Vacationing on the Outer Banks is all about sandy shores, fun in the sun, and days spent splashing in the water. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime, and we hope that you keep returning year after year!
But wait! What’s the ultimate beach vacation without the perfect ice cream cone to top it off? Check out our picks for the best ice cream and dessert spots in the Outer Banks—you won’t regret it!
Scoops Homemade Ice Cream
Kill Devil Hills
Mmm, there’s nothing quite like a scoop of homemade ice cream. And you can get a taste of some of the best homemade ice cream in the Outer Banks right here at Scoops!
Customers love their handmade waffle cones, delectable ice cream flavors, and friendly hospitality. But don’t take our word for it; go check it out yourself!
Booty Treats Ice Cream and Shaved Ice
Nags Head
This local company prides itself on dishing out the “best booty on the beach”—with that mission statement and the slogan “Got booty?”, you won’t soon forget this whimsical shop in Nags Head. Now with two locations (big booty and little booty), the shop is known for more than its funny name.
Try over 30 kinds of ice cream here, unique shaved ice flavors, or the famous “Booty Freeze”! This fun treat consists of mini melts (think Dippin' Dots) in the bottom, shaved ice on top, and more mini melts down the center and top for an incredible dessert concoction. Booty Treats encourages you to get as creative as possible, and even has a page on their site dedicated solely to customer creations!
Surfin’ Spoon Frozen Yogurt Bar
Nags Head
Have you ever been to a frozen yogurt bar? Even if you have, we’d guess you haven’t been to one quite like this! This sweet shop was founded by husband-and-wife duo Jesse and Whitney Hines in 2012, and they’ve gone through many trials over the years, including a hurricane that flooded their small shop in 2016.
Nowadays though, they are thriving. Business is booming, and they were even able to purchase their own bigger building, moving out of the small shop the business once called home. They serve up scrumptious soft serve frozen yogurt and yummy ice cream sandwiches—it’s a tasty treat for the whole family!
The Spot
Nags Head / Kitty Hawk
Looking for something sweet after a long hot day on the beach? We know a spot—it’s The Spot! Well, technically, there are actually two locations for The Spot, but we digress.
Known as the Outer Banks’ Original Bowl Spot, you can pop in here for acai bowls, fruit smoothies, coffee, and ice cream. If you’re looking for something to cool you off that's still a healthy option, their acai bowls are a must-try!
Olde Towne Creamery
Manteo
Olde Towne Creamery is a tried-and-true favorite! When you come here, you’ll feel like a local. You simply can't leave Monteo without trying one of their delicious ice cream cones.
Beyond their classic cones, you can try a selection of hot food including burgers and hot dogs! This is the perfect beach shack, complete with milkshakes, French fries, and any other authentic beachside fare you can think of. They, too, have a section of their website completely dedicated to customer creations. Pay them a visit and see what you can come up with!
Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream
Corolla/Duck/Kitty Hawk/Manteo
Big Bucks is an Outer Banks staple. Now with four locations, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to swing by and try some of their famous treats. They've been serving up smiles on the Outer Banks since 1994, and their ice cream is the perfect blend of Italian gelato flavors and the richness of American ice cream.
Beyond their signature homemade ice cream, they also carry Belgian chocolate, delicious ice cream cakes, and even 1 lb. candy bags! If you’re looking for a sugar rush, you can certainly find one here. Bring your kids along if you dare!
Holy Cow Creamery
Kill Devil Hills
Holy Cow, this place is good! With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a seemingly endless list of enticing flavors to choose from, it’s no wonder Holy Cow Creamery is on our list of the best ice cream in the Outer Banks.
Holy Cow Creamery is famous for its many unique flavor options, like Strawberry Cactus, Honey Pecan, and Dragonfruit with Chili Pepper. If you’re having trouble choosing which flavor you want, don’t worry, you can try one of their ice cream flights! You don’t have to commit to just one—choose a few flavors and dig on in. You'll love getting to try such a wide variety of their delightful flavors!
Noosa Scoops
Kill Devil Hills
Noosa Scoops has a selection of delicious treats to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something healthy like a smoothie or acai bowl, or just want to gorge on some ice cream, you’ve come to the right place.
Stop in for a morning coffee and acai bowl to start your day off right, or end your beach day with a sweet ice cream treat! This shop is a newer addition here in Kill Devil Hills, and it’s already quickly becoming a favorite.
Book Your Outer Banks Vacation with Carolina Shores!
Well, now we’re really in the mood for some ice cream. If only we could stop in at one of these locations and grab a cone!
The good news is that you can do just that, as soon as you book your Outer Banks vacation with Carolina Shores! No matter what your booking needs look like, we have you covered.
Whether you want to relax in a hot tub after a long day, take a swim in your very own private pool, or make sure your rental is dog-friendly so you can bring your favorite four-legged friend, Carolina Shores has a range of accommodations that will fit your needs. Browse our available vacation rentals now, and book your vacation to the Outer Banks directly with Carolina Shores!