Nothing says "summer vacation" better than enjoying an ice cream cone while walking on the beach. A calm breeze and a sweet taste go great together! There are plenty of places in the Outer Banks to grab ice cream, frozen yogurt or even shaved ice. From Corolla to Nags Head, you'll find no shortage of places to try your favorite kind of ice cream. To enjoy your next North Carolina vacation to the fullest, here are our top 5 best places to grab the best ice cream in the Outer Banks.

The Best Ice Cream in the Outer Banks - Our Top Picks

A bowl containing 3 scoops of strawberry ice cream and mint in the background as a garnish

Big Bucks Ice Cream

Close to Kitty Hawk's public beach access point, Big Bucks Ice Cream is a popular hot spot for ice cream in the Outer Banks. Here, you can pick up your favorite ice cream and walk right over to the beach, all within the span of a few minutes. Don't just get ice cream here. Big Bucks has a great selection of coffee, homemade cakes, smoothies and chocolate treats as well to enjoy.

Donutz On a Stick and Ice Cream

A plate filled with freshly made donuts topped with powdered sugar and served with a small bowl of vanilla ice cream.Just as the name implies, Donutz on a Stick and Ice Cream is the perfect place to grab a sweet tasting dessert creation. This family-friendly shop is run by members of the Williams family and caters to people of all ages. Find ice cream and a full lunch or dinner menu. Grab the family and head on over to enjoy classics such as Avalanches, homemade milkshakes, donut sandwiches and homemade ice cream in a cup or a cone.

Winks Ice Cream

This is an ideal place for those who want to grab ice cream, especially if you are a fan of Blue Bunny ice cream. With friendly staff ready to help, at Winks Ice Cream you will find delicious ice cream creations and plenty of milkshake options to choose from. It is a great place to sit down, enjoy a cone or a shake and talk amongst the locals.

Higher Grounds - Coffee & Ice Cream

There is nothing that beats freshly brewed coffee and a scoop of ice cream. Higher Grounds is a shop that specializes in both. It is a dog-friendly establishment that offers hot and iced caffeinated drinks, fresh tea and baked goods such as bagels, muffins and various breads. You will also find popular dishes such as the vanilla and espresso milkshake that locals rave about.

Scoops Homemade Ice Cream

Three people holding ice cream cones together with different flavors of ice cream.If you want traditional ice cream from a classic parlor, then this is the place for you! Scoops specializes in custom birthday cakes, specialty dessert dishes and of course, delicious ice cream cones. Each type of ice cream is made from unique and homemade recipes. Every scoop is made in small batches to make the flavor unforgettable. You'll find fresh ingredients used such as real vanilla, fresh nuts and freshly chopped fruit.Look forward to your OBX vacation with our top picks of the best ice cream in the Outer Banks. With plenty of ice cream options to choose from and even unique creations you simply won't believe until you see it, the Outer Banks is a place to find the best ice cream in the country. Grab the family and enjoy a cone today. Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades.Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.