The Great Anna Maria Island Ice Cream Smackdown - Who Has the Best Ice Cream?
Updated: Jan 21, 2023
UPDATED Jan 21, 2023
It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it! It's here...... finally! The GREAT ICE CREAM SMACKDOWN on Anna Maria Island. This list is the ultimate, top list of the best of the best ice cream shops found on and around Anna Maria Island. Your detailed resource into who has the best ice cream on the island. If you're an ice cream aficionado like we are you'll appreciate this Insider's Guide on the best spots to hit.
101 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Open daily 1 - 10 pm
Yup... we have tried them all and absolutely love love love Two Scoops Ice Cream. Not only are their ice cream flavours creamy, milky and delicious they have an amazing assortment of candies, pretzels and other treats to suit any kid. Grab one of their t-shirts while you are there, they are colorful and super cute!
Two Scoops is located on the north end of the island around the corner from our awesome vacation rentals. Our kids love riding their bikes to this shop and cooling off with a good old fashioned ice cream cone.
Now back to why we love their ice cream and how they made it to the Number 1 spot on our list. They have 32 homemade flavors to start with. Bing Cherry, Chocolate Chunk, Gator Tracks and Superkid are a few of the faves of our family. They make incredible banana splits topped with chocolate, Florida strawberries, pineapple, whipped cream, nuts and cherries... my mouth is watering! They have definitely earned their moniker of "Anna Maria island's Favorite Ice Cream Shop!"
Located across the street from Tampa Bay and the Anna Maria City Pier, it's a great way to enjoy an ice cream and stroll along the boardwalk enjoying the salty island breezes. The best of the best beach life ever!
Insider Tip!
I can't leave this ice cream shop without grabbing a Lemon Fizz drink. It's actually not on the menu... so only Insiders can get this cool, frosty, icy drink. It's a combination of lemon sorbet with crushed ice and 7-Up. It is so lemony it tastes like the large freshly squeezed lemonade served in Southern Italy. I can't tell you how refreshing this is... you just gotta try it!
In the Holmes Beach Plaza corner of Marina and Gulf Dr
5404 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Open daily 11 am - 9:30 pm
This little small town shop has a cool vibe inside... no pun intended! Focused on a fun kid-friendly atmosphere replete with toys, treats, a ferris wheel and of course their fabulous ice cream. A little like Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory... the owners are obsessed with finding "obscure little treasures of deliciousness" and we think they are doing a darn good job of it! Don't overlook this little shop in the strip mall in the heart of Holmes Beach, it's close to the beach but also a great spot to zip to on your golf cart.
Sink your teeth into Banana Cream Pie, Bear Claw, Captain's Chocolate, Dreamsicle, Elephant Ear and so many more. We love the specialty flavors that rotate by season like, Red Velvet Cake, Hawaiian Fruit Cup and Key Lime Pie... freshness at it's best.
Filled with incredible award winning, ice cream flavors.. did you know that this little shop has been awarded the Grand Master Ice Cream Award? Not an easy feat, as a shop has to win 3 different Blue Ribbon awards within 5 years just to qualify at the National Ice Cream Retailers Association (NICRA). You're in good hands at Small Town Creamery.
Insider Tip!
Find other incredible treats like ice cream pies, mermaid milkshakes, homemade fudge, waffle dogs on a stick, pop fusion wine -infused popsicles and tons more goodness. We're becoming obsessed!
306 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Mon - Sat 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
I can't tell you how much I love this shop! It's such a whimsical, colorful oasis for kids and parents to escape to. Located on the north end of the island in Anna Maria, Shiny Fish Emporium is constantly 'blooming with joyful treasures'. Voted by Southern Family Fun as one of the Top Family-Friendly Attractions on Anna Maria Island it's no wonder it made it to our Insider list of the Top Ice Cream Shops on Anna Maria Island.
Here you won't find your typical ice cream cones but this incredible mochi ice cream also known as Hawaiian Ice Cream Bubbles.... so freakin' good and they won't melt in the sun! Encased in a sweetened rice dough that tastes like fondant. One bite into this soft and chewy bubble and the ice cream tucked inside is released into your mouth. You gotta try this!
Insider Tip!
Our kids love the atmosphere here. They ride their bikes over and sit at the craft table to paint sand dollars as well as say hello to their cute puppy! Their Granny doesn't let them come home without some ice cream bubbles for her, she's hooked!
5404 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Open daily 11 am - 9:30 pm
Step into this quaint little ice cream shop in the strip mall at South Bay Blvd in Holmes Beach (close to Publix). Offering rotating specials like Cracker Jack Salted Caramel Sundaes, Chocolate Bacon Sundaes these owners aren't afraid to try new and exciting combinations to suit any taste.
Choose from 36 of the Working Cow ice cream flavors in this cute little shop where kids can sit at the toad stool table and adults can enjoy tiki bar seating. On the menu you can also find milkshakes, malts, sundaes, fruit smoothies, frozen yoghurt and more.
Located inside the Anna Maria General Store
503 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Open daily 10 am - 11:00 pm
You can find Dips Ice Cream tucked inside the Anna Maria General Store on the north end of the island on Pine Avenue a sweet little main street reminiscent of Key West. Grab a scrumptious flavored milkshake like orange, pineapple and coconut or slated caramel marshmallow. They boast an old-fashioned candy bar and a great selection of ice creams.
Enjoy the typical selection of flavors like oreo, peanut butter bar, caramel, etc... The friendly staff is always ready to serve you with a smile.
117 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Open daily 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This is a great stop not just for fudge, caramel popcorn, ice cream and candy. They have some great ice cream and they are right on the main street in Bradenton Beach. A super way to have a quick mini putt game at The Fish Hole then head next door for an ice cream and meander down the street to the historic Bridget Street Pier.
The Fudge Factory makes their own ice cream. With over 45 flavours there is something sure to please everyone in your group. Think Southern praline, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Gator Tracks, Almond Joy, among old favorites like Bing Cherry, Pistachio, Chocolate and Vanilla.
9801 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria, FL 34216
Open Sunday through Thursday 10 am - 9:00 pm
Open Friday & Saturday 10 am - 10:00 pm
This fun ice cream shop and bakery is a great place to grab an ice cream on the northern end of the island. Close to the beach and Ginny n Jane E's restaurant pop in to this coastal ice cream shop to enjoy some great gelato.
This spot is popular so expect line ups during season. Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery boasts a great variety of flavors and even some dairy-free sorbetto options too. We like the Toasted Coconuts, Raspberry Chocolate gelato flavors.
OFF THE ISLAND
#8 ~ TYLER'S ICE CREAM
11904 Cortez Rd W., Cortez, FL 34215
Mon - Thur 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri & Sat 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Although off the island, it's super close and just over the Cortez bridge, Tyler's Gourmet Ice Cream is incredibly good. They've served quality homemade ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes and tasty treats for over 30+ years. This is another fabulous ice cream shop to hit if you are over the bridge.
You know you are getting fresh ice cream with Tyler's because it is made in small batches every week to ensure the quality is consistent. They have created over 300 different types of flavors since they were established, so there are lots of options to choose from every time you visit.
That's a wrap! You are armed with the very best information and insights we can give you on everything related to ice cream and Anna Maria Island. We hope you find this smackdown of the top and best ice cream shops on Anna Maria Island extremely useful and please feel free to drop us a line or comment below. Now get out there and conquer the Ice Cream world on Anna Maria Island. Cheers!
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WHERE TO STAY
Anna Maria Island Home Rental
At Anna Maria Island Home Rental, we have luxurious waterfront accommodations. Enjoy a fabulous family getaway to your favorite Florida island. We specialize in exceeding customer expectations, with backyard beaches, docks, sauna, tiki huts, hammocks, and so much more! Contact us for information and a detailed quote!
