NEW JERSEY - New Jersey and summer are synonymous with trips "down the shore," and no shore trip is complete without a visit to a local ice cream parlor. The Garden State boasts an incredible number of independent, family-owned ice cream shops, especially in its beloved coastal towns. But which New Jersey town holds the crown for having the most ice cream parlors? While an exact, official count can be tricky, the consistent answer from locals, travel writers, and sheer observation points to one clear winner: Ocean City, New Jersey.
Ocean City, NJ: The Ice Cream Capital of the Jersey Shore
Known as "America's Greatest Family Resort," Ocean City has cultivated an atmosphere that is perfect for an ice cream lover's paradise.
- Sheer Numbers: While official business licenses fluctuate, Ocean City is widely cited as having the highest concentration of ice cream parlors and frozen treat shops in the state. A stroll down its famous boardwalk and the main drag of Asbury Avenue reveals a seemingly endless array of options, with some estimates putting the number of shops serving ice cream at over 30 to 40 within the town's 11 square miles.
- A Family-Friendly Focus: As a "dry" town (meaning no alcohol is sold), the evening social life often revolves around family-friendly activities, with getting ice cream being a primary tradition. This has created a high demand that supports a large number of competing shops.
- A Variety of Styles: The offerings go far beyond simple scoops. In Ocean City, you can find traditional hard ice cream, classic soft serve, creamy frozen custard, water ice, gelato, and inventive sundaes all within a few blocks.
A Look at Ocean City's Iconic Ice Cream Scene:
The sheer number of shops means there's a style for everyone, from historic institutions to modern favorites.
- Historic Institutions: Shops like Shriver's Salt Water Taffy & Fudge and Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard have been serving sweet treats on the boardwalk for generations, representing a taste of nostalgia for many families.
- Beloved Local Parlors: Independent shops like TJ's Ice Cream Plus and Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor are cherished for their homemade flavors, unique sundaes, and charming, old-fashioned atmosphere.
- Modern Favorites: Newer spots continue to pop up, offering unique creations and keeping the scene fresh and competitive.
Why So Many Shops?
The phenomenon of Ocean City's ice cream density is due to a perfect storm of factors:
- High Tourist Volume: Millions of visitors flock to the town each summer.
- Family-Oriented Culture: Ice cream is the ultimate family-friendly dessert and activity.
- Boardwalk Tradition: A walk on the boardwalk is perfectly complemented by a cone or cup of ice cream.
- The "Dry Town" Effect: With no bars to anchor the nightlife, ice cream parlors become key social gathering spots in the evening.
While many New Jersey towns have fantastic ice cream scenes, Ocean City, NJ, stands out as the undisputed leader in sheer quantity and variety. Its incredible density of parlors, driven by a rich tradition of family vacations and boardwalk culture, makes it the "Ice Cream Capital" of the Jersey Shore. For any ice cream enthusiast, a trip to Ocean City isn't just a chance to enjoy a great dessert; it's an opportunity to embark on a sweet safari, with a delicious new discovery waiting around every corner.
