Are you wondering where to find the best ice cream in Orlando?
Nothing quite tops off the perfect day in the Orlando sun like an ice-cold ice cream cone in the late afternoon. It’s an ideal way to end a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or a weekend at the amusement park.
Something about the ambiance of an ice cream parlor just fills us with joy and makes us feel like a kid again.
Orlando is home to tons of ice cream shops, each with its own unique characteristics and charm that make it special. I’ve rounded up my top ten favorite ice cream spots in Orlando to grab an afternoon scoop. Which one is your favorite?
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At a Glance (Best Ice Cream in Orlando)
- Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream: Make it a dog day afternoon and bring along your furry friend for a Dog Pop (Try the Mexican Chocolate)
- Beaches & Cream Turn back time and enjoy the nostalgia of this old-fashioned soda (Try the Bailey’s Sundae)
- Smallcakes Cupcakes & Creamery: This gourmet bakery serves up the best hand-crafted ice cream infused with melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes (Try the Almond Joy)
- Ghriadelli: From magical milkshakes to heavenly chocolate, it is world-famous sweet bliss (Try the Golden Gate Banana Split)
Keep reading to find out why these are my favorite ice cream places in Orlando.
1. Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream is a true family-owned and operated ice cream shop run by Kelly and her husband, Scott.
What was originally just a part-time job Kelly had to help put herself through nursing school has since become her passion.
They’ve gone from a stand at the farmer’s market to six different locations throughout Orlando and the surrounding areas.
Why We Love Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
You will love the variety of flavors and sweet treats here. They have Kelly’s originals like Mexican chocolate, signature flavors, milkshakes, floats and sundaes, and all the sweet toppings you could crave.
Can’t decide well then, go for the Flight and you can choose 6 flavors!
Each of their locations carries their Kelly’s Originals plus rotating monthly featured options. One of my favorite featured flavors is Alligator Tracks, which is an orange zest ice cream with dark chocolate and toasted almonds.
You will be able to taste the love put into their ice cream no matter which flavor you go with.
Plus, if you want to treat yourself to some ice cream in Orlando bring along your four-legged friend, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream also serves Dog Pops!
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Mexican Chocolate: Mexican hot chocolate ice cream spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice layered with Mexican hot chocolate pieces
- Banana Pudding: Banana cake batter ice cream with marshmallow cream and Nilla wafers
- Cookie Batter: Blue velvet cake batter ice cream layered with Oreos
- Key Lime Pie in a cake cone
Address: 3114 Corrine Drive Orlando, Florida 32803; 1817 S Ferncreek Ave Orlando, Florida 32806; 119 N Central Ave #1007 Oviedo, Florida 32765
2. Twistee Treat
You will definitely know when you have arrived at your destination when visiting one of the Twistee Treat locations!
You can’t miss the giant ice cream-shaped building that these fun ice cream shops are housed in.
Why We Love Twistee Treat as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
With a philosophy of “handing out smiles,” they do their best to make your experience not only delicious but fun for the whole family!
On top of their delightful homemade ice cream, they offer many other delicious frozen treats. They have cones, cups, shakes, malts, sundaes, slushies – the list goes on and on. Some of their top sellers include the classic banana split and their brownie boat.
You can even get your own version of the Walt Disney World famous Dole Whip treat here too!
If you need a little more Twisty Treat in your life then make sure you sign up for their Loyalty Program. You can start saving up the points from every visit for a free treat under $5 on your birthday and $3.00 free for every $30 spent on Twisty Treats.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Watermelon in a sugar cone
- Butter Pecan in a cake cup
- Hot Fudge Brownie Boat
- Cheesecake Sundae with a cherry, whipped cream and nuts
Address: 11947 S Apopka Vineland Rd. Orlando, Florida 32836 (Twistee Treat of Lake Buena Vista is my favorite location in Orlando)
Get over 30% off on your Orlando CityPass here!
3. Mr. Cool Ice Cream & Boba Tea
If you’re looking for more of an experience than just a simple ice cream scoop, head on down to Mr. Cool Ice Cream & Boba Tea.
Inside you will find fun and quirky vibes with colorful post-it notes adorning the wall. Here you can leave a sweet message, scribble a note, or write out your favorite flavor for others it’s fun for all ages.
Why We Love Mr. Cool Ice Cream & Boba Tea as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
Here, they don’t just sell ice cream. They sell “ice manias,” which are ice cream rolls that you can watch the employees make on the spot, just how you like it.
You can choose from one of their special combos or build your own with your choice of base and mix-ins.
On top of their one-of-a-kind ice cream rolls, they have smoothies, milkshakes, and Boba tea, with the same style of choosing a base and mixing in some delicious pieces to up the game.
Here, anything goes, so you can create the perfect dessert or ice cream snack of your dreams.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Monkey Business: Nutella, banana,
- Key Lime Pie: Lime, graham cracker
- Morning Latte: Coffee, condensed milk
- Matcha Love: Matcha, strawberry
Address: 6550 International Drive Suite #104 Orlando, Florida 32819
4. Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs is the ultimate place to go for ice cream in Orlando for a sweet escape. It is legendary!
They serve delicious signature sundaes, milkshakes, hot cocoa, and, sweet treats that you won’t know what to dive into first.
Why We Love Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
If you love decadent chocolate then this iconic chocolate shop is where you want to treat yourself. They are famous for their rich and velvety chocolate and premium chocolate creations that are worth indulging in when you have the chance.
There are so many specialties that you will only find here at this ice cream shop in Orlando that you won’t find anywhere else! It is chocolate bliss that every age will fall in love with and an experience all on its own.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Golden Gate Banana Split: Vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream topped with crushed pineapple, sweetened strawberries, and handmade hot fudge served with a banana, whipped cream, diced almonds, and a cherry
- Cookies Crumble Hot Fudge Sundae: Vanilla and cookies ‘n cream ice cream, handmade hot fudge, whipped cream, chocolate chip cookie crumbles, and two milk chocolate caramel minis
- Nob Hill Chill Shake: Vanilla ice cream blended with milk, ice, handmade hot fudge and topped with mini dark chocolate chips
- Strawberry Passion Hot Fudge Sundae: Strawberry and vanilla ice cream, sweetened strawberries, and handmade hot fudge topped with whipped cream and a dipped strawberry
Address: 1710 E Buena Vista Dr Building 7, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
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5. Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Located inside Disney’s Beach Club Resort at EPCOT Resort Area, this retro shop with have you feeling nostalgic for the good old days.
The old-fashioned soda fountain, vintage decorations, bumping jukebox, and beachy diner vibes will transport you back in time.
You will find all your nostalgic favorites and even discover new ones just for the adults with their hard floats and shakes.
Why We Love Beaches & Cream Soda Shop as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
You might find yourself coming for the ice cream but may be returning to come back for all the fantastic food too.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop offers much more than just ice cream.
They have a full lunch and dinner menu with favorites including their burger, grilled cheese, onion rings, and chili-cheese tots.
Their ice cream menu takes things to the next level, with wild, over-the-top concoctions. You can even order an entire “kitchen sink” filled to the brim with eight scoops of ice cream and every possible topping in the shop!
There is a limited number of tables so be sure to book yourself a reservation if you want to dine in or else you can take advantage of their limited menu at their ice cream window.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Bailey’s Sundae: Coffee ice cream topped with hot fudge, chocolate brownie, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry
- Grasshopper Float: Guinness Stout with mint chocolate chip ice cream
- Strawberry Minnie Shake: Strawberry shake, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream topped with a vanilla Minnie cupcake and served in a souvenir cup
- No Way José: Peanut butter and hot fudge delight featuring chocolate and vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and chocolate morsels, whipped cream, and a cherry
Address: 1800 EPCOT Resorts Blvd. Orlando, Florida 32830
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6. Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery
A cupcake and a scoop of ice cream are the perfect pairing, and at Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery, you can get both in one stop!
With a rotating selection of flavors, there will always be something new to treat your sweet tooth to at this gourmet bakery.
Why We Love Smallcakes Cupcakes & Creamery as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
Visitors are continuously delighted by their sweet treats of extra-creamy ice cream and rich, moist cupcakes from the finest ingredients.
Plus, the staff is always so kind and ready to answer any of your questions to help lead you to the best sweet treat on your visit.
The handcrafted ice cream is infused with cupcakes for that extra special indulgence. It’s made in smaller batches so that you are always getting the freshest and tastiest treats.
Not only do they have these delectable creations but the menu is full of more treats like Cakeshakes, Ice cream flights and floats, and even Edible Cookie Dough.
Plus they have pupcakes here which is great for your furry friends!
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Carrot Cake Cupcake Infused Ice Cream
- Almond Joy Cupcake Infused Ice Cream
- Andes Mint Cupcake Infused Ice Cream
- Birthday Cake Waffle Cone Cupcake Infused Ice Cream
Address: 3251 Rolling Oaks Blvd, Kissimmee, Florida 34747 (The Kissimmee location is my favorite)
7. The Greenery Creamery
The Greenery Creamery focuses on local, natural, premium organic ingredients and creates a totally unique artisanal experience at their shops.
They are known as the first one in Orlando serving up delightful treats to O-Town since 2018. It is the cutest little ice cream shop with boutique vibes and whimsical décor.
Why We Love The Greenery Creamery as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
The cream they use is locally sourced from grass-fed cows, but they don’t stop there. They also offer plenty of vegan options for many of their sweet treats.
They keep an ever-changing rotation of handcrafted, small-batch ice cream moving through their shop, so you can try something new each time you visit. Other options include cookie sandwiches, milkshakes, and baked goods.
And if you don’t know what you want then ask their SorBae to help you decide on the perfect sweet bite.
Their pup cups are adorable! Served in a bowl with a dog biscuit on the side you can choose from Strawberry Lavender, Blueberry Lavender (both oat and dairy-free), or Pumpkin Peanut Butter.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Vegan Strawberry Milkshake with assorted candies and sprinkles
- Cookie Dough Sundae: Graham Biscoff crumble layered with vanilla soft serve, edible cookie dough chunks, chocolate sauce and a toasted marshmallow
- Triple C: An addictive combination of bold coffee, sweet cream, and milk’s favorite cookies
- Blueberry/Lavendar: Smooth steeped lavender tea sweetened with notes of crisp blueberries
Address: Downtown Orlando/Lake Eola Location 420 East Church St, Unit #112 Orlando, Florida, 32801 and SANFORD – Henrys Depot Location 212 W 1st St Sanford, Florida
8. Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory
Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory is a magical place perfect for families who are looking for a special ice cream experience.
In fact, the current owners, John and Becky, loved the shop so much when they visited that they bought it a few years later.
Why We Love Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
Since John and Becky took over, they’ve expanded to a full menu with cheesesteaks, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, wings, and more.
Of course, they kept the magical main attraction – ice cream that is frozen right in front of you! Using liquid nitrogen, they flash-freeze your ice cream right when you order it, and you can witness the whole thing!
This is one place you will want to bring the whole family for ice cream in Orlando. Not only is it excitingly entertaining with the ice cream magic show they also have bouncy houses for kids to have a whole lot of fun.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Blueberry Pancake: Blueberries, butter pecan, and cake batter
- Salted Caramel Pretzel: Salted caramel flavor with M&Ms and pretzels
- Godfather: Cheesecake, chocolate chips and graham cracker
- Carebear: Blue Raspberry, Cotton Candy, and Gummy Bears
Address: 520 N. Main Street Kissimmee, Florida 34744
Get more Orlando travel planning tips right here!
9. Bacio Ice Cream Shop
This shop is all about decadence! They offer some of the most beautiful and delectable sundaes and shakes that we’ve ever seen.
Choose from one of their expertly crafted creations or go rogue and create your own.
They are whimsical treats full of dreamy cookies, delectable flavors, and luscious creamy ice cream. They are so divine they almost look too good to eat!
Why We Love Bacio Ice Cream Shop as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
In addition, they have specialty creations on top of their shakes and sundaes, like a banana boat, ice cream sandwich, or Belgian waffle with ice cream on top. You will have absolutely no problem satisfying your sweet tooth here.
The portions are large with huge scoops for a true sugar rush, it will be some of the best ice cream that you have ever had.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Banana Pudding: Banana ice cream with marshmallow swirls and vanilla wafer cookies
- Oatmeal Crave: Silky brown sugar cinnamon ice cream, swirled with sweet caramel sauce, chocolate flakes, and delicious oatmeal cookie crumbles
- Honey Roasted Peanut Butter Ice Cream: Honey-roasted peanut butter ice cream with a creamy honey-roasted peanut butter twist and yummy chocolate flakes
- Pink Sunset Sundae: Divine berries ice cream, strawberry jelly, hot chocolate fudge, whipped cream, red sprinkles, cherry on top
Address: 8734 Lee Vista Blvd. Orlando Florida 32827
10. Joury Ice-Cream & Café
Ice Cream in Orlando gets a playful twist at this little hidden gem. We’ve seen ice cream shops with all sorts of pairings, but at Joury, they pair their ice cream with crepes and bubble waffles.
The little ones will love the Superman inspired ice cream! It is the kid’s number one favorite here at Journy Ice-Cream & Café, it’s vanilla-flavored ice cream in vibrant red, yellow, & blue colors.
Why We Love Joury Ice-Cream & Café as the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
Their goal is to satisfy their customer’s cravings, and to do that, they come up with a variety of unique flavors. With options for diary-free or sugar-free options, this is the perfect option if you have any dietary restrictions.
First, you pick a flavor, then add your toppings, and finally, choose a drizzle to bring it all together.
Be sure to take advantage of their daily deals Monday to Thursday from 1 pm to 6 pm like a free small ice cream cup when you buy a bubble waffle on Mondays or ice cream madness with 20 % off any ice cream on Wednesdays.
Must Try Menu Items at This Orlando Ice Cream Shop
- Stellar Coffee: Rich Coffee Club® ice cream with delicious fudge and mini dark chocolate coffee cups
- Cookie Monster: Vibrant blue vanilla ice cream loaded with cookie dough pieces and crushed cookies
- Red Velvet: Red Velvet ice cream with chunks of decadent red velvet cake and a rich ribbon of cream cheese icing
- Garbage Can: Generous chunks of 7 different brand name candy bars and granulated peanuts in Vanilla ice cream
Address: 457 Avalon Park S Blvd #200 Orlando, Florida 32828
Wrapping Up the Best Ice Cream in Orlando
There you have it! Those are the best places to get ice cream in Orlando. As you can see, there’s so much more to do and eat here in Central Florida.
Now it’s your turn, what’s your favorite place to pick up a delicious sweet treat in Orlando? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: February 2, 2022/Updated January 31, 2024)