From fill-your-own-bags to nostalgic candy like Laffy Taffy—here are the best spots for sweets that San Diego has to offer
The bright colors and sweet smells of a candy store can be quite a magical experience for kiddos, so we’ve searched high and low for the most delightful local candy shops to wow your little sweethearts. Whether you are in the mood for a nostalgic candy cottage or a bright and trendy shop, we’ve got you covered! Scroll down for some sweet-tooth satisfying inspiration.
The Best Candy Stores in San Diego
1. IT'Sugar
Over-sized gummy bears and giant boxes of marshmallows put this quirky candy store on the map. You'll also find standard-sized sweets to satisfy. We love this brightly colored store where you can fill up your bag from the vast selections in the candy bins.
Various locations throughout San Diego
Online: itsugar.com
2. Carlsbad Chocolate Bar
A candy store and chocolate bar all rolled into one! You'll find both handmade and imported treats, like dark chocolate-covered caramels and peanut butter cups. Your little sweet thing may go for the candy bins with gummy sharks and sour treats. Either way, add a gourmet coffee and cocoa and you've capped off a nice fam dinner date.
Sweet Tip: Head to Carlsbad Village to eat, then hit up this sweet shop for dessert.
2998 State St.
Carlsbad
Online: carlsbadchocolatebar.com
3. Sugarfina
Although a luxury candy store geared for adults, kids love Sugarfina sweets too! In addition to using gourmet ingredients from around the world in their sweets at Sugarfina, we love the gummies shaped like ice cream cones and flamingos! Littles love the sugar lips and the birthday cake caramels. Who wouldn't?
4545 La Jolla Village Dr., #H-18
San Diego
Online: sugarfina.com
4. Balboa Candy
A family-run nostalgic shop with a nice selection of old favorites like Laffy Taffy and new items like gummy pizza. This shop has one of the largest saltwater taffy selections in the world, so it's no surprise that they have barrels and barrels of taffy in unique flavors.
7864 Girard Ave.
La Jolla
Online: balboacandy.com
5. B Candy
There are plenty of cute photo-ops at this vibrant candy store where you'll find bins of gummy bears, sourballs, Twizzlers, and Swedish fish. Additionally, this sweet shop has toys, ice cream, and cupcakes. So, when you stop by with the littles, everyone leaves with a big smile on their face.
3100 East Coast Hwy.
Corona del Mar
Online: bcandy.com
6. Beach Sweets
San Diego is a seaside city, which means San Diegans know a thing or two about saltwater taffy. We’re happy to report that Beach Sweets, located in Ocean Beach, offers taffy that even the most critical taffy lover will adore. It is a quintessential candy shop that's reminiscent of simpler times. Kids will love browsing the eclectic selection of candy and homemade chocolates. Beach Sweets will have you understanding the phrase, “like a kid in a candy store” like never before.
Sweet Tip: One of their signature treats is called 'Wipeout' and it's too good to pass up. It’s Rice Krispies cereal, peanut butter, marshmallow, and white chocolate, (aka pure heaven!).
5022 Newport Ave.
San Diego
Online: beachsweets.com
7. Lolli Sweets
This darling candy shop is a hidden gem in Liberty Public Market. It's the perfect spot for dessert after dining at the marketplace. You'll find bins of gummy bears, sharks, chocolates, and more. Be sure to try the fresh organic cotton candy.
2820 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego
Online: instagram.com
8. Candyland
Stop here before heading to the movies and (other family outings). Stock up on Fun Dip, Red Vines, and other movie-sized boxes. Moreover, they have a nice selection of Mexican candy and good prices.
356 W. Valley Pkwy.
Escondido
Online: facebook.com
9. Cousin's Candy
Candy shops have a tendency to conjure up nostalgia and none do it better than Cousins Candy in Old Town San Diego’s Historic Park. This shop is almost as much about the experience as it is about the delicious candy. The staff wears aprons and are there to chat with you rather than just ring you up. Pull candy from barrels and find some of the best licorice you’ll ever taste.
2711 San Diego Ave.
San Diego
Online: cousinscandyshop.com
10. The Candy Pushers
Over 1000 varieties of candy to create your own bag of sweetness. You'll find Sour Patch Kids, chocolate-covered gummy bears, saltwater taffy, and chocolate-covered raisins to name a few. They also offer vegan chocolates and homemade fudge!
1295 University Ave., #1B
San Diego
Online: thecandypushers.com
11. FuzziWigs Candy Factory
This pint-sized gem right in downtown Coronado overflows with sweet goodness. Grab a long gooey gummy worm, scarf down the yummy saltwater taffy and bite into a caramel apple with sprinkles. Known for unique items, you'll even find silver and gold-colored M & M's. Further, your sweet thing can pack a famous Fuzziwig's baggie full of their favorite treats.
Sweet Tip: Try the Coronado Crunch. This sweet homage to their hometown is packed with Rice Krispies, peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate.
1126 Orange Ave.
Coronado
Online: fuzziwigscandyfactory.com
12. Wisteria Candy Cottage
School's out at this longtime East County candy store where they've been stirring up chocolate since 1912. You'll find delicious caramel macadamia turtles and freshly made fudge. Your crew will love all the chocolate goodies in this hands-on place.
Sweet Tip: Call before you go. The shop is closed Monday through Wednesday.
39961 Old Highway 80
Boulevard, CA
Online: wisteriacandycottage.com
