The 6 Best Places to Grab Ice Cream in Virginia Beach

~ Life By the Beach | Personal ~

Virginia Beach, Virginia | 2023

If you know me, you know I LOVE Ice Cream and in the summer, usually around 8:30PM my brain and my tummy tell me “its time for ice cream”. I love all kinds specialty/craft, soft serve, custard, sorbet, and gelato! You name it, I love it! I had plenty of favorite spots up in Northern Virginia. But, when Michael and I moved down here last November, we only knew the Ice Cream Chain spots, not local spots. We were on the hunt for local spots to get Ice Cream. We love supporting local small businesses, especially places with mindful ingredients or handmade ice cream.

This was a Top 5 Blog, but I made it a Top 6 because they are all so yummy! There are tons of place in Virginia Beach to get Ice Cream. There’s at least 15 spots along the main Oceanfront and Boardwalk alone, but the entire city has Ice Cream shops. Though I have not tried them ALL yet, these 6 have stood out the most. Our FAVORITE will be the LAST on this list.

6 | Kohr Bros.

Looking for that perfect soft serve on a waffle cone dipped in chocolate? Kohr Bros has delicious soft serve Ice Cream. You can only find them at the Oceanfront. However, they have multiple locations along the main strip. The one we like going to is on 15th Street near the ferris wheel! It’s technically frozen custard, so it is super creamy.
Our Favorites:
Kristin & Michael – Chocolate / Vanilla Twist dipped in Chocolate on a Waffle House
Arielle – Strawberry

5 | Gilly’s Creamery

Ice Cream made with local ingredients fresh daily. Gilly’s is located in the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. They make their own waffle cones that come with the handy drip cup for the hot summer days. Also located inside the Creamery, they have the farm fresh milk that comes in the glass jugs. It’s the best milk I have ever tasted. Arielle and I had the strawberry and Michael got the Mint. However, after trying some of ours, he said the Strawberry was by far superior.

Our Favorites:
Whole House – Strawberry

4 | Aqua S

A unique soft serve Ice Cream experience. Michael and I went to Aqua S for our anniversary and it was so yummy and completely different from our usual ice cream outing. They originated in Sydney, Australia and the Aqua S in Virginia Beach is only 1 of 3 locations in the US! When I saw the Sea Salt flavor online, I was so intrigued, I HAD to try it. The Sea Salt on a waffle cone was absolutely delectable! Michael had a very refreshing Pineapple and Vanilla twist that tasted like a Pina Colada! Arielle hasn’t had Aqua S yet, but we plan on treating her soon!
Our favorites:
Kristin – Sea Salt
Michael – Pineapple Vanilla Twist
Arielle – TBD

3 | Blue Cow Ice Cream Co.

An inclusive Ice Cream Shop. After a long day at the play ground Arielle, my mom and I gave Blue Cow Ice Cream a try! When we came in we were happily surprised that they had Gluten Free waffle cones for my mom! They also had Dairy Free & Vegan flavors, so anyone can come and enjoy their ice cream! They had some unique flavors that peaked my mom and I’s interest. We were both so drawn to try the Goat Cheese and Blueberry. It tasted like a mouthwatering blueberry cheesecake, especially on a waffle cone. Arielle had the Balsamic Strawberry which she enjoyed eating and wearing! Michael has not gotten a chance to try this place yet, but I am treating him soon!
Our Favorites:
Kristin – Goat Cheese & Blueberry
Michael – TBD
Arielle – Balsamic Strawberry

2 | The Sweet Spot

The Sweet Spot is honestly SO close to being number one. Sweet Spot has the craziest Ice Cream and other desserts. This place has the whole block smelling sweet! They have gourmet desserts, ice cream and milk shakes. They make all their items fresh so it does take a little longer to get your order, but it is so worth the wait. Everything is pink, including the funnel cakes! We frequent both of their locations and are so excited for them to open a 3rd location in Norfolk! They import a lot of their ingredients from Italy so everything is exquisite.
Our Favorites:
Kristin – Funnel Cake Shake
Michael – Coffee
Arielle – Blue Monster

1 | Lolly’s Creamery

A local family owned favorite! Lolly’s is our favorite Ice Cream spot in Virginia Beach! Run by a father and son duo, an ice cream shop named in honor of the family dog, is hands down the best ice cream in the 757! This is the ice cream shop Arielle asks for all the time. Lolly’s has 4 locations! 3 in Virginia Beach and one in Norfolk. They just opened their Boardwalk location this past month. They also have secret flavors that their VIP text getters have a code word to use to get the mystery flavor.
Our Favorites:
Kristin & Arielle – Cookie Monster
Michael – Mint Chip