I scream for ice cream! And Long Beach Island has no lack of it. You can find ice cream and frozen desserts anywhere you go. Whether it’s the ice cream truck rolling through the beach and your neighborhood, or one of the many ice cream parlors that populate the island, there’s always a way to get your ice cream fix. To make your ice cream hunt even easier, we’ve rounded up the best parlors to check out during your LBI stay.
Pick Your Frozen Dessert 👇
🍦 Best Ice Cream
Barry's Do Me A Flavor
A beloved restaurant with a robust ice cream menu in Beach Haven, Barry’s Do Me A Flavor is a Long Beach Island tradition. This family-run business does it all: taking your order, cooking your meal, and making sure everyone is smiling. Enjoy a great meal and cool down after with 24 flavors of Arctic Ice Cream. There’s a flavor for everyone here at Barry’s! This is personally one of my favorite places to have some ice cream after eating buffalo wings at The Chicken or the Egg.
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Location: 309 Centre St, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- Website: barrysdomeaflavor.com
Big Dipper
The Big Dipper has been serving up rich, creamy Richman’s ice cream in Surf City since 1970—and they’ve only gotten better with time. Sundaes are their specialty. You’ve got your Classic Sundaes like the Little Dipper, Big Dipper, and the ultimate Banana Split, all decked out with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top.
But if you’re craving something next-level, their Signature Sundaes are where it’s at. Try the Jersey Shore, Shipwrecked, or Sand Castle —each one layered with different treats to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Big Dipper is also home to the beloved JohnnyCakes—their legendary four-layer ice cream cake with two layers of premium ice cream and two thick layers of crunchy goodness. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds and made with premium ingredients. Order your JohnnyCakes here.
- Hours: 12 PM – 11 PM, seven days a week (May 1st – September 30th, rain or shine)
- Location: 1501 Long Beach Blvd Surf City, NJ 08008
- Website: bigdipperlbi.com
Custard Hut
My first job ever—Custard Hut will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s still one of my favorite spots on the island, especially if you’re chasing a late-night ice cream craving. It’s one of the only ice cream shops on LBI open until midnight. Sit outside under the tiki-style umbrellas and soak in the laid-back, island vibes this place gives off.
Their menu stretches the length of the counter—literally. Whether you’re grabbing a slice of pizza, a hot dog, burger, or going straight for dessert, Custard Hut has you covered. It’s the perfect mix of casual eats and sweet treats, all in one place.
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Location: 6403 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, NJ 08008
- Website: facebook.com/custardhutLBI
Grannie Annie’s Ice Cream Cafe
Play a round of mini golf at Island Mini Golf in Surf City, then walk right next door to Grannie Annie’s to celebrate with a scoop (or two) of ice cream. Their menu goes way beyond just cones—they’ve got blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, yogurts, smoothies, and more.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can enjoy it in their cozy outdoor seating area. It’s the perfect post-game hangout, whether you win or lose.
- Hours: 1 PM – 11 PM
- Location: 615 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008
- Website: facebook.com/Grannieanniessurfcity
Harvey Cedars Ice Cream Parlour
Scoop back in time at Harvey Cedars Ice Cream Parlour, a beloved local gem that’s been serving sweet treats on LBI since 1925. Open all summer long, this spot has something for everyone—hard and soft serve, milkshakes, sundaes, water ice, and even dairy-free and gluten-free options.
It’s the kind of place that feels like summer. Open seven days a week, it’s a must-visit whether you’re wrapping up a beach day or just in the mood for a little nostalgia in a cone.
- Hours: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Location: 8007 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
- Website: harveycedarsicecream.com
Poppy’s Ice Cream Parlour
Barnegat Light has its own hidden ice cream gems, and Poppy’s Ice Cream Parlour is one of them. After a walk around the Barnegat Lighthouse, swing by for a hefty list of unique flavors like Cinnamon Churro, Blueberry Pie, and Midnight Jersey Shore.
With its cheery yellow exterior and wrap-around porch, Poppy’s is the kind of place that invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your cone in the salty summer breeze.
Not feeling a cone? Go for one of their shakes or malts, sundaes, or layered parfaits. And if you fall in love with a flavor (you probably will), you can take it home by the pint or quart.
- Hours: 2 PM – 11 PM
- Location: 607 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
- Website: poppysicecream.square.site
Ship Bottom Ice Cream Co.
A more modern addition to the island, Ship Bottom Ice Cream Co. has quickly made a name for itself—with lines that rival Skipper Dipper’s. And it’s easy to see why. They serve up delicious homemade cream with rotating gourmet flavors like Key Lime and Biscoff Cookie, plus their signature treat: the Milky Bun—ice cream served inside a warm, fresh donut.
If you’re celebrating a birthday during your LBI stay, this is the place to get your cake. They offer grab & go 8” cakes at both locations that serve 8–10 people. Try their Vanilla & Chocolate Ice Cream Cake with Fudge & Chocolate Crunchies (safe for nut allergies), or customize your own with any two flavors from their homemade menu.
Order Your Cake:
📞 Call: 609-342-0892
📧 Email: contact@shipbottomicecream.com
- Hours: 2 PM – 10 PM
- Location 1: 1801 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
- Location 2: 13302 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven Terrace, NJ 08008
- Website: shipbottomicecream.com
Show Place Ice Cream Parlour
Lights, camera, action! Get ready for the sweetest show of your life at Show Place Ice Cream Parlour, where cabaret and ice cream collide every night of the week through August 31st. Order a theatrically themed treat like The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, or The Phantom of the Opera—and don’t be surprised if you end up in the spotlight depending on what you order.
Putting on unforgettable, interactive shows since 1975, Show Place is a one-of-a-kind LBI experience. Talented performers double as your servers, turning every evening into a Broadway-worthy memory. Whether you’re a theater fan or just in it for the ice cream, this is a night you won’t forget.
Seating Times:
6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM
Additional 5 PM seating Wednesdays–Sundays starting June 25th
Reservations:
Must be made online—phone reservations not accepted.
Highly recommended, as walk-ups are only accommodated when possible.
- Location: 200 Centre St, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- Website: surflight.org/informaton
Skipper Dipper
An LBI classic, Skipper Dipper has been serving up soft-serve, shakes, and ice cream cakes since 1978. Their hard-serve menu is just as stacked, with flavors like Pistachio, Rainbow Sherbet, and Toasted Coconut. Honestly, it’s not really an LBI vacation unless Skipper Dipper’s on your list.
Yes, the lines get long—sometimes stretching down the block—but it’s all part of the experience. And for the real fans, they’ve got a punch card so you can earn free ice cream over time. Consider it your official excuse to go back…often.
- Hours: 1 PM – 11 PM, Saturday & Sunday 11 AM - 11 PM
- Location: 9305 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach Township, NJ 08008
- Website: skipperdipper.com
The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is equipped with all of your beach needs from bike rentals and beach accessories to tasty milkshakes and floats, towering high with cookies and candy. Try their signature delight called the World Famous Blotation Device to cool you down after a hot day at the beach. Home of all your summer favorites, this little shop has everything you need for your LBI vacation.
- Hours: Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 9 or 9:30 PM (depending on foot traffic), Fri – Sun: 9 AM – 10 PM
- Location: 2306 South Bay Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- Website: theboardwalklbi.com
The WooHoo
Hop in line at The Woohoo, with locations in both Surf City and Beach Haven, where ice cream is made fresh from scratch every single day. They use local ingredients like Hammonton blueberries, fresh mint grown nearby, and small-batch roasted pecans to craft premium flavors. You’ll even find beer-inspired creations made with brews from local breweries. Ice cream doesn’t get more local—or more delicious—than this.
This premium ice cream parlor has a variety of options to fill any ice cream craving, including 14 homemade hard serve flavors. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, The Woohoo offers delicious vegan and dairy free soft serve and hard serve flavors, made with coconut milk.
Order Your Cake:
📞 Call: 609-492-5433
- Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM
- Location 1: 211 S. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, NJ
- Location 2: 1909 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City, NJ
- Website: thewoohoo.com
🍧 Best Gelato & Ice's
Flour Child LBI
New on the block for summer 2025, Flour Child LBI is already making waves—and locals around Brighton Beach and Beach Haven Crest are here for it. After years of businesses closing in the area, it’s refreshing to see something new—and especially something sweet—bringing life back into the neighborhood.
More than just a hopping pizza spot, Flour Child also serves some of the island’s tastiest gelato and sorbets. For gelato, don’t miss the Stracciatella (like a chocolate chip dream), Hazelnut, or Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel. For something fruity and refreshing, their sorbets (think upscale Italian Water Ice) —like Guava, Blood Orange, and Lemon—hit the spot every time.
If you are looking to try something different (and delicious) or avoid the long lines of the surrounding ice cream shops check these guys out!
- Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM
- Location: 8201 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, NJ 08008
- Website: flourchildlbi.com
OHana Hau Shave Ice
With over 30 flavors to choose from, Ohana Hau brings the taste of the islands straight to LBI. Pick up to three flavors and dive into an authentic Hawaiian shave ice experience that’s as refreshing as it is delicious.
Try it Hawaiian-style—add a scoop of Hawaiian ice cream to the bottom (choose from Vanilla Macadamia Nut, Chocolate, or Coconut), then top it off with extras like BOBA, toasted coconut, homemade snowcap, Haupia cream, or chocolate sauce.
Or come in for their newest Hawaiian ice cream flavors with fun toppings. Ohana Hau also offers gluten-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free options, so everyone can enjoy a taste of aloha.
- Hours: 12 PM - 11 PM
- Location: 805 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- Website: instagram.com/lbi_shaveice
Pelican's SnoBalls
Pelican’s SnoBalls is serving up happiness in Surf City—one finely shaved ice at a time. With over 100 flavors to choose from, the combinations are endless. Mix and match classics like Candy Apple & Sky Lite, Melon & Lemon, or Mango & Lime for your perfect summer flavor fusion.
Want to level it up? Try their newest creation—Pelishakes—a frozen dessert that blends your favorite shaved ice flavor with rich, creamy soft-serve vanilla ice cream. It’s the ultimate combo of icy and indulgent.
Pelican’s also offers catering services, so you can bring the SnoBalls truck to your next party or event. It’s a fun (and delicious) way to keep things cool all summer long.
- Hours: 12 PM - 10 PM
- Location: 3 North Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ
- Website: facebook.com/Pelicanssnoballssurfcitynj
About the Author
Patrick Johns is a New Jersey writer with a background in engineering and mathematics. He spent his summers on LBI glued to his beach chair reading his next favorite book. He worked at Custard Hut, Country Kettle Chowder, Thundering Surf Waterpark, and Long Beach Island Foundation. After working for a large engineering firm for 3 years outside Washington D.C., he discovered his passion for writing and decided to move to Spain. For 4 years he taught English overseas, wrote and published his own fantasy and poetry books, wrote and performed his own music live, and got involved in many freelance projects like copywriting, editing, and book coaching. Currently back in the US and again summering on LBI, Patrick is passionate about inspiring people with non-writing backgrounds to gain the confidence, routine, and skills to finally start the book they’ve always wanted to write. He’s convinced his writing journey blossomed from those days reading on the beach in Long Beach Island.
When he’s not writing, you can find him…
🏄 Out in the ocean, surfing some narly waves
📚 Reading whatever he can get his hands on
🗺️ Traveling and seeking inspiration for his next book
Follow Patrick’s writing journey on his website:
www.patrickjohnswrites.com