There's never a bad time for ice cream but it's officially ice cream season! (Known to some as summer.) Many of us will be at the shore, an ice cream paradise. There are plenty of options, so where does one start? Why visit one shop when you can make a weekend out of it and sample sweet treats at some of the best parlors in the state? This trip will take you from Cape May to Long Branch and features a mix of local staples and newer treasures with innovative ice cream options.

The Official Only In New Jersey Jersey Shore Ice Cream Trail

You're in for a delicious journey. Start and end wherever you'd like!

Peace Pie, Address: 326 Carpenters Lane, Cape May, NJ, 08204

Not your average ice cream shop, Peace Pie serves up ice cream sandwiches with a layer of pie filling. A perfect combo! You'll find flavors like Blueberry Pie, Boston Cream, and Salted Caramel Brownie. Not in Cape May? There's a second location in Ventnor City.

Hassles Ice Cream, Address: 430 East 20th, North Wildwood, NJ, 08260

This colorful shop offers mini golf, bike rentals, and Belgian waffle ice cream sandwiches and sundaes that can't be beat.

Springer's Homemade Ice Cream, Address: 9420 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ, 08247

A Jersey Shore tradition since Prohibition, Springer's serves up over 50 flavors of homemade ice cream including the ever popular Blue One. It's got vanilla ice cream, cookie dough, chocolate chips, and Oreo pieces. Also try the Moreo or Teaberry. You really can't go wrong here.

Sweet Charlie's, Address: 928 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ, 08226

There are plenty of places in Ocean City where you can find incredible ice cream but Sweet Charlie's offers something a little bit different - rolled ice cream. Some say it's the ice cream of the future. I say it's something you should try at least once. The ice cream is hand rolled right before your eyes! You'll find flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake and S'more Please, with plenty of fun toppings to boot. You can even enjoy your ice cream served on their signature oven baked glazed donut. Vegan ice cream is available.

Margate Dairy Bar & Burger, Address: 9510 Ventnor Avenue, Margate City, NJ, 08402

This spot may be known for its award-winning burgers but the ice cream is just as delicious. They've got great flavors like Cinnamon Bun, Salted Caramel Pretzel, and Birthday Cake, plus plenty of vegan options. They've also got water ice, waffles, doggie treats, and the delectable Caramel Mochaccino Chip for coffee lovers. There's so much to choose from, you'll want to keep coming back for more.

Skipper Dipper, Address: 9305 Long Beach Boulevard,Long Beach Island, NJ, 08008

This beloved spot is one of the best places to get ice cream on LBI. They've got something for everyone, including incredible hand mixed soft serve in flavors like Cinnamon, Cupcake, Rootbeer, and Tiramisu. They've also got fantastic floats (try the Dole Whip Pineapple), vegan options, and (if we're as lucky as last year), Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Big Scoop Family Ice Cream, Address: 315 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ, 08751

Only at the Jersey shore can you find an ice cream shop with mini-golf, skee-ball, AND an arcade. There are 32 flavors to try along with classic chocolate and vanilla soft serve. They've also got some scrumptious sundaes.

The Music Man, Address: 2305 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette, NJ, 08735

This isn't just an ice cream parlor, it's a vaudeville-style cabaret of upbeat American tunes performed during every seating. It's an interactive dessert experience! Of course, there's plenty of ice cream. There are vegan options, shakes, sundaes, and banana splits.

Hoffman's, Address: 800 Richmond Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, 08742

Hoffman's is a summertime staple in New Jersey and while they've got dozens of classic flavors, they've also got creative options like Ice Cream Nachos... Choose your favorite flavor, syrup, and a topping. How cool! While all the ice cream is made in Point Pleasant, you can find locations in Spring Lake Heights, Little Silver, and Long Branch.

Coney Waffle, Address: 803 Ocean Avenue, Belmar, NJ, 07719

If you're looking for the most insane ice cream treats around, head here. They're known for their overflowing shakes but you'll also find waffle sundaes and churro ice cream sandwiches. The kid in you will be forever grateful for visiting.

Day's Ice Cream, Address: 48 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ, 07756

Day's dates all the way back to 1876! It's the oldest continually operating business in Ocean Grove. You'll enjoy the vintage vibes and variety of flavors including flavors such as toasted coconut, black raspberry chocolate chip, peanut butter moose tracks, cinnamon, almond joy, salted caramel pretzel, and hazelnut truffle latte . They have a second location right on the boardwalk!

Cookman Creamery, Address: 711 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ, 07712

This lovely little shop serves up a mix of artisanal and vegan ice cream flavors including Devil's Food, Honey Lavender, and Espresso. They also offer ice cream cakes and cookies.

Strollo's Lighthouse, Address: 250 Ocean Avenue N, Long Branch, NJ, 07740

This iconic Italian Ice spot (try the mango!) also offers amazing soft serve in a rotating variety of flavors including Cannoli, Nutella, and Peanut Butter. They've also got milkshakes.

Not near the shore? Check out this South Jersey Ice Cream Trail or this popular North Jersey favorite.