Where to find the best ice cream in Hilton Head: Here’s what readers picked as their fave
As the warm summer months carry on, one of the best ways to beat the heat is with an ice-cold treat.
Last week, we shared a poll asking readers to vote for their favorite ice cream shop on Hilton Head.
From hand scoops to soft serves and sundaes, 423 participants shared their top picks and now, a reader-favorite location has been determined.
To find the location with the top scoop, we rounded up a list of 12 local favorite spots and top-rated shops by Google reviews. We included locally-owned ice cream places and smaller chains, but did leave out locations specializing in popsicles, frozen yogurt and frozen ice treats.
No matter if you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat, a beach day snack or cooling off from the summer heat, here are the top three spots for ice cream, according to our readers:
Top 3 Hilton Head ice cream shops
The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop: 154 votes
Milkshake Factory: 122 votes
Hilton Head Ice Cream: 66 votes
While our list included a wide range of ice cream locations across the island, these three shops took the top spots from readers, with The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop ranking No. 1.
The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop is an extension of The Salty Dog Cafe, which opened in 1987. All of the ice cream flavors are homemade, with cone and bowl options available.
The Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Google reviews and is located at 232 S Sea Pines Drive, #304 in the South Beach Marina. The shop is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hilton Head’s newest ice cream spot, Milkshake Factory, took second place, offering handcrafted milkshakes and other sweet treats.
In third, another longtime local favorite, Hilton Head Ice Cream, made the ranks with its homemade ice cream that’s been scooped and served since 1982.
Remember: This poll wasn’t scientific or an exhaustive list of every location in Hilton Head serving ice cream — it was for fun!
All ice cream locations across Hilton Head that were included in this poll:
Interested in other polls? Send your ideas to amiller@islandpacket.com to suggest what other kinds of future polls, brackets or rankings you’d like to see.
This story was originally published July 19, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
