It’s an ice cream lover’s paradise at the Jersey Shore

When a hot, sticky day at the Jersey Shore comes to an end, there’s no better way to finish off the perfect evening than with a cup or a cone in hand. Lucky for us, the Jersey Shore has an endless list of delightful ice cream shops to fit every taste, so pick a favorite or try them all! Read below for our insider scoop on the best places in Ocean and Monmouth County to satisfy every sweet tooth.

FAMILY-OWNED FAVORITES

Hoffman’s Ice Cream and Yogurt has been encouraging customers to “Take Home the Very Best” since 1976 in its original location at 800 Richmond Ave. in Point Pleasant Beach. The shop originally started out as one of the first Carvel Ice Cream stores in New Jersey in 1955, but when the franchise expired in 1976, Hoffman’s Ice Cream and Yogurt was born and the rest is ice cream history.

Fan-favorite flavors include Jersey Monkey, Cookie Monster, and S’mores. This delicious ice cream can also be found at Hoffman’s two other locations: 569 Church St. in Spring Lake Heights and 44 Ocean Blvd. North in Long Branch.

Want Hoffman’s to come to you? Hoffman’s ice cream truck, better known as “Chillie Willie,” can be rented for all special occasions. Bring the Hoffman’s experience right to your event for easy access to high-quality homemade ice cream. Or, place an order for ice cream to be shipped right to your front door!

Sundaes The Ice Cream Place is another family-owned and operated ice cream shop that’s original Point Pleasant location started out as a Carvel. Sundaes first opened its doors in 1986 and has since grown into a Jersey Shore destination.

Sundaes believes in friendly, old-fashioned service with quality products to provide the best ice cream experience. Visit Sundaes at any of its four locations: 3217 Route 88 location in Point Pleasant, 24 Atlantic City Blvd. in Toms River, 2211 Route 35 in Wall, or 1059 Route 34 in Aberdeen.

Callie’s Creamery, 100 Route 35 S, Neptune, dishes out 40 homemade flavors with “a whole lotta love” seven days a week. According to its website, Callie’s uses the highest quality ingredients on the market and makes all of their flavors in-house, just a mile from the beach. Try some of their fun flavors like Callie’s cotton candy swirl, Nutella graham, cinnamon bun or blueberry cobbler.

Strollo’s Lighthouse was once known as Tony Strollo’s Bus, a 1930s boardwalk staple that served lemon Italian ice. While the famous ice recipe had been in the family for generations, the delivery, from a soft-serve ice cream machine, was something new. Soon, new flavors like orange, cherry and chocolate came onto the menu, allowing visitors to mix and match and earning the shop the honor of having the best Italian ice at the shore.

Today you can find this homemade Italian ice hotspot at West End, 250 Ocean Ave. North, in Long Branch; 69 Brighton Ave., in Long Branch; 64 North Bridge Ave., in Red Bank; 83 Leonardville Road, Belford;  and inside Monmouth Park at 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport.

Mix n’ match up to four flavors – try mixes like peanut butter ice and vanilla soft serve; mango, lemon and cherry ices; or coconut ice and pistachio soft serve.

New to the area, Lynnie Lou’s Homemade Ice Cream is now open in Bradley Beach. Located at 1010 Ocean Avenue, this sweet spot is family run by two sisters who pursued their dream of owning an ice cream business. There are plenty of flavors and toppings to choose from when you visit ice cream truck.

ORGANIC & VEGAN

Cookman Creamery , 711 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, specializes in hand-crafted, small-batch ice cream and offers a diverse menu for all dietary needs. Whether your dessert choice needs to be vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free or traditional, there is a scoop that’s perfect for you.

In addition to their ice cream selections, they also craft homemade ice cream pies, cakes and cookies. Cookman Creamery was listed as a top 10 finalist by Pete Genovese with NJ.com. Orders can be placed online for pickup or delivery through UberEats.

Gracie and the Dudes Ice Cream & Italian Ice, 1062 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright, serves premium homemade ice cream made with no artificial colors, flavors or no high-fructose corn syrup so your little ones (and you!) can enjoy an all natural sweet treat. Enjoy a cone, sundae, milkshake, Italian ice, ice cream cake or more in this brightly decorated shop.

Salty’s Inlet Ice Cream , 101 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, located under the mock-lighthouse, is the perfect place for a refreshing treat after the beach. In addition to classic ice cream, Salty’s has plenty of vegan options like Dole Whip sundaes. They also have slushies, tsunamis and many signature sundaes. If you need a midday treat, try their cold brew floats, available with vegan or dairy ice cream.

Fable Creamery Vegan Ice Cream & Confections , 14 Monmouth St., Red Bank, is a local, 100% vegan and gluten free ice cream shop that makes ice cream cakes, chocolate confections and cookies without preservatives, artificial colors or preservatives. With a rotating list of seasonal flavors, like chocolate walnut, peanut butter and corn flavor, you can indulge in a treat without worrying about what’s inside.

SCOOPS & SONGS

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe , located at 2305 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette, is a vaudeville-style nightly Broadway cabaret, which is now in season 21. Performers maneuver around the shop, singing to individual guests and incorporating them into the production.

Show reservations are now available online for five shows nightly, including their special Disney Sing-Along.

By the end of the night, you’ll be singing along and singing your praises about their delightful menu including hakes, floats, sundaes and a la mode selections.

The Surflight Theatre brings The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour to Beach Haven at 200 Centre St. for ice cream and an evening of cabaret. The parlor is open seven days a week and seats guests Sunday to Thursday at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. There is an additional 10 p.m. seating time on Friday and Saturday nights. One-third of the parlor is reserved for walk-ups.

The Show Place Ice Cream Parlor is in an outside tented parlor full of theatrically themed ice cream concoctions and singing and dancing. With ice cream names like The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, and The Phantom of the Opera, this is the spot for any musical theater fan.

NOVELTY ICE CREAM

Coney Waffle offers cannoli waffles, floats, shakes, ice cream, ice cream cakes and, of course, the namesake Coney Waffle. Coney Waffle & Ice Cream offers guests vegan and sorbet options as well. Coney Waffle satisfies sweet tooth after sweet tooth at many locations in the area including: Belmar, Asbury Park, Red Bank and Toms River. Online ordering, along with in-store ordering, is available at each location. Visit coneywaffle.com.

Peaches & Cream is New Jersey’s premier ice-cream truck based out of Wall Township. Now in its 17th season, the truck serves American classics like Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Deconna Ice Cream, Dolly Madison Ice Cream, Rich’s Ice Cream and Rosati’s Italian Ices to the greater Monmouth and Ocean County areas.

Peaches & Cream specializes in enhancing your party, event, community fair or organization’s social gathering with fantastic customer service and only the best ice cream novelties and products. Truck rental is available for birthday parties, corporate events, weddings, picnics, and more. Website: www.peachesandcreamnj.com.

The Baked Bear, 614 Cookman Ave., Unit 4, Asbury Park and Pier Village, Long Branch is an out-of-this-world ice cream sandwich chain started by two childhood friends in San Diego, California, that’s made its way over to the Jersey Shore. Mix and match your favorite cookie with the ice cream of your choice to create your own cookie creation.

THE BEST OF MONMOUTH COUNTY

Main Scoop Creamery , 140B Main St., Manasquan, is under new ownership, but the shop still serves delicious homemade ice cream, soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, floats, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes and more. This spring they added a candy wall to sweeten your visit to this Manasquan favorite.

Courtney’s Ice Cream Shoppe , 526 Main St., Avon-by-the-Sea, offers hard ice cream, vegan ice cream, Italian ice, milkshakes, pies, waffles and more. Stop in for a quick grab-and-go snack or relax for a while while you enjoy your treat. Some fabulous flavors include Death By Chocolate, Holy Cannoli and Vanilla Peanut Butter.

Del Ponte’s Creamery & Cafe , 602 Main St., Bradley Beach, specializes in homemade gelato and sorbets, specialty coffee and a variety of desserts that you can customize to your liking. Stop by and try one of their specialty gelato flavors like Snack Attack, which is pretzel-flavor gelato with caramel drizzle, peanuts, snickers and chocolate covered pretzels.

Jersey Freeze , 120 Manalapan Ave. in Freehold, has been encouraging customers to “Come taste the best” since 1952. But there’s more to the menu than just gourmet frozen treats – stop in for a burger, salad, steak sandwich and more for a pre-ice cream dinner. Or, take home the dessert! Homemade ice cream cakes and packaged ice cream novelties such as ice cream cupcakes and sandwiches, homemade chipwiches, ice cream pies, and more are also available. Check out their second location at Bell Works in Holmdel.

Nicholas Creamery is proud of their homemade, small-batch ice cream available at five locations. With a new flavor every week, there’s always an exciting new scoop in town. For parties, order an ice cream cake or rent the Creamery Cart to share the sweetness at your next special occasion. Find a Nicholas Creamery at 586 River Road, Fair Haven; 84 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands; 1201 Sycamore Ave., Tinton Falls; 444 Ocean Blvd. N, Long Branch; and 1500 Route 35, Unit 19, Middletown.

Day’s Ice Cream , 48 Pitman Ave. in Ocean Grove, has been serving the Jersey shore since 1876 and is Ocean Grove’s oldest continuously operating business. Take a step back in time and indulge in the selection of hard and soft-serve ice cream, specialty sundaes, milkshakes and floats, Italian ice, frozen yogurt and dairy-free and vegan options.

Shivers Ice Cream , [Aldrich Plaza] 4037 Route 9 North, in Howell, has over 30 years of experience serving ice cream, Italian ice, shakes, and ice cream cakes to loyal customers. All ice cream is made on the premises at this family-owned and operated business. No matter what your ice cream preference, everyone can satisfy their desert dreams with over 30 flavors and an array of toppings at Shivers.

The Sundae Times Ice Cream Parlor, 17 Atlantic Ave., Spring Lake, is “not your typical ice cream parlor.” The unique building was originally a home, destroyed in a fire, then a pharmacy, and finally an ice cream shop. The Sundae Times offers customers delectable hard ice cream flavors with an inviting ambiance. Be sure to check out flavors like Hotel Black Bottom Pie, Milky Way and Midnight Cookies ‘N Cream.

Surfside Frozen Custard , 500 Washington Blvd., Sea Girt, serves award-winning frozen custard that is locally sourced, crafted with love and made fresh each day. The shop offers several flavors like Salted Caramel and Coffee Almond Crunch as well as plenty of toppings. Flavors are subject to change daily and are written on the big white board next to the ordering window. Make sure to get your fix from this seasonal favorite during the summer months.

Belle’s Ice Cream , 300 Morris Ave, Spring Lake, is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Spring Lake, and with an easy walk-up window, is the perfect summer day treat for everyone. The shop offers a plethora of premium ice cream flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie, Elvis and Fly Fishing Fudge to satisfy every sweet tooth. Try out one of their many dairy-free, vegan and plant-based options, as well.

Beach Plum Ice Cream Parlor , 420 Main St., Bradley Beach, serves up 40 flavors of ice cream, ice cream cakes, milk shakes, floats, flying saucers, banana splits, soft serve, vegan ice cream, kosher ice cream and dog treats. Indulge in delicious ice cream flavors like Reese’s, Strawberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Brownie.

Cone Zone , 2040 Route 33, in Neptune City, has been offering customers award-winning ice cream, frozen cakes, treats and novelties since 1993. Everything the shop has to offer is made fresh daily on the premises. Cone Zone has a variety of 32 hard ice creams, over 25 delicious toppings, and treats for your doggie pals as well. Check out Cone Zone’s impressive cake designs on their Facebook for your next event!

Jef-Freeze Ice Cream Parlor located inside the Allenwood General Store, 3208 Allenwood-Lakewood Road, Wall Township, serves up old-fashioned malts, shakes, sundaes, cups/cones and egg creams. Customers can also make their own ice cream pie by choosing ice cream flavors and toppings for an unbeatable summer dessert.

Carlson’s Corner, 432 First Ave., Manasquan, is the perfect place for ice cream with a view of the Manasquan inlet. While you watch the boats go by, this iconic Squan restaurant will make a great view even sweeter with a cup, a cone or a float.

Eddie Confetti’s Ice Cream and Cafe, 1100 Ocean Ave. North, Asbury Park, is an old-school stand on the boardwalk that offers everything from ice cream, milkshakes, malts, smoothies and slushies to specialty coffee. With more than 42 flavors, including vegan options, this summery stand is sure to care of all your beach day needs.

Sweet N Joe , 1405 Wickapecko Drive, Ocean Township, not only serves ice cream but a variety of sweets including cookies, muffins and cupcakes. If you want the best of both worlds, try one of their decadent ice cream cookie sandwiches. This new shop also offers vegan and gluten free options.

Ant & Andy’s Ice Cream, The Orchards, 340 Route 34, Colts Neck, pushes the boundaries of an ice cream outing with fully customizable soft serve and milk shakes. Create your own blend by adding in Fruity Pebbles or brownie bits, or go for a classic like orange creamsicle or one of their refreshing Italian ices. The excitement doesn’t end there– their waffle cones are homemade, fresh every day!

THE BEST OF OCEAN COUNTY

Summer Sweets: Ice Cream Shop , 3071 Route 35 North, Lavallette, serves up sweets at the Shore all summer long. Be sure to try Chocolate Chip Cookie, Rich And Famous, Lemon Bar and Cinnabon. Ice cream cakes, pies, parfaits and frozen bananas are also available. Don’t feel like waiting in line? No problem! Order online for easy pickup or delivery.

Point Creamery scoops over 40 flavors of homemade premium ice cream at 3014 Route 88, Point Pleasant. Eight vegan flavors are available, as are sweet treats for your pup! Try the Blueberry Pie, Midnight Crunch or Cookie Trifecta.

Iceberg Ice Cream , 403 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette, is a fan-favorite Jersey Shore ice cream destination. The family-owned Iceberg features an arcade as well as hard ice cream, soft serve, Italian ice, sherbet, and no-sugar flavors.

Rich’s Ice Cream has been family-owned since 1955 and uses their original family recipes with top quality ingredients to produce the finest ice cream. You can find them at two locations: 1801 Route 37 East, Toms River, and 344 Route 9, Forked River. From famous flurries to custom cakes to Richie bars, there is plenty to choose from.

Kohr’s Frozen Custard has been a Jersey Shore staple since 1923. From the signature orange creme and vanilla swirl to hand-dipped favorites, cookies, cupcakes and cake pops, Kohr’s tempts the taste buds. Check out one of Kohr’s oceanside locations along the Seaside Park Boardwalk, Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach or at 507 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette.

Yellow Brick Road offers over 40 flavor choices of soft and hard ice creams, yogurts and Italian ice, and has been family-owned and operated since 1995. Stop by one of the two locations at 1857 Hooper Ave., Toms River, or 754 Mantoloking Road, in Brick, for delicious frozen treats. If you’re in a rush, try a treat from their grab-and-go cases full of ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches, brownie pizzas, and other novelty desserts.

Mrs. Walker’s Famous Homemade Ice Cream offers customers high-quality products and is home to the slogan, “Where we love to treat you sweet!” Mrs. Walker’s serves up serious sundaes, specialty cakes and endless dessert options. Step inside any of their three locations found at 132 South Main St., Forked River ; 908 Fischer Blvd., Toms River; and 22 Union Ave., Lakehurst.

Sundae Fundae, 2249 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant, proudly serves a wide selection of Hershey’s ice cream. Stop in this local spot for friendly service and a scoop of one (or two!) of their many flavors.

You Scream Ice Cream , 2791 Hooper Ave., Brick, might just have you screaming about how good their homemade ice cream and gelato is. Try one of their classic flavors, or try something different with one of their Italian specialty desserts like tartufo or the cannoli gondoli sundae.

Freezing Point , 3100 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant Boro, offers a healthier alternative to ice cream that tastes just as good. With gluten free, nonfat, no sugar added and sorbet options, there’s a swirly sweet treat for everyone at “The Coolest Place in Point.”

OTHER SWEET TREATS

Confections of a Rock$tar, #104, 550 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, is a rock ‘n’ roll themed bake shop that offers visitors a wide array of decadent cupcake flavors, candied bacon, french macarons, crumb buns, maple glazed oatmeal raisin cookies, and even treats for your furry friends.

Colonial Bakery, 1906A Grand Central Ave., Lavallette serves the Jersey shore selling custom cakes and confections. The bakery also gives customers the option of ordering online 24 hours in advance.

Dune Donuts , 1408 3rd Ave., Spring Lake, brings customers an exciting assortment of bagels and donuts to its customers. The shop also offers breakfast sandwiches, including its “must try” – the inside out everything bagel.

The Breeze , 101 1st Avenue, Manasquan, is serving Manasquan breakfast, lunch, ice cream, pastries and more. Be sure to give their cold brew coffee a try as a way to kickstart your beach day.

The Breeze , 101 1st Avenue, Manasquan, is serving Manasquan breakfast, lunch, ice cream, pastries and more. Be sure to give their cold brew coffee a try as a way to kickstart your beach day.

Mueller’s Bakery, 80 Bridge Ave., Bay Head, is an absolute Jersey shore staple. Step into the classic bakery and take a number – unless you’re a very early bird, there’s going to be a wait. Customers can grab a coffee and a copy of The Ocean Star while they wait to be called to the bakery counter to pick out their homemade cookies, crumb cakes or donuts.

Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe, 55 Main Ave., Ocean Grove, delights customers with freshly baked muffins, pastries, cakes, danishes, artisan breads, and puddings. The shop also has recently started offering gluten-free baked goods and homemade sandwiches to grab on your way up to the beach.

Purple Glaze , 516 Summerfield Ave., Asbury Park, makes delicious, fresh donuts. Visitors can choose from flavors including classics like jelly or glazed, as well as creations like a key lime pie donut with key lime filling, vanilla icing, crushed graham cracker crumbs, whipped cream and mini yogurt chips. The shop is family-owned and operated.

The Scone Pony, 305 Washington Ave., Spring Lake, offers a selection of cookies, cupcakes and baked goods, including, of course, its signature scones.

Sunburst Pie Company , 150 Main St., Manasquan, has you covered when it comes to anything pie – whether it be savory like a quiche or anything sweet, the shop has an incredible selection of tasty, homemade treats. Bonus for locals: try the hot chocolate in the winter, topped with a homemade marshmallow.

Sweet Revenge 527 Bay Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, is the place to go for beautiful – and delectable – hand-made chocolates. The chocolatier serves up milk and dark chocolate treats by the pound or in customized gift boxes.

Sweet Tease Tea Room, 604 Main St., Belmar, is your go to spot for tea time at the Jersey shore. The tea room offers a range of options for afternoon tea including a high tea pre-fixe menu, as well as scones, pastries and desserts.

Nick + Sons Bakery , 304 Morris Ave., Spring Lake, also has a Brooklyn location and was voted New York City’s Best Croissant in 2021. Right here in Spring Lake, you can enjoy their artisanal breads and pastries baked on premise from local, organic ingredients. You’ll enjoy both the sweet and the savory at this location.

Bay Head Cheese Shop , 91 Bridge Ave., Bay Head, is another local shop that specializes in both the savory and the sweet. This cute shop offers gourmet delights, quiches, homemade soups and tea, imported and domestic cheeses, specialty foods, homemade hors d’oeuvres, cheese dips, cheesecakes and cheese platters, as well as wine and other spirits. As they say, “cheese never tasted so sweet.”

Top That Donuts, 210 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, is a family-owned, donut and coffee shop that is ready to delight your taste buds. The unique process of creating your own donut from their seasonal menu or of your own design and watching your donut get made is a fun one. The tastiness and excitement will keep you coming back for more!

Chocolates & Sweets by Joanne is now open in Ocean Grove at 73 Main Ave. Stop in for a wide variety of sweet-tooth pleasers including chocolates, tasty sweets, baked goods, smoothies, gelato, lemonade and more! You can also enjoy sandwiches, salads and more at this Ocean Grove hotspot.

Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe, at 1118 Third Ave., is a Spring Lake staple offering homemade chocolates, specialty candies and summertime ice cream. You must add this sweet spot to your list for a Spring Lake outing.