There’s nothing quite like spending a day at the beach—soaking up the sun, diving into the waves, and letting the ocean breeze work its magic. But let’s face it, after hours in the sun, you need something refreshing to cool you down. And what’s better than ice cream? Sweet, creamy, and cold as a sea breeze, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a beach day. I’vemade it my personal mission as a dad to find the best ice cream spots near the shore, because let’s be real—when my kids want ice cream, they mean business. Whether you’re with family, friends, or flying solo, these are some incredible spots that deserve a visit. Grab a cone, a cup, or even a sundae, and enjoy.
1. Hidden Gems You’d Never Expect
Some of the best ice cream places you’ll find near the beach are small, unassuming spots you’d never think to stop at. Take one of my recent discoveries, a tiny shop tucked next to a bait and tackle store. From the outside, it looked like nothing special—but the second I walked in, the smell of homemade waffle cones hit me like a warm hug. Their salted caramel ice cream with chunks of toffee? Unreal. My son still talks about it weeks later.
These hidden gems don’t rely on flashy signs; they rely on flavor. Keep an eye out for smaller, family-owned places—often, they’re making everything in-house, and the love shows in every bite.
2. Classic Boardwalk Favorites
You can’t talk about beachside ice cream without mentioning the boardwalk classics. These are the spots where nostalgia kicks in—soft serve cones dipped in chocolate, rainbow sprinkles coating everything, and the sound of seagulls overhead. For me, there’s something magical about standing in line barefoot, sandy flip-flops in hand, waiting for a swirl of vanilla and chocolate. It’s simple, sure, but sometimes simple is all you need.
When the kids are with me, they always end up choosing the biggest options on the menu—think sundaes stacked with whipped cream, fudge, and a cherry on top. And if you’ve never tried a creamsicle float by the ocean, trust me, you’remissing out.
3. The Over-The-Top Experience
If you’re after ice cream that’s more like a work of art, there are plenty of places offering just that. Picture this: a giant cone with two scoops, one rolled in crushed Oreos and the other topped with edible glitter. Yes, edible glitter. I stumbled onto one of these spots during a family trip, and at first, I thought, “This is ridiculous.” But then I tasted it—and yep, it was worth every Instagram pic my kids insisted we take.
These places are perfect if you’re looking for a treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. They’re also great if you’ve got teens or kids who want something a bit different. Keep an eye out for menu items like bubble waffle cones, ice cream tacos, or scoops topped with cotton candy clouds.
4. The Farm-to-Cone Vibes
As someone who’s always trying to sneak a little education into family outings, I love ice cream spots that showcase local ingredients and flavors. Some beach towns have these amazing farm-to-cone shops that use fresh, locally sourced products for their ice cream. Think flavors like honey lavender, strawberry basil, or even goat cheese and fig. I know, it sounds fancy, but the taste? Incredible.
One spot we visited even had a little garden out back where they grew some of their herbs and fruits. My kids ran around while I enjoyed a scoop of mint chocolate chip that actually tasted like real mint—not the artificial stuff. If you’re the adventurous type, these places are a must.
5. Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
Now, I’ll admit—I’m a classic ice cream guy. But after one too many stomachaches, I’ve come to appreciate the growing number of dairy-free and vegan options out there. Coconut-based ice cream, almond milk soft serve, or even oat milk gelato—these alternatives are surprisingly good. There’s one shop we visit that specializes in vegan flavors, and their dark chocolate sorbet is so rich, you’d never guess it’s dairy-free.
If someone in your group has dietary restrictions, these spots can be a lifesaver. Plus, they often have unique flavor combinations that rival traditional ice cream.
6. Gelato by the Sea
I could write an entire book about gelato, but let’s keep it short and sweet. Gelato is like the European cousin of ice cream—smoother, creamier, and often more flavorful. There’s a little gelato shop we found on a beach trip last summer, right along the waterfront. They had classics like pistachio and stracciatella, but also more adventurous options like lemon rosemary and blood orange.
The best part about gelato? It’s served in smaller portions, which means you can try two or three flavors without feeling overly stuffed. And trust me, after a long day at the beach, one scoop just isn’t enough.
7. The Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
There’s something timeless about sitting in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. The retro décor, the glass jars of candies, and the banana splits served in long dishes—it’s a vibe that never gets old. These places are perfect for families, especially if you’re looking to wind down after a busy day in the sun.
One of our family’s favorites has been around for decades, and they have the best root beer floats I’ve ever had. My kids love spinning on the chrome stools at the counter, and I love watching them experience a little slice of nostalgia.
8. Beachfront Convenience
Sometimes, after a beach day, you’re too tired to go far. That’s where the beachfront ice cream stands save the day. They may not have the fanciest flavors, but when you can grab a cone and eat it while watching the sunset, does it reallymatter? These spots are all about convenience—and there’s beauty in that simplicity.
One of my go-to's is a little stand right on the sand that serves the creamiest vanilla soft serve. It’s nothing fancy, but add a drizzle of hot fudge, and it’s pure perfection.
9. Late-Night Ice Cream Runs
Who says ice cream is just for the daytime? Some of my favorite beachside memories are from late-night ice cream runs with the family. There’s always something special about sitting on a bench under the stars, sharing a sundae, or splitting a milkshake after the crowds have gone home. Many beach towns have ice cream shops that stay open late—and trust me, it’s worth the trip.
10. Supporting Local Artists (and Sweets)
Lastly, let’s talk about the spots that double as ice cream shops and community hubs. Some of the most unique places I’vefound are run by locals who pour their heart into every scoop. These shops often feature artwork, small live performances, or even fundraisers for beach cleanups. It’s ice cream with a side of good vibes.
Whether you’re a simple vanilla cone fan or someone who chases the wildest flavors imaginable, there’s an ice cream spot for everyone near the beach. For me, it’s more than just a treat—it’s about creating memories, enjoying the moment, and sharing something sweet with the people I love. So next time you hit the beach, don’t forget to save room for dessert. Your perfect scoop is waiting.
