Duck’s charming little resort town, with nearly 500 year-round residents, was ranked #1 Best Coastal Small Towns and Best Family Beach Vacations in America. That’s reasons enough to get your whole family down to Duck for a summer vacation. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the best ice cream in Duck.
Whether you’re craving banana splits, frozen custard, or your favorite flavor in a fresh waffle cone, plenty of places in Duck will satisfy your needs!
Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream
Big Buck’s Ice Cream offers a full line of super-premium ice cream products in classic, everyday flavors as well as unusual flavors. By using fresh milk, cream, and sugar and pasteurizing these ingredients, they create naturally creamy and delicious ice cream.
Take your pick from a large variety of flavors (about 50) of ice cream, sorbets, and sherbets. Some must-try include Key Lime Pie, Red Raspberries & Cream, Vanilla Caramel Fudge, Butter Pecan, and Coffee Toffee & Chocolate Chip.
Apart from ice cream, they also have a great selection of smoothies, homemade ice cream cakes, coffee, and chocolate treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream, various locations
Holy Cow Creamery
Holy Cow! This is exactly what you’ll say when you visit this place. (I couldn’t help myself!) One look at the range of flavors, and you’ll be pleasantly dazed!
If you cannot decide, the best choice is their First Flight, with six scoops to share. Some flavors I recommend are their signature – Holy Cow! (salted caramel ice cream with Oreos and pretzels) and Rosy Cheeks (white chocolate ice cream with rose, raspberry, and passionfruit).
Whatever ice cream flavor you pick, don’t miss trying their Donut Panini which is stuffed with ice cream!
- Holy Cow Creamery
- 1223 Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
- 1006 South Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
The Fudgery
Fudgery’s creamy concoctions aren’t meant to be a treat; they’re a necessity! You’ll be lured in by the exquisite aroma wafting outside; any attempt to resist the temptation is futile.
When Papa Fudge started the first Fudgery in 1980, with its marble slabs and copper kettles, people were drawn in by the unique mix of singing, showmanship, and the world’s best fudge.
Their creamy fudge comes in mouthwatering flavors, like Maple Nut, Peanut Butter, Rocky Road, and Chocolate (of course). Why not take it up a notch and choose from their 20 flavors of ice cream to go with your choice of fudge? It’s the perfect treat for a hot day.
You’ll find that this is the perfect place to indulge in a range of treats, from fudge and ice cream to milkshakes and caramel apples.
- The Fudgery, Scarborough Lane Shoppes, 1171 Duck Rd Suite A6, Duck, NC 27949
Weezy’s Ice Cream
For the most mouthwatering hand-dipped ice cream in the Outer Banks, visit this local ice cream shop that serves Hershey’s ice cream. They have an incredibly large selection of flavors, about 32 of them. Some popular flavors include Birthday Cake, Key Lime Pie, Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, and Magical Unicorn.
The Cold-Brewed Caramocha is a favorite (a blend of cold-brewed coffee ice cream, fudge nuggets, and salted caramel ribbons). Grab your favorite flavor in an ice cream cone or cup; you’ll be delighted by the huge servings.
If you’d like something to drink instead, go with your choice of flavor milkshake, rootbeer float, or sorbet float. They also have a second location in Corolla that you can visit if you are around.
- Weezy’s Ice Cream, 1187 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Hawaiian Island SnowBalls
Hawaiian Island Snowballs is just a short walk from the beach and serves everything from shaved ice to milkshakes. Their soft serve ice cream is equally mouthwatering, pretty much like everything else they offer.
Sundaes made with super-premium ice cream, snow cones, organic smoothies, and coffee are some other things you can find at this ice cream parlor.
While you can always have a scoop of ice cream at Hawaiian Island SnowBalls, it’s their Sno-Ball that you must try. Take your pick from over 65 exotic flavors, including Blue Hawaiian Creme, Egg Custard, Daiquiri, Coconut Creme, Mai Tai, and Pink Maui Creme.
- Hawaiian Island SnowBalls, 1190 Duck Rd, Southern Shores, NC 27949
Booty Treats Ice Cream & Shave Ice
Technically, Booty Treats is in Nags Head instead of Duck. But this ice cream shop is so good that I couldn’t help adding it to this list.
They have a fantastic choice of ice cream cookie sandwiches, 175 possible combinations of shaved ice, and old-fashioned malts. However, their signature dessert, Booty Freeze, is the highlight here. It has layers of mini melts and shaved ice!
Apart from all the other choices, they also have 32 flavors of Hershey’s premium gold ice cream. The Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Monster and Midnight Peanut Butter Marshmallow are some flavors that stand out.
- Booty Treats Ice Cream & Shave Ice, 2600 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
John’s Drive-In
A beloved Outer Banks institution, John’s Drive-In has been serving up rich, creamy milkshakes and old-fashioned soft-serve since 1977. While technically in Kitty Hawk, this no-frills roadside stand is worth the short drive from Duck for its legendary “dolphin boats” (fresh mahi-mahi sandwiches) and thick milkshakes packed with real fruit, candy, or cookies.
The menu is simple but nostalgic, bringing back the charm of classic beachside diners where quality and tradition take center stage. The shakes are especially famous, with flavors ranging from fresh banana and peanut butter to classic chocolate and vanilla, making it a must-stop for visitors craving a cool treat.
- John’s Drive-In, 3716 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Surfin’ Spoon
Founded by professional surfer Jesse Hines and his wife, Whitney, this cozy, surf-inspired shop captures the laid-back essence of the Outer Banks while offering a healthier alternative to classic ice cream. The yogurt flavors rotate frequently, with choices like cake batter, tart pomegranate, and peanut butter, all made with high-quality ingredients. Customers can load up their creations with fresh fruit, candy, granola, and homemade sauces, making each visit a unique experience.
The shop also features fun coastal décor, including surfboards and local artwork, making it a great spot to relax after a day on the sand. A portion of the shop’s proceeds goes to charity, reinforcing its commitment to giving back.
- Surfin’ Spoon, 3408 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
Donutz on a Stick
Donutz on a Stick takes dessert to the next level by combining two indulgent favorites: donuts and ice cream. This whimsical shop in Duck specializes in fresh, hand-dipped donuts served on a stick, coated with a variety of glazes, toppings, and drizzles. For an even sweeter experience, their donut sundaes are a standout, featuring warm donuts topped with rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream and decadent sauces. With flavors like maple bacon, s’mores, and birthday cake, the combinations are endless, making it a dream destination for those with a serious sweet tooth.
The shop’s playful, carnival-like atmosphere makes it a hit with families and visitors looking for a fun, over-the-top treat. Whether you’re craving a classic ice cream cone or a one-of-a-kind donut sundae, this spot offers an unforgettable sweet treat experience.
- Donutz on a Stick, 1216 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Duck is the ideal place for some family beach fun, whether you’d like to laze around or engage in adventurous watersports. The quiet waters are perfect to swim in. One thing everybody will love is indulging in the best ice cream here. Where there’s the beach, there’s bound to be good ice cream.
Traveling Elsewhere? Here Are Some Great Ice Cream Shops You Can Try!
