If you’re planning a trip to North Carolina’s scenic barrier islands, indulging in some sweet, creamy treats has to be part of the experience. The Outer Banks is full of charm, from wide beaches and lighthouses to quaint seaside towns — and along with that comes a surprisingly vibrant ice cream scene. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Nags Head, exploring the wild horses in Corolla, or enjoying the laid-back vibes of Hatteras Island, you’ll find that scoring a delicious cone, sundae, or milkshake is never too far away.
In this guide, we’re highlighting the coolest spots for ice cream in the Outer Banks — places that serve up both quality and atmosphere, with something for everyone from the classic vanilla purist to the Instagram-worthy flavor hunter.
Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard & Beach Fries – Kill Devil Hills
If you’re on the hunt for authentic frozen custard in the Outer Banks, Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard is a must-visit. This locally beloved spot has been delighting both visitors and residents for years with its rich, creamy custard and retro beach shack ambiance.
- Offers vanilla, chocolate, and a rotating flavor of the day
- Try their signature sundaes or a custard float
- Combo your dessert with fresh-cut beach fries and a burger if you’re hungry
Tip: The outdoor seating fills up around sunset, so come early or grab yours to go and head to the beach just a block away.
Booty Treats – Nags Head
Located along the Beach Road in Nags Head, Booty Treats is known for both its creamy ice cream and colorful snowballs. Their extensive menu includes premium hand-dipped ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and soft serve, making it perfect for groups with varying tastes.
Why It’s a Favorite:
- Over a dozen ice cream flavors including regional faves like Black Cherry and Banana Pudding
- Their Pirate Ship sundae is a hit with kids and Instagram influencers alike
- Try a snowball with a scoop of ice cream inside — an OBX twist on a classic New Orleans treat
Friendly staff, quick service, and a location steps from the ocean make Booty Treats one of the hottest spots for ice cream in the Outer Banks.
Snow Bird Burgers & Cones – Nags Head
If you’re cruising down South Nags Head, don’t pass up Snow Bird. This roadside shack offers classic beach fare — burgers, hot dogs, fries — but their ice cream takes center stage. With soft serve towers and a wide variety of toppings, it’s a quintessential OBX experience.
What to Order:
- Soft serve twist cones
- Classic banana split with whipped cream and cherries
- Thick, old-fashioned milkshakes in flavors like mocha, peanut butter, and strawberries ‘n cream
Snow Bird is seasonal, typically open from mid-spring to early fall, so make sure to check their hours if you’re traveling outside peak summer.
Big Buck’s Ice Cream – Corolla, Duck & Manteo
With several locations up and down the Outer Banks, Big Buck’s is a locally-owned institution. Their premium, small-batch ice cream is made right here in North Carolina, and they’re known for adventurous flavors and house-made fudge, too.
Highlights from Big Buck’s:
- Unique flavors such as Java Crunch, Cinnamon Caramel Swirl, and Coconut Almond Joy
- Vegan and dairy-free sorbets
- A large selection of hand-made chocolates and custom ice cream cakes
Perfect for a post-dinner treat or a midday beach break, Big Buck’s is among the most popular spots for quality ice cream in the Outer Banks.
The Chill Spot – Hatteras Island
In the relaxed town of Hatteras, The Chill Spot lives up to its name. This laid-back ice cream stand specializes in soft serve and classic toppings, with some fun extras like rainbow sprinkle cones and creative sundaes piled high with candy and cookie crumbles.
Why Visitors Love It:
- Family-friendly setup with shaded seating and play areas
- Peanut butter and s’mores sundaes are local favorites
- Great location just a short walk from the Hatteras ferry docks
It’s an ideal place to cool off after a day at the nearby beaches — and trust us, nothing goes better with salt and sun than a towering swirl cone.
American Pie – Kill Devil Hills
Don’t let the pizza sign fool you — American Pie delivers a one-two punch of delicious NY-style pizza and rich, homemade ice cream. It’s a great post-beach dinner destination, with outdoor seating and a cozy vibe.
Why It Stands Out:
- House-made ice cream with intense flavors like Mudslide and Espresso Bean
- Serves hearty waffle cones and brownies a la mode
- Perfect for families looking for a one-stop dinner and dessert spot
Locals often recommend grabbing a slice AND a scoop — it’s the type of place where you might come for dinner, then find yourself lingering for dessert.
Sugar Kingdom – Avon & Corolla
Part candy store, part ice cream parlor, Sugar Kingdom is a dreamland for kids (and the young at heart). Their over-the-top décor and vibrant red-and-white striped design make it feel like you’ve stepped inside a storybook candy castle.
Don’t Miss:
- Premium hand-dipped ice cream cones with wild toppings
- Candy bar sundaes and cotton candy milkshakes
- Endless bins of bulk candy for mix-and-match fun
It’s kitschy, colorful, and totally worth a visit — especially if you want to make the most out of your Outer Banks ice cream adventure.
Island Snowball Company – Kitty Hawk
While not strictly about ice cream, Island Snowball Company deserves a nod for its innovative approach to frozen treats. Their specialty? Shave ice and “snowballs” topped with rich sauces — and yes, the option to add a generous scoop of ice cream on the bottom or top.
With over 50 syrup flavors, including classic cherry and tropical tamarind, it’s a refreshing alternative if you’re looking for something cold, sweet, and maybe just a little lighter than traditional ice cream.
Where to Find the Best Ice Cream in the Outer Banks
With charming walk-up stands, house-made creations, and beachside sundaes, the Outer Banks offers ice cream lovers something special at every stop. Whether you’re on the hunt for the creamiest custard or the quirkiest cone combo, you’ll find it while exploring these eclectic beach towns.
Remember — many of these places are seasonal and family-owned, so it’s always a good idea to check current hours during spring and fall travels. And if you’re sticking around for a few days, why not make a self-guided ice cream tour part of your Outer Banks itinerary?
Nothing pairs better with lighthouses and ocean sunsets than a cool, drippy scoop of the best ice cream in the Outer Banks.
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