7 Best Ice Cream Shops on Anna Maria Island
Photo Credit: matylda
Anna Maria Island is an ice cream lover’s dream destination. From classic homemade ice cream parlors serving up nostalgic flavors to artisan gelato spots with Italian flair, this Gulf Coast gem delivers frozen treats as memorable as its sunsets.
Whether you’re craving a towering banana split, smooth soft serve, or unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else, AMI has a great scoop (or three) waiting for you.
Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth while soaking in island vibes? Anna Maria Island boasts a high concentration of popular, family-owned ice cream shops near Bradenton Beach and Bridge Street, each one ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with a tempting array of flavors and styles.
Explore these top spots during your next stay at one of our vacation rentals and discover why locals and visitors alike keep coming back for more.
1. Dips Ice Cream
Photo Credit: Branislav Nenin
- Address: 503 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
- Website: www.facebook.com/DipsAnnaMaria/
- Best For: Nostalgic candy-shop atmosphere with over 30 flavors and old-fashioned charm
Step into Dips Ice Cream and you’re instantly transported to a simpler time. Located inside the Anna Maria General Store building on Pine Avenue, this family-owned shop surrounds you with jars of candies, vintage memorabilia, and the sweet aroma of homemade ice cream.
With more than 30 flavors, including local favorites like salted caramel, Key lime pie, and blueberry cheesecake, there’s something for every palate.
Open until 10 pm most nights (11 pm on weekends), Dips is the perfect spot for an after-dinner treat under the warm Florida sky. It’s no wonder this island favorite regularly has a line right out the door.
2. Holy Cow Ice Cream
- Address: 3234 East Bay Dr, Holmes Beach
- Website: holycowami.com
- Best For: Incredible variety with 36 flavors, including vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options
Holy cow, this place lives up to its name! Holy Cow Ice Cream is a family-run haven for dessert lovers who appreciate options—36 flavors of them, to be exact.
Whether you need dairy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, or sugar-free treats, this Holmes Beach gem has you covered without sacrificing taste. Beyond traditional scoops, enjoy milkshakes, floats, and seasonal specials like pumpkin pie malts.
The whimsical interior features playful tiki elements and cow-themed décor that kids absolutely love. Conveniently located with plenty of parking, it’s an easy stop for families exploring the central island area.
3. Anna Maria Island Frozen Yogurt and Acai
Photo Credit: thaweerat
- Address: 5604B Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
- Website: instagram.com/amifroyoacai
- Best For: Healthy, refreshing frozen yogurt and nutrient-packed acai bowls
If you're in Holmes Beach and craving a refreshing, healthful treat, be sure to visit this local frozen yogurt and acai spot that offers a delightful variety of frozen desserts.
There is an extensive toppings bar stocked with fresh fruits, nuts, and sweet sauces, allowing you to customize your dessert exactly how you like it.
Perfect for breakfast, a post-beach snack, or a light indulgence, this Holmes Beach favorite combines delicious taste with wholesome benefits. Plus, it's conveniently located near shopping areas and beach access for easy visits during your island adventures.
4. Small Town Creamery
- Address: 5404 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach
- Website: smalltowncreamery.com
- Best For: Whimsical décor, unusual rotating flavors, and a full candy shop experience
Small Town Creamery is where ice cream meets pure imagination. The moment you walk through the door, bright colors, gumball counters, and playful decorations create a sense of wonder for visitors of all ages.
The flavors here rotate seasonally and venture into delicious territory. Think red raspberry cheesecake, carrot cake, butterscotch bomb, and banana cream pie. Vegan options ensure nobody misses out on the fun.
Beyond the amazing ice cream, you’ll find homemade fudge, taffy, candies, and souvenirs perfect for taking a piece of the island home.
Small Town Creamery is the only ice cream shop on this list where the owner is a certified Grand Master Ice Cream Maker, awarded by the North American Ice Cream Association.
5. Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery
Photo Credit: haireena
- Address: 9801 Gulf Drive North, Suite 1-4, Anna Maria
- Website: www.facebook.com/amicreameryandbakery
- Best For: Artisanal gelato, gourmet baked goods, and handmade truffles in a boutique setting
For those seeking a more refined frozen treat experience, Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery delivers elegance in every bite.
Their gelato and sorbet are made fresh on-site using traditional Italian methods, resulting in that signature dense, creamy texture gelato lovers crave. But this spot is more than frozen desserts. You can also try their gourmet pastries, cheesecakes, pies, and handmade truffles. It's one of the best bakeries in town.
Pair your treat with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while relaxing in the bright, welcoming interior or outdoor seating. It’s the perfect destination when you want your dessert to feel like a special occasion.
6. Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee Café
- Address: 101 South Bay Blvd, Bayview Plaza, Anna Maria
- Website: www.twoscoopsami.com
- Best For: Ice cream with a view, located directly across from Anna Maria City Pier
Two Scoops has been scooping happiness for over 15 years, and they’ve perfected the art of combining ice cream with café culture. The location at Bayview Plaza on the north end of the island makes it an ideal stop before or after beach time.
Choose from 32 homemade ice cream flavors, then walk across to the City Pier (one of the island's best spots for fishing) to admire the incredible view of Sarasota Bay.
Whether you’re an early bird craving coffee and a quick scoop or a sunset chaser looking for the perfect evening treat, Two Scoops delivers. The casual, cheerful décor welcomes families and solo visitors alike.
7. Gelato-Go Anna Maria Island
Photo Credit: Leszek Glasner
- Address: 119 Bridge Street, Unit 150, Bradenton Beach
- Website: gelatogo.net
- Best For: Authentic Italian gelato in a cozy setting near historic Bridge Street Pier
Gelato-Go brings a true taste of Italy to the heart of Bradenton Beach. Specializing in authentic gelato, this intimate shop delivers the rich Italian dessert that true ice cream enthusiasts crave.
The focus here is quality over quantity; fewer frills, more flavor precision. Located on historic Bridge Street, it’s the ideal spot to hit during a romantic evening stroll or for a quiet afternoon treat after exploring Bridge Street Pier.
Coffee offerings complement the dessert menu perfectly. The ambiance is relaxed and cozy with limited seating, making it feel like a hidden gem discovered just for you.
Savor a Sweet Treat Today on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island proves that life really is sweeter by the beach. Whether you’re team soft serve or gelato all the way, craving a classic banana split or an over-the-top donut sundae, these shops offer something for every member of the family.
Book your stay at one of our Anna Maria Island condos and start planning your ultimate ice cream adventure in the paradise of Anna Maria Island. Your sweet tooth will thank you.
