For a state that only has about thirty dairy farms, South Carolina’s largest city, Charleston, is a notable hub for ice cream shops. And with the summer heat in the Lowcountry, it’s no wonder there are so many places to get cold, sweet treats. The anticipation of trying out these ice cream and gelato shops during your stay is as delicious as the ice cream itself. So, if you’re looking for a sugary escape from the heat, Charleston Coast Vacations has you covered!
5 Top-Rated Ice Cream Shops in Charleston, SC
On hot sunny days in Charleston, ice cream might be the best option if you’re out and about. Whether you prefer your frosty fun on a cone, a sundae, or a shake, each of these parlors will cool you down while satisfying your sweet tooth. You may want to grab a snack before we delve into these top-rated shops because you might get hungry!
Republic Ice Cream & Custard
With original flavors born from quality and heritage, Republic Ice Cream & Custard will impress you with its attention to detail and tasty ingredients from the best sources worldwide. Republic Ice Cream has two locations around Charleston: one on historic King Street and another on Sullivan’s Island. And because they make their own, you can buy pints of their intensely flavored varieties to enjoy at your vacation rental home.
The Pineapple Hut
If you and your crew need a healthy dairy-free ice cream alternative, The Pinneaple Hut in Folly Beach is the place to go. Their tropical-inspired specialties are bursting with flavor and are 100 percent vegan and fat-free. What’s more, the most popular offering, The Paradise Whip, comes in a freshly cut pineapple!
Off-Track Ice Cream
For the area’s most robust flavor combinations, Off-Track Ice Cream is the perfect spot for ice cream enthusiasts visiting Charleston. They make all their ice cream from scratch, only use a few simple ingredients, and offer a rich vegan ice cream alternative that makes you think it’s the real thing. Whether you want a cone, bowl, or cup, you’ll be amazed by all the toppings and flavor concoctions.
Turbo Cone
Turbo Cone is as straightforward as it comes regarding Charleston ice cream. But don’t let their simplicity fool you—they have some of the best soft serve in the Holy City. Not only does Turbo Cone offer traditional custom cones, but they also have shakes, floats, and slushies. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the soft serve-slushy combo called an “Ice Berg.”
Peace Pie
While some Charleston ice cream shops specialize in sundaes, shakes, and cones, Peace Pie focuses on ice cream sandwiches. Using signature shortbread cookies, premium cream, and homemade pie filling, giving one of these frosty treats to your worst enemy will likely result in an instant truce. Before you head out of Charleston, check their shipping information page to see if you can keep the fun going at home since they deliver!
Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island Vacation Rentals
The one thing that all the Charleston ice cream shops offer is a delicious way to stay cool in between your vacation activities while making sweet memories with your friends and family. So, after a day of gallivanting in the Holy City, stop by one of these local favorites before heading back to your vacation home from Charleston Vacations and indulge to your heart’s content! Start planning your Lowcountry getaway by browsing our collection of beach, ocean views, and oceanfront properties today!
