Best Ice Cream at the Jersey Shore
From Kohr's legendary frozen custard to Springer's homemade scoops. The complete guide to satisfying your sweet tooth at the shore.
Find by Type
Frozen Custard
Dense, creamy, made with egg yolks. The classic shore treat.
Where: Kohr Bros., boardwalks
Premium Scooped
High-quality hard ice cream. Wide variety of flavors.
Where: Springer's, Hoffman's
Soft Serve
Light, whipped, classic summer treat.
Where: Most boardwalk stands
Italian Ice
Water-based, dairy-free, intensely flavored.
Where: Strollo's, boardwalk stands
Gelato
Italian-style, dense, less fat but bold flavors.
Where: Cape May, specialty shops
Classic Dipped Cones
Soft serve dipped in chocolate shell that hardens.
Where: Kohr's, most boardwalk spots
The Science of Frozen Desserts
Not all frozen desserts are created equal. Here's the science behind what makes each type unique.
Frozen Custard
Key Ingredient
Egg yolks (at least 1.4%)
Texture
Dense, creamy, rich
Serving Temp
18°F (warmer than ice cream)
Air Content
15-30% (less air = denser)
Shore connection: Kohr Bros. brought it to the Jersey Shore in 1919, making it THE iconic boardwalk treat.
💡 Fun fact: The egg yolks act as an emulsifier, creating that distinctive silky texture that doesn't melt into soup.
Soft Serve
Key Ingredient
Standard ice cream mix
Texture
Light, airy, smooth
Serving Temp
21°F (warmest)
Air Content
30-60% (more air = lighter)
Shore connection: The swirl cone became a boardwalk staple because it's dispensed fresh and fast.
💡 Fun fact: Soft serve must be consumed immediately—it can't be stored or refrozen without losing its texture.
Italian Ice (Water Ice)
Key Ingredient
No dairy—fruit puree and sugar
Texture
Icy, granular, refreshing
Serving Temp
15°F (coldest)
Air Content
Minimal
Shore connection: South Jersey Italian immigrants brought this tradition. Rita's started in Bensalem, PA but expanded to the shore.
💡 Fun fact: True Italian ice is scraped, not churned, which creates the distinctive crystalline texture.
Gelato
Key Ingredient
More milk than cream (less fat)
Texture
Dense, intense flavor
Serving Temp
10-22°F (varies)
Air Content
25-30% (less than ice cream)
Shore connection: Artisan gelato shops have popped up in foodie towns like Asbury Park and Cape May.
💡 Fun fact: Less fat means flavors hit your taste buds more directly—that's why gelato tastes more intense.
Hard Ice Cream
Key Ingredient
Cream (at least 10% milkfat)
Texture
Firm, scoopable
Serving Temp
0-10°F (coldest)
Air Content
Up to 100% (can double in volume)
Shore connection: Springer's in Stone Harbor has been making homemade hard ice cream since 1950.
💡 Fun fact: Premium brands have less air (called "overrun")—that's why they're denser and more expensive.
🍦 How to Order Like a Pro
Overwhelmed by the flavor board? Here's how to order like a pro.
The Classic Combo
Orange-vanilla swirl at Kohr's is the definitive shore flavor. If you've never had it, start here.
Best at: Any Kohr Bros. location
Pair with: Chocolate sprinkles ("jimmies" in NJ speak)
The Local Signature
Every great shop has a signature flavor. Ask "what are you known for?" and try that.
Best at: Springer's (Coconut Almond Joy), Hoffman's (Teaberry)
Pair with: Waffle cone to get the full experience
The Seasonal Special
Summer-only flavors use peak ingredients. Jersey blueberry, peach, and strawberry are worth seeking out.
Best at: Local shops in August-September
Pair with: A second scoop of vanilla to balance the fruit
The Two-Scoop Strategy
One scoop safe (chocolate, vanilla), one scoop adventurous (lavender, honey jalapeño). Covers both bases.
Best at: Artisan shops with creative flavors
Pair with: Put the adventurous scoop on top so you try it first
The Sundae Upgrade
At sit-down shops, sundaes let you try multiple flavors plus toppings. Better value per taste.
Best at: Springer's, Hoffman's, any shop with a "build your own" option
Pair with: Hot fudge on one side, butterscotch on the other
Quick Ordering Tips
Ask for a taste
Every good shop will let you sample before committing
Cup catches drips
On hot days, get a cup—cones melt faster than you can eat
Go for the waffle
Fresh-made waffle cones are worth the $1-2 upcharge
Skip the large
Small or medium is plenty—it's richer than you think
⏰ Beat the Summer Lines
Summer ice cream lines can stretch 30+ minutes. Here's how to skip the wait.
The Early Bird
Hit boardwalk shops right when they open (usually 10-11 AM). Lines build by noon.
Time saved: 20-30 minutes
The Dinner Hour Gap
Between 5-7 PM, families are eating dinner. Ice cream lines thin dramatically.
Time saved: 15-25 minutes
The Weekday Advantage
Tuesday and Wednesday are slowest days. Saturday afternoons are brutal.
Time saved: 30+ minutes
The Rainy Day Secret
Light rain clears crowds but shops stay open. Die-hard ice cream fans get rewarded.
Time saved: Walk right up
The Off-Boardwalk Find
Shops a block or two inland have identical quality with half the wait.
Time saved: 15-20 minutes
The Pre-Order Option
Some shops now have apps or call-ahead. Hoffman's and Springer's accept phone orders.
Time saved: Variable
🚗The Ultimate Shore Ice Cream Road Trip
Hit 6 legendary shops in one epic shore day. Plan for stretchy pants.
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The Ultimate Shore Ice Cream Road Trip
Hit 6 legendary shops in one epic shore day. Plan for stretchy pants.
Hoffman's Ice Cream
11:00 AMPoint Pleasant Beach
Must try: Teaberry (unique pink flavor)
Start north and work your way south
Kohr Bros.
12:30 PMSeaside Heights
Must try: Orange-vanilla swirl
The OG boardwalk frozen custard experience
Skipper Dipper
2:00 PMBeach Haven (LBI)
Must try: Any seasonal flavor
Local LBI institution since 1979
Manco & Manco
3:30 PMOcean City
Must try: Take a pizza break, then...
Gotta have pizza with your ice cream day
Springer's Homemade Ice Cream
4:30 PMStone Harbor
Must try: Coconut Almond Joy
Premium homemade since 1950—worth the detour
Uncle Charley's
6:00 PMWildwood
Must try: Banana soft serve
End with sunset on the Wildwood boardwalk
Road Trip Survival Tips
📸 Ice Cream Photography Tips
Instagram-worthy ice cream shots require speed—it's melting while you're framing.
Work Fast
You have about 60 seconds before it starts dripping. Have your phone ready BEFORE you get served.
Find the Shade
Direct sun melts ice cream and creates harsh shadows. Step under an awning or umbrella.
Boardwalk Bokeh
Use portrait mode with rides, ocean, or crowds blurred in the background for that shore vibe.
The Lick Shot
Action shots of the first lick are more interesting than static cone photos. Use burst mode.
Golden Hour Glow
Late afternoon sun makes ice cream colors pop. The warm light hides imperfections too.
Double Trouble
Two cones in frame is more visually interesting. Get a friend to pose with their order.
Featured Ice Cream Spots
Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard
Multiple Locations
The iconic frozen custard brand that's been a Jersey Shore tradition for over a century. Made with egg yolks for that distinctively rich, creamy texture. Find locations at most major boardwalks including Ocean City, Wildwood, and Seaside Heights.
- ✓Serving since 1919
- ✓Signature orange-vanilla swirl
- ✓Found at most major boardwalks
Best For
Tip: Get the orange-vanilla swirl in a waffle cone. Lines move fast, so don't hesitate.
Springer's Homemade Ice Cream
Stone Harbor
A Seven Mile Island institution and arguably the best ice cream shop at the Jersey Shore. Every flavor is made fresh on-site using family recipes. Portions are famously generous.
- ✓Family-owned since 1952
- ✓Made fresh on-site daily
- ✓Generous portions
- ✓40+ rotating flavors
Best For
Tip: Arrive before 7pm on weekends to avoid 30+ minute waits. Worth the drive from anywhere.
Hoffman's Ice Cream
Point Pleasant Beach
The iconic Point Pleasant ice cream destination with over 80 flavors made fresh on the premises. Known for creative flavors and portions that are almost too big to finish.
- ✓Over 80 flavors
- ✓Made fresh on premises
- ✓Famous massive portions
- ✓Dairy-free options available
Best For
Tip: A small is plenty for most people. Try the Shore Berry or ask for a sample flight.
All Ice Cream Spots
Brown's Restaurant
Ocean City🫧 Classic Dipped Cones
Classic diner with amazing ice cream. Great sundaes.
Must try: Hot Fudge Sundae
Skipper Dipper
Sea Isle City🍡 Soft Serve
Local favorite with creative flavors and toppings.
Must try: Twist Cone with Sprinkles
The Original Fudge Kitchen
Cape May🍨 Premium Scooped
Victorian fudge shop with excellent ice cream.
Must try: Fudge Swirl
Sundae Best
Avalon🍨 Premium Scooped
Seven Mile Island favorite. Creative sundaes.
Must try: Kitchen Sink Sundae
Kohr's The Original
Seaside Heights🍦 Frozen Custard
Boardwalk classic. Quick service, great taste.
Must try: Vanilla Dipped Cone
Strollo's Italian Ice
Multiple Locations🍧 Italian Ice
Authentic Italian ice. Perfect for hot days.
Must try: Lemon or Cherry
Fralinger's
Atlantic City🫧 Classic Dipped Cones
Famous for taffy but ice cream is excellent too.
Must try: Salt Water Taffy Ice Cream
Nagle's
Ocean Grove🫧 Classic Dipped Cones
Victorian-era charm. Cash only. Great banana splits.
Must try: Banana Split
Day's Ice Cream
Ocean Grove🍨 Premium Scooped
Since 1879. Oldest ice cream shop at the shore.
Must try: Homemade flavors
Ice Cream by Region
Northern Shore
Sandy Hook to Belmar
- • Day's (Ocean Grove)
- • Nagle's (Ocean Grove)
- • Local soft serve
Ocean Grove has historic shops. Less boardwalk options.
Central Shore
Point Pleasant to LBI
- • Hoffman's (Point Pleasant)
- • Kohr's (Seaside)
- • Local stands
Hoffman's is a destination. Seaside has boardwalk custard.
Atlantic City Area
Brigantine to Margate
- • Fralinger's (AC)
- • Local gelaterias
- • Casino restaurants
Boardwalk has classic options. Try salt water taffy ice cream.
Cape May Region
Ocean City to Cape May
- • Springer's (Stone Harbor)
- • Brown's (Ocean City)
- • Kohr's (Wildwood)
Best variety. Springer's worth the drive from anywhere.
Ice Cream Tips
Try Orange-Vanilla Swirl
Kohr's signature flavor. If you only get one thing, get this.
Visit Springer's
Worth a special trip to Stone Harbor. Get there early on weekends.
Skip Peak Hours
Lines at popular spots can be 20+ minutes. Try late afternoon.
Get a Cup on Hot Days
Cones melt fast in shore heat. Cups are safer for walking.
Ask for Samples
Scooped ice cream shops usually offer taste samples.
Check Cash Policy
Some historic shops are still cash-only.
The Legend of Kohr Bros.
Kohr Bros. has been serving frozen custard at the Jersey Shore since 1919, making it one of America's oldest continuously operating frozen dessert companies. The secret is the egg yolk-enriched recipe that creates that distinctive creamy texture. The orange-vanilla swirl became the signature flavor when it was discovered that the two colors looked appealing together. Today, Kohr's locations can be found at boardwalks from Ocean City to Seaside Heights.
Boardwalk GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What is Kohr's frozen custard?
Kohr Bros. frozen custard is an iconic Jersey Shore treat since 1919. It's denser and creamier than regular soft serve, made with egg yolks. Orange and vanilla swirl is the signature flavor. Find them at most major boardwalks including Ocean City, Wildwood, and Seaside.
Where can I find the best ice cream at the Jersey Shore?
Top spots include Kohr Bros. (multiple boardwalks), Springer's (Stone Harbor), Hoffman's (Point Pleasant), The Original Fudge Kitchen (Cape May), and local favorites like Brown's in Ocean City and Skipper Dipper in Sea Isle City.
What is the difference between soft serve, frozen custard, and gelato?
Soft serve is light and airy, served at low temp. Frozen custard (like Kohr's) contains egg yolks making it denser and creamier. Gelato is Italian-style with less fat but more intense flavor. The shore has all three styles.
Are there dairy-free options at Jersey Shore ice cream shops?
Many shops now offer dairy-free and vegan options. Hoffman's has dairy-free flavors. Most boardwalk spots have Italian ice (water-based, no dairy). Specialty shops like Kohr's offer sorbet options.