Myrtle Beach Ice Cream, Milkshake & Smoothie Spots You Can't Miss
Ice cream and The Beach go together like peanut butter and jelly — or at least we think so!
The Myrtle Beach area has an abundance of local ice cream shops, as well as the chains like Ben and Jerry’s and Baskins Robbins, that are a perfect place to cool off after a day of sun.
Here are some of our favorite unique ice cream shops around the Grand Strand that are scooping up some classic ice cream treats, as well as milkshakes and shaved ice snowballs.
Multiple Grand Strand Locations
This Mecca of sweet treats is primarily known for its candies but don't sleep on it's ice cream selection. You'll find a colorful selection of 32 fun flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt, plus unique shakes, sundaes and cookie concoctions. Also check out the Red velvet, French Vanilla and hot waffle cones.
Local's Tip: Sugar Life offers two Vegan ice cream options — Vanilla and Cookies & Cream — plus dairy-free whipped cream and Vegan waffle cones.
Locations in North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach
Since opening in 2020, The Crazy Mason has quickly become one of the most popular ice cream spots in town with it's awe-insipiring milkshakes piled high with toppings. These over-the-top concoctions are amazingly indulgent, infinitely Instagrammable and a "must try" for folks looking for a unique vacation-worth dessert.
Local's Tip: If you're thinking "Oh my, that looks like alot..." you're right. Crazy Mason shakes are big and can easily be split by more than one person. They also offer "Lil Crazy" sundaes that are smaller versions of their full-sized shakes, plus a selection of other treats like Crazy Bombs (cookie sandwiches), Crazy Italian Ice and Crazy Waffles.
Locations in Surfside Beach & Garden City Beach
Drippy's has been around for over 50 years on the south end of the beach (formerly known as Painter's) and now has three locations. Have an upcoming event and need to bring dessert? Check out their amazing array of ice cream cakes!
Local's Tip: Drippy's selection of flavors includes all your favorites plus some great unique options like Banana Pudding, Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed and Salty Goat — a deliciouslu salty caramel ice cream packed with roasted Pecans and homemade Butter Pecan cookies.
6101 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
This longtime local's favorite is styled to look like an old-fashioned ice cream and soda parlor. Kirk’s 1890 will take you back in time while you enjoy classic ice cream desserts, like a banana splits, and over 40 homemade flavors.
Local's tip: Try their Upside Down Banana Split with their homemade hot fudge and fresh whipped cream – it's a treat you won't find anywhere else!
North Myrtle Beach
Original Painter's is the grandaddy of Grand Strand ice cream spots. A staple in North Myrtle Beach since 1952, it is renowned for its rich, creamy flavors made fresh daily. With its charming atmosphere and inviting outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy classic treats with friends and family.
Local's tip: For a nostalgic twist, try their Creamsicle Float with their freshly made waffle cones crumbled on top – it adds a delightful crunch to this creamy, citrusy delight!
Locations in Myrtle Beach & The Market Common
Looking for a sweet break from the beach heat? Loleo Juice Bar blends up refreshing smoothies, colorful acai bowls, and cold-pressed juices that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. It’s a bright and breezy spot where you can cool down, fuel up, and still feel like you’re on vacation. A perfect pick for anyone craving something fruity and frozen—but a little lighter than a double scoop of cookie dough.
918 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The perfect spot for a cool treat while exploring the boardwalk, Mad Myrtle’s serves hand-scooped ice cream as well as funnel cakes, cotton candy and other deliciously sweet treats. This retro-style ice cream parlor has a playful atmosphere and an extensive selection of sundaes.
Local's tip: Ask for the "Famous Banana Split" – it’s a local favorite featuring three scoops of your choice, fresh bananas, and an array of tropical toppings that capture the essence of Myrtle Beach.
1906 U.S. 17 Business, Surfside Beach
Located near Ocean Lakes Campground and Surfside Beach, this locally- owned ice cream shop offers 50 flavors including soft serve, milkshakes, Italian Ice, ice cream cakes, and more.
Local's Tip: Try the "Build Your Own Cookie Sandwich" option. You can choose from chocolate chip, S'mores or sugar cookies filled with and of their hand-scooped ice creams and then rolled in rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkle, crunchies, chocolate chips, dots or peanuts. It's delicious!
Locations in Conway & Murrells Inlet
Stella's Ice Cream is a charming parlor known for its homemade, small-batch ice cream crafted from high-quality ingredients. With its friendly atmosphere and unique seasonal flavors, Stella's offers a delightful and refreshing experience for ice cream enthusiasts of all ages.
Local's tip: At Stella's Ice Cream, don't miss out on their rotating seasonal flavors. Each visit offers a new, delightful surprise, perfect for adventurous ice cream lovers looking to try something unique and fresh.
Locations at Barefoot Landing & Broadway at The Beach
Sweet Molly's has a great selection of 22 flavors that can be made into sundaes and milkshakes with a variety of toppings, as well as frozen yogurt, sorbet and sugar-free ice cream.
Local's Tip: Molly's is named after one of the owners' sweet rescue dogs who serves as their mascot and is an official taste-tester. This pet-friendly shop donates a portion of their sales to local rescue groups and even has a sundae on the menu that is just for dogs!
2733 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
Need a sweet treat without the sugar crash? Smooth Seas offers a healthy twist on indulgence with refreshing smoothies, acai bowls, and guilt-free goodies that taste like dessert but fuel like breakfast. This cozy, beachy wellness bar is the perfect stop if you’re craving something cool and creamy—but prefer superfoods over sprinkles. It’s a smoothie lover’s answer to ice cream, and trust us, your body (and taste buds) will thank you.
4060 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
This little gem is located across from the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. It serves up vanilla and chocolate soft serve a ton of classic ways including shakes, malts and floats made with root beer, coke or orange soda. There's brownie sundaes, banana splits, and fresh waffles cones as well.
Local's tip: If you're looking for something different try a classic tornado, a delightful treat where soft serve is blended with toppings like Oreo, Butterfinger, Snickers, M&Ms or other candies. The result is a thick, sweet and satisfying.
Ashley Daniels of Myrtle Beach is a full-time freelance writer, editor, wife, and mother of three sons and two fur babies. Most recently, she also became a published author of "100 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach Before You Die," part of a bestselling national series. A native of Eastern PA, Ashley received her bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and her MA in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Today, her folio boasts nearly 25 years of regional and nationally published printed magazine features, blogs, and web copy for a roster of clients, and ADDY award-winning copywriting. For more info, visit ashleymdaniels.com