Who doesn’t like ice cream?!
And what better way to brave the summer heat than with a cooling ice cream cone.
If you’re heading to Anna Maria Island and wondering where the best ice cream hotspots are, then have no worries, cause we’ve got you covered.
Below, you’ll find the ultimate guide to Anna Maria Island’s greatest ice cream shops, filled with insider tips about all the refreshing and innovative ice cream flavors that’ll leave you craving for more.
So let’s begin, shall we?
Dips Ice Cream on Anna Maria Island
Located on Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island, Dips Ice Cream is the ideal spot for both ice cream and candy lovers.
Ever since it opened its doors in 1993, this quaint family-owned and operated business has become a favorite amongst both AMI locals and visitors alike.
In addition to offering no less than 32 refreshing ice cream flavors, Dips provides two different flavors of soft serve, Italian ice, and a wide variety of candy.
It was even voted as the #1 ice cream shop 8 times by the Anna Maria Island Sun!
Anna Maria Island’s Creamery & Bakery
An authentically Italian family-owned business, Anna Maria Island’s creamery and Bakery has become renowned for its handmade ice cream and desserts.
Absolutely everything at this creamery is handmade, from their gelatos and sorbets to their croissants and their William Dean truffles.
The aforementioned WD truffles, known from the renowned Hunger Games, have become one of their most popular menu items, that you have to call beforehand to pre-order them.
And their gelatos are second to none! You’ll feel as if you’re right in the heart of Italy when trying them.
Completely made from all natural ingredients, their gelato’s soft and silky texture really set it apart from anything else on AMI.
They offer 8 different flavors of their handmade gelatos, from mint chip to AMI caramel. They even have some dairy-free sorbet options.
And if you’re bringing your kids along, they’ll have the absolute best time constructing the sundaes of their dreams, completely customized to what they like.
Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor
There’s absolutely no better place to grab an ice cream cone, sandwich or milkshake than Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor and Coffee Café.
Established in 2007, Two Scoops isn’t only an ice cream shop, but also a café and a breakfast-to-lunch place.
Its selection of menu items include 32 different flavors of homemade ice cream, including some gluten free options, making it the ideal place for literally anyone craving a cone.
It should be also noted that Two Scoops’ isn’t just limited to serving ice cream and sweets, but also has a wide variety of breakfast options, from French Toast to Waffles, and so much more.
And the place’s location is second to none!
Located right across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier, a stop here is the perfect way to end your day of exploration and adventure.
Nothing better than grabbing a cool treat and simply enjoying a stroll alongside the bay.
Holy Cow Ice Cream & Other Cool Stuff
A must-stop when visiting Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, is Holy Cow Ice Cream.
Offering 36 various ice cream flavors, milkshakes, sundaes, slushies and many more refreshing delicacies, this family-owned store will make you feel right at home once you step inside.
Their menu of ice cream, milkshakes and coffee frappés is so inclusive and scrumptious that it’ll leave you wanting to order every single item on there.
And trust us when we say that their locally sourced chocolate is simply a must-have.
Additionally, if you’re passing by with your family, make sure to enjoy a refreshing treat in their tiki lounge. And they even have a kid-friendly section, for all your little ones!
Island Scoops
Our ice cream guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Island Scoops ice cream shop on Bradenton Beach.
With everything in their store being freshly made from scratch, using all naturally sourced ingredients, this place’s become well known for serving some of the best ice cream on Anna Maria Island.
Their menu includes around 20 various flavors of ice cream, like butter pecan, coconut, almond joy, and so much more.
But they’re not limited to only serving ice cream now, are they? No, they also a wide range of milkshakes, waffles, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and many other deserts.
Here’s an inside tip when stopping by Island Scoops – their Big Olaf is simply a must try. It’s like getting a taste of heaven!
Sweet Berries Frozen Custard & Eatery
Merely a couple miles off Anna Maria Island, right on Manatee Avenue, you’ll find Sweet Berries Frozen Custard and Eatery.
Not we know what you’re thinking – this place doesn’t technically serve ice cream. While that may be true, their frozen custards are second to none on Anna Maria Island.
As its name entails, Sweet Berries’ menu is filled with some of the sweetest and most mouthwatering frozen custards and desserts you can think of.
And since they’re know for always experimenting with their custard flavors, when passing by, be sure to request their flavor of the month. It’s always out of this world!
We should also point out that this place is quite inclusive and not just limited to serving frozen custards, but they also offer a myriad of other lunch specials, from soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, and so much more.
So if you’re looking for the perfect place to grab lunch and a refreshing dessert afterwards, Sweet Berries is just the spot for you.
Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream
Ideally located in the historic Cortez Village, you’ll find Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop.
Having been founded since 1984, Tyler’s has established itself as a neighborhood favorite ever since.
With a plethora of options in its menu, from soft serve and a multitude of ice cream cone flavors, to sundaes, milkshakes and floats, Tyler’s has dominated the Cortez Village ice cream scene.
And it’s important to note that, at Tyler’s, every single flavor is freshly prepared by ice cream aficionado Rob Alderson, to ensure the most distinct taste possible.
Word to the wise, try some of Tyler’s old-fashioned gourmet ice cream when there. It’s absolutely heavenly!
So after all this, it’s safe to say that when craving an ice cream on Anna Maria Island, you have no shortage of places to visit to get the best flavors and experience.
