Summer at the Jersey Shore isn’t truly complete without indulging in Monmouth County ice cream, and here in Monmouth County, we take our frozen treats very seriously. Whether you’re strolling along the boardwalk, enjoying a lazy afternoon in the park, or just cooling off from a sweltering New Jersey sun, a cone in hand makes everything better. As your local Monmouth County real estate guide—and ice cream enthusiast—I’m inviting you to take the ultimate Monmouth County ice cream trail. Grab a friend, your sweet tooth, and let’s see how many of these Monmouth County ice cream shops you’ve tried!
From historic parlors that have been delighting locals for generations to modern dessert spots with inventive flavors, Monmouth County ice cream is as diverse as it is delicious.
Nicholas Creamery – Atlantic Highlands
Starting our Monmouth County ice cream tour in Atlantic Highlands, Nicholas Creamery is a local favorite. Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Nicholas and Melissa Harary, Nicholas Creamery focuses on small-batch ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. Nicholas spent over 20 years perfecting his recipes, so you know every scoop is made with care.
With locations in Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Long Branch, Middletown, Tinton Falls, and Wall, Nicholas Creamery is a must-stop for Monmouth County ice cream lovers. Popular flavors include brown sugar cookie dough, pink lemonade, and rainbow cookie—a fun collaboration with Taliercio’s Italian deli.
Must-Try Flavor: Strawberry balsamic ice cream—a creamy goat cheese base swirled with roasted strawberries and balsamic jam.
Jersey Freeze – Freehold & Holmdel
Next on the Monmouth County ice cream trail, Jersey Freeze has been serving locals since 1952. A true classic, this spot blends retro charm with timeless desserts. Locals—and even Bruce Springsteen—have been enjoying Jersey Freeze for decades.
The Freehold location maintains a nostalgic roadside feel, while the Holmdel shop offers a modern, sleek twist. Thick shakes, classic sundaes, and rich soft-serve make this one of the top Monmouth County ice cream shops.
Must-Try Flavor: Banana cream pie ice cream—banana ice cream with crushed vanilla wafers and a swirl of whipped cream.
Strollo’s Lighthouse – Long Branch
For Monmouth County ice cream with history, Strollo’s Lighthouse in Long Branch is a must. Open since the 1930s, it’s known for silky Italian ice and creamy soft-serve, and even better, you can enjoy both in a single cup.
With its iconic red-and-white lighthouse logo, Strollo’s continues to draw loyal fans. Popular flavors include lemon, cherry, and chocolate soft-serve. Combining these with Italian ice makes Strollo’s a standout on the Monmouth County ice cream trail.
Must-Try Flavor: Rook Coffee New Orleans ice with vanilla soft-serve—perfect for coffee lovers who want caffeine in frozen form.
Cookman Creamery – Asbury Park
Asbury Park is home to Cookman Creamery, a vibrant spot on the Monmouth County ice cream map. Founded by former English teacher James Johnson in 2015, the shop serves Philadelphia-style ice cream, which emphasizes simplicity: cream, sugar, and milk.
Cookman Creamery is inclusive, with plenty of vegan options. The playful neon purple-and-pink décor matches the creative flavors, like cashew cherry bourbon, lemon cookie, and pistachio black cherry cardamom.
Must-Try Flavor: Carrot cake ice cream—cream cheese base, cashew-butter carrot cake chunks, walnuts, and golden raisins. A true standout for Monmouth County ice cream fans.
Day’s Ice Cream – Ocean Grove
Step back in time at Day’s Ice Cream in Ocean Grove. Founded in 1876, this is the oldest ice cream parlor in New Jersey. From birthday cake to key lime, they offer over 40 flavors, including dairy-free options.
Sitting on the front porch or in the shaded outdoor seating area, you’ll enjoy classic Monmouth County ice cream in a historic, charming setting.
Must-Try Flavor: Salted caramel pretzel ice cream—a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Beach Plum Ice Cream Parlor – Bradley Beach
Bradley Beach’s Main Street is home to Beach Plum Ice Cream Parlor, a top Monmouth County ice cream shop. With breezy blue-and-white décor, this cozy spot serves everything from banana fudge to refreshing Italian lemon ice.
It’s cash-only, so bring some bills and enjoy a classic Monmouth County ice cream experience on their picnic tables.
Must-Try Flavor: Chocolate-covered strawberry ice cream—strawberry ice cream with ribbons of chocolate chunks.
Coney Waffle – Belmar
For over-the-top Monmouth County ice cream, check out Coney Waffle in Belmar. Since opening in 2016, this shop has become famous for “sideshow shakes”—towers of ice cream, candy, cookies, and even full slices of cake.
Owner Joseph D’Esposito was inspired by his grandmother, who sold ice cream stuffed inside warm waffles in Brooklyn. Today, Coney Waffle is a must on the Monmouth County ice cream trail.
Must-Try Flavor: The Jersey Devil—red raspberry ice cream with fudge swirls and crushed Oreos.
Hoffman’s Ice Cream – Point Pleasant Beach & Spring Lake
No Monmouth County ice cream tour is complete without stopping at Hoffman’s, a local favorite since 1955. Known for classic flavors like butter pecan and chocolate as well as inventive options like vegan mint cookie, Hoffman’s has something for everyone.
Feeling brave? Take the “Octopus Sundae” challenge—eight scoops, eight toppings, eight minutes. Finish it, and you earn a t-shirt and a spot on their wall of fame.
Must-Try Flavor: Blueberry pie ice cream—a quintessential Monmouth County ice cream experience.
Your Monmouth County Ice Cream Challenge
From Atlantic Highlands to Spring Lake, Monmouth County ice cream is more than a treat—it’s a tradition. Every shop has its own vibe, its own flavors, and its own story, making this trail an adventure for locals and visitors alike.
Here’s the challenge: plan your weekend, hit as many of these Monmouth County ice cream shops as possible, and track your favorites. Bonus points for photos on social media and tagging your flavor picks!
Whether you’re exploring the Jersey Shore or hunting for a new home, this Monmouth County ice cream trail is the perfect way to indulge, explore, and enjoy all that our beautiful county has to offer.
Tips for the Best Monmouth County Ice Cream Experience
- Check for seasonal flavors: Many shops rotate unique summer flavors you won’t find year-round.
- Bring cash: Some classic spots, like Beach Plum, are cash-only.
- Ask for samples: Most shops are happy to let you taste before you commit.
- Plan your route: Hitting all 15 shops in one day is ambitious—pace yourself!
- Snap your cone: Each stop is Instagram-worthy, trust me.
How Many Have You Tried?
Did you visit Nicholas Creamery for pink lemonade ice cream? Indulge in a Coney Waffle sideshow shake? Or keep it classic with Jersey Freeze? Comment below or share on social media—I want to see how many Monmouth County ice cream shops you’ve conquered this summer.
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Hi, I’m Cori Dunphy, your trusted Monmouth County real estate expert and lifelong New Jersey resident. With over 21 years of helping buyers and sellers across the Garden State, I bring deep local knowledge, sharp market insight, and a lot of heart to every client experience.
Whether buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or simply exploring your options, I’m here to guide you honestly, clearly, and confidently — every step of the way.
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