30A Ice Cream- Where to Find the Best Places
Nothing beats an ice cream cone after a long day at the beach. The fresh smell of waffle cones topped with homemade ice cream is the perfect end. Follow along to find the best 30A Ice Cream while visiting the beautiful beaches of South Walton.
Throughout the Emerald Coast, you’ll find over twelve communities dotted along county road 30A. These beach towns boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Guests will enjoy fun and sun on these white sandy beaches or exploring the state parks of South Walton. While you are in town, grab the whole family and try a cold treat.
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Beach Packing List
- the best beach chair
- beach umbrella
- sun shade
- beach towels
- beach blanket
- beach toys
- best hat
- sunglasses
- bug spray
- kids face sunscreen
- kids face stick
- adult face sunscreen
- body sunscreen
Best Ice Cream Locations on 30A
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
Lately, our family has opted for a beautiful condo in Blue Mountain Beach. The kids love walking or riding bikes to the colorful Blue Mountain Beach Creamery. We went recently with family and tried a variety of flavors such as Georgia Peach, Bourbon Truffle, Chocolate, and Play Dough (yellow vanilla with cake pieces). The Bourbon Truffle was the best.
They carry other fun flavors like Key Lime Pie, Road Runner Raspberry, and Cherry Vanilla. My son enjoyed a blue raspberry sorbet. Behind the creamery, there’s the Shake Shop, where you can get snow cones, Charlie’s donuts, and milkshakes.
Pecan Jacks
Located in Santa Rosa Beach and within walking distance to Gulf Place, guests will discover the fantastic flavors and candies of Pecan Jack’s Ice Cream. They also have locations in Destin and Seagrove Beach if those are more convenient.
Pecan Jacks is an excellent spot for a sweet treat. If you aren’t in the mood for a cold dairy treat, consider one of their homemade treats like a praline, pecan brittle, or toffee to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dawson’s Yogurt and Fudge Works
Dawson’s is one of my kids’ favorite places in Seaside. They love to run around the green area with each other and stop here for a special treat. In particular, they love a cup of soft serve topped with candy bits. My husband enjoys picking out fresh fudge, too.
Check out my guide to the best condos for families!
It’s Heavenly Shortcakes and Ice cream
If you want another option in Seaside, check out It’s Heavenly. Tucked near Great Southern Cafe off the main drag, there’s a large patio and plenty of space outside. This would be the perfect sweet treat after a delicious meal of Grits YaYa at Great Southern Cafe.
Frost Bites
Browsing the food truck options in Seaside is a fun, quick, and easy dinner on vacation, especially if traveling with kids. Once you’ve enjoyed your dinner, stop by the Frost Bites truck for a cold treat. Choose between Hawaiian shaved ice, custard, or fresh squeezed lemonade.
Looking for an exciting day trip while in 30A? Check out my favorite 30A Tours!
Charlie’s Delights
Formerly known as Charlie’s Donuts, this local favorite now has a permanent location in the heart of Alys Beach with a new name, Charlie’s Delights. You can grab tasty donuts in the morning, but they also sell ice cream.
Sugar Shak
For several years, we preferred staying in Seacrest or Rosemary Beach. One of my kids’ favorite spots in this part of 30A was Sugar Shak in Rosemary Beach.
It is the perfect mix of ice cream and candy, which is ideal since one of my kiddos doesn’t love ice cream. While you wait in line, classic candy and new favorites surround you. Everyone came out of Sugar Shak happy!
Marble Slab Creamery
I prefer trying local favorites when I travel, but some guests may love a classic like Marble Slab Creamery. If you stay on the eastern end of 30A, there’s a Marble Slab off Highway 98 in Inlet Beach. I’d spend the day at Camp Helen State Park and then stop here for a sweet afternoon treat.
Sweet Treats
The Candy Bar
If you are staying in Watercolor, you may want something sweet that is more of a candy than a dairy dessert. Head over to The Candy Bar to check out their wide variety of candy.
FAQ: Staying in 30A
photo credit: S. Newton
🍦When does the Emerald Coast experience its highest tourist activity?
The prime time to enjoy the Emerald Coast is during the shoulder season. Late spring and autumn represent the perfect seasons for a 30A retreat. Winter is also a quiet and relaxing time to visit. I suggest steering clear of the spring break and summer periods when schools are out, as these times tend to bring larger crowds and increased prices.
🍦 Do I need a golf cart?
The requirement for a golf cart depends on where you plan to stay. Golf carts are more commonly used in areas such as Seagrove, Watercolor, Seaside, Grayton, Santa Rosa, and Blue Mountain.
🍦Which airport is the most convenient for travelers heading to 30A?
For those planning a trip to 30A, the most convenient airports are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. Among these options, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, situated in Panama City, is the closest choice for travelers visiting 30A.
photo credit: S. Newton
🍦What’s the best breakfast in 30A?
Along 30A, you’ll discover fantastic breakfast places such as Great Southern Cafe, Donut Hole, Bud & Alley’s, Perfect Pig, and Blue Mabel.
🍦Where’s the best seafood in 30A?
Shunk Gulley, Fish out of Water, Stinky’s Fish Camp, The Bay, and Old Florida Fish House are just a few of the tastiest seafood options in South Walton.
In Conclusion: 30A Ice Cream- Where to Find the Best Shops
30A is one of my favorite places to vacation, especially when traveling with my kids, husband, and mom. My middle child loves ice cream so we usually try on vacation to find a local shop. After vacationing on 30A for over a decade, we’ve discovered some really great places and I hope my guide to 30A ice cream helps you on your next beach trip!
30A Resources
Best 30A Beaches
Best 30A Tours
Breakfast in 30A
Ice cream in 30A
Best Seafood on 30A
30A State Parks
30A Winter
30A Fall
Christmas in 30A
Spring Break on 30A
30A When it Rains
How to Vacation at 30A on a Budget
Vacation Rentals on 30A for Families
Beach Packing List for Families
The Best Review of Seaside vs Watercolor, Florida
Ultimate Guide to Watercolor, Florida
Is Watercolor, Florida, Worth it? 12 Reasons why I love it
Best Things to do in Rosemary Beach
