The Best Ice Cream Shops Across the US

Image: Ice cream cone. (Photo Credit: bnenin/Adobe)
Image: Ice cream cone. (Photo Credit: bnenin/Adobe)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 1:00 PM ET, Sat March 15, 2025

I scream you scream...you know the rest.

Ice cream is just a staple of summer. Or any other time for that matter.

And if you find a place with something different, like a cannoli flavor (hint, hint), you’ve hit the jackpot.

Here are some of the best ice cream shops in America, and they are worth a trip. This is just a sampling though as there would be far more if we had the boss’s credit card and an unlimited budget. These are in no particular order.

Nathan's Dairy Bar, Manassas, Virginia – Let’s start with a twist. One of the best things about this place is its frozen custard. And, yes, you can order a twist.

Gelato Paradiso, Austin, Texas – Does the name give it away? The next time you visit Austin or have business here, make a detour for this place.

Let's Chill Homemade Ice Cream, Coral Springs, Florida – What better place to have an ice cream cone than in Florida? And the selection of homemade flavors is outstanding.

Ben and Jerry's ice cream delivery truck in Vermont

Ben and Jerry's ice cream delivery truck in Vermont. (Photo Credit: Simon van Hemert/Adobe)

Ben and Jerry’s, Burlington, Vermont – This is not just any shop in a suburban mall. This is the original that produced such offbeat flavors as Cherry Garcia.

Fluffy's Sno-Balls, Long Beach, California – So you say you’re ready to try a dill pickle-flavored ice cream. But are you?

Deep Barrel Roasters & Creamery, Norco, California – Does it help that the owners are on-site and take a vested interest in the success of their business? One bite will tell you that.

Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory, Kissimmee, Florida – This is right near Walt Disney World in Orlando, hence the name. Prepare to spend a copious amount of time here. No, not on choosing an ice cream flavor. But in selecting your toppings. The amount of toppings available is staggering.

Ghirardelli, San Francisco, California – Perhaps the finest use of chocolate. Ever.

Cloud City Ice Cream, Portland, Oregon – The scoops here are insanely large. And the homemade flavors make it all worth the while. 

Of course, there are many others. Ice cream is universal.


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Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

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