We’ve all been there; we’re in our bathing suits, it’s 85 degrees and sunny, about noon, and we’re craving something that will not only cool us down, but give us a little pep in our step to tackle those waves. Luckily, there are plenty of ice cream shops along the Jersey Shore where no shirt and no shoes are absolutely no problem.
Walk in with sand between your toes and walk out with flavors and sundaes that will blow your mind with this list of the best ice cream shops just steps from the beach. This one is for all the sweet tooths out there!
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Cookman Creamery
Location: Asbury Park
Details: Just a few blocks away from Asbury Park’s sandy beach is Cookman Creamery. The shop features a variety of ice cream including plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices. Go classic with Vanilla Bean with a coconut custard base (vegan) or try something new like their Blue Lavender made with organic blueberries and Apothecary lavender. Don’t worry about pesky lactose-intolerance, this spot is all about giving you the best of both worlds — access to the beach and a healthy stomach!
More Info: Visit http://www.cookmancreamery.com/ or call 732-361-5215.
Coney Waffle
Location: Belmar and Long Branch
Details: World famous for its “Coney Waffle,” when you order ice cream from here, the choices are go big or go bigger. From over-the-top shakes that are bigger than your head (but perfect to share after a long day at the beach) to waffle cones and they’re infamous waffle and ice cream concoctions, Coney Waffle is an absolute must visit for anyone who gets a kick out of playing with their food. The best part? Everything tastes even better than it looks… and that’s saying a lot!
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-556-6951.
Strollo’s Lighthouse Italian Ice
Locations: Long Branch, Belmar, Pt. Pleasant, West End
Details: With four locations – all of which just steps from the beach (cards on the table… Belmar is a few blocks away) – cooling off with a creamy ice and soft serve combination from Strollo’s is a Jersey Shore tradition. Whether you’re treating yourself to an afternoon strawberry ice squeeze cup or going full-on happy hour with rainbow sprinkles, it’s one of the best post-beach sweet stops you can make.
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-229-1222.
Shore Good Donuts
Location: Ship Bottom
Details: Yes, they have ridiculous donuts, but it’s the combination of donuts with homemade ice cream that earns Shore Good Donuts a spot on this list. Look no further than “LBI’s Original Donut Sundae” where you can combine your favorite donut (Inside-Out Apple Pie, Cookies N Cream, Mape n Bake…) with your choice of ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry on top. You may want to take a few walks on the beach after eating through this dessert, but we bet you’ll agree it was worth it!
More Info: Visit the website or call 609-492-0100.
Day’s Ice Cream
Location: Ocean Grove and Asbury Park Boardwalk
Details: If you wait until the sun sets on any given summer day, chances are you’ll also be waiting in line at Day’s, an ice cream institution in Ocean Grove. It’s a true ice cream parlor just a couple of blocks from the beach, complete with candies and a covered wrap-around porch. Just don’t be deterred by the long line; it’s worth it, we promise.
More Info: Visit http://www.daysicecream.com/ or call 732-614-6245.
The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
Locations: Lavallette and Seaside Heights
Details: What do you get when you combine actors, theater and ice cream? The Music Man shop, of course. It’s the perfect place to stop as you walk off the beach. Not only can your kids feast on delicious ice cream, but they’ll also enjoy afternoon sing-alongs (which start at 5:00 pm) where they have to “work” for their treats by shaking for shakes or singing for an ice cream sundae.
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-854-2779.
Peace Pie
Location: Cape May
Details: Ice cream cones? They’re so last year! At Peace Pie, they’re rethinking the classic ice cream sandwich, combining your favorite pies (key lime, strawberry shortcake, etc.) into portable treats. The only problem is they won’t last in your cooler for that long… not because of the heat, mind you, but because they’re completely addictive.
More Info: Visit the website or call 609-435-5321.
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