Ice Cream Parlor, Ranch at Death Valley
A retro-themed ice cream parlor and grill in Death Valley, offering sweet treats and classic American fare to cool you down.
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Ice Cream Parlor, Ranch at Death Valley
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A retro-themed ice cream parlor and grill in Death Valley, offering sweet treats and classic American fare to cool you down.
"A delightful blast from the past with delicious ice cream to beat the desert heat!"
Check flavor availability
Popular flavors can sell out, especially on weekends or holidays. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Expect higher prices
Dining options are limited in Death Valley, so prices are higher. Consider it a treat for the unique location.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$
Address
328 Greenland Blvd, DEATH VALLEY, CA 92328, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Retro Ice Cream Parlor Experience
Step back in time at this charming old-fashioned soda fountain, complete with stained glass windows and a classic ice cream bar.
Hearty Ice Cream Treats
Indulge in massive scoops, sundaes, and milkshakes that are the perfect way to cool off from the desert heat.
Surprisingly Delicious Chili
Beyond the sweets, this spot offers unexpectedly tasty chili, a welcome surprise in the desert.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check flavor availability
Popular flavors can sell out, especially on weekends or holidays. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Expect higher prices
Dining options are limited in Death Valley, so prices are higher. Consider it a treat for the unique location.
Visit during cooler times
To avoid crowds and long lines, consider visiting during off-peak hours or cooler months.
Consider ice cream only
While food is decent, some find it pricey. Opting for just ice cream can be a more cost-effective sweet treat.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check flavor availability
Popular flavors can sell out, especially on weekends or holidays. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Expect higher prices
Dining options are limited in Death Valley, so prices are higher. Consider it a treat for the unique location.
Visit during cooler times
To avoid crowds and long lines, consider visiting during off-peak hours or cooler months.
Consider ice cream only
While food is decent, some find it pricey. Opting for just ice cream can be a more cost-effective sweet treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ice Cream Parlor at Ranch at Death Valley offers a nostalgic and cool escape from the desert heat, with generous ice cream portions and a charming retro ambiance. While the ice cream and some food items are generally well-received, patrons note that prices are high, and service can feel chaotic during busy periods. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a popular choice for a sweet treat or a casual meal in the heart of Death Valley.
"My partner and I had an amazing time at the ice cream parlor. Nothing quite like a frozen treat in one of the hottest places on earth! Granted, we cheated by visiting in beautiful November. 😊
The venue is just beautiful--definitely gives you that retro resort postwar 50s America diner vibe, spacious and clean. The Christmas decorations were just too cute.
We loved the service as well--the lovely people running the parlor that day (Allison, Brenda, Rocco) were all so accommodating and attentive (at 6 months pregnant, I need all the help I can get 😂), and had just the most fun stories to tell about how they ended up here. They really made our visit special!
Also, my partner says the Huckleberry Ice Cream is a root beer float is just mmmmm delicious! 😋 I really enjoyed the Bunny Tracks myself."
Miriam Cox
"Given the limited food options in Death Valley, I’d say this spot is one of the better choices. I stopped by for lunch and really enjoyed my meal.
That said, ordering can be a bit chaotic. The shop is small, and the line winds right down the main path, making it feel a little hectic. I arrived just before the rush and still waited about 10-15 minutes to get to the order counter. My boyfriend and I both ordered burgers, which were really tasty. I added bacon to mine—a great choice—while he got a shake and I opted for cookie dough ice cream. Both were creamy, delicious, and hit the spot after a long hike.
The service setup adds to the chaos, as they call out your number when your order is ready, and with the line cutting through the shop, it can feel a bit stressful trying to get to the counter.
Overall, despite the busy atmosphere, we had a great experience and really enjoyed our food. We’d definitely eat here again."
Carlita Cartwright
"Came in around an 45 mins prior to closing and the place was packed! We ordered chicken fingers and a burger meal and I got ice cream. The wait for the food and ice cream was very long. However, I will say the food wasn’t bad at all and the ice cream I thought was very good! The service was phenomenal. The staff were a lot of young employees and they all were working very hard and giving their best service despite how busy it was. The price was high, but I think that’s expected for being at a resort type area and in the middle of nowhere. Next time I think I’d just get the ice cream and skip the food just because of the price, but I don’t think the food is bad if that’s your only option."
Vickie Parry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
They offer a wide variety of flavors, including classics like vanilla and chocolate, as well as specialty options like Bunny Tracks and Birthday Cake.
Yes, prices are generally considered high due to the remote location, but portions can be generous, especially for ice cream.
Popular items include the ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, burgers, and surprisingly, the chili.
The parlor has a charming retro vibe with stained glass windows, a classic counter, and a mirrored ice cream bar, reminiscent of a 1950s soda fountain.
While pricey, a large scoop or pint is often enough for two, or consider buying ice cream from the general store across the street for a lower cost.
Absolutely! The air-conditioned interior offers a welcome respite from Death Valley's extreme heat.
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Best Ways to Take in the Death Valley Superbloom
Have a hearty breakfast at the new The Ranch 1849 Restaurant or grab cappuccinos and homemade muffins and croissants at The Ice Cream Parlor, with a retro interior complete with stained glass windows, classic counter, and mirrored ice cream bar. Grab some hiking snacks and drinks at the general store, walk over to the park’s Visitor Center and bookstore to plot your course, then pick your outdoor passion: There’s horseback and carriage rides at the Ranch’s stables; jeep rentals for exploring the park’s off-the-beaten-track canyons and ghost towns, and golfing on a course where palm and tamarisk trees frame the fairways and majestic mountains are visible from every hole.
What to Do in Death Valley National Park with Kids
Whether you’re staying at The Ranch at Death Valley, visiting for a day, camping, or staying somewhere else, be sure to stop by The Ranch at Death Valley’s Town Square where you’ll find the Ice Cream Parlor. It’s an old-fashioned soda fountain with sundaes, milkshakes, and ice cream, along with more substantial options like hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries. Death Valley National Park gets so hot during the day, so why not spend the hottest part of the day cooling off with a sweet treat in the air conditioning?
Death Valley Itinerary: 3-Days in a CA National Park
The best bribe in the world when you are hiking with kids is a treat after a long hike, and the Ice Cream Parlor at The Ranch makes it extra special and sweet. This old-fashion ice cream parlor serves up massive cones and delicious shakes. The prices are a little steep, but a single cone is basically a full waffle cone, which softens the blow a bit.
The Oasis at Death Valley
The sweetest outlet at the historic Ranch at Death Valley's Town Square, the Ice Cream Parlor brings the old-timey soda fountain and ice cream parlor of your youth to Death Valley.
The Ranch at Death Valley- Perfect Getaway for Families
The charming dessert shop will be a favorite stop for your family. The Ice Cream Parlor is famous for its shakes, banana splits, and fun ice cream flavors.
Social Media Links - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Winter and early spring weather can be deceptive in the desert. Shady roads and trails conceal ice at high elevations.
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