Milkshakes were reportedly invented in the United States somewhere near the turn of the century and have been a classic American favorite since the early 1900s. Milkshakes were frequently ordered at old-fashioned soda fountains, became a must-have companion to a burger and fries, and took on a life of their own with increasing creativity, both in flavor and in presentation. Priding themselves on thick, creamy, unforgettable ice cream drinks, these seven shops serve some of the very best milkshakes in Southern California.

1. Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. - Alhambra, CA

Fosselman’s has been making and scooping up quality ice cream since 1919 and, among its many awards, was crowned as the "World’s Best Milkshake" by The Guardian. Choose from traditional, seasonal, and innovative flavors like horchata, black sesame, fresh peach, taro, and over 40 others. The selection changes frequently so there is always a new reason to indulge in a decadent shake or malt that is almost better with a spoon.

2. McConnell’s - Ventura, CA

Award-winning made-from-scratch ice cream - made from the finest California milk, cream, and eggs - is the basis for some of the best milkshakes in SoCal. McConnell’s offers milkshake lovers a mouth-watering array of unique and seasonal flavors, including an impressive list of dairy-free - and even no-sugar - options. Customer love McConnell’s flavors such as Peanut Butter Chip, Eureka Lemon and Marionberries, Brazilian Coffee, and Honey and Cornbread Cookies, to name a few.

3. Little Calf Creamery and Cafe - Thousand Oaks, CA

Choose your favorite Little Calf flavor or mix and match two different flavors to create your own custom hand-spun shake or malt. Artisan Ice cream is made daily, with flavors like Vanilla Berry Crisp, Peanut Butter Fudge, and Lavender Blueberry, as well as classics and seasonal goodies like Candied Yam. Little Calf Creamery even has non-dairy "Iced Delites" such as Chocolate Almond Milk and Pineapple Coconut Milk.

4. Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain - Pasadena, CA

Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain has been serving Southern California locals since 1915. Your order comes with a healthy dose of nostalgia at this historic soda fountain. Hand-dipped malts and shakes are made with an entire pint of ice cream, to which you can add hot fudge, Oreos, peanut butter, caramel, butterscotch, or fresh banana.

5. Fountain Coffee Room - Beverly Hills, CA

The Fountain Coffee Room inside the Beverly Hills Hotel is a Los Angeles landmark, serving Hollywood elite since 1949. Take a seat at the bar where 1950s movie stars sat before you, order a thick classic California milkshake, and enjoy some epic people-watching.

6. Great Shakes - Palm Springs, CA

Family-owned Great Shakes does milkshakes unlike others. Rather than adding milk to ice cream to create a milkshake, ice cream is produced at just the right temperature to be an amazingly thick, creamy shake or malt, with nothing to dilute its flavor. Even the "extras" that make up these Instagram-worthy shakes, like marshmallows, caramel, pie crust, and mini-donuts are all made in-house.

7. The Straw Modern Milkshakes - Costa Mesa, CA

At The Straw, a milkshake is far more than a just milkshake. Try "the campfire" - a s’mores shake with chocolate, graham crackers, and real roasted marshmallows, plus optional candy bar toppings - or maybe go for a "Lucy and Ethel" - a quadruple chocolate shake with a salted brownie and cherry. If you are a tea lover, there is an earl grey, lavender, and honey shake that is served with a side of hot tea. Want to feel like a kid again? Order the cotton candy milkshake called "The dentist" which comes with a ring pop, a lollipop, and sprinkles. Take your shake to the next level - if you are over 21 - and make any shake boozy for just a few extra dollars.

Have you been to any of these Southern California milkshakes? Tell us about your favorite in the comments.