This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail Along North Carolina's Coast Is All You’ve Ever Dreamed Of

With the majority of North Carolinians and travelers hitting the beach at least once this summer, what’s better to accompany a beach trip than creamy, delicious homemade ice cream? While our original ice cream trail highlighted delicious places throughout the state, this one takes you on a ‘pretty sweet’ journey from the Northern Outer Banks all the way down to southern beaches.

Follow along the coastal ice cream trail for not only some delicious treats, but also unique stops in each location.

Yelp / Heather R.

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Yelp / BIg Buck's Ice Cream and Coffee Bar

This delicious ice cream shop starts you at the tippy top of the Outer Banks in Corolla. With elaborate flavors and ice cream cakes almost too pretty to eat, it's a must-stop if you find yourself in the Northern Outer Banks.

Timbuck 2 Shopping Village Corolla, NC 27927

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Yelp / Judith B

A favorite stop for those in Southern Shores or surrounding beaches, there's more to this little joint than just creamy, rich custard. Grab a full dinner here with a hot dog 'all the way,' or get a burger to add the perfect savory n sweet mix to your frozen custard, just don't forget dessert!

1002 S Croatan Hwy Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Yelp / Diane G.

Just a stone's throw away, Scoop's stays consistently busy (with the usual line out the door) during the summer months. The wait is worth it though for this homemade ice cream that doesn't dull down on unique flavor options.

3941 S Croatan Hwy Nags Head, NC 27959

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Yelp / Thomas M

If you find yourself on the most remote stretch of land in North Carolina, no worries, your sweet tooth will still be taken care of. Sweet Tooth & Fig Tree Bakery and Deli has not only great ice cream but a wide assortment of candy, pastries, and even deli options for lunch.

1015 Irvin Garrish Hwy Ocracoke, NC 27960

Facebook / Happy Cow Ice Cream

Back in the mainland, Happy Cow Ice Cream in Morehead City is perfect for those seeking something sweet while at the Crystal Coast. Don't forget to photograph your ice cream cone against the pink wall, it's a must!

404 Evans St Morehead City, NC 28557

Facebook / Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream

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Facebook / Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream

This Wilmington staple is perfectly located if you're staying in Wrightsville Beach or in Wilmington. With inventive flavors and Instagram worth cups or cones, it's a sweet stop while in Wrightsville, Carolina or Topsail Beach. Pictured above is the chocolate cream pie - the most popular chocolate flavor.

1127 Military Cutoff Rd Wilmington, North Carolina

Facebook / Calabash Creamery

A long time favorite and beloved beach pitstop, no coastal ice cream list is complete without a mention of Calabash Creamery. Good luck choosing between the 24 ice cream flavors, classic soft serve, homemade Italian ice or an ice cream cake. Don't forget to get it in a homemade waffle cone, yum!

9910 Beach Dr SW, Calabash, NC 28467

Yelp / Steven P

Last but certainly not least, Beaches-N-Cream features all-original, homemade ice cream with rotating flavors daily. You can taste the quality and deliciousness in the fact all milk used comes from local, free range cows. I'm pretty sure happy cows make better cheese, and ice cream, and it's apparent here.

3316 Holden Beach Rd SW Supply, North Carolina

While stopping by Ocracoke, learn more about the most ‘isolated place in North Carolina’, including a few ghost stories. Better yet, while driving down the coast, how about touring some beautiful lighthouses? While you’re at it, might as well make the most of your summer and explore the ‘road to nowhere.’