3 Best Dessert Shops in Atlantic Beach

When you’re spending your getaway in an Atlantic Beach vacation rental, there are tons of activities to get into. You can enjoy your days lounging by the water, taking a day trip to nearby locations like Morehead City or Swansboro, or strolling down the streets and mingling with the locals. Whatever the case might be, you’re sure to get hungry between all that sightseeing!

Once you’ve spent your day exploring all there is to discover in Atlantic Beach, why not finish off the day with a delicious dessert? Luckily, Atlantic Beach has several unique dessert shops that you simply can’t miss out on, no matter what kind of dessert you’re seeking. Grabbing a treat at one of these tasty establishments is one of the best things to do with kids on an Atlantic Beach vacation

ice cream

AB Ice Cream

AB Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe is a locally owned operation that’s been welcoming visitors and locals alike for years. As soon as you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted with a smile and offered a sample of any of their 40 incredible flavors of ice cream! You can go for something classic like a banana split or a unique flavor like their irresistible Hershey’s ice cream! 

If you’re not in the mood for something cold like a scoop of ice cream or a milkshake or frappe, you can opt for one of their nostalgic candies or saltwater taffy selections. No matter what you go for, you can rest assured that it’s been made with love right there in the shop! 

AB Ice Cream is located at 1010 W. Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. Their hours are as follows:

  • Sunday: 12 – 6 p.m.
  • Monday and Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 12 – 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 12 – 9 p.m.

Pop-elato

Sometimes you just need a delicious treat to cool you off, but you don’t want something heavy like a dairy-laden scoop of ice cream. Why not go for something a bit lighter with some gelato? Pop-elato is just the place! They’ve got a wide selection of flavors for you to choose from, so there’s sure to be something to suit every palate.

Some of the most popular gelato flavors available here include popcorn, peanut butter cookie, lemon basil sorbet, and others. These aren’t your typical selections, but they add an unexpected twist to your dessert experience! Pop-elato has also recently started offering gelato pies in delicious flavors like Key lime and strawberry. If you don’t want to sit at the restaurant to eat your gelato, you can also get a pint to go and enjoy it later at your rental!

Pop-elato is located at 112 West Drive in Atlantic Beach. 

cinnamon rolls

Sugarloaf Island Bakery

Not sure what type of dessert you’re in the mood for? Traveling with a big family where everyone wants something different? Stop into Sugarloaf Island Bakery to browse their huge selection of desserts! From the classic cinnamon rolls to decadent danishes to sweet and savory croissants, there’s truly something for everyone on the menu here!

In addition to their pastries and desserts that are readily available for sale, Sugarloaf Island Bakery can also accommodate you if you’re in town for a special occasion. Need a cake to celebrate a birthday, wedding, or reunion? Just call ahead and they can create a beautiful custom cake for you! The bakery even holds birthday parties right on location, perfect for celebrating that special person in your life.

Sugarloaf Island Bakery is located at 1002 Arendell Street in Morehead City. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Bonus: Atlantic Beach Coffee Company

Sometimes you might be in the mood for a dessert-type food for breakfast, or maybe you need an extra pick-me-up after a big dinner. This bonus spot on our list is perfect for that! Atlantic Beach Coffee Company offers a delicious selection of unique coffee drinks and mouthwatering pastries, all made from fresh local ingredients. 

For your drink, you can grab something classic like a caramel macchiato, or go for something bold like their honey latte! Not in the mood for a hot drink? No problem. They’ve also got fun fruity slushies to help cool you off! Pair your drink with an indulgent pastry like their gooey cinnamon buns!

Atlantic Beach Coffee Company is located at 1010 West Fort Macon Road, Suite 29, in Atlantic Beach. They are open daily from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., except for Saturdays when they close at 6 p.m.

When you’re planning your vacation to Atlantic Beach, carve out some time to visit these incredible dessert shops! Each of them dedicates their days to producing the most delicious treats for locals and visitors and strives to treat everyone like family. It’s small businesses like these that make Atlantic City the paradise it is, and they appreciate your patronage more than you know.

Book Your Atlantic Beach Accommodations!

Whether you’re coming for a romantic getaway on the Crystal Coast or a family vacation, you’ll want a comfortable and affordable place to stay! Spectrum Properties is proud to be your premier destination for vacation rentals all across the Crystal Coast. Our Atlantic Beach beachfront rentals are among our most popular options, as they put you just steps away from the shoreline. You’ll also be just minutes away from the best shops, museums, and restaurants in Atlantic Beach! Ready to plan your getaway? Contact us today to get started!