Philadelphia, PA - There's no such thing as too much ice cream! After all, ice cream is the most crucial meal while visiting Ocean City, Maryland. So, you must find the best spots for ice cream in Ocean City. We've narrowed down the options for the best ice cream spots in Ocean City. Read on to discover the best OC Ice Cream.
Cooling Down in OCMD: A Guide to Ocean City, Maryland's Best Ice Cream Shops
A trip to Ocean City, Maryland, is synonymous with sun, sand, and surf. But no visit to this iconic beach town is complete without indulging in a delicious frozen treat. The OCMD boardwalk and coastal highway are lined with fantastic ice cream parlors, each offering a unique way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth. From legendary homemade ice cream and creamy frozen custard to trendy rolled creations, here is a guide to five of the best ice cream spots you must visit.
1. Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant (Multiple Locations)
- The Scoop: An Ocean City institution for more than 80 years, Dumser's is arguably the most famous name in local ice cream. With several locations throughout town, including on the boardwalk, they are renowned for their rich and creamy homemade ice cream.
- What to Expect: A classic, nostalgic dairy bar experience. While they also serve a full menu of food like hamburgers and fried chicken, the main event is the ice cream. Indulge in classic cones, thick milkshakes, and decadent banana splits.
- Location Example: 601 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 (Boardwalk)
2. Justine's Ice Cream Parlour (North Ocean City)
- The Scoop: For an incredible variety and a charming, old-fashioned parlor atmosphere, head to Justine's. This year-round dessert shop features over 40 flavors of ice cream and is especially famous for its creative and colossal milkshake menu, with a "wall of famous shakes" to choose from.
- The Vibe: A welcoming spot with friendly, knowledgeable staff. A unique feature is its deck overlooking the canal, providing a scenic and relaxing place to enjoy your treat. They also have a fun toy store inside, making it a hit with families.
- Location: 12207 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
3. Southpole Ice Cream Roll (Downtown/Boardwalk Area)
- The Scoop: If you're looking for a unique and entertaining dessert experience, look no further than Southpole Ice Cream Roll. This spot was one of the first in the area to serve Thai-style rolled ice cream.
- What to Expect: Watch as your ice cream is made to order right in front of you. A liquid base of cream, milk, and flavorings is poured onto a frozen steel plate, mixed with your chosen ingredients, and then scraped into neat rolls. With over a dozen flavors and toppings like strawberry, chocolate, and Nutella, it's as fun to watch as it is to eat.
- Location: 10 N Division St, Ocean City, MD 21842
4. TLC Polish Water Ice (Multiple Locations)
- The Scoop: Offering a unique frozen dessert experience, TLC Polish Water Ice is a regional East Coast favorite with a presence in OCMD. This isn't traditional ice cream or Italian ice.
- What to Expect: Polish Water Ice has a creamy, smooth texture similar to frozen custard or soft-serve ice cream but is completely dairy-free, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. It's a refreshing and flavorful alternative that's served fresh while you wait.
- Location Example: 306 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
5. Julia's Ice Cream (Downtown/Boardwalk Area)
- The Scoop: A classic boardwalk staple, Julia's Ice Cream is the perfect place to grab a quick, satisfying cone while strolling by the ocean. This year-round spot offers a great variety of traditional ice cream flavors.
- What to Expect: A convenient and classic beach town ice cream stand. You can enjoy a simple scoop of a favorite flavor, such as the classic creamsicle, or indulge in a larger size with plenty of toppings. They also have an extensive selection of candies.
- Location: 1103 N Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
The ice cream scene in Ocean City, Maryland, is as vibrant and fun as the town itself. Whether you're indulging in the historic homemade scoops from Dumser's, the inventive milkshakes at Justine's, the trendy rolled creations at Southpole, or the unique creaminess of TLC's Polish Water Ice, you're guaranteed a delicious way to beat the heat. These sweet spots are an essential part of the OCMD vacation experience.
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Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly.
