Picture yourself sitting on the Gulf of Mexico on Anna Maria Island with the blazing Florida sun beaming down on you. You can feel the warmth on your skin and drink in the turquoise waters as you relax on some of the best beaches in the world. It's a glorious setting that could only be made better by one thing: a delectable and cooling ice cream.
The good news is that Anna Maria Island is home to some of the best ice cream shops in Florida. Here's the big scoop you need on those hot summer days on where to find the island's best ice cream.
Oh, and before you get stuck into this tasty list, take a moment to browse and book our wide range of vacation rentals. Trust us, with all these delicious ice cream spots on offer, you're going to want to stay a while and try them all.
1. Two Scoops
101 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
Coming in at the top spot is the ever-popular Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe. You will find Two Scoops in the Bayview Plaza on the north end of the island, across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier.
It is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily, so you can enjoy delicious ice cream as you walk along the boardwalk morning, noon, or night. What makes this ice cream parlor so popular is its 32 flavors of homemade ice cream. You can indulge in anything from strawberry cheesecake to maple walnut to classic chocolate.
What's more, the delicacies don't stop at just delicious ice cream! Two Scoops also serves up waffles, banana splits, and breakfast and lunch options. You can even buy yourself a slogan tee while you're there.
2. Small Town Creamery
Photo Credit: islandscoopsami via Instagram
Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
This Small Town Creamery packs a big punch when it comes to holding its own in the rankings for the best ice cream shops on Anna Maria Island. You will find this small town shop in the strip mall in the heart of Holmes Beach, near the beach itself.
The Small Town Creamery is a feast for all the senses. It is full of color and fun and is a great place to take the children, as there are lots of fun toys and treats for sale. Of course, you can also enjoy dozens of ever-changing flavors of ice cream that rotate with the season, from key lime pie to peanut butter cup to Mackinac turtle.
The ice cream is also available in sugar-free and vegan alternatives. In addition to the award-winning gourmet ice cream, the Small Town Creamery offers homemade fudge, sweets, cool beads, waffle dogs on a stick, mermaid milkshakes, and coffees. There is something for everyone at this delicious Anna Maria Island ice cream parlor.
Note: At the time of writing, Small Town Creamery is temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricane Milton. Check for updated opening hours before heading over for a scoop.
3. Island Scoops at Uncle Nick's
Photo Credit: islandscoopsami via Instagram
5917 Manatee Ave W Suite 305, Bradenton, FL
Island Scoops promises to offer AMI customers happiness in measured scoops of delicious ice cream, baked goods, malts, floats, candy, sundaes, and quirky dishes such as ice cream nachos.
Island Scoops prides itself on serving locally made ice creams and sorbets that are hand mixed using quality, all-natural ingredients that are locally sourced wherever possible. They infuse many of their own flavors from scratch in their local facility, so why not treat the kids to a trashcan flavor infusion while you enjoy a Kahula Krunch Malt?
Island Scoop's goal is to provide Florida's residents and vacationers with the best ice cream and sweet treats, and they certainly deliver on that goal.
4. Holy Cow Ice Cream
Photo Credit: holycow.icecream via Instagram
3234 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL
You will find Holy Cow Ice Cream in the strip of the mall in Holmes Beach. It offers 36 different ice cream flavors made from fresh milk of working cows. You can also enjoy extensive and exciting ranges of milkshakes, malts, sundaes, smoothies, frozen yogurt, and sugar-free and dairy-free options.
You will find rotating specials offered up in traditional ice cream cones or served as a special sundae or hand-spun milkshake. Expect exciting combinations from Chocolate Bacon Sundaes to Pumpkin Pie Malts when in season.
This fun and quaint shop is a fun, quirky, and perfect pit stop for the whole family to cool down and enjoy a delicious ice cream away from the beaming Florida sun.
5. Dips Ice Cream
Photo Credit: Dips via Facebook
503 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL
Dips Ice Cream is on the north end of the Island on Pine Avenue and is open from 10 am to 10 pm, except on Friday and Saturday, when it stays open until 11 pm.
It is a small ice cream parlor, but one that doesn't compromise on flavors, taste, and offerings. Here you can enjoy 32 flavors of delicious ice cream, 2 flavors of soft serve Italian ice cream, and a particularly impressive selection of candy from an old-fashioned style candy bar, all of which will be served to you by the friendly staff.
You can also treat yourself to a delectable milkshake in a variety of flavors, from pineapple to coconut to salted caramel marshmallow.
6. Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery
Photo Credit: David Johnson
9801 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL
Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery is a delightful spot that you simply can't miss, located conveniently close to the beach in the charming Anna Maria neighborhood. This vibrant and inviting creamery is a staple for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide array of sweet treats and baked goods.
This visually appealing store draws crowds during the busier seasons, so be prepared to queue, but rest assured, the wait is worthwhile. Expect to find unique flavors alongside a variety of specialty treats, including colossal banana splits, key lime pie on a stick, and their renowned chocolate-covered bananas.
7. Tyler's Homemade Ice Cream
Photo Credit: Veronika Ortega
11904 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL
Tyler's Homemade Ice Cream is a cherished gem located just off Anna Maria Island in Cortez. Known for its commitment to quality and flavor, Tyler's offers an impressive selection of homemade ice cream, ensuring there's something for everyone.
This family-owned store prides itself on using the freshest ingredients to create delicious and creamy treats that keep both locals and visitors coming back for more. Whether you're in the mood for a classic vanilla or feeling adventurous with a unique seasonal creation, Tyler's provides the perfect way to cool down after a day at the beach.
Don't forget to try their famous waffle cones, which are made fresh daily to complement their delightful ice cream scoops.
8. Gelato-go
Photo Credit: AngryGoat 6.0
119 Bridge St UNIT 150, Bradenton Beach, FL
Gelato-go is a delightful addition to the ice cream scene on Anna Maria Island, bringing authentic Italian gelato to the shores of Bradenton Beach.
This charming gelateria prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, including milk sourced from local farms and pistachios from Bronte, Sicily. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Gelato-go offers a rotating selection of flavors that cater to both classic and adventurous palates, such as stracciatella and passion fruit.
Whether you're in the mood for a creamy gelato or a refreshing sorbet, Gelato-go promises a taste of Italy with every scoop, providing a perfect way to cool off after a day at the beach.
Enjoy a Scoop (Or Two) of AMI's Best Ice Cream
Whether you're savoring a scoop of homemade ice cream from Two Scoops or enjoying a quirky sundae from Holy Cow Ice Cream, there's nothing like experiencing these delicious, sweet treats that Anna Maria Island has to offer.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to taste the island's best ice cream while enjoying the stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Book your Anna Maria Island vacation rental today to enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence, all within reach of the island's top ice cream shops. Start planning your mouth-watering getaway now!
