When the sun is high on your next Outer Banks vacation, the ideal way to cool down is with a scoop (or two) of your favorite delicious ice cream. From Corolla to Hatteras Island, the OBX is quite literally "sprinkled" with a wide variety of alluring ice cream parlors and eateries that promise an unforgettable ice cream stop that the whole family is going to love. Whether you're looking for creative concoctions or the classic flavors of nostalgia, we've got something for everyone on the beach. Here's your ultimate guide to satisfying that chilly sweet tooth during your next trip to the Outer Banks!
Ice Cream Shops in Corolla
The Chill Spot
With chill vibes, bright colors, and a convenient location next to the Harris Teeter in Corolla, you're gonna love everything about this "chill spot." From cups to cake cones, sugar cones, and waffle cones, you can enjoy one of their many different flavors whichever way you want! Choose from Watermelon Ice and Raspberry Sorbet or Pirate Treasure and Trash Can for your new favorite dessert.
The Chill Spot
610 Currituck Clubhouse Dr., Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-2941
Big Bucks Ice Cream Shop
Check out Big Buck's wide selection of homemade ice cream next time you're in Corolla, but it doesn't have to stop there! Check out their assortment of chocolates, specialty cakes, and 1LB bags of candy! Don't forget to grab pints and gallons to take back to the beach house for later!
Big Bucks Ice Cream Shop
794 F, Timbuck II Shopping Center, Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-3188
Ned's Ice Cream & Convenience
Ned's is in a great location with outdoor seating and fast, friendly service that will have you coming back year after year for more. They offer great prices, good sizes, and a fantastic collection of Hershey's Premium flavors.
Ned's Ice Cream & Convenience
1159 Austin St., Corolla, NC 27927
(252) 453-8821
Ice Cream Shops in Duck
Donutz on a Stick
Donuts? Ice Cream? Coffee? Can't decide? Donutz on a Stick has all three - and more! Come try their made to order donuts, homemade soft serve, or large coffee selection to make sure everyone gets what they want on vacation!
Donutz on a Stick
1216 Duck Rd., Duck, NC 27949
(252) 261-0484
Big Bucks Ice Cream Shop
Check out Big Buck's wide selection of homemade ice cream next time you're in Corolla, but it doesn't have to stop there! Check out their assortment of chocolates, specialty cakes, and 1LB bags of candy! Don't forget to grab pints and gallons to take back to the beach house for later!
Big Bucks Ice Cream Shop
1180 Duck Rd, Unit #7, Duck, North Carolina 27949
Ice Cream Shops in Kitty Hawk
John's Drive-In
John's is truly a local legend for seafood and fries on a beach day, but it doesn't get better than one of their milkshakes to go with a Dolphin Boat! Don't miss out on their milkshakes with a variety of mix-ins and toppings (including Oreo and Root Beer) or a delicious soft-serve cone that can't be beat!
John's Drive-In
3716 N. Virginia Dare Trl, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-6227
Big Bucks Homemade Ice Cream
Stop by for everything from luxe Dubai chocolate ice cream bars to vegan ice cream! Check out Big Buck's wide selection of homemade ice cream next time you're in Corolla, but it doesn't have to stop there! Check out their assortment of chocolates, specialty cakes, and 1LB bags of candy! Don't forget to grab pints and gallons to take back to the beach house for later!
Big Bucks Homemade Ice Cream
3810 N. Croatan Hwy. Ste C, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 715-0779
The Spot
Looking for a sweet treat to beat the beach heat? Head to The Spot—a favorite Outer Banks hangout serving up hand-dipped ice cream, refreshing smoothies, and mouthwatering acai bowls. With vibrant vibes and Insta-worthy desserts, this local gem is perfect for families, date nights, or just cooling off after a long day in the sun. Whether you're strolling through Nags Head or cruising the bypass, The Spot is your go-to for frozen fun on the OBX!
The Spot
3700 N. Croatan Hwy., Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 715-5224
Ice Cream Shops in Kill Devil Hills
To make sure you can spend your time enjoying your dessert instead of searching for a restaurant, we’ve compiled a handy list of different Kill Devil Hills ice cream shops and other frozen treats. Enjoy!
Scoops Homemade Ice Cream Parlor
From classics like banana splits and chocolate on a waffle cone to more adventurous items like salted caramel and brownie bombshell sundaes, Scoops has any flavor an ice cream lover could want. Get it in a cup, cake cone, or waffle cone, make it a sundae with your favorite topping, or order a milkshake or malted shake. Smoothies, coffee drinks, and specialty sundaes are also available. This brightly decorated shop will certainly be a favorite among kids!
Scoops Homemade Ice Cream Parlor
710 S. Croatan Hwy. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-4480
American Pie Pizza & Homemade Ice Cream
If you’re in the mood for dinner AND dessert, American Pie is the place for you! Their ice cream and fresh waffle cones are made in-house with a daily rotation of flavors like vanilla, pistachio, butter pecan, rum raisin & more! You can even try a banana split, a Cheerwine float or grab a pint to take home if you want some for later! While you’re there, don’t forget about their full menu of delicious pizzas, subs, and more.
American Pie Pizza & Homemade Ice Cream
1600 S. Virginia Dare Trl. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-3332
Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard & Beach Fries
It doesn’t get fresher than the frozen custard you get from Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard & Beach Fries. Although similar in appearance to ice cream, custard must contain at least 10% milkfat and 1.4% egg yolk. The other difference comes from how much air is beaten into the mixture with custard being creamy and dense. At Kill Devil’s, they churn out fresh custard hourly to ensure every cup or cone has the optimal flavor! Choose from vanilla, chocolate, or a rotating daily special flavor. You can also order a shake, float, sundae, or take a pint home to your vacation rental! (Burgers, hot dogs, and handcut fries are also available!)
Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard & Beach Fries
1002 S. Croatan Hwy. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-5900
Higher Grounds
You're going to love this delightful specialty coffee and ice cream shop conveniently located in Colington. They offer a wide variety of freshly baked goodies and pastries each day, including croissants, muffins, homemade granola, and more! And if you're looking for a cold dessert, they have an ongoing rotation of 20 different flavors in addition to the classics and a dairy-free vanilla! All flavors can be ordered in a cup, sugar cone, cake cone, homemade waffle cone, milkshake, sundae, or malt!
Higher Grounds
2141 Colington Rd., Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 489-7893
Noosa Scoops
Be sure to stop by this instant OBX classic for sweet treats, acai bowls, coffee, and more! In addition to bakery treats, smoothies, and acai bowls, they have a full ice cream menu including scoops in a dish or cone, milkshakes, and classic desserts like a banana split or a float! Stop by their for rotating flavors that include traditional classics like vanilla and cookie dough, seasonal flavors like banana pudding, and dairy crumbles and sorbets.
Noosa Scoops OBX
2005 S. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 715-0933
Holy Cow Creamery
Check out this premier specialty ice cream shop located in Kill Devil Hills, which specializes in homemade ice cream, milkshakes, vegan-friendly options, and their unique ice cream donut panini! Stop by throughout the season to try their daily specials like a Choco Taco or their holiday desserts, like peppermint for Christmas in July! Don't miss out on their homemade vegan oat milk flavors including lemon-blueberry and raspberry milano!
Holy Cow Creamery
1006 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 339-2619
Mom's Sweet Shop
Looking for a local favorite? Mom's Sweet Shop is where it's at! Order ahead or stop in and get your desserts in plant-based, biodegradable, and compostable bowls! Their menu includes more than a dozen milkshake flavors as well as a variety of sundaes, soft serve options, and mix-ins that will elevate your ice cream experience! They also offer classic soda or cold brew coffee floats, making every sweet treat a delight!
Mom's Sweet Shop
3213 N. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-6667
Ice Cream Shops in Nags Head
The Spot
Looking for a sweet treat to beat the beach heat? Head to The Spot—a favorite Outer Banks hangout serving up hand-dipped ice cream, refreshing smoothies, and mouthwatering acai bowls. With vibrant vibes and Insta-worthy desserts, this local gem is perfect for families, date nights, or just cooling off after a long day in the sun. Whether you're strolling through Nags Head or cruising the bypass, The Spot is your go-to for frozen fun on the OBX!
The Spot
2805 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 715-4033
Booty Treats Ice Cream & Shave Ice
If you love lots of options or prefer your frozen treat fully loaded, you’ll love the menu at Booty Treats! Their classic “Booty Freeze” combines shaved ice with mini melts while their “Junk-In-The-Trunk” adds M&M’s, Oreo cookies, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and sprinkles. The also offer root beer floats, classic sundaes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, old fashioned malts, and milkshakes. Or if you prefer, order a scoop of hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream in your favorite flavor!
Booty Treats Ice Cream & Shave Ice
2600 S. VA Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
6406 S. VA Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 305 4785
Surfin Spoon
Tucked in Nags Head and bursting with good vibes, Surfin’ Spoon is more than just a fro-yo shop—it’s a local legend. Owned by a former pro surfer and his wife, this cozy spot dishes out creamy frozen yogurt, epic toppings, and heartfelt hospitality. With surf-inspired décor and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect post-beach pit stop for families and sweet tooths alike. Don’t miss their signature cookie sandwiches—they’re as unforgettable as your OBX vacation!
Surfin Spoon
3408 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 441-7873
Keyz New Zealand Style Ice Cream
Check out this unique spin on ice cream with New Zealand-style ice cream! Basically, what this means is blending fresh fruit with ice cream to create an adventurous and unique summer delight that the whole family will love. Don't miss out on Hokey Pokey, which is a honeycomb toffee made from a golden syrup that will elevate your ice cream experience this summer!
Keyz New Zealand Style Ice Cream
100 E. Dune St., Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 489-8539
Captain Scoops
Check out this shop in Surfside Plaza that offers 28 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream as well as 5 non-dairy and 4 soft serve flavors of ice cream! This means that no matter what you're craving, Captain Scoops is going to be there to delight and have you set sail on the ultimate dessert experience! They've also got specialty milkshakes, plenty of parking, indoor and outdoor seating, and air conditioning inside for the wait!
Captain Scoops
4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 489-1860
Snow Birds
Open daily, check out Snow Birds for incredible burgers, ice cream, and more! Looking for something a little heartier? Grab a lobster roll or Greek eggrolls! And for dessert, they've got snow cones, milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, hand-scooped ice cream, the classic Dole Whip, and sundaes! Grab a basket of pickle chips and a Dole Whip and get ready for the best afternoon of your vacation.
Snow Birds
3532 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 480-6632
Ice Cream Shops in Manteo
Olde Town Creamery
Come experience more than just ice cream! Enjoy cones, cups, fast food, and pizza!
Olde Towne Creamery
500 N. Main Highway, Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 305-8060
Big Bucks Homemade Ice Cream
Stop by for everything from luxe Dubai chocolate ice cream bars to vegan ice cream! Check out Big Buck's wide selection of homemade ice cream next time you're in Corolla, but it doesn't have to stop there! Check out their assortment of chocolates, specialty cakes, and 1LB bags of candy! Don't forget to grab pints and gallons to take back to the beach house for later!
Big Bucks Homemade Ice Cream
207 Queen Elizabeth Ave., The Waterfront Shops, Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 423-3118
Ice Cream Shops on Hatteras Island
Happy Belly Ice Cream
Ice Cream, smoothies, candy, and more! Enjoy a delicious fruit smoothie or a signature sundae after a day at the beach!
Happy Belly Ice Cream
57204 NC Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC 27943
(252) 986-6530
Cool Wave Ice Cream
Cute shop, classic flavors, and a convenient location make for the perfect ice cream experience.
Cool Wave Ice Cream
47237 NC Hwy 12, Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-6366
Chilly Hank's Ice Cream
Enjoy a delicious float, sundae, and more with Hershey's Ice Cream!
Chilly Hank's Ice Cream
50840 NC Hwy 12 Unit A-1, Frisco, NC 27936
(252) 986--510
Hatteras Island Sno-Balls
With 62 sno-ball flavors and 14 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt, you're gonna love this classic shop on Hatteras Island!
Hatteras Island Sno-Balls
53203 Delmar Willis Rd., Frisco, NC 27936
(252) 564-4488
Note: Always check the current operating hours and offerings of each establishment, as they may vary seasonally.
Book Your Next Sweet Vacation Now!
The Outer Banks is home to a variety of fantastic ice cream shops, each offering a unique experience and a range of delicious flavors. Whether you're exploring Corolla or relaxing on Hatteras Island, there's an ice cream spot waiting to make your vacation even sweeter. So grab a cone, enjoy the views, and make some sweet summer memories!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.
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