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.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

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

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More, Your Way: Real-World Avanti Success Stories with Two Top AdvisorsTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Avanti Destinations’ Director of National Accounts, Ken Pringle, and two high-performing travel...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More, Your Way: Real-World Avanti Success Stories with Two Top AdvisorsTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Avanti Destinations’ Director of National Accounts, Ken Pringle, and two high-performing travel...