The downtown St. Petersburg ice cream scene has exploded in recent years, mirroring the growth of the urban center itself. Between Beach Drive and 16th Street North, you’ll find no less than eight different shops offering a variety of delectable options. Let’s take a closer look at the ice cream options available in downtown St. Pete.

Bright Ice: A Local Favorite

One spot that stands out is Bright Ice on 5th Ave North. This charming shop specializes in small-batch, locally sourced ice creams with uniquely delicious flavors. From blueberry cinnamon to lemon with crystallized ginger, and sea salt caramel, their offerings promise a tantalizing taste experience. And if you’re in the mood for a little warmth with your cold treat, you can also indulge in their espresso or try an affogato. Bright Ice is the perfect summer destination for those seeking a truly exceptional ice cream adventure.

Paciugo Gelato: A Taste of Italy

Located on Beach Drive, Paciugo Gelato is a must-visit spot in downtown St. Petersburg. This delightful gelato shop reminds me of the family-owned gelaterias I’ve encountered in Florence. While their selections may seem a tad pricey, rest assured that the same size servings would cost three times as much in Italy! Locals love Paciugo for its high-quality gelato, and although the flavors change regularly, they always keep the favorites on hand. Whether you go for the hazelnut, pistachio, or strawberry coconut, you won’t be disappointed. Oh, and they even offer dairy-free and reduced-sugar options that are just as scrumptious as the regular stuff!

Kilwin’s: A Classic Choice

If you’re strolling along Beach Drive and catch a whiff of chocolate and waffle cones, you’ve stumbled upon Kilwin’s. This long-standing St. Pete ice cream shop is known for its house-made ice cream, featuring flavors like marzipan and Georgia peach, as well as an array of other sweet treats. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a chocolate wonderland. The fudge selection is especially enticing, with my personal favorite being the coconut fudge. And don’t forget to try their candied apples, a favorite of my daughter’s. Kilwin’s is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth, especially before or after catching a movie at the nearby AMC Sundial 20.

The Hyppo St. Petersburg: A Cool Twist

For those looking for a unique frozen treat, The Hyppo is the place to go. They specialize in all-natural, homemade ice pops. Founder Stephen DiMare’s passion for creating these delightful treats was sparked by a chance encounter with a fellow airplane passenger and a winter spent perfecting ice pop flavors while working at a ski lodge in Montana. The Hyppo uses only fresh fruit, ensuring that the pops are frozen only when prepared in the shop. With an impressive repertoire of 450 flavors at their disposal, including the exclusive Mate Pear flavor found only in the St. Pete Hyppo, they offer a changing selection that reflects the seasons.

Sweet Divas Chocolates: A Decadent Delight

While primarily known as a sweet tooth destination, Sweet Divas Chocolates also boasts exceptional artisan ice cream with a rich and creamy texture. So, if you’re in the mood for divine chocolates, delectable cupcakes, or a heavenly sip of cocoa or coffee, don’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in their exquisite ice cream creations.

For more information about restaurants in St. Petersburg and other things to do during your visit, head over to Ice Cream. Sign up for free email updates to stay in the loop on the latest events!