20 Mouthwatering Ice Cream Shops in Tampa Bay

April 13, 2022
| 21:30 PM

Eating ice cream is one of life’s small pleasures, so we decided to gather the very best ice cream shops in all of Tampa Bay! No need to settle or get tired of looking, we promise you’ll find the ice cream shops just for you.

From Downtown Tampa and South Tampa to St. Pete and the Gulf Beaches and more, keep on reading to find the best ice cream shops near you–or one that you want to visit soon) They are all worth the drive!

Downtown Tampa

things to do in tampa bay

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is like the name suggests: splendid! They’re famous for unique flavors, and you can order fun options like Everything Bagel and Texas Sheet Cake! We’ll let you try them and decide for yourselves, but we heard that they’re amazing, smooth, and out of this world.

At these great locations, you can grab your delicious ice cream and keep on exploring the neighborhood!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to order ice cream on their homemade waffle cones–it’s half the fun!

Hours & Locations

Channelside
Monday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–9:00pm
📍 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

W Palm Ave
Monday | 2:00pm–10:00pm
Tuesday | 2:00pm–10:00pm
Wednesday | 2:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 2:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–11:30pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–11:30pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–10:30pm
📍 305 W Palm Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

dessert spots in water street

Bright Ice Scoop Shop

On the right of the beautiful Marriott Hotel in Downtown Tampa, you’ll see the big sign, “BRIGHT ICE,” and if the vibrant colors don’t call you in, the smell of fresh waffle cones definitely will!

They make their own ice cream flavors, and the selection is wide and mouth-watering. Try endless rich and rare flavors like fruit loops and ginger lemon. They’re so many that it’s hard to choose, and all are unexpectedly incredible!

Pro tip: Don’t be shy and ask to try some flavors before ordering! They won’t be annoyed and always give free samples to those that are unsure.

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍505 Water St Suite A-01, Tampa, FL 33602

Ybor City

ice cream shops

📷 Chill Bros Scoop Shop

Chill Bros Scoop Shop

With flavors that continuously change throughout the year, Chill Bros makes the list of top ice cream shops you have to try! Don’t miss out on their delicious flavors, and if you’re vegan, you can chill out because these bros got you covered, too!

No matter what you end up getting, you’ll be more than satisfied because their portions are massive. Next time you’re passing by or strolling in Ybor City, stop by!

Pro tip: If you want to try as many flavors as possible, the best option is to order the Flight, 6 flavors of ice cream!

Hours & Locations

Ybor
Monday | 12:00pm–9:30pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–9:30pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–9:30pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–9:30pm
Friday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
📍 1910 E 7th Ave Ste #101, Tampa, FL 33605

Note: they also have locations in South Tampa and SOHO!

ice cream shops

Mayday Ice Cream

If you’re craving something sweet that is gluten-free and dairy-free, look no further than Mayday! Excellent ice cream, unique and traditional flavors, huge portions, sweet cookies, and they make their own sprinkles? What?!

And our absolute favorite thing about Mayday ice cream is the seasonal flavors. Lavender melange? Pistachio moon? Raja honey? Say no more!

Pro tip: Can’t get enough of Mayday? Don’t worry, that makes two of us! Get a pint or more and bring some home with you–the perfect treat.

Hours & Locations

Ybor
Monday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
📍1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

Lakeland
Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–8:00pm
📍640 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801

The Heights

ice cream shops

Bo's Ice Cream

Soft serve paradise! Come to Bo’s and head to the park across the street with your delicious ice cream.

This very popular ice cream shops has been a staple of The Heights since the 50s. It’s not surprising since their ice cream is amazing and affordable, plus it’s located near the Zoo. The portions are just right for a sweet tooth! The cones are enough for two or great for someone that LOVES ice cream (like us). The waffle cones are kept warm, so you can always count on them to be perfect.

Pro tip: There’s something for everyone, but the Upside Down Sundaes are their best sellers! If you don’t know what to order, get one. You won’t regret it.

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍 7101 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

ice cream shops

📷 Sea Maids Creamery

Sea Maids Creamery

We’re in love with Sea Maids! How could you not fall in love with the little pink ice cream shops? The decor inside emphasizes the unique name, making it a great place to take pictures.

There’s literally something for everyone here. Vegan options, incredible ice cream forms and flavors, crazy good combinations, coffee, and desserts. Enjoy the perfect blend between the cold ice cream and the warm breeze in their outdoor seating area. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend and get them something from their pet menu!

Hours & Location

Monday–Wednesday | Closed
Thursday | 4:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 3:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday | 3:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday | 3:00pm–10:00pm
📍 4230 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603

ice cream shops

Astro Craft Ice Cream at Armature Works

The ice cream presentations are one of the many things people love about these ice cream shops. With some orders, you get a syringe so you can squeeze as much syrup as you want into your ice cream!

They’re famous for their little waffle cones and Cuban ice cream sandwiches. Yes, you heard that right: Cuban ice cream sandwiches.

Pro tip: If you love s’mores, get the Campfire Signature (two scoops of ice cream, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers). Yum!

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–9:00pm
📍 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

South Tampa

ice cream shops

Dairy Joy

Travel back in time to the 50’s and get a banana split. One of the coolest ice cream shops you’ll ever visit! Their two locations are gorgeous and makes you instantly excited for the ice cream. Their decor includes a drive-in theater mock-up with vintage colorful cars, pastel blue picnic-like chairs and pink umbrellas! Treat yourself with delicious soft serve, ice cream, shakes, and even hot dogs! Don’t be afraid, they offer non-dairy options! This is a wide selection of sweet flavors you have to try.

Hours & Locations

Tampa
Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍3813 S Manhattan Ave Tampa, FL 33611

ice cream shops

Revolution Ice Cream Co.

One of the cutest ice cream shops in Tampa bay! If you’re an art enthusiast who loves the sweet things in life, you have to come and try this place. Enjoy flavorful ice cream while listening to bands like The Smiths in a place full of cool posters and decor.

Each flavor comes with fun photos and crazy names like Drunk Brownies–the photo is a brownie with a dizzy face–or the Grandma’s Oreo comes with a baby devouring a tower of Oreos. Coming here is really a whole experience!

Pro tip: If you love their flavors just like us, you can bring them home! Get some pints of your favorite, or order the Party Pack (12 scoops of your choice).

Hours & Locations

Florida Ave
Monday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Sunday | 1:00pm–9:00pm
📍 6701 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Kennedy Blvd
Monday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Sunday | 1:00pm–9:00pm
📍 4032 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609

Note: there’s also a location in Brandon!

Downtown St. Pete

ice cream shops

📷 Plant Love Ice Cream

Plant Love Ice Cream

Non-dairy, plant-based, vegan delicious ice cream, and gluten-free cones! We can’t wait to return to Plant Love next time we’re in St. Pete.

The ice cream shop is beautiful, welcoming, and full of plants! It’s the combination we never knew we needed! The ice cream here is so incredibly creamy, it’s like ice cream heaven. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel the love. Definitely check out the Flight to get the most of this sweet-paradise!

Pro tip: Follow them on Instagram to find out the day’s menu!

Hours & Location

Wednesday | 2:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday | 2:00pm–9:00pm
Friday | 2:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday | 1:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday | 1:00pm–9:00pm
📍 953 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

ice cream shops

Paciugo Gelato & Caffè

If you want to treat yourselves without the “consequences,” you should try Paciugo! Their ice cream is 70% less fat than the regular, and they also offer fat-free and dairy-free options.

We were surprised by the variety of vegan gelato available, like peanut butter and jelly, and their cookies and cream version (both made of coconut and oat milk). They have 3 fruit flavors and 5 regular gelato flavors to choose from! The staff here is beyond friendly and want you to try all of the flavors before ordering so you have the best experience possible!

Pro tip: If you’re strolling around St. Pete, get the gelato to go, and take the toppings of your choice in a cup! Something we had never seen before.

Hours & Location

Monday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍 300 Beach Dr NE #120, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

ice cream shops

Sweet Stack Shack

Ice cream inside a cookie! At Sweet Stack Shack, make your own out-of-this-world, customizable ice cream sandwiches. Choose the cookie and flavor of ice cream you want to use for the sandwich. Then, add your favorite toppings, and watch a miracle happen!

The sandwich gets warmed up, believe it or not, and the ice cream doesn’t melt, but the cookie is warm. Gluten-free cookies and brownies to pair up with delicious ice cream, Sweet Stack Shack is a great ice cream shops stop for everyone!

Hours & Location (Temporarily Closed)

Monday | 3:00pm–10:00pm
Tuesday | 3:00pm–10:00pm
Wednesday | 3:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 3:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 3:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–11:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
📍1041 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Gulfport

ice cream shops

Let It Be

The definition of quality over anything else. Does chocolate hazelnut and pistachio ice cream sound like a dream to you? These are just two ice cream flavors from Let It Be.

The ice cream flavors are homemade and made daily! Their menu changes every day, and they showcase their specials on the menu board. Pair up your divine ice cream with warmed-up mini donuts! Ice cream options include dairy-free, custom-made ice cream sandwiches, fresh waffle cones, cups, sundaes, shakes, malts, and even banana splits.

Hours & Location

Monday | 3:00pm–9:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–9:30pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–9:30pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
📍 3127 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707

North Pinellas

ice cream shops

Strachan's Ice Cream & Desserts

Voted the best of Tampa Bay! Prepare to get sticky fingers–it’s that good, old-fashioned tasty ice cream. Their flavors are unexpectedly good! Try carrot cake, pumpkin cheesecake, butter pecan, and red velvet cake in the form of ice cream!

They offer delicious dairy-free and fat-free sorbets and sherbets. If you’re a Dunedin local or just visiting, skip dessert and order here instead! It’s a great plan to enjoy your ice cream as you walk to the marina or on the Pinellas Trail.

Hours & Locations

Palm Harbor
Monday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
📍 105 US-19 ALT, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Dunedin
Monday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–9:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–9:00pm
📍 310 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698

Clearwater
Monday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
📍 2332 FL-580, Clearwater, FL 33763

Safety Harbor
Monday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–9:00pm
📍 323 Main Street, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695

Orange Cycle Creamery

One of the cutest family-owned ice cream shops you’ll ever visit! Meet the owner and daughter while you decide what to get, and enjoy homemade ice cream that is really to die for!

Located around antique shops and art galleries, making it the perfect spot to enjoy your day after exploring some great places. Our favorite flavors are the lavender honey and blueberry cheesecake ice cream! And don’t forget, this place has dairy-free and gluten-free options, too.

Hours & Location

Monday | 12:00pm–8:00pm
Tuesday | 12:00pm–8:00pm
Wednesday | 12:00pm–8:00pm
Thursday | 12:00pm–8:00pm
Friday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–9:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–8:00pm
📍212 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

The Gulf Beaches

ice cream shops

Candy Kitchen

Go back in time to try one of the best places to enjoy retro candy and ice cream! Find boxes of candy from different decades like the 90s and the 80s (and more), specialty sodas, and wonderful homemade ice cream and fudge! This is an extraordinary place.

Neither your taste buds will regret it–it’s an explosion of sweetness! You’ll find regulars who have been coming since 1950! Come next time you’re around.

Hours & Locations

Madeira Beach
Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍 13711 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Redington Shores
Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍 18131 Gulf Blvd Suite CC, Redington Shores, FL 33708

ice cream shops

The Shake Shop

This place is usually packed, and you know what that means…they must be great! And they really are!

The sundaes are one of the best we’ve tried, and the banana split is just amazing (for less than $7). Even when waiting in line, the ambiance is cute. Walk across Treasure Island with your sweet ice cream and enjoy the little shops and the beach, at night or day. Compared to their low prices, the portions are massive, making it the place to be after a long day on the beach.

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Thursday | 11:00am–10:00pm
Friday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 11:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
📍 11920 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706

ice cream shops

Kooky Coconut

Kooky Coconut is a shack just outside the beach with tasty and big ice cream cones for low prices, and crazily enough, one of the best Cuban sandwiches you’ll ever eat in the US!

Famous for its pork, nachos, tacos, and coconut fresh drinks, this is a go-to after spending quality time on the beach or exploring around town. Enjoy the sunset with a delicious meal and flavorful ice cream.

Enjoy adventurous flavors like Pirate’s Treasure and classics with a twist like brownie with caramel and birthday cake. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend and enjoy the salty breeze in Kooky Coconut’s outdoor seating area.

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:00am–9:30pm
Tuesday | 11:00am–9:30pm
Wednesday | 11:00am–9:30pm
Thursday | 11:00am–9:30pm
Friday | 11:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday | 11:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–9:30pm
📍 760 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

Try The Best Ice Cream in Tampa Bay!

We cover everything for you! From old-fashioned ice cream shops that let you travel back in time and fill yourself with nostalgia to brand new and unique ice cream shops that offer vegan and gluten-free options. Customize your ice cream and desserts, and enjoy all the sweet spots Tampa Bay has to offer!

Don’t forget to tell us your experiences with these amazing ice cream shops, and tag us @StufftoDoinTampaBay on Instagram and Facebook! We can’t wait for you to expand your horizons and find your favorite ice cream shops!

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DanielaP. CamejoSanchez | Visit Profile >

Venezuelan (she/her) | 📍 Tampa since 2019 | Content Writer & Dog Mom...