10 Oregon Hidden Coastal Ice Cream Shops Worth the Drive

If you think Oregon’s coast is just about windswept beaches and lighthouses, you’re missing one of its sweetest features: ice cream shops scattered in coastal towns. I’ve tracked down ten stops where the cones are generous, flavors reflect the Pacific Northwest, and every scoop feels like a little discovery.

Not every place is a tiny hidden gem, landmarks like Tillamook Creamery and Face Rock Creamery are iconic destinations, but others are small-town shops that truly feel like secrets worth uncovering.

Some are tucked into quiet downtowns, others sit just steps from the waves, yet all of them have earned a devoted local following. If you love ice cream and crave a bit of adventure, these spots are well worth the drive and your time.

1. Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream, Seaside

There’s a cheerful buzz just outside Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream in Seaside. Locals mingle with visitors, clutching cones piled high with flavors like marionberry and Oregon black cherry. This spot gets its creamy richness from local milk and a 16% butterfat base, making every bite lush and satisfying.

After a long walk on the promenade or a day in the sand, I always find myself drawn to Zinger’s. The portions are more than generous, and the menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what’s fresh in the region. If you want to reward yourself after a day of salt and sun, this is the place.

Every trip feels a little different, depending on which flavor you try or if they’ve brought back a retired favorite for the summer. The staff will happily chat through their recommendations, and there’s usually a handful of regulars debating the best combinations. It’s a friendly, local scene less than a block from the ocean.

2. Sea Star Gelato, Seaside

You know you’ve found Sea Star Gelato before you step inside, the scent of fresh waffle cones drifts out onto North Columbia Street. Seaside may be best known for its beachside promenade, but this little shop has earned a devoted following of its own. The flavors are bold and creamy, capturing everything from Oregon hazelnut to local berry.

I once watched a family sample five flavors, debating which one tasted most like summer. Their scoops are generous, with a texture that feels silky and rich. The shop is compact, with just enough space to linger while the coastal light filters in. Even a quick stop feels like part of the beach town experience.

I love that Sea Star changes flavors with the seasons, so every visit holds a surprise. Whether you are strolling back from the sand or just need a treat to break up the day, this spot’s inventive gelato is a highlight of Seaside.

3. Buttercup Homemade Ice Creams & Chowders, Nehalem

Tucked into the town of Nehalem, Buttercup Homemade Ice Creams & Chowders is as unpretentious as it gets. It’s one of those places where you might arrive by kayak or after a hike, shoes still sandy from the beach. The menu is handwritten, hinting at the creative flavors and chowders that rotate daily.

Every scoop feels like it was made just for you, think lavender honey or roasted peach, depending on the season. I’m always tempted to pair my ice cream with a cup of chowder, especially if the ocean breeze has a chill. There’s something about the combination that just works here.

Buttercup’s focus on local ingredients means that each visit brings something new. The vibe is relaxed; people linger over cones or chat with the owner about local events. It’s the kind of shop you stumble into and then can’t help but tell your friends about later.

4. Frite & Scoop, Astoria

Some places have a way of pulling you in with something unexpected. At Frite & Scoop in Astoria, that twist is their perfectly crisp fries paired with inventive ice cream flavors. The combos are playful, think lemon pie or raspberry shortbread, and made right in house.

I stopped in on a warm afternoon and noticed a group of friends sharing fries, dipping them into their ice cream without a hint of irony. It’s surprisingly good. The shop sits steps from the riverwalk, which means there’s always a cool breeze or the rumble of passing ships.

Frite & Scoop keeps their menu rotating, so you’re never sure what flavors you’ll find. The space feels youthful, and the energy is contagious. For anyone who loves a balance of salty and sweet, this spot is a revelation on the coast.

5. Sea Breeze Ice Cream, Rockaway Beach

Sea Breeze Ice Cream makes an impression before you even taste a scoop. The shop sits just off US-101, so it’s often filled with beachgoers cooling off after a sunny trek in the sand. Inside, you’ll spot a rainbow of Tillamook flavors, along with milkshakes, candies, and a scattering of beach toys for sale.

Every visit feels nostalgic, from the bright awning outside to the sound of kids debating over their favorite scoop. The staff move quickly and smile easily, happy to recommend their personal favorites. Sometimes I’ll just grab a simple vanilla cone and sit out front, people-watching as the town buzzes by.

While the selection leans classic, there’s always a surprise, maybe a rotating flavor or an over-the-top sundae. This place isn’t flashy, but it nails the basics and leaves you wanting to come back. That’s what keeps me stopping in year after year.

6. Scoops Handmade Ice Cream, North Bend

Scoops feels like a Southern Oregon tradition, even if you’re visiting for the first time. Walking in, the case displays more than 60 flavors, some classic, others a bit quirky, and nearly all made in small batches every day. Choices range from sugar-free options to juicy sorbets and creamy sherbets.

I once watched a teen try to stack three flavors in one cone, each one a different color. There’s a sense of fun and experimentation, with banana splits, malts, floats, and even waffle cones being made to order. The old-fashioned soda fountain touches give it a welcoming feel.

Scoops draws both locals and road trippers, and it’s easy to see why. The portions are generous, and you’ll probably leave debating which flavor to try next time. If variety is what you’re after, this place sets the bar high on the coast.

7. Schwietert’s Cones & Candy, Manzanita

Schwietert’s Cones & Candy is all about nostalgia and whimsy, tucked right on Manzanita’s main drag. The shop bursts with jars of old-fashioned sweets, rows of taffy, and an ice cream counter that delights kids and adults alike. It’s not unusual to see people leave with both a cone and a bag of treats.

I remember standing in line as a kid, eyes level with the candy jars, debating how many quarters I could spend. Today, the atmosphere feels just as warm and welcoming. There’s a strong sense of community here, with regulars greeting the staff by name and new visitors quickly joining in the relaxed rhythm.

Beyond the nostalgia, the ice cream selection is solid, classic flavors and a few surprises if you ask. This is my pick for a mid-afternoon break on a long beach day, especially if you want a side of sweet memories along with your scoop.

8. Tillamook Creamery, Tillamook

Tillamook Creamery might not be hidden in the strictest sense, but it still feels special every time I visit. The sheer scale of the operation impresses first-timers, with a bustling visitor center, an open kitchen where you can watch ice cream being churned, and a menu packed with both classic and rotating flavors.

I find the experience as much about learning as it is tasting. Kids press against the glass to watch the production process, while adults strategize the best flavor combinations. There’s always a line, but it moves quickly, and the payoff is worth it.

The Creamery sits surrounded by the same green fields that supply its milk, so it’s a full-sensory experience. Besides ice cream, you can try fresh cheese or even a grilled cheese sandwich. No matter how busy it gets, the quality always stands out.

9. SubZero Swirlz, Newport

SubZero Swirlz in Newport brings a playful twist to the coast’s frozen treats scene. It’s self-serve, so you get to build your own creation from a rotating lineup of frozen yogurts, including tangy favorites like Pineapple Dole Whip. Toppings range from fresh fruit to crumbled cookies, letting everyone go wild with their choices.

I’ve seen kids meticulously layer gummy bears, sprinkles, and hot fudge, only to run back for a second round. The interior is cheerful and modern, making it a fun place to duck into on a hot day. There’s something satisfying about designing your own treat exactly how you want it.

SubZero offers dairy-free and low-sugar options too, so everyone in the group can find something they love. While it’s not traditional ice cream, the creativity and customization make it a must-stop in Newport. Bring your sweet tooth, and maybe a sense of adventure. While technically frozen yogurt rather than traditional ice cream, SubZero Swirlz earns a spot for its creativity and coastal popularity.

10. Face Rock Creamery, Bandon

Face Rock Creamery in Bandon blends the best of Oregon’s coastal flavors in one welcoming spot. The shop is known for its Umpqua Dairy ice cream, which shares space with a showcase of artisan cheeses. There’s a steady stream of locals picking up cheese curds and tourists lining up for scoops.

I like to grab a cone and take it outside, where the salty air mingles with the scent of fresh waffles from the kitchen. The staff are quick to offer samples or suggest new pairings, so you never feel rushed. Nautical touches throughout the shop remind you that the ocean is just minutes away. The cheese is made in-house, but the ice cream comes from Oregon’s own Umpqua Dairy, a beloved brand that locals have trusted for generations.

If you have time, check out the nearby Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint for a classic Oregon selfie. The Creamery’s ice cream is rich and flavorful, served in portions big enough to share. It’s a stop that blends coastal tradition with a sense of discovery.