Step into the enchanting world of Cape Cod, where pristine beaches, quaint towns, and culinary wonders await. Amidst the many experiences the area has to offer, one fun thing to do reigns supreme and knows no age limits – ice cream!
So, gather your friends and family, whether young or young-at-heart, and embark on a journey of taste as we explore the top 15 ice cream parlors spanning the length of Cape Cod. Get ready to indulge in the finest frozen treats that will leave you craving more!
We’ve scoured the entire Cape to bring you the top 15 ice cream shops that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Top 15 Places to Get Ice Cream on Cape Cod
1. Somerset Creamery
Address: 1268 Rte. 28A Cataumet, MA 02534
City/Town: Cataumet
Head to Bourne/Cataumet, to enjoy the Somerset Creamery, known for its creamy and rich ice cream flavors that will transport you to ice cream heaven. They offer handmade ice creams that are sure to please.
The family-owned ice cream shop has been in business since 1937. You can pick from traditional ice cream cones, try a sundae, or ice cream beverage.
2. Smitty Ice Cream
Address: 326 E Falmouth Hwy
City/Town: East Falmouth
In Falmouth, Smitty Ice Cream awaits, promising a nostalgic taste that will bring back memories of homemade treats. The cute little ice cream shake is sure to appeal with its shaker exterior. Sit at one of the many picnic tables and enjoy the sweet treat.
3. Twin Acres
Address: 21 Route 6A | Sandwich, MA 02563
City/Town: Sandwich
Twin Acres beckons with an exciting twist – not only do they offer a range of flavors, but they also cater to vegans with their delightful vegan options. The delightful ice cream haven offers over 70 flavors, including premium hard and soft serve, sorbet, sherbet, vegan, and no-sugar-added options.
Treat yourself to non-dairy mango, raspberry, or lemon sorbet, or indulge in coconut-based vegan ice cream. They also offer gluten-free cones and special sundaes, along with savory snacks like Italian sausage rolls and hot dogs.
And guess what? Your furry friends can join the fun with a pup cup of vanilla ice cream topped with a treat! Enjoy your icy delight on their scenic two-acre grounds, a summer favorite for locals and visitors alike.
4. Penguin Ice Cream Factory
Address: 289 Cotuit Rd
City/Town: Sandwich, MA 02563
Don’t miss the ice cream parlor in Sandwich – the Penguin Ice Cream Factory. It boasts wonderfully innovative flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Step inside the ice cream shop to soak up the air conditioning – like a penguin – or enjoy a cone in one of the outdoor seating locations.
5. Sweet Waves
Address: 10 Steeple St | Mashpee, Ma 02649
City/Town: Mashpee
Sweet Waves in the Mashpee Commons is a frozen yogurt heaven, boasting dozens of toppings for you to create your own sundae masterpiece. Ice cream might not be for everyone, so why not try this delightful frozen yogurt hub?
6. Four Sea Ice Cream Cape Cod
Address: 360 South Main Street | Centerville, Ma 02632
City/Town: Centerville
Located in Barnstable’s Centerville village, the famous Four Seas Ice Cream awaits a favorite of the Kennedys and a timeless gem of the Cape. Yes, you read that right — the Kennedys would often enjoy a cold cone at the Four Sea Ice Cream. The ice cream shop has been in business since 1934.
7. Penguin Ice Cream Igloo
Address: 517 MA-28 | West Yarmouth, Ma 02673
City/Town: West Yarmouth, MA 02673
In Yarmouth, you’ll find the enchanting Penguin Ice Cream Igloo, not only known for its ice cream but also for its awe-inspiring themed ice cream cakes. Keep an eye out for the occasional penguin sighting too!
8. Cape Cod Creamery
Address: 716 Main St | Dennis, Ma 02638
City/Town: Dennis, MA 02638
Dennis boasts Cape Cod Creamery, offering the perfect ice cream to take home in quart-sized containers. The unique ice cream recipes are extremely dense with extraordinarily little air to ensure optimum creaminess.
9. Sunday School Ice Cream
Address: 485 Rt 134, South Dennis, MA
City/State: South Dennis
Dennis is home to two of the most popular ice cream shops on the Cape – School Ice Cream. The ice cream shop was named one of the “Best Ice Cream Spots in the U.S.” by the reputable Food and Wine Magazine. They have been offering the cool treat to residents and visitors since 1976.
10. Buffy’s Ice Cream
Address: 456 Main Street | Chatham, Ma 02633
City/Town: Chatham
Chatham welcomes you with Buffy’s, an ice cream haven that will leave you spoilt for choice with its extensive range of flavors. They also offer handcrafted ice cream bars such as the Angler’s Brownie Bar or the Monomoy Sunrise.
11. Brewster Scoop
Address: 1929 Main Street | Brewster, Ma 02631
City/Town: Brewster
Step back in time at The Brewster Scoop, a friendly and historical ice cream shop nestled along Brewster’s charming Route 6A. Its origins date back to the 1920s, when an ice cream parlor graced the east side of the neighboring Brewster General Store, serving sweet delights to locals and travelers.
After several transformations, the Scoop found its current home in the former Brewster Post Office, making it the perfect spot to savor a scoop of ice cream with a side of nostalgia.
12. Nauset Ice Cream
Address: 4550 Rte. 6 | North Eastham, Ma 02651
City/Town: North Eastham
Nauset Ice Cream offers its delicious creations, perfect for a cool and refreshing treat during a sunny Cape Cod day. They have a full range of flavors that will leave you wanting more. The family-owned ice cream shop serves homemade ice cream creations.
13. Gelato Joy Cafe
Address: 3 W Main St, Wellfleet, MA 02667
City/Town: Wellfleet
Wellfleet is the home of Gelato Joy Cafe, offering a taste of Italy with its luscious gelato delights. Try a refreshing sorbet in a bevy of flavors.
14. Savory & the Sweet Escape
Address: 316 US-6 | Troro, Ma 02666
City/Town: Truro
At the Savory & the Sweet Escape, you can experience a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors in a picturesque setting. They offer more than simple ice cream. You can truly indulge your sweet tooth with many pastries.
15. Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream
Address: 310 Commercial St | Provincetown, Ma 02657
City/State: Provincetown
Provincetown is home to Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream, where you might even spot their solar-powered ice cream truck heading to the beaches. It’s the perfect way to end your ice cream adventure on this beautiful peninsula.
So, whether you’re visiting Cape Cod for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, or idyllic beaches, be sure to include these top 15 ice cream shops in your itinerary. Your taste buds will thank you for the delicious memories you’ll create along the way. Ice cream, whether a cone, sundae, pint, or gallon is a great way to chill out and create sweet memories that will last a lifetime with your children, friends, and community.
