It's Scoop O'Clock!

National Ice Cream Day arrives Sunday, July 19, reigniting the annual debate over cups versus cones, sprinkles versus no sprinkles, and whether one scoop is ever really enough. Luckily, local ice cream shops make picking a favorite the hardest part.

Five Florida Scoop Stops Worth the Trip

In North Central Florida, Sweet Alps Ice Cream in Inverness brings a little Swiss craftsmanship to the Sunshine State. With homemade ice cream, classic and seasonal flavors, vegan-friendly options, sundaes, smoothies, and coffee drinks, it’s the kind of place where “just one scoop” can become a bold-faced lie.

On the Space Coast, Surfin' Turtle Ice Cream Shoppe in Satellite Beach leans all the way into its beach-town charm. After a sandy afternoon or a sun-soaked walk along A1A, its cones, sundaes, arctic cyclones, Dole Whip, and family-friendly atmosphere make a strong case for lingering a little longer.

Along the Forgotten Coast, Shoobies in Port St. Joe has the cheerful confidence of a place that knows people came hungry and probably overdressed for Florida weather. Soft serve, sundaes, water ice, and Jersey gelatos give locals and visitors plenty to argue over before someone wisely orders both.

In Southwest Florida, Hershey's Flavortown LLC in Port Charlotte goes big on choices. With more than 60 flavors of Hershey’s Premium ice cream, soft-serve custard, sundaes, milkshakes, and frozen treats, it’s built for families where every person wants something different and everyone is correct.

On the Treasure Coast, Beach House Ice Cream in Stuart keeps things refreshingly local with homemade ice cream made on site, including an ever-changing selection of flavors, adult-only options, and dairy-free choices made with oat milk.

A Sweet Little Statewide Tradition

The beauty of National Ice Cream Day is that it doesn’t require a reservation, a dress code, or a five-step plan. It just asks you to show up, support a local shop, and accept that at least one napkin will not be enough.

Whether you’re chasing a childhood favorite, introducing the kids to their first waffle cone, or cooling off after errands that somehow took all afternoon, Florida’s scoop shops make the celebration easy. Some of the state’s sweetest summer memories really do start with two scoops and a sticky hand.

Find your next summer scoop at https://guidetoflorida.com/ice-cream-parlors!