Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, exploring a new town, or simply craving something sweet, nothing says summer like a great ice cream stop. From Cape Cod to the South Coast and Greater Boston, these local favorites serve everything from homemade classics to creative seasonal flavors worth the trip.
Best Ice Cream Shops on Cape Cod
Upper Cape
Walking into Ben and Bill’s, 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.
Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe | Sandwich
A Cape Cod tradition for generations, Twin Acres Ice Cream Shoppe is a favorite among locals and visitors. Located along Route 6A in Sandwich, this family-owned spot serves generous portions of premium ice cream in a relaxed, old-fashioned setting. Choose from dozens of classic and seasonal flavors, enjoy your treat at one of the outdoor picnic tables, and soak in the charm of Cape Cod’s oldest town.
Somerset Creamery | Cataumet (Bourne)
A true Upper Cape favorite, Somerset Creamery has been serving homemade ice cream since 1937. Located along Route 28A in Cataumet, this family-owned shop is known for its rich, creamy small-batch ice cream and freshly made waffle cones. With a rotating mix of classic and creative flavors (including their famous cranberry-inspired specialties), it’s the kind of stop where summer nights tend to turn into tradition. On warm summer evenings, it’s not uncommon to find a line out the door—but locals will tell you it’s well worth the wait.
Mid Cape
Gone Chocolate | Osterville Village
Located in the heart of Osterville Village, Gone Chocolate is a favorite stop for handcrafted chocolates, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. From artisanal truffles to creamy scoops, every treat is made with quality and creativity. It’s the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring one of Cape Cod’s most charming villages.
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.Â
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.
Lower Cape
Their ice cream and frozen yogurts are made on the premises in small batches using only the finest ingredients available. With locations in both Harwich Port and Dennis Port, Sundae School has become a Cape Cod classic. Additionally, they take pride in serving their famous hot fudge sundaes topped with real whipped cream and a fresh Bing cherry.
The Local Scoop | Orleans & Chatham
With locations in Orleans and Chatham, The Local Scoop is a Lower Cape favorite featuring homemade ice cream, a build-your-own sundae bar, and plenty of toppings to customize your perfect treat. Whether you prefer a classic cone or an over-the-top sundae, there’s something for everyone.
Nestled beside the historic Brewster Store along picturesque Route 6A, Brewster Scoop has been serving up summer memories for generations. The seasonal ice cream shop offers more than 30 flavors of rich, creamy ice cream, along with sundaes, frappes, floats, and freshly made waffle cones. Whether you’re exploring Brewster’s charming village center or taking a scenic drive along the Old King’s Highway, it’s the perfect place to stop and enjoy a classic Cape Cod treat.
Outer Cape
Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream | Provincetown
Family-owned since 1997, Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream has become a Provincetown favorite for its rich, homemade ice cream and welcoming atmosphere. Located just steps from Commercial Street, it’s the perfect place to cool off after exploring the shops, galleries, and waterfront.
A Wellfleet favorite tucked along Route 6, A Nice Cream Stop serves the creative, super-premium ice cream flavors that Emack & Bolio’s is known for. It’s a fun stop after a day at the beach or exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore, with seasonal flavors and signature waffle cones that keep locals and visitors coming back all summer. While the Wellfleet location is a popular Outer Cape destination, you’ll also find locations in Chatham and Orleans.
A summertime favorite in Eastham, Nauset Ice Cream has been serving homemade ice cream since 1998. Made fresh daily, the shop offers more than 30 flavors, including dairy-free and vegan options, along with freshly made waffle cones and generous portions. Conveniently located on Route 6, it’s the perfect stop after a day at Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light Beach, or exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore.
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.
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.
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.
Captain Bonney’s Creamery | Rochester
A local favorite with a classic New England ice cream stand feel. They serve premium hard ice cream, soft serve, frappes, sundaes, and seasonal specialties. It’s especially popular with families during the summer.
A Wareham institution for over 50 years, Kool-Kone is a classic South Coast ice cream stand with nostalgic charm. It offers soft serve, hard ice cream, sundaes, frappes, and signature treats like the “Kool Wiz.” Located on Marion Road, it feels like a true old-school summer stop, often paired with nearby mini golf. Open seasonally, it’s a longtime favorite for both locals and summer crowds.
Best Ice Cream Shops in Greater Boston and Surrounding Areas
Toscanini’s has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Made in-house, its menu features everything from classic favorites to imaginative seasonal flavors that have made it a Cambridge staple.
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 | Various Locations
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. J.P. Licks is regularly recognized among the Boston area’s favorite ice cream shops.
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.
A favorite in downtown Hopkinton, The Spoonery is known for its handcrafted ice cream, creative sundaes, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping in for a classic scoop or a specialty dessert, it’s a sweet way to end a summer day.
Savor the Sweetest Summer Moments
Whether you’re ending a beach day, taking a scenic drive, or simply craving a sweet treat, these local ice cream shops are worth the stop. From longtime favorites to family-owned classics, each one offers its own take on the perfect summer scoop!
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