From Cape Cod’s charming shores to Greater Boston’s busy streets, these ice cream shops offer a sweet way to cool down. Each one has its own charm and delicious flavors, making them must-visit spots for ice cream lovers. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, don’t miss these top places for a tasty summer treat. Enjoy your scoops and savor the best ice cream our region has to offer!
Best Ice Cream Shops on Cape Cod
Cape Cod Creamery | Dennis, Hyannis & South Yarmouth
Known for its gourmet ice cream with fun, local Cape Cod names like Monomoy Mud Pie, Sandy Neck Snickers, and Craigville Caramel Crunch, Cape Cod Creamery has three locations on the Mid Cape. Although there may be a line wrapping around the deck to get in, that gives you time to make your selection. Then enjoy your smooth and creamy frozen treat in one of their signature blue and yellow Adirondack chairs. 
Ben & Bill’s | Falmouth
Walking into Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, visitors are greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly made waffle cones and a dazzling display of colorful ice cream flavors, ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to innovative creations like salted caramel crunch and raspberry cheesecake swirl. The shop is known for using high-quality ingredients sourced locally whenever possible, ensuring each scoop is a creamy delight. Established by twin brothers Ben and Bill themselves, the shop exudes a nostalgic charm with its old-fashioned decor and cozy atmosphere.
Sundae School | Harwich Port and Dennisport
Their ice cream and frozen yogurts are made on the premises in small batches using only the finest ingredients available. Additionally, Sundae School takes pride in serving its famous hot fudge sundaes topped with real whipped cream and a fresh Bing cherry (in season). 
The Local Scoop | Orleans
With a make-your-own sundae bar and offering 12 unique flavors of homemade ice cream, The Local Scoop lets you create your own dessert and pile on your favorite toppings to your heart’s content.
Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream | Provincetown
Open since 1997, Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream is a small family-owned business that believes in the quality of its ice cream and strives to share its passion for fresh homemade ice cream.
Four Seas Ice Cream | Centerville
No list of summer ice cream on Cape Cod would be complete without Four Seas Ice Cream, one of the three oldest ice cream shops in New England. Offering all the classics, plus inventive weekly flavors, many consider their homemade ice cream the best.
Gone Chocolate | Osterville VillageÂ
Gone Chocolate in Osterville is a hidden gem tucked away in this picturesque Cape Cod village. Once you step inside, you’ll discover a decadent world of handcrafted chocolates. From truffles delicately dusted with cocoa powder to artisanal chocolate bars infused with local flavors like cranberry and sea salt, every treat is a testament to the owner’s passion for quality and creativity. Beyond chocolate, their selection of ice cream and frozen yogurt is equally delicious—and a top contender among Cape Cod’s ice cream shops! 
Best Ice Cream Shops on the South Coast
Betty Ann’s Dairy Freeze | Buzzards Bay
Betty Ann’s Dairy Freeze has been serving up soft serve and hard ice cream to locals and visitors from afar since 1955. In addition to their premium soft serve, they offer 20 flavors of hard ice cream, vegan non-dairy soft serve, and Richie’s Italian Ice.
Acushnet Creamery | Acushnet
All of the ice cream, frozen yogurts, and sherbets are homemade right at the creamery. As they have expanded, their menu has grown to include over 50 flavors, including their new dairy-free sorbet. Additionally, their most popular items—waffle cones and bowls—are available with a chocolate dip. 
Somerset Creamery | SomersetÂ
A family-owned business serving fresh homemade ice cream, cones, and sundaes since 1937. Come try their original Cranberry Bog Ice Cream, a unique flavor featuring craisins, walnuts, and dark chocolate blended into their handmade cranberry ice cream.
Best Ice Cream Shops in Greater Boston
Dairy Twist | PembrokeÂ
Jack and Cheryl Nolet purchased Dairy Twist in 2002, building on its original opening in 1994. They strive to make everyone happy with large portions and a wide variety of options. If there’s something you want but don’t see listed, just ask a staff member—they’ll do their best to make it happen if they have the ingredients. The shop offers soft serve, hard serve, sorbet (non-dairy), sherbet, sundaes, and more.
Toscanini’s | Cambridge
Toscanini’s is always interested in new flavors and all of their ice cream is homemade in-store. Some flavors are from other parts of the US, such as Black Bottom Pie, while others are from foreign countries.
Nona’s Homemade Ice Cream | Scituate
Their ice cream is known as some of the best on the South Shore! They offer a variety of flavors and have three locations, so there will always be room for their homemade goodies on any sunny day! 
JJ’s Dairy Hut | Cohasset
You’ll love the nostalgic setting of JJ’s! It opened in the 1950s and has perfected its ice cream, keeping people coming back for more than 60 years. They offer a mix of traditional and modern flavors, complete with all the classic toppings you could ask for.
Uhlman’s Ice Cream | Westborough
Opening in 1967 as a farm stand, Uhlman’s today sells more than just ice cream and yogurt. They also offer frozen lemonade and frozen lime rickeys. You can enjoy old-fashioned ice cream sodas and floats. They also offer dairy-free and allergy-friendly options. Plus, hot dogs and chips are available for lunch. 
The Spoonery | Hopkinton
They are just a townie family trying to create a welcoming environment in the town where they grew up. Their goal is to offer modern interpretations of classic dishes while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Notably, The Spoonery has been part of Hopkinton’s history for 40 years.
Honeycomb Creamery | CambridgeÂ
Honeycomb Creamery specializes in small-batch craft ice cream made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. They create original flavors customized just for their customers. Additionally, they offer a rotating selection of classic, seasonal, and vegan specialties, served with house-made waffle cones and bowls.
J.P. Licks | Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Wellesley, Andover, Lynnfield & Dedham
J.P. Licks has served up sweets for 40 years, proudly welcoming customers in every neighborhood it calls home. The shop maintains Kosher certification and offers dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan selections alongside its traditional and creative flavors. Boston Magazine consistently recognizes J.P. Licks as one of the top ice cream shops in the city.
Savor the Sweetest Summer Moments
From Cape Cod’s shores to Greater Boston’s streets, these ice cream shops are a delightful way to cool down this summer. Each spot has a unique charm and offers delicious treats, making them must-visit destinations for anyone who loves ice cream! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to explore these top spots for a fun and flavorful treat!