon and grape, but at this point I have tried them all and they are all decent. I seriously hope this place stays open forever.

Katie S

Mar 26,2026

5/5

The BEST ice cream ever seriously. I don’t know how they make it, but it’s better than anything I’ve ever had. The people that work there are awesome too. We come every time we go to the beach!

Julie S

Mar 26,2026

5/5

This is a very cute place and they serve some Thrifty flavors. The ice cream and cones are always fresh and taste good, the service is great and the girls at the counter are very nice. This is a must try ice cream place and candy shop, the Choco Taco is wonderful and $1 off on Taco Tuesday.

Lori Rogers

Mar 26,2026

5/5

Absolutely must visit and get a handmade choco taco, it is so good. They have salt water taffy and other little sweets. Ice cream and lots of little cute souvenirs.

Michael Allen

Mar 26,2026

4/5

We come here for ice cream and hard to find candy. Touristy, sure, but it's still good even if overpriced a bit in our opinion.

Emily

Mar 26,2026

4/5

Visited the Oceanside Harbor for the first time last week on a Sunday. Came here after kayaking around 4:10 pm. The line was long with probably 15+ people in front of my group. I ended up getting two flavors (1/2 scoop each) single scoop on a waffle cone. The ice cream was good! Not the best I've ever had (I am an ice cream fan) but not bad for a local sweet shop in the area. Pros: +LOTS of flavors to choose from +Shop itself is very cute with the various unique candies that you can take a look at while waiting in line +Ice cream was a cheap price +Service was friendly and pleasant - they are very patient and accommodating with large groups. We were a group of 4 +You can try sample ice cream flavors (this is as of Sun, Sep 5, 2021 still during COVID) Cons: -Located in a popular area, it may be difficult to find parking on a weekend (we certainly did) FYI: They accept CASH, CREDIT, or DEBIT. 30 cents charge for credit/debit

Katie Martin

Mar 26,2026

5/5

Nana and Pop’s Sweet Shop has been here forever. It’s a reason to come to Oceanside Harbor all unto itself. Like stepping back in time, the long forgotten treats of the ‘Good ol’ days’ are here aplenty. Blackjack gum, candy buttons, rock candy, and you didn’t hear it from me, but they used to sell candy/bubblegum cigarettes but you had to ask. Maybe not anymore, it has been a lot of years since I have. The smell of that candy shop could lull you into a nostalgic euphoria. The ice cream bar is my favorite. They make their own waffle cones and bowl, which is probably why it smells like heaven in there. They still carry my favorite flavor of ice cream, Bubblegum, and it’s hard to find that attractive brilliant blue with multicolored frozen gum balls sporadically protruding about. It reminds me of my childhood and it’s worth the drive just to get a little scoop of that simple heaven. If you haven’t been here, you should definitely try it. I feel like you’ve missed a HUGE part of what makes O’side harbor a place that you want to visit again and again and again. A definite local recommendation, can’t miss it!

Nana's and Pops Sweet Shop - in Oceanside, California, USA

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