Best Ice Cream Shops at the Jersey Shore
Cool down with the best ice cream, gelato, and frozen treats at the shore. From boardwalk classics to artisan creameries.
17
Shops
12
Towns
3
Homemade
Why Jersey Shore Ice Cream?
Summer at the Jersey Shore means one thing after a day at the beach: ice cream. From the iconic orange swirl of Kohr Bros to artisan creameries making small-batch flavors, the shore has ice cream for every taste.
Frozen custard is king here. Many shore shops serve frozen custard instead of traditional ice cream. The egg yolks make it denser, creamier, and perfect for a hot beach day. Kohr Bros has been serving their famous orange and vanilla swirl since 1919.
Whether you prefer a waffle cone on the boardwalk, a sundae at a sit-down shop, or homemade flavors at a local creamery, the Jersey Shore has you covered. Just bring napkins—shore humidity melts ice cream fast.
Boardwalk Classics
The iconic chains and stands that define boardwalk ice cream culture.
Kohr Bros Frozen Custard
$Orange Vanilla SwirlThe iconic orange and vanilla swirl that has defined Jersey Shore summers since 1919.
Dairy Queen
$BlizzardClassic DQ Blizzards and soft serve on several shore boardwalks.
Custard Cottage
$Chocolate CustardWildwood boardwalk institution serving creamy frozen custard since the 1950s.
Cape May Region
From Stone Harbor's famous Springer's to Cape May's fudge shops.
Springer's Homemade Ice Cream
$$Salted Caramel PretzelThe gold standard of Jersey Shore ice cream. Creative flavors and fresh waffle cones.
The Original Fudge Kitchen
$$Fudge SwirlWatch fudge being made, then enjoy a scoop of ice cream or fudge swirl.
Uncle Bill's Pancake House Ice Cream
$Great ice cream from the famous pancake house, perfect after breakfast.
Avalon Freeze
$Chocolate Dipped ConeClassic soft serve and sundaes in upscale Avalon. No frills, great ice cream.
Ocean City
Family-friendly Ocean City has ice cream shops on every block.
Hoy's 5 & 10
$Old-fashioned variety store with an ice cream counter and retro charm.
Sundae Best
$$Kitchen Sink SundaePremium ice cream shop on the boardwalk with creative sundaes and thick shakes.
Prep's Ice Cream
$Lemon IceItalian ice and frozen custard on the Ocean City boardwalk since 1966.
Monmouth County
From Spring Lake to Asbury Park, classic and modern ice cream spots.
Hoffman's Ice Cream
$$Dirty SneakersFamily-owned since 1976 with homemade ice cream and a Point Pleasant location too.
Day's Ice Cream
$Victorian-era charm with classic ice cream in historic Ocean Grove.
Langosta Lounge
$$Upscale ice cream and desserts at this boardwalk restaurant known for creative flavors.
Jersey Freeze
$Vanilla TwistIconic roadside stand famous for soft serve and footlong hot dogs.
Long Beach Island
LBI locals have their favorite spots for after-beach treats.
The Ice Cream Shop
$$LBI institution with homemade flavors and a line out the door every summer night.
Barry's Do Me A Flavor
$Fun-named shop with creative flavors and excellent soft serve.
Skipper Dipper
$Beach Haven staple with soft serve, water ice, and quick service.
Ice Cream Tips
🍦Beat the Lines
Go before 7pm or after 9pm. Peak hours are 7-9pm when everyone finishes dinner.
🍦Cash is King
Many smaller shops are cash-only. ATMs charge fees, so bring bills.
🍦Try Frozen Custard
Kohr Bros serves frozen custard, not ice cream. The egg yolks make it creamier.
🍦Get Waffle Cones Fresh
Ask when waffle cones were made. Fresh ones are worth the upcharge.
🍦Sample First
Most shops let you taste before ordering. Try something new.
🍦Bring Napkins
Shore humidity melts ice cream fast. Pack extra napkins.
FAQ
What is the most famous ice cream at the Jersey Shore?
Kohr Bros orange and vanilla swirl is the iconic Jersey Shore treat, served since 1919. You will find locations on nearly every boardwalk. The creamy soft serve in a cone is a summer tradition.
Where can I find the best homemade ice cream at the shore?
Springer's in Stone Harbor and Avalon tops most lists. Hoffman's in Spring Lake and Point Pleasant are also excellent. Cape May has several artisan shops including The Original Fudge Kitchen.
Are there dairy-free ice cream options at the Jersey Shore?
Most modern ice cream shops offer dairy-free options. Larger shops typically have sorbet, and some specialize in vegan gelato and coconut-based ice cream.
What are popular Jersey Shore ice cream flavors?
Classics include salted caramel, cookies and cream, and mint chip. Unique shore flavors include beach sand (caramel with chocolate shells), boardwalk crunch, and jersey blueberry.
What is the difference between frozen custard and ice cream?
Frozen custard contains egg yolks, making it denser and creamier. Several shore shops, including Kohr Bros, serve frozen custard rather than traditional ice cream.
When do ice cream shops open at the Jersey Shore?
Most shops are open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many stay open weekends in May and September. Some shops in larger towns like Cape May and Asbury Park are open year-round.
Should I get a cone or a cup?
Waffle cones are worth it if they are made fresh. On very hot days, cups prevent melting disasters. Many shops offer chocolate-dipped cones as a premium option.
How much does ice cream cost at the Jersey Shore?
Expect to pay $5-8 for a single scoop, $7-10 for doubles. Soft serve is typically $4-6. Specialty sundaes and shakes run $8-12. Prices are higher on boardwalks.
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