There’s one good thing about Florida’s constant heat, and that’s the chance to indulge in frozen treats like ice cream throughout the year. With an array of enticing flavors and ultra-creamy textures, you’re certain to find an array of unique ice cream shops in the Sunshine State that will make your heart explode with delight. From old-fashioned parlors to innovative dessert spots, read on to discover some of the best ice cream shops in Florida.
Sloan’s, West Palm Beach
Sloan’s may have locations around the world, but it all started with their small shop in West Palm Beach. Considered a staple in the area, the brand’s signature hot pink walls, funky decor, and magical glass bathrooms are just the beginning of the dessert experience. With award-winning luxury ice cream flavors, you can choose anything from “Circus” with cotton candy ice cream and gummy bears to a “Sandcastle Sundae” served in a sand pail.
700 S Rosemary Ave #138, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, USA— +1 561-833-4303
Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor, Dania Beach
Like a childhood dream come true, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor in Dania Beach is a vintage 1950’s style restaurant that serves up crazy portions of ice cream. The perfect place for kids and kids at heart, you can split the Jaxson’s Classic Sundae, a Monster Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae, or a Hot Fudge “Mondae” ice cream goblet. If you’re really hungry, share the iconic Kitchen Sink with four of your dessert-loving friends. We’ll be impressed if you finish it!
128 S Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA— +1 954-923-4445
Super Scoops, Treasure Island
A small, family-owned and operated ice cream shop on Treasure Island, Super Scoops was once voted the “#3 Ice Cream Shop in the United States” by TripAdvisor. Getting praise from around the world, the shop stocks a long list of varieties of ice cream in regular, soft serve, and Italian ice. In addition to their thick milkshakes, brownie sundaes, and delicious banana splits, you can try the rich and creamy Georgia Peach, Creamsicle, Salted Caramel flavor ice cream.
11025 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706, USA— +1 727-360-6200
Wall's Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Miami
A family-owned and operated business in Miami, the 1950s style Walls Old Fashioned Ice Cream offers traditional flavors such as Praline n Cream, as well as fun concoctions like Raspberry Truffle Ice Cream, Coconut Joy, and Snickers Ice Cream. If you’re a serious ice cream lover, go for The Great Wall of Ice Cream, which has 12 flavors of ice cream, bananas, brownies, extra toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry. If you can finish it, you’ll end up on their “Wall of Fame.”
Harborwalk Scoops and Bites, Punta Gorda
Dessert with a view, you can enjoy a range of ice cream flavors at Harborwalk Scoops & Bites Ice Cream as you gaze at the Charlotte Harbor and beautiful marina in Punta Gorda. Once rated the “#1 Ice Cream Shop in America” by TripAdvisor, the shop is located directly on the Punta Gorda Harborwalk. Little ones will love the Unicorn Ice Cream with bubble-gum flavored ice cream with sprinkles and unicorn gummies, while the Twix Ice Cream flavor is a must-try. If you like the classics, Cookie Therapy might be suitable with its vanilla base, milk chocolate ripples, and crushed chocolate chip cookies.
150 Laishley Ct Unit 1111, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, USA— +1 941-505-8880
Azucar Ice Cream - Little Havana, Miami
Set in the heart of Miami’s vibrant Little Havana neighborhood, Azucar Ice Cream was founded in 2011 as an artisanal ice cream and sorbet boutique. Creating tasty confections like their abuela (grandmother) used to make, this Cuban-inspired ice cream shop uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients in its frozen treats. Try one of their signature flavors, such as cafe con leche (Cuban coffee & Oreo), caramel flan, or cuatro leches (four milks cake), or go for one of the classics, such as mango, pistachio, birthday cake, or Nutella.
Sea Maids Creamery, Tampa
Those with a real sweet tooth will love the options at Sea Maids Creamery in Tampa, which serves ice cream in addition to cookies and pies. You’ll find fun flavors like Beach Bum with coconut ice cream, almonds, caramel swirl, and chocolate chunks, as well as Cookie Monster, Death by Peanut Butter, and Crystal Goddess with pink Fruity Pebbles ice cream and candied sugar crystals. There are even vegan flavors, including Divine Dark Chocolate and Pink Champagne Party, and gluten-free options.
Strachan's Ice Cream & Desserts, Dunedin
Inspired by their lifelong love of old-fashioned homemade ice cream, Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts in Dunedin is just one of four locations. Offering nostalgia of mom-and-pop shops with checkerboard tiled floors and parlor-style stools, you’ll be taken on a trip back in time at this dessert shop. A sweet experience indeed, do your best to choose from flavors like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Red Velvet Cake, and Vanilla Custard.
The Soda Fountain, Orlando
Located in College Park, The Soda Fountain is filled with eclectic furnishings and friendly staff. This Orlando dessert shop serves ice cream scoops, egg creams, sundaes, milkshakes, and floats. You can’t go wrong choosing The Sinatra float with cream soda and vanilla ice cream or The Elvis sundae with Nutella ice cream, candied bacon, caramel, and peanut butter sauce. If you’re in need of a sugar rush, Willy Wonka has chocolate ice cream, banana, peanut butter sauce, Reese’s, whipped cream, and Twix bars. There’s even an adult milkshake menu to choose from.
Bocas House, Weston
While not exactly an ice cream shop, Bocas House in Weston gets a pass for having the most over-the-top ice cream desserts in Florida. We’re sure you haven’t seen a dessert like this, with heaping piles of ice cream, hot fudge, or even a piece of cake somehow balancing on top. With flavors like Nutella, Tres Leches, and Cookies and Cream, it comes as no surprise that Bocas sells a ton of these milkshakes a week.
The Candy Kitchen, Madeira Beach
An iconic landmark on Madeira Beach, The Candy Kitchen’s story began in 1950. A family-owned business, the emphasis here is on offering an old-fashioned experience, from the homemade ice cream to the delectable fudge and array of nostalgic candies and glass bottle sodas. Try the Big Mouth, where vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between two homemade brownies, dipped in chocolate and finished with nuts or sprinkles.
13711 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, USA— +1 727-392-6803
Dreamette, Jacksonville
A local favorite, Dreamette in Jacksonville serves up some of the best soft-serve ice cream in the area. Offering a variety of ice cream flavors in addition to milkshakes, dipped cones, and sundaes, you’ll be spoiled for choice in your frozen dessert choices. Sundae toppings include fun treats like hot fudge, caramel, and candy favorites like Snickers, Reeses, and M&M’s, while Pineapple Dole Whip is always a hit. Your sweet tooth will delight in the possibilities at this popular establishment.
Royal Scoop, Naples
With their first store opening in Bonita Springs in 1979, Royal Scoop has expanded to other locations throughout Florida. Offering a fantastic selection of tasty ice cream, you’ll be spoiled for choice on which flavor to choose, from Sticky Fingers with peanut butter ice cream, brownie chunks, and caramel-coated cups to Caramelicious Cups with creamy caramel flavored ice cream with a caramel swirl and mini chocolate covered caramel cups. They also offer plenty of hand-packed pints for you to enjoy at home.
829 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108, USA— +1 239-597-4043
Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor, Hudson
Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor is a family-owned business that is an award-winning favorite in the Sunshine State. With over 40 different flavors to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice, while the menu also includes sherbet and Italian ice, as well as sugar-free and low-fat options. (They even have a gourmet hot dog menu if you’re hungry.) Within walking distance from Hudson Beach, they have indoor and outdoor waterfront seating, or you can grab a cone and head to the beach for sunset viewing.
Love Boat Home Made Ice Cream, Fort Myers
Love Boat Home Made Ice Cream actually has three locations in Fort Myers, serving as a Southwest Florida destination for over 50 years. There is a long list of flavors at this dessert spot, from classic flavors such as Birthday Cake, Cookie Dough, and Cookies and Cream to Blueberry Cheesecake, Cinnamon Caramel Pecan, and Key Lime Pie. Time your visit after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day and you might find seasonal flavors like Peppermint and Egg Nog on display.
16475 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908, USA— +1 239-466-7707
