11 Ice Cream Shops In South Carolina To Put On Your Summer Road Trip List
The best stop on a South Carolina road trip is not always the beach.
Sometimes it is the ice cream shop you almost drove past.
That is where summer memories are made. One scoop turns into two.
A quick stop becomes an hour on a shaded patio. And suddenly the sweetest part of the trip has nothing to do with your final destination.
It is all about homemade flavors, fresh waffle cones, and the simple joy of slowing down for dessert.
That is what makes these places worth the drive.
South Carolina is filled with outstanding ice cream shops, from charming small-town parlors to beloved coastal favorites that have been serving happy customers for generations. Every stop has its own specialty.
Every scoop has its own personality. And every visit gives you another excuse to take the scenic route.
Forget rushing to the next destination.
These South Carolina ice cream shops prove that the sweetest moments of summer are often found somewhere between where you started and where you planned to go.
1. Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream, Murrells Inlet
Some places just feel like summer the moment you walk in, and Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream in Murrells Inlet is exactly that kind of place.
Tucked along US-17 BUS, this spot has earned a loyal following by keeping things simple and delicious.
The ice cream is made with real ingredients, and you can taste the difference with every single lick.
Flavors rotate with the seasons, so there is always something new to try alongside the beloved classics that regulars keep coming back for.
The portions are generous, the staff is genuinely warm, and the whole vibe feels like a neighborhood treat rather than a tourist trap.
If you are cruising the Murrells Inlet area after a day at the beach, this is the kind of stop that turns a good day into a great one.
Order a double scoop and find a spot outside to enjoy it. You will not want to rush.
Address: 3021 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
2. Meyer’s Ice Cream Parlor, Surfside Beach
There is something deeply satisfying about a classic ice cream parlor that has not tried to reinvent itself just to keep up with trends, and Meyer’s Ice Cream Parlor in Surfside Beach is a prime example of that timeless appeal.
Located on US-17 BUS, this spot leans into the old-school parlor experience with a menu full of familiar favorites executed really well.
The sundaes are loaded and unapologetic, the milkshakes are thick enough to test your straw, and the soft serve is consistently smooth and creamy.
Families flock here after beach days, and it is easy to see why. The atmosphere is relaxed, the prices are fair, and nobody is rushing you out the door.
Meyer’s has the kind of easygoing personality that makes it feel like you have been coming here for years, even on your very first visit.
It is a Surfside Beach staple that earns its spot on any summer road trip list.
Address: 1906 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach, SC.
3. Kirk’s 1890 Ice Cream Parlor, Myrtle Beach
Named after the year 1890, Kirk’s Ice Cream Parlor in Myrtle Beach brings a fun dose of nostalgia to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk scene.
The decor leans into that classic, old-fashioned parlor aesthetic, making it feel like a step back in time even as you stand in one of the busiest tourist towns on the East Coast.
The ice cream itself is the real draw, with a rotating lineup of flavors that balances crowd-pleasing staples with more creative options for the adventurous scooper.
Banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, and hand-dipped cones are all done with care here, and the staff seems genuinely happy to be there, which always makes the experience better.
Kirk’s sits right on N Kings Hwy, making it a convenient and rewarding stop whether you are starting your beach day or winding it down.
The fun atmosphere and solid menu make it one of Myrtle Beach’s most enjoyable sweet stops.
Address: 2500 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC.
4. Gilbert’s Ice Cream, Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island has a reputation for being laid-back and a little bit magical, and Gilbert’s Ice Cream fits right into that character.
Situated in a small shopping plaza on Ocean Hwy, this spot keeps a loyal crowd coming back with its approachable menu and consistently good quality.
The flavors cover all the bases, from rich chocolates and fruity sorbets to more indulgent combinations that feel like a reward after a long beach walk.
What makes Gilbert’s stand out is how unhurried the whole experience feels. There is no pressure, no chaos, just good ice cream enjoyed at your own pace.
The staff is friendly and patient, which is especially appreciated when you are trying to decide between two flavors that both sound equally tempting.
Gilbert’s is the kind of neighborhood ice cream shop that every town wishes it had, and Pawleys Island is lucky to call it their own.
Do not skip the waffle cone option. It makes everything taste better.
Address: 10080 Ocean Hwy #6, Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
5. Ye Ole Fashioned Cafe & Ice Cream, Charleston
Ye Ole Fashioned Cafe & Ice Cream on Sam Rittenberg Blvd in Charleston has been satisfying sweet cravings with a cheerful, unpretentious approach that locals absolutely love.
The menu here goes beyond just scoops. You will find sundaes, milkshakes, banana splits, and a rotating cast of flavors that keeps regulars guessing in the best possible way.
The cafe side of things adds a cozy touch, giving you a reason to linger over your treat rather than eating on the go.
Charleston is a city full of places competing for your attention, but Ye Ole Fashioned holds its own by focusing on what matters most: honest, satisfying ice cream served with a smile.
The portions are hearty, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is warm without being overly fussy.
It is the kind of stop that reminds you why simple pleasures are often the best ones.
Road trippers passing through Charleston should absolutely make this a planned stop, not an afterthought.
Address: 1319 Sam Rittenberg Blvd #109, Charleston, SC.
6. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Charleston
King Street in Charleston is one of those streets that makes you want to slow down and explore, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at 501-A King St gives you the perfect excuse to do exactly that.
Jeni’s is a nationally recognized brand, but the Charleston location carries its own local charm and consistently delivers on the promise of creative, high-quality ice cream.
The flavors here are genuinely inventive. Think brown butter almond brittle, salty caramel, or wildberry lavender.
These are not your average scoop shop flavors.
The texture is exceptionally smooth and dense, which is a signature of Jeni’s approach to crafting ice cream.
The shop itself is sleek and welcoming, and the staff is enthusiastic about helping you find your new favorite flavor.
Even if you have visited a Jeni’s location elsewhere, the Charleston shop offers a unique energy that reflects the city’s vibrant spirit.
A stop here is a highlight of any Charleston visit, full stop.
Address: 501-A King St, Charleston, SC.
7. Wholly Cow Ice Cream and Coffee, Johns Island
Johns Island is one of those places that feels a little off the beaten path in the best possible way, and Wholly Cow Ice Cream and Coffee fits that spirit perfectly.
Located on Savannah Hwy, this spot combines two great loves, ice cream and coffee, under one roof, making it a versatile stop no matter what time of day you roll in.
The ice cream menu features a thoughtful selection of flavors, with enough variety to satisfy both the classic vanilla crowd and the folks who want something a little more unexpected.
The coffee program is equally solid, and pairing an affogato or a cold brew with a scoop of ice cream is a move you will not regret.
The setting is relaxed and unpretentious, with a friendly staff that makes you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in.
Wholly Cow is a reminder that some of the best stops on a road trip are the ones you almost drove past.
Address: 3642 Savannah Hwy #144, Johns Island, SC.
8. Phil’s Ice Cream, Mt Pleasant
Right across the bridge from Charleston, Mt Pleasant has its own thriving food culture, and Phil’s Ice Cream on Riviera Dr is one of its sweetest highlights.
Phil’s keeps a focused menu that prioritizes quality over quantity, and that restraint pays off in a big way. Every flavor they serve is done with real intention.
The scoops are generous, the cones are fresh, and the shop has a bright, welcoming energy that makes you want to come back before you have even finished your first visit.
Local families clearly adore this place, and you will often find the line moving out the door on warm evenings, which is always a good sign.
The staff at Phil’s is known for being fast, friendly, and happy to let you sample before you commit, which is a small but appreciated touch.
If your road trip takes you anywhere near the Mt Pleasant area, Phil’s is a no-brainer addition to the itinerary.
Address: 1960 Riviera Dr Ste E, Mt Pleasant, SC.
9. Sweet Cream Co., Columbia
Main Street in Columbia has no shortage of great food options, but Sweet Cream Co. has carved out a devoted following by doing one thing exceptionally well: crafting ice cream that feels both elevated and approachable.
The flavor lineup here leans creative without being alienating. You might find something like honey lavender sitting right next to a perfectly classic cookies and cream.
The shop itself is clean, bright, and Instagram-worthy without feeling like the aesthetics overshadow the actual product, which is refreshing.
Sweet Cream Co. takes pride in using quality ingredients, and that commitment comes through in every bite. The texture is smooth, the flavors are distinct, and nothing tastes artificial.
Columbia often gets overlooked on road trips that focus on the coast, but the city has a lot to offer, and Sweet Cream Co. is a strong argument for adding it to your route.
Grab a scoop and take a stroll down Main Street. It is a combination that is hard to beat.
Address: 1627 Main St, Columbia, SC.
10. Cola Cow Creamery, Lexington
The name Cola Cow Creamery is playful and memorable, and the shop itself fully delivers on that promise with a fun, cow-themed atmosphere that immediately puts you in a good mood.
Located in Lexington on Columbia Ave, this creamery has quickly built a reputation for handcrafted ice cream that takes local and seasonal ingredients seriously.
The flavors rotate regularly, which means there is always a reason to come back and see what is new on the board.
Standouts have included flavors like peach cobbler, sweet tea, and other Southern-inspired combinations that feel genuinely tied to the region rather than just slapped on a menu for novelty.
The portions are satisfying, the staff is enthusiastic, and the whole experience has a cheerful energy that makes it especially great for families with kids in tow.
Cola Cow Creamery is proof that Lexington is more than just a suburb of Columbia. It is a destination worth the drive on its own.
Address: 603 Columbia Ave Ste A-3, Lexington, SC.
11. Cravings Soft Serve LLC, Summerville
Soft serve gets a serious upgrade at Cravings Soft Serve LLC in Summerville, where the focus is squarely on doing this classic format better than anyone else around.
Situated on W 5th N St, Cravings has developed a following among Summerville residents who appreciate the creative approach to what might seem like a simple product.
The soft serve here comes in rotating flavors that go well beyond the standard vanilla and chocolate, with options that change often enough to keep things exciting.
Toppings and mix-ins are where Cravings really gets to show off, with combinations that feel thought-out rather than just thrown together.
The shop has a bright, upbeat vibe that matches the enthusiasm of the staff, and the portions are priced fairly enough that you will not feel guilty about ordering a second one.
Summerville is a charming town that deserves more road trip attention, and Cravings Soft Serve is exactly the kind of stop that makes the detour worthwhile.
Address: 2885 W 5th N St, Summerville, SC.