Best Ice Cream Shops in Virginia Beach (Pungo, Princess Anne, Red Mill + Strawbridge Favorites)

There are two things my boys never say no to: a beach sunset and ice cream.

And honestly? Same.

One of my favorite things about living in the southern part of Virginia Beach is that some of the best local spots aren’t flashy or touristy – they’re tucked into the communities where families actually live, play, and spend their evenings. The kind of places where kids run around barefoot after baseball practice, where everyone orders “just one scoop” and somehow leaves with waffle cones taller than their heads.

Between longtime local favorites and newer additions like Blue Cow and Be Free Craft Ice Cream, southern Virginia Beach has quietly become one of the best areas in the city for family dessert spots.

If you’re looking for the best ice cream shops in Virginia Beach – especially around Pungo, Princess Anne, Red Mill, and Strawbridge – these are the places our family keeps going back to all spring and summer long. And… if you’re vacationing in Sandbridge, these are all worth the short drive in-land.

Ice Cream in Pungo: A Local Favorite After Ballgames & Farm Days

Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream

If you know, you know.

This is one of those classic local spots that feels like childhood summers in Virginia Beach. After a long day at the beach, strawberry picking in Pungo, or a Saturday at the ball fields, this is the kind of place families naturally end up.

The pizza gets a lot of attention, but their Hershey’s ice cream counter deserves its own local reputation. It’s casual, family-friendly, and exactly the kind of spot that makes Pungo feel like Pungo.

For families living in Princess Anne and southern Virginia Beach, this is one of those dependable “easy yes” places that becomes part of your weekly routine.

New Ice Cream Shop Families in Pungo Are Already Loving

Blue Cow Ice Cream

One of the newest additions to the Pungo and Princess Anne area, Blue Cow Ice Cream has already become a go-to summer stop for local families.

Originally founded in Virginia, Blue Cow is known for small-batch handcrafted ice cream with creative flavors that somehow still feel classic and nostalgic at the same time. Their new Pungo location feels especially perfect for the area – relaxed, family-friendly, and close to all the places local families already spend their weekends.

This is exactly the kind of spot I love seeing come into southern Virginia Beach. It adds to that growing “small-town community” feeling that makes Pungo and Princess Anne so special.

The flavors rotate often, which makes every visit a little different, but if you’re anything like my boys, you’ll probably end up sampling half the menu before making a final decision. The waffle cones alone are worth the stop.

And while the Shore Drive location has had a loyal following for years, having a Blue Cow right here in the Pungo area feels like one of those little upgrades local families are genuinely excited about.

Best Ice Cream Shop Near Red Mill & Strawbridge

Be Free Craft Ice Cream Cafe

If you ask local families where they’re getting ice cream right now around Red Mill and southern Virginia Beach, Be Free comes up constantly – and for good reason.

This place feels like the newer generation of neighborhood ice cream shop: handcrafted flavors, really good coffee, incredible pastries, and the kind of atmosphere where you walk in planning to grab a quick cone and somehow stay an hour.

Their flavors are creative without feeling over-the-top, and everything feels intentionally local and thoughtfully made. My boys are immediately locked in on the ice cream, while I’m usually trying to decide between an affogato, pastry case situation, or pretending I’m just there for coffee.

It’s also veteran-owned, which makes supporting them feel even better.

For families in Red Mill, Strawbridge, and Princess Anne, this is one of those places that starts becoming part of your regular routine once you discover it. The kind of spot you end up recommending to everyone who moves here.

Hidden Gem Ice Cream Spot Near Strawbridge

The Barn Ice Cream

This one feels like the definition of a local hidden gem.

The backyard seating, swings, yard games, firepit, and barn atmosphere make this place feel less like a quick dessert stop and more like a summer evening destination. If you have kids, they can actually play while you sit for a minute and enjoy your ice cream before it melts down someone’s arm.

Their ice cream flights are such a fun idea if you’re indecisive like me and want to try multiple flavors. It’s one of those places that feels very “local Virginia Beach” in the best way.

Best Dessert Spot Near Princess Anne

Mango Mango Dessert

Okay technically this isn’t an ice cream shop — but if you love desserts, this place absolutely deserves a spot on the list.

Their mango-based desserts, fruit bowls, smoothies, and shaved ice are perfect during Virginia Beach summers when you want something cold but slightly lighter than traditional ice cream. It feels modern, fun, and different from the typical dessert spots around town.

This is especially good for date nights, girls’ nights, or letting kids try something new outside the usual chocolate-and-sprinkles rotation.

Not Ice Cream… But Worth Mentioning

Rigoletto Italian Bakery & Cafe

If your family leans more cannoli-and-cheesecake than waffle-cone-and-sprinkles, this place belongs on your dessert list.

This has been a longtime local favorite around Red Mill and Strawbridge for good reason. The pastries, cakes, espresso drinks, and Italian desserts feel like a little escape from the usual chain dessert spots.

Perfect for parents who want dessert and coffee at the same time.

Why Families Love Living in Pungo, Princess Anne & Red Mill

One of the things I always tell people relocating to Virginia Beach is this:

The best parts of living here usually aren’t the big tourist attractions. They’re the small routines.

Ice cream after baseball.
Stopping for dessert after church.
Meeting neighbors on a random Tuesday night because everyone had the same idea after dinner.

That’s the kind of lifestyle families love in Pungo, Princess Anne, Red Mill, and Strawbridge. It feels slower in the best possible way.

And as a mom of two boys, I can confidently say: knowing where to find the best local ice cream in Virginia Beach is genuinely valuable information around here.

If you’re thinking about moving to southern Virginia Beach and want the inside scoop on neighborhoods, schools, local favorites, and what everyday life actually feels like here, I’d love to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Cream in Virginia Beach

What is the best ice cream shop in Virginia Beach?

Locals love neighborhood favorites around Pungo, Red Mill, and Princess Anne because they’re family-friendly and less crowded than the Oceanfront tourist spots.

Where can I get dessert in Princess Anne Virginia Beach?

Families in Princess Anne often head toward local dessert shops, frozen yogurt spots, bakeries, and ice cream shops throughout southern Virginia Beach.

What are the best family dessert spots in Virginia Beach?

The best family dessert spots usually have outdoor seating, casual atmospheres, and kid-friendly options — especially around Pungo and Red Mill.

Are there good local ice cream shops near Pungo?

Yes — Pungo has several longtime local favorites along with newer additions like Blue Cow Ice Cream that local families are already loving.