It’s National Ice Cream Day, and there’s only one rule: You Deserve a couple scoops!
Today, July 20, 2025, ice cream lovers across the U.S. are cashing in on some of the coolest dessert deals of the summer. From coast to coast, major chains and boutique shops alike are serving up limited-time offers you seriously don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a classic vanilla fan or someone who swears by pistachio caramel swirl, this day is all about indulgence, sweet savings, and soaking up the Summer sun with the perfect cone in hand.
But don’t just show up with just a cone, show up with style and protection. While you’re savoring your favorite ice cream under the bright Summer sky, don’t forget your most important accessory: a high-quality pair of sunglasses. They’re not just fashion—they’re your defense against UV damage, the ultimate companion for sun-drenched days filled with sprinkles, smiles, and sunshine.
National Ice Cream Day 2025: Where to Get the Best Deals
Thanks to sources like Today.com we’ve got the inside scoop on this year’s National Ice Cream Day deals that you’ll want to race to before they melt away:
Baskin-Robbins
Buy one ice cream scoop and get one free. Their new flavor of the month, “Beach Day,” is perfect for a Summer treat.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is offering $1 off any dipped cone through their mobile app. That iconic chocolate shell is back and better than ever.
Cold Stone Creamery
Members of the My Cold Stone Club will get exclusive discounts and bonus points all day. Time to upgrade to that waffle bowl.
Salt & Straw
Known for their artisan flavors, Salt & Straw is offering limited-edition Summer flavors inspired by iconic boardwalk desserts. Try the “Honey Lavender” for something unforgettable.

Sunglasses and Summer Go Hand-in-Hand, Just Like Sprinkles and Cones
Imagine this: you’re outside on a warm Summer day, dripping ice cream cone in hand, the sky cloudless, the sun golden. Everything is perfect, except the blinding glare bouncing off every surface and making your eyes water.
That’s where the right pair of sunglasses makes all the difference.
Why Sunglasses Are Essential on National Ice Cream Day
Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement, they are a medical necessity during Summer. Here’s why:
- UV Rays Damage Eyes: The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause long-term damage to the eyes, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even growths on the eye’s surface.
- Yes, Your Eyes Can Get Sunburned: It’s called photokeratitis. It’s painful, it causes blurred vision, and it’s 100% preventable with proper sunglasses.
- Ice Cream and Vision? You wouldn’t leave your ice cream cone sitting in the sun without protection—why treat your vision any differently?
Protect Your Eyes Like You Protect Your Ice Cream
As much as we love ice cream, it’s the perfect metaphor for what happens to your vision in the sun. Ice cream melts quickly when left exposed, your eyes can suffer a similar fate when bombarded with UV rays day after day.
Here’s what happens when your eyes aren’t shielded during a hot Summer:
- Short-term exposure leads to eye fatigue, dryness, and blurry vision.
- Long-term exposure can result in irreversible damage, including sunburned corneas (yes, it hurts), cataracts, and loss of central vision.
- Reflection matters: Water, sand, pavement, and even light-colored buildings amplify UV exposure.
Wearing sunglasses with full UVA and UVB protection is the best way to combat this.
Make Sunglasses Your Go-To Accessory, Like a Cherry on Top
If your Summer vibe includes fun outfits, colorful cones, and Instagram worthy moments, then your sunglasses should be part of the look. From mirrored lenses to oversized frames, today’s sunglasses do more than just protect. They elevate your entire style.
And here’s a little-known bonus: polarized lenses not only reduce glare but also enhance color clarity; meaning your ice cream Instagram pics pop even more.
Protect Your Vision and Enhance Your Look with Optical Illusions
At Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice, we believe that clear vision and personal style go hand-in-hand—just like waffle cones and whipped cream.
Get an eye exam with our Board-Certified Optometrists who specialize in helping patients find the right contact lenses, sunglasses, or both to suit their style and prescription needs.
Expert Fitting: Whether it’s colored contacts or daily disposables, we ensure your lenses fit perfectly for comfort and vision clarity.
High-Quality Lenses: We carry only top-tier brands for contacts, glasses, and prescription sunglasses.
Comprehensive Eye Exams: Our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to check your vision, monitor ocular health, and prescribe the best solutions tailored to you.
Specialized Styling Help: Our in-house opticians help you choose frames or sunglasses that flatter your face and fit your lifestyle.
A Final Scoop: National Ice Cream Day Is Sweet, Protecting Your Eyes Is Sweeter
Let today be more than just a sugar rush. Make it the moment you decide to treat your vision with the same love you give to your ice cream cravings.
Whether you’re grabbing a cone at Salt & Straw, enjoying a sundae from Carvel, or just chilling with a DQ dip in one hand and your phone in the other, make sure your eyes are shielded, stylish, and seen.
And when you’re ready to elevate your summer vision, we’re here to help.
Schedule your eye exam today at Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice. From Summer-ready sunglasses to vibrant colored contacts, we’ve got everything you need to protect your eyes, boost your confidence, and enjoy every moment of sunshine and sweetness. Schedule your appointment at 1 of our 4 conveniently located offices in San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, and Juneau.