The 10 Best Ice Cream Parlors In The Grand Strand

What is one thing that always satisfies after a long day at the beach? ICE CREAM! The Grand Strand is no different! From local joints you can’t find anywhere else to a few famous franchises, the ice cream shops around the Grand Strand do not disappoint. A few of the joints have withstood the test of time to become local and tourist favorites year after year. Check out a few of our favorites and let us know if your favorite is on the list or if there is a hidden ice cream gem we have yet to discover!
 
Kilwins
 
Located in Broadway At The Beach, Kilwins is full of mouthwatering treats! This confection shop doesn’t just sell homemade ice cream; they also sell gourmet chocolates and candies. What makes this chain so great other than the added confections? Their ice cream is made in store EVERY DAY! Enjoy a cup, cone, or a sundae with your favorite flavors and toppings.
 
Cold Stone Creamery
 
This chain has always boasted a cheery and pleasant staff and atmosphere. The Creamery provides entertainment and ice cream through their frozen slab preparation. Watch as they scoop your ice cream, plop it onto the slab and add all of your favorite toppings as they mix it together right before your eyes! By watching the preparation, you can be sure that it is made to your liking. Cold Stone also has shakes, smoothies, and ice cream cakes.
 
Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream
 
The name says it all! Original Painter’s is homemade and serves a flavorful variety of ice creams that can be enjoyed inside the building or outside in the summer breeze. This homemade store boasts multiple toppings, sugar-free selections, and fresh ice cream flavors like Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Chocolate Almond. If those flavors aren’t your style, don’t worry, Original Painter’s also has delectable options such as classic Strawberry, Vanilla, and Chocolate
 
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
 
Another chain that is popular among locals and vacationers, it provides a drive-in feel. Choose your favorite flavor at the drive-thru window or walk-up window, then enjoy your treat in the comfort of your car or at one of the umbrella tables outside. With bold flavors like Orange-Pineapple or (my favorite) Mint Chocolate Chip, Bruster’s offers endless combinations of ice cream treats to enjoy in the summer sunshine!
 
Kirk’s 1890 Ice Cream Parlor
 
Walk into Kirk’s and immediately feel taken back to the early days if ice cream shops! The interior features soda-fountain chairs and old-timey photographs; you are sure to feel transported back in time (minus the DeLorean and Flux Capacitor). Kirk’s offers a wide variety of delights from cups and cones to milkshakes and the classic banana split! With nearly 40 flavors to sample and choose, Kirk’s is sure to offer the perfect frozen, creamy treat to beat the Myrtle Beach heat.
 
Scoops Ice Cream
 
Dig into this hard-scooped ice cream in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Located in the same building as Nathan’s Hot Dogs restaurant, guests at Scoops can enjoy a delicious cold dessert after having a classic hotdog lunch or dinner. Scoops offers a plethora of different flavors and toppings so you can personalize your scoop (or scoops) to your liking.
 
Maggie Moo’s
 
After a long day of shopping at Barefoot Landing, take a load off and enjoy an ice cream reward at Maggie Moo’s. Offering low-fat frozen yogurt, sorbet, and sugar-free options, Maggie Moo’s is the place to go for a broad range of creative flavors. Some flavors to try during the coming fall season are Pumpkin Cheesecake and Cinnamoo Bun! With specialty treats like ice cream cakes and the unique Ice Cream Pizza, Maggie Moo’s has something for everyone.
 
Meyer’s Ice Cream Parlor
 
Located in Surfside, this is the hottest (or should we say coolest?) ice cream spot around. Located across from Ocean lakes Campground, this locally owned and operated ice cream shop offers over 50 flavors of ice cream along with soft serve, Italian ice, milkshakes, sundaes, novelty ice cream, ice cream cakes, and oh so much more! During peak season, there may be a line, but trust us, IT IS WORTH IT. Meyer’s is fun for all ages with a colorful interior, arcade games, and of course, the ice cream.
 
Sweet Molly’s Creamery
 
Sweet Molly’s serves deliciously (you guessed it) sweet ice cream. It is family owned and operated and whips up small batches of high-quality homemade ice cream in tons of flavors with 22 being available at all times. Located in Barefoot Landing, you can enjoy frozen yogurt, sorbet, no-sugar-added, sundaes, smoothies, shakes, and more. Also, they have a Sweet Molly sundae for your pup to enjoy on the way out!
 
Mad Myrtle’s
 
Located down on the Boardwalk next to the Gay Dolphin Gift Shop, Mad Myrtle’s serves hand scooped Mayfield ice cream. Along with delicious ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes, Mad Myrtle’s brings a true Boardwalk feel by also serving funnel cakes, cotton candy, and other staple Boardwalk treats.
 
*BONUS*
 
Calabash Creamery
 
Located just outside of the Grand Strand in Calabash, North Carolina, this spot has been my family’s favorite for over 15 years! It is family owned and operated and has been voted the Best Ice Cream in North Carolina numerous times by multiple publications. This joint serves decadent flavors including Banana’s Foster, Blueberry Cheesecake, Death By Chocolate, Cappuccino Crunch, and Salted Caramel (just to name a few). They also offer incredible seasonal flavors like Sunset Peach (summer) and Eggnog and Peppermint Stick (winter).
 
Calabash also has an ice cream challenge that has been daunting customers since their opening: The Kitchen Sink Challenge. It includes one scoop of each of the current 24 flavors, a little of every topping offered, and a 60 minute time frame. Don’t finish in time, pay the price! Finish before the clock runs out and it is FREE! But be warned, the Kitchen Sink Challenge is not for the faint of heart, many have tried and only few succeed.