Gulf Shores, Alabama, is all about sun-soaked beach days, salty breezes, and family adventures that turn into lifelong memories. Whether you’re lounging on the sand, exploring Fort Morgan, checking out The Wharf, or diving into a dolphin cruise, one thing’s for sure—no beach day is complete without a sweet, chilly treat to top it all off.
When the afternoon heat hits or you’re winding down after a big day, ice cream is always a good idea. In this blog, we’re sharing some of our favorite Gulf Shores ice cream spots that have become must-visit spots for families year after year.
Let's scoop out the best ice cream in Gulf Shores, Alabama!
Scoops Ice Cream
Scoops Ice Cream is our favorite ice cream shop! This ice cream parlor is a family tradition for many of our guests every year. They have everything you could think of, from sundaes to milkshakes to floats. With over 30 different flavors of hard scoop ice cream to choose from, you'll be able to build your perfect ice cream treat.
Hours: Open Daily 12 pm to 11 pm
Location: 601 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542
Favorite Treat: Hot Fudge Brownie Delight
Matt's Homemade Alabama Ice Cream
Another great Gulf Shores tradition is visiting Matt's Homemade Alabama Ice Cream. As one of the few homemade ice cream shops in Alabama, they offer creamy, flavorful scoops. In addition to ice cream, they have floats and Old Fashioned Sodas if you're looking for something different.
Hours: Open Daily 11 am to 12 am
Location: 1308 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Alabama, 36542
Favorite Treat: Banana Split
Island Ice Cream and Treats
Offering more than just the basics, Island Ice Cream and Treats has so many things to offer. Enjoy an ice cream sandwich with any flavor of ice cream between sliced glazed donuts. Get a mason jar sundae if you want to get fancy with your sweet treat.
Hours: Open Daily 11 am to 11 pm
Location: 1154 W Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542
Favorite Treat: Cookie Crunch Mason Jar Sundae
Sweet Cone Alabama
A staple across Alabama's Gulf Coast, Sweet Cone Alabama has over 60 custom flavors of ice cream. More than just an ice cream shop, Sweet Cone Alabama offers a variety of candy and chocolates if you're not wanting something cold.
Hours: Open Daily 10:30 am to 12 am
Location: 701 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Favorite Treat: Birthday Bash Sundae
Cherry on Top
Just two blocks off the beach, Cherry on top is the perfect stop after a long beach day. Local and family-owned, they have a large outside seating area filled with pretty turquoise picnic tables. From custom scoops and shakes, and with 20 topping options available, you can make the ultimate sundae. Additionally, kiddie scoops are available for your pint-sized family members.
Hours: Monday - Friday 12 pm to 10:30 pm, Saturday 12 pm to 10 pm, Sunday Closed
Location: 132 West 1st Avenue #1, Gulf Shores, AL, 46542
Favorite Treat: Turtle Banana Split
Del's Ice Cream
Del's Ice Cream is the newest addition to the ice cream shops in Gulf Shores. They offer homemade ice cream in various unique flavors, including peanut butter and jelly, peeps, and banana moon pie. In addition to classic hard scoop ice cream, Del's also provides sorbets and sugar-free options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a refreshing treat at the end of the day.
Hours: Open Daily 11 am to 11 pm
Location: 400 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL, 46542
Favorite Treat: A Scoop of cookie dough in a waffle cone
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Featured Property: Do South
Now that your tummy is filled with ice cream goodness, you'll need a place to rest your head! Here at Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals, we have a variety of homes perfect for a great night's rest! When you stay in one of our beachfront large group vacation rentals, you'll be guaranteed a vacation to remember!
Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly rental, a rental with a pool, or a home with an elevator, you can find a rental perfect for you and your family! What are you waiting for? Start browsing our beachfront vacation rentals today to book your next vacation directly with Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals!