From Falmouth to Provincetown and everywhere in between, Cape Cod is abundant in amazing beaches, green spaces, historic places of interest, restaurants, and all-around fun. In short, it’s the perfect vacation destination! And what better way is there to savor the vacation experience than by treating yourself to ice cream at the end of the day? Whether you’re day-tripping or spending the season on the Cape, ordering ice cream is just about guaranteed to brighten your day.
With tons of options for homemade ice cream, flavors that suit different dietary preferences, and a range of classic to more trendy shops, there’s no shortage of amazing options available to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth. No trip to a beach town is complete without a tasty frozen dairy treat, so read on for some of the best Cape Cod ice cream shops you’ll want to add to your itinerary immediately. The only question left is: cup or cone?
Ice Cream Sandwich – Sandwich
With a name like Ice Cream Sandwich, how could you not pay a visit? Located in the Upper Cape town of Sandwich, Ice Cream Sandwich will serve up just the treat to satisfy your taste buds after a long day in the sun. In case the name is confusing, the menu is far more extensive than just ice cream sandwiches.
Try an ice cream donut sandwich for a delicious and unusual treat or stick with a classic by ordering one of the special New England flavors in a house-made waffle cone. On-site, the large front lawn is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy your frozen treat before it melts. Ice Cream Sandwich is open year-round and is worth a visit regardless of the season!
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium – Falmouth
At the entrance to the Cape is the Town of Falmouth, home to beaches on Buzzards Bay and Martha’s Vineyard Sound, natural areas, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Once you’ve explored these areas, head to Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium. In addition to classic flavors, Ben & Bill’s has unique ones like ginger and chocolate peanut butter cookie dough.
If you’re seeking a frozen treat that’s vegan-friendly but you’re tired of the usual one or two vegan flavors available at most shops, you’ll love it here. Ben and Bill’s has vegan flavors that go beyond basic (like a mint chocolate cookie or chocolate raspberry). Open year-round, the menu here goes way beyond just ice cream, with sweet treats galore to fulfill your sugary wishes.
Sundae School – Dennisport and Harwich Port
While there’s nothing wrong with ice cream shops that are new in town, you know there’s something right about those that have been around for decades. Open seasonally since 1976, Sundae School has the whole ice cream experience perfected. The Dennisport location has the look and feel of an old-school ice cream parlor, complete with ice cream memorabilia to set the tone for visitors.
The Harwich Port shop has a lovely patio upon which you can savor your selection. The setting isn’t all Sundae School serves up; its homemade hard-style ice cream is the real treat, so make your pick and grab an iconic sailor-style Sundae School hat to complete the experience!
Four Seas Ice Cream – Centerville (Barnstable)
Opened in 1934, generations of vacationers have delighted in dairy treats from Four Seas Ice Cream in the Barnstable village of Centerville. Situated in a charming former blacksmith’s shop, visitors can choose from ice cream in a cup, cone, sundae, or frappe. Pick a classic hard-serve flavor or a more unusual one, like lemon crisp, pistachio nut pineapple, or maple bacon.
You may even want to make it a meal; in addition to desserts, Four Seas boasts an extensive sandwich menu full of lunchtime staples and unique eats alike. From spring through fall, visitors can enjoy the full menu. Bestowed with many awards, Four Seas remains a humble, can’t-be-missed stop on any mid-Cape visit. In the off-season, pints of ice cream and ice cream cakes are available to purchase.
Sweet Caroline’s – Sandwich
Whether you’re craving rich hard-serve or soft-serve ice cream abundant in flavorful add-ins, or something a little bit lighter, like sorbet, sherbert, or frozen yogurt, you’ll find it at Sweet Caroline’s in Sandwich. Although it only opened in 2009 – a newcomer in the field compared with some of its decades-old peers – Sweet Caroline’s has made a name for itself as a purveyor of delicious, locally-sourced ice cream and as a great community member.
Situated on beautifully landscaped grounds, you’ll have a hard time determining which is prettier – your sundae or the greenery around you! Sweet Caroline’s is a great place to take a break and enjoy the moment. Try a homemade waffle cone sundae with fresh whipped cream for a mouthwatering and satisfyingly sweet. Open seasonally, Sweet Caroline’s deserves a place on your itinerary if you like ice cream with innovative flavor combinations.
Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Shop – Chatham
A newcomer on the Cape Cod ice cream scene, Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Shop offers desserts with a perfect balance of classic and unique. Scooping up ice cream made in Maine, Sweet Dreams’ toppings are one of the ways it really shines. Toppings from cinnamon toast crunch to fresh strawberries to hot Nutella will satisfy any craving you might have.
And if you’re seeking an ice cream sandwich, it’s your lucky day! Build your own “Dreamwich” with any of the ice cream flavors and a topping to coat the open edge of the sandwich. Open all year long, sweet dreams are almost certain after a visit to this Chatham shop on Main Street.
Katie’s Homemade Ice Cream – Hyannis
