Craving a scoop of nostalgia?
For those with a sweet tooth, Florida is a veritable gold mine of nostalgic experiences.
From creamy classics to inventive new twists, these spots provide a perfect backdrop for making new memories while savoring the sweet taste of yesteryear.
Ready to take a flavorful trip down memory lane?
Let’s embark on a journey to Florida’s top retro ice shops that are sure to evoke the carefree days of your childhood with each lick of a cone!
1. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant (Dania Beach)
Stepping into Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor is like taking a time machine back to a simpler era when the jingle of an ice cream truck was the sweetest sound of summer.
This Dania Beach landmark has been dishing out frozen delights since 1956, and its walls, cluttered with Americana memorabilia, tell a story of ice cream through the ages.
Their menu boasts a mouthwatering array of flavors.
But it’s their Kitchen Sink sundae that steals the show—a behemoth treat that’s as much a dare as it is a dessert.
For more information, visit their website.
2. Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts (Palm Harbor)
At Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts, they scoop up more than just ice cream—they dish out nostalgia with every lick.
This family-run gem in Palm Harbor has been churning out happiness for ages, and let me tell you, their carrot cake ice cream is like a hug for your taste buds.
It’s a creamy, dreamy, spice-laden journey into dessert nirvana.
And the place itself?
It’s as sweet and inviting as the treats they serve.
It’s where the locals go to chill, and the savvy travelers go to get a true taste of tradition.
Trust me, your spoon will be begging for more.
Check out their Facebook page for the latest flavors.
3. Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream (Jupiter)
Step into Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream in Jupiter, and it’s like hopping into a delicious time machine.
Here, the sweet aroma of fudge and the cheerful jingle of the ice cream freezer are your guides to nostalgia.
Each scoop of their creamy, dreamy ice cream is like a ticket to the days when your toughest decision was choosing between sprinkles or a cherry on top.
It’s a place where calories are a mythical concept, and joy is measured by the sticky evidence of a well-enjoyed cone on your hands.
To know more about this shop, check out its website.
4. Sweet Pete’s Candy (Jacksonville)
Not your average ice cream spot, Sweet Pete’s Candy in Jacksonville pairs the world of confections with frozen treats.
This whimsical wonderland is a multi-story marvel where artisan chocolates meet the creamiest of ice creams.
Their Sea Salt Caramel Pecan flavor is a harmonious blend of salty and sweet, a true testament to the magic that happens when candy meets ice cream.
To learn more, swing by their website.
5. The Soda Fountain (Orlando)
In the heart of Orlando, The Soda Fountain is a nostalgic nod to the classic soda shops of yesteryear.
The atmosphere is as refreshing as its homemade ice cream.
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Their soda jerks whip up concoctions that are both inventive and familiar, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Be sure to try the unique and ever-popular Caramel Egg Cream.
For more tasty tidbits, visit their website.
6. Dairy Joy Ice Cream (Tampa)
Dairy Joy in Tampa is an ice cream stand that’s been a local favorite since 1958.
Its retro vibe and no-frills approach to serving up frozen treats make it a charming pit stop.
With soft-serve twirls that reach the sky and a sundae menu that could satisfy any craving, Dairy Joy lives up to its name.
The chocolate fudge brownie sundae, simple yet sublime, is a must-try classic.
Find out more by visiting their website.
7. Sloan’s (West Palm Beach)
Sloan’s on Rosemary Ave in West Palm Beach is a wonderland where fantasy meets flavor.
Their outlandishly colorful décor, complete with toys and a glass bathroom door that fogs up for privacy, is a feast for the senses.
But it’s their ice cream that’s the real star, with innovative flavors that push the boundaries of what you thought ice cream could be.
Don’t leave without trying their Tracy’s Kitchen Sink—it’s an adventure in a bowl.
Dive deeper into their offerings by visiting their website.
8. Larry’s Ice Cream & Gelatos (St. Pete Beach)
Larry’s Ice Cream & Gelatos is a St. Pete Beach staple where the ice cream is as rich in flavor as the history of the place itself.
This family-owned parlor has been serving up smiles since the 1980s, with a commitment to quality that shines through in every scoop.
Their gelatos are silky and decadent, a perfect treat to enjoy as you stroll along the beach.
For an extra dose of sweetness, visit their website.
9. Del’s Freez (Melbourne)
For a no-nonsense approach to delicious ice cream, Del’s Freez in Melbourne hits the spot.
This iconic stand has been a community fixture for decades, offering a straightforward menu of classic flavors and soft serves that never go out of style.
The charm of Del’s is found in its simplicity—and in its towering ice cream cones that defy gravity.
To keep up with their latest specials, visit their Facebook page.
10. Twistee Treat (Orlando)
Last but certainly not least, Twistee Treat’s iconic giant ice cream cone-shaped building on Curry Ford Rd in Orlando is as much a photo op as it is a purveyor of scrumptious soft serves.
Their twist cones are a playful take on the traditional, offering a blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
With a variety of toppings to choose from, you can customize your cone to perfection.
Learn more about their sweet offerings by visiting their website.
There you have it, folks!
A delectable roadmap to the most charming, retro ice cream shops Florida has to offer.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these delightful parlors are sure to add a scoop of joy to your day.
Now, which flavor will take you back to those carefree childhood days?
