Spring is here, and along with its arrival, means increased visitor traffic — with summer being the peak season for the area. Speaking of summer, the warmer temperatures and weather can certainly take its toll on people, especially on those endless humid days or heatwaves, which is why ice cream is your best friend!

Nothing’s satisfying like some cold ice cream to cool you down on those hot summer days. Or perhaps a mid-afternoon treat to help you power through the rest of the day? Regardless of what’ll attract you to ice cream, there are certainly plenty of places to consider in Monmouth County. That’s what we’re here for, to tell you exactly the best ice cream shops in Monmouth County, NJ!

Without any further wait, here are the best ice cream shops in Monmouth County, which are listed in no particular order. As always, don’t forget to check out some of our other fun guides below.

Jersey Freeze

Locations: Freehold & Holmdel (inside of Bell Works)Try out this ice cream dessert: Katie’s KreationWhy we picked Jersey Freeze:

A long time staple in Freehold, Jersey Freeze recently opened up a second location in the bustling atmosphere of Bell Works in Holmdel. Both locations are wonderful destinations because of the various ice cream treats they serve up. From soft served and hard ice cream treats, to its handmade ice cream sandwiches, cakes, and sundaes, and take home quarts, there’s plenty to consider. Try Katie’s Kreation, which features vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, peanut butter, and peanut butter cups.

Coney Waffle

Locations: Red Bank, Long Branch, Belmar, Asbury ParkTry out this ice cream dessert: Sideshow ShakesWhy we picked Coney Waffle:

Coney Waffle doesn’t want to just simply satisfy its customers, it wants to blow them away with its over-the-top desserts, like its milkshakes and waffle ice cream cones, that are decorated and filled to the brim with various candies and chocolates. If you’re looking to make an impression with your ice cream, Coney Waffle won’t disappoint. One cursory look at some of its creations will leave most people in awe, the desserts are simply out of this world — almost unimaginable! If you’re able to somehow finish some of these creations, we applaud you.

Hoffman’s Ice Cream

Locations: Point Pleasant, Long Branch, Spring Lake Try out this ice cream dessert: Cookie MonsterWhy we picked Hoffman’s Ice Cream:

Call it your neighborhood ice cream shop. Hoffman’s Ice Cream is the kind of ice cream shop that you think about when you’re remembering memories about the Jersey Shore. What’s most notable about Hoffman’s Ice Cream is its extensive flavor selections with its hard ice cream. On top of traditional favorites like chocolate or butter pecan, you’ll find some other delightful options — like its Cookie Monster, which is known for its piercing blue shade. It’s kind of like Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.

Strollo’s Lighthouse Italian Ice

Locations: Point Pleasant, Long Branch, Red Bank, West End, Belford, Monmouth ParkTry out this ice cream dessert: Nutella soft ice creamWhy we picked Stroll’s Italian Ice:

Known mostly for its Italian Ice desserts, Strollo’s Lighthouse Italian Ice serves up some soft served ice cream treats perfect for the summertime. You’ll find tradtional flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, but Strollo’s offers an extensive lineup complete with flavors such as cappuccino, peanut butter, pistachio, and our favorite — nutella! Sure, you can get it on a cone, but you can top it offer with various toppings as well.

Crazees

Location: 2 W River Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760Try out this ice cream dessert: Pralines & CreamWhy we picked Crazees:

Occupying a larger space than most other ice cream shops around the area, Crazees in Rumson features various ice creams, cakes, Italian ice, and more — providing customers with plenty of options to think about as you wait in line. Its ice cream flavors are also abundant, including unique flavors like sweet cream, caramel pretzel, Elvis, and mochachino. Best of all, they’re extremely generous with the various sweet treats they put into all of their ice cream!

Ryan’s Homemade Ice Cream

Location: 462 Shrewsbury Ave #4901, Tinton Falls, NJ 07701Try out this ice cream dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter CrunchWhy we picked Crazees:

In Tinton Falls, the only place you need to know about when it comes to ice cream is Ryan’s Homemade Ice Cream. As its name implies, the hard ice cream is made on premise and its quality is evident the moment you take a bite. There’s no shortage of taste, which makes Ryan’s one of our favorites shops. It’s especially prevalent with its chocolate peanut butter crunch, so it’s one to try out to experience the best of what Ryan has to offer.

Nicholas Creamery

Locations: Atlantic Highlands & Fair HavenTry out this ice cream dessert: Hudson Jitter BugWhy we picked Nicholas Creamery:

You could go after its selection of hard ice cream, but when you visit Nicholos Creamery, you should definitely try its milkshakes — it’s one of the best around. They’re not your ordinary milkshakes, though, just because they use such an eclectic range of ingredients that truly make them craft milkshakes of sorts. Take the Hudson Jitter Bug for example, which features hudson café coffee crunch ice cream & espresso beans on top.

Cookman Creamery

Locations: 711 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712Try out this ice cream dessert: Cookie ButterWhy we picked Cookman Creamery:

Out of all the ice cream shops on our guide, it’s only Cookman Creamery in the heart of downtown Asbury Park that specializes in vegan based ice cream. There’s no need for any hesitation because its ice cream treats are still delightful on warm summer days. Try the cookie butter vegan ice cream, it’s tasty and has that rich, creamy texture to it. If not, there’s still an assortment of traditional flavors to choose from. And lastly, you can enjoy your dessert in its alleyway.