The Wildwoods - One can't hit the Jersey Beaches without grabbing some Ice Cream, and in Wildwood, you have a lot of options to grab a scoop. From Old-Fashion Ice Cream Parlors to Counter service shops, below are a few of our staff's favorite Ice Cream Spots in Wildwood
Nothing pairs quite as perfectly with the neon lights, Doo-Wop architecture, and salt air of The Wildwoods as a massive scoop of ice cream. Whether you've spent the day dodging the tramcar on the boardwalk or lounging on the Crest's wide beaches, finding the perfect cool treat is a mandatory part of the Jersey Shore experience.
From 1950s retro diners to legendary boardwalk institutions, here are the five best ice cream spots in The Wildwoods that you absolutely cannot miss this summer.
1. Duffer's Homemade Ice Cream Parlor
The Vibe: A bustling, multi-generational family tradition in Wildwood Crest.
Operating for over 50 years, Duffer's is far more than just an ice cream shop—it's a full-blown vacation destination. This resort staple features a Victorian-themed dining room, a gift shop, an arcade, and an 18-hole mini-golf course. The line can get long in the evenings, but the homemade ice cream is worth every single second of the wait.
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Why It Stands Out: Their premium ice cream
Some of their hot fudge creations are served in an old-school glass dish with plenty of whipped cream and a cherry.
2. Cool Scoops Ice Cream Parlor
The Vibe: A time-machine trip straight back to the fabulous '50s.
Located in North Wildwood, Cool Scoops embraces the island's famous Doo-Wop heritage with unmatched energy. Step inside to find black-and-white checkered floors, neon lights, a vintage Rockola jukebox, and booths made from real 1957 Chevy Bel Airs and '59 Cadillacs.
- Why It Stands Out: It offers pure sensory nostalgia alongside over 30 flavors of hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream. It's an incredibly fun, high-energy environment for kids and adults alike.
- Must-Try Order: The ScoopDeVille or the Lil' Deuce Scoops specialty sundaes, enjoyed while sitting inside an authentic retro car booth.
3. Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard
The Vibe: The ultimate, undisputed king of the boardwalk.
You can't write a list about Wildwood treats without including Kohr Brothers. A staple of the Jersey Shore since 1919, their multiple boardwalk stands are recognizable by the long lines of beachgoers craving a classic, silky-smooth frozen custard that melts just a little too fast in the summer heat.
- Why It Stands Out: It's lighter than traditional ice cream but packs a massive punch of flavor and an incredibly smooth texture. It is the literal taste of a Wildwood boardwalk stroll.
- Must-Try Order: The legendary Orange and Vanilla Twist in a waffle cone, dipped in milk chocolate or covered in chocolate jimmies (sprinkles).
4. Lizzy's Ice Cream
The Vibe: Massive portions and decadent, chocolate-lover daydreams.
With locations in both North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, Lizzy's has earned a massive local following for serving up some of the island's most decadent sundaes. This is a classic walk-up window spot where the lines move fast, and the portions are absolutely huge.
- Why It Stands Out: Lizzy's doesn't skimp on the toppings or the quality. They are famous for layering their ingredients perfectly, ensuring you get hot fudge, cake pieces, and ice cream in every single bite.
- Must-Try Order: The Betsy Brownie Blast or a custom Brownie Bowl featuring fresh, fudgy brownies loaded with death-by-chocolate ice cream and warm hot fudge.
5. Hassles Ice Cream
The Vibe: A perfect off-the-boardwalk hangout with plenty of parking.
Situated right at the foot of the 20th and 21st Avenue boardwalk ramps in North Wildwood, Hassles is the perfect spot to escape the immediate craziness of the boards without losing the beach atmosphere. Plus, they have a second location on New Jersey Avenue with ample free parking.
- Why It Stands Out: It combines great premium hard-dipped ice cream selections with an on-site mini-golf course. It's casual, friendly, and the perfect pit-stop on your way to or from the beach.
- Must-Try Order: A thick, old-fashioned Milkshake or a waffle cone packed with one of their rotating seasonal specialty flavors.
Wildwood Ice Cream Pro-Tips:
- Cash is King: While most spots take cards, a few smaller stands or boardwalk windows prefer cash (or have a cash-only line that moves much faster). Keep a few dollars handy.
- Beat the Post-Dinner Rush: The busiest time for ice cream in Wildwood is between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM, right as families leave the beach or the dinner table. Go a little earlier or grab a late-night scoop to skip the heaviest crowds!
