10 Florida Ice Cream Stands Worth Stopping For On A Hot Day
Florida’s scorching temperatures often call for sweet, frozen relief. Nothing beats the heat like a creamy scoop from a local ice cream stand, where unique flavors and charming atmospheres create the perfect cool-down experience.
These 10 Florida ice cream spots offer delicious treats that make summer heat waves almost worth enduring.
1. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour: A Nostalgic Treasure Trove
Stepping into Jaxson’s feels like traveling back in time. This Dania Beach institution has been serving massive scoops since 1956, surrounded by an astonishing collection of American memorabilia covering every inch of wall space.
Their famous Kitchen Sink sundae serves up to four people and arrives with sirens blaring. The menu features over 60 homemade flavors, with options for even the pickiest ice cream lovers.
When I visited last summer, the line stretched out the door, but the wait for their legendary butter pecan was absolutely worth every minute.
2. Whip ‘N Dip: South Miami’s Homemade Heaven
Family-owned since 1985, Whip ‘N Dip creates everything from scratch daily. Their signature coconut ice cream, studded with real coconut flakes, transports you straight to a tropical paradise with just one lick.
Regulars rave about their cookie dough and coffee chocolate chip flavors. The modest storefront might not look fancy, but locals know this South Miami gem serves some of the creamiest, most flavorful scoops in the state.
Their handmade waffle cones fill the shop with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting in line part of the experience.
3. Azucar Ice Cream Company: Cuban Flavors Reimagined
Cuban-inspired flavors make Azucar a standout in Miami’s Little Havana. Their Abuela Maria flavor – vanilla ice cream with guava, cream cheese, and Maria cookies – pays homage to Cuban heritage and consistently ranks as their bestseller.
The vibrant storefront, topped with a giant ice cream cone, draws visitors from across the country. Owner Suzy Batlle created the shop to honor her grandmother’s ice cream recipes and Cuban traditions.
My grandmother used to make similar desserts, and taking that first bite of their mantecado (Cuban vanilla) brought tears to my eyes. It tasted exactly like childhood memories.
4. Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream: Orlando’s Artisanal Gem
What started as an ice cream truck now boasts multiple locations around Orlando. Kelly’s rotates through over 100 flavors, with 24 available daily, including their famous Blueberry Cheesecake and Cookie Monster varieties.
Their commitment to small-batch production means every scoop tastes incredibly fresh. The shop’s bright blue interior creates a cheerful atmosphere that perfectly matches their playful flavor combinations.
Kelly uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting Florida farmers while creating uniquely Floridian flavor profiles that capture the essence of the Sunshine State.
5. Twistee Treat: Iconic Cone-Shaped Stands
You can’t miss these giant ice cream cone buildings dotting Florida’s landscape. Twistee Treat has been serving soft-serve since 1983, creating a loyal following across the state.
Their signature twist cones, vanilla and chocolate swirled together, deliver nostalgic perfection on hot summer days. Kids especially love watching their ice cream being swirled directly from the machine into cones or cups.
I’ve been stopping at the same Twistee Treat location since I was ten years old, and something about that first lick of soft serve still makes me feel like a kid again, no matter how old I get.
6. Dairy Joy: Tampa Bay’s Retro Delight
This Tampa institution has barely changed since opening in 1958. The walk-up window, simple menu, and traditionally cash-only policy (they now accept cards) transport visitors to a simpler time when ice cream didn’t need fancy toppings to impress.
Their chocolate-dipped soft serve cones develop a perfect crackly shell that shatters with each bite. The shop’s retro signage and affordable prices make it a favorite for families seeking authentic old-school ice cream experiences.
During my college years in Tampa, we’d pool our loose change for Dairy Joy cones after final exams, a sweet tradition that made even the toughest semesters end on a high note.
7. Thomas Donut & Snack Shop: Beachside Bliss
Morning lines form early at this Panama City Beach landmark, where visitors queue up for both donuts and exceptional ice cream. Their newly expanded Thomas’ Pizza & Cream section offers hand-scooped flavors in house-made waffle cones.
The beachfront location creates the perfect setting for enjoying a post-swim treat. Their key lime pie ice cream captures Florida’s signature flavor in creamy form, complete with graham cracker pieces mixed throughout.
The salty breeze from the nearby Gulf shores somehow makes every scoop taste better, creating an ice cream experience that perfectly captures the essence of a Florida beach vacation.
8. Flamingo Crossing: Key West’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away from Duval Street’s tourist crowds, this small-batch creamery creates flavors inspired by the Keys’ tropical fruits and laid-back lifestyle. Their mango habanero sorbet delivers the perfect balance of sweet fruit and gentle heat.
The pink-painted cottage housing the shop adds to its charm. Everything is made in small batches, ensuring peak freshness and flavor in every scoop.
Owners Ellie and Dan McConnell make each flavor from scratch using local ingredients whenever possible.
Their passion shows in creations like key lime pie ice cream, a refreshing treat that captures Key West’s spirit in frozen form.
9. Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts: Tampa Bay’s Sweet Expansion
From humble beginnings in Palm Harbor to multiple Tampa Bay locations, Strachan’s success stems from their commitment to quality. Their signature Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel flavor combines sweet, salty, and crunchy elements in perfect harmony.
Each location maintains a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where staff remember regulars’ favorite flavors. The shop’s bright blue and white color scheme feels appropriately beachy for a Florida ice cream destination.
What started as a small family business has grown through word-of-mouth rather than flashy marketing – proof that exceptional ice cream needs no advertisement beyond happy customers telling their friends.
10. Bo’s Ice Cream: Tampa’s Nostalgic Neighborhood Spot
Since 1954, this Seminole Heights landmark has served generations of Tampa families from the same small building. Their old-school soft serve comes in classic twists, dipped cones, and legendary Boston shakes – a milkshake topped with a sundae.
The neon sign and walk-up window harken back to simpler times. Prices remain surprisingly affordable, making Bo’s a regular stop for locals seeking sweet relief from Florida heat.
On summer nights, the parking lot transforms into an impromptu community gathering space where neighbors catch up while enjoying frozen treats – a tradition that’s remained unchanged for nearly seven decades.