These 7 New Jersey Towns Are Home To The State’s Most Popular Ice Cream

New Jersey knows how to do summer right, and for me, nothing says summer like a scoop of creamy, dreamy ice cream.

From the shore to the suburbs, I’ve found towns across the Garden State that feel like legendary destinations for anyone chasing that perfect sweet treat.

Nicholas Creamery has become one of my favorites, spreading joy across multiple locations with flavors that keep me coming back season after season.

Whether I’m hanging out close to home or just passing through, these seven towns offer more than frozen dessert – they deliver experiences that turn a simple cone into a cherished memory.

I’ve caught myself wondering where the coolest crowds gather for the creamiest scoops, and which towns secretly hold the title of New Jersey’s ice cream capitals.

Craving a road trip that’s equal parts delicious and Instagram-worthy, I packed my appetite and hit the road. And let me tell you, every stop felt like the sweetest tour through the Garden State, one scoop at a time.

Atlantic Highlands: Coastal Charm Meets Creamy Perfection

Atlantic Highlands brings together stunning water views and some of the finest frozen treats you’ll find anywhere along the Jersey Shore. Nestled in this picturesque Monmouth County town, Nicholas Creamery at 84 1st Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 has become the go-to destination for locals and tourists craving premium ice cream.

The location perfectly captures the laid-back coastal vibe that makes this town so special.

Families flock here after beach days, couples stop by for romantic evening strolls with cones in hand, and kids practically drag their parents through the door the moment they spot the colorful sign. The shop serves up classic flavors alongside creative seasonal options that change throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something new to try.

From rich chocolate to refreshing fruit sorbets, every scoop is crafted with quality ingredients that you can actually taste.

What makes this location truly stand out is its connection to the community; it’s not just an ice cream shop, it’s a gathering place where neighbors catch up and visitors fall in love with Atlantic Highlands. The friendly staff knows regulars by name and treats first-timers like old friends.

On warm summer evenings, you’ll find lines stretching out the door, but the wait is always worth it.

The town itself offers plenty to explore before or after your ice cream adventure, from waterfront parks to charming local shops. Atlantic Highlands proves that the best ice cream tastes even better when enjoyed in a town that feels like a hidden coastal gem waiting to be discovered.

Fair Haven: Where Small-Town Sweetness Reigns Supreme

Fair Haven embodies everything charming about small-town New Jersey, and the Nicholas Creamery at 586 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704 fits right into this welcoming community like the perfect puzzle piece. This borough radiates a friendly atmosphere where everyone seems to know everyone, and the local ice cream shop serves as a natural meeting point for residents of all ages.

Walking into this location feels like stepping into a neighborhood tradition that’s been sweetening lives for years.

The River Road location attracts a steady stream of happy customers who appreciate both the quality of the ice cream and the warm service that comes with every order. Parents bring their children here to celebrate good report cards, sports teams stop by after practice, and friends meet up to catch up over sundaes loaded with toppings.

The menu offers something for every palate, from traditional vanilla lovers to adventurous flavor explorers seeking the newest creations.

Fair Haven’s tree-lined streets and historic homes create the perfect backdrop for an old-fashioned ice cream outing that feels refreshingly simple in our busy modern world. After grabbing your cone, you can stroll through the quiet residential areas or head to nearby parks where families spread out blankets for impromptu picnics.

The town maintains a peaceful pace that makes every visit feel like a mini-vacation from daily stress.

Local residents consider this Nicholas Creamery location a treasured part of their community fabric, and visitors quickly understand why once they experience the combination of exceptional ice cream and genuine hospitality that defines this Fair Haven gem.

Long Branch: Boardwalk Vibes and Premium Scoops

Long Branch has transformed itself into one of New Jersey’s hottest shore destinations, blending historic charm with modern attractions that draw crowds year-round. Nicholas Creamery at 444 Ocean Blvd North, Long Branch, NJ 07740 sits perfectly positioned to capture both beachgoers and boardwalk explorers looking for the ultimate frozen reward after a day in the sun.

This location pulses with energy, especially during summer months when the shore comes alive with activity.

Ocean Boulevard buzzes with excitement as visitors bounce between the beach, restaurants, shops, and of course, their favorite ice cream stop. The Nicholas Creamery here serves as an essential part of any perfect beach day, offering cool relief and sweet satisfaction when the summer heat reaches its peak.

Groups of friends gather outside with their colorful cones, comparing flavor choices and debating which creation reigns supreme.

What sets Long Branch apart is its ability to offer both classic Jersey Shore nostalgia and contemporary coastal sophistication. The town has invested heavily in revitalizing its waterfront, creating spaces where families can enjoy everything from concerts to festivals, all within walking distance of this beloved creamery.

After your ice cream, you can explore Pier Village, catch a show, or simply walk along the ocean listening to waves crash against the shore.

The location attracts a diverse crowd, from young professionals enjoying weekend getaways to multigenerational families continuing decades-old traditions of summer shore trips. Long Branch proves that some things never go out of style, especially when they involve premium ice cream enjoyed with your toes still sandy from the beach.

Middletown: Suburban Sweet Spot for Ice Cream Lovers

Middletown Township sprawls across a substantial portion of Monmouth County, offering residents a perfect blend of suburban convenience and access to shore attractions. Nicholas Creamery at 1500 NJ-35, Middletown Township, NJ 07748 has become a central gathering place for this thriving community, strategically located along one of the area’s main thoroughfares.

The accessibility makes it incredibly easy for families to swing by after school activities, weekend errands, or spontaneous cravings that demand immediate satisfaction.

Route 35 sees constant traffic flow, and this Nicholas Creamery location benefits from being a recognized destination that drivers actively seek out rather than just stumble upon. Parents appreciate the ample parking and family-friendly atmosphere that makes visiting with kids stress-free and enjoyable.

The shop maintains a bright, welcoming interior that feels both modern and comfortable, encouraging customers to linger rather than rush through their experience.

Middletown’s population includes a mix of young families, established professionals, and retirees who all share a common appreciation for quality ice cream served with genuine care. The diverse customer base means the shop stays busy throughout the year, not just during traditional summer months.

Birthday parties, team celebrations, and casual weekend outings all find their way to this location, creating a constant buzz of happy energy.

Beyond ice cream, Middletown offers parks, shopping centers, and recreational facilities that make it a well-rounded place to live and visit. The Nicholas Creamery here serves as more than just a business; it’s a community anchor where memories are made one scoop at a time, strengthening the social fabric of this vibrant New Jersey township.

Tinton Falls: Hidden Gem Serving Up Happiness

Tinton Falls might not grab headlines like some of its flashier neighbors, but this Monmouth County borough knows exactly what makes a community thrive – great local businesses that bring people together. Nicholas Creamery at 1201 Sycamore Avenue, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 exemplifies this principle perfectly, offering residents a nearby destination for premium frozen treats without the need to travel to more crowded shore towns.

The Sycamore Avenue location radiates a relaxed, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere that regulars absolutely adore.

Tinton Falls attracts families seeking a quieter suburban lifestyle while maintaining reasonable proximity to beaches, shopping, and employment centers. The Nicholas Creamery here fits seamlessly into this lifestyle, providing a simple pleasure that doesn’t require planning or reservations, just show up and enjoy.

Local kids know this shop by heart, often riding their bikes here during summer break or walking over after dinner with friends to cap off the evening with something sweet.

The staff at this location has perfected the art of friendly service, greeting customers with genuine smiles and patience, even during the busiest rush periods. They take time to offer samples, make recommendations, and ensure every visitor leaves satisfied with their selection.

This attention to customer experience transforms a simple ice cream purchase into a moment of connection that keeps people coming back week after week.

Tinton Falls offers several parks and recreational areas where families can enjoy their ice cream in peaceful outdoor settings, making the experience even more enjoyable. This Nicholas Creamery location proves that you don’t need ocean views or boardwalk crowds to create the perfect ice cream moment, sometimes the best experiences happen in quiet suburban neighborhoods where quality and community matter most.

Wall (Manasquan): Shore Access with Small-Town Soul

Wall Township sits just inland from the Atlantic Ocean, giving residents and visitors the best of both worlds – shore proximity without the intense crowds and higher prices of beachfront living. Nicholas Creamery at 2435 Highway 34, Manasquan, NJ 08736 serves this community with the same commitment to quality that defines all their locations, but with a special awareness of serving both locals and shore-bound travelers.

Highway 34 carries significant traffic, especially during summer weekends when cars packed with beach gear stream toward the coast.

This strategic location means the shop welcomes a fascinating mix of customers, from Wall residents who consider it their neighborhood spot to out-of-towners stopping for a quick treat before hitting the beach or heading home after a long day of sun and surf. The shop handles this diverse clientele with efficiency and warmth, ensuring everyone receives the same excellent service regardless of whether they’re first-time visitors or devoted regulars.

The menu satisfies both traditionalists seeking classic flavors and adventurers ready to try the latest seasonal creations.

Wall Township itself offers numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options that make it a destination in its own right, not just a pass-through town. Families appreciate the convenience of running errands and grabbing ice cream all in one trip, maximizing their time and minimizing stress.

The area maintains a comfortable, middle-class suburban character that feels welcoming and unpretentious.

During peak summer season, this Nicholas Creamery location becomes a celebration of everything great about the Jersey Shore experience – families laughing together, kids with ice cream-covered faces, and that universal satisfaction that comes from enjoying something cold and delicious on a hot day.

North Brunswick: The Newest Addition to the Nicholas Family

North Brunswick represents exciting new territory for Nicholas Creamery, with their location at 2300 Route 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 scheduled to open in Spring 2026. This expansion brings the beloved brand to Middlesex County, introducing a whole new community to the premium ice cream experience that has made Nicholas a household name across other parts of New Jersey.

Route 1 carries enormous traffic volume through North Brunswick, making this location incredibly accessible to both local residents and travelers passing through the area.

The anticipation for this opening has been building steadily as word spreads through the community about what’s coming. North Brunswick residents who have visited other Nicholas Creamery locations eagerly await having their own nearby option, while those unfamiliar with the brand are curious about what all the excitement entails.

The Spring 2026 opening timeline means families will have perfect timing to enjoy the shop as warmer weather arrives and ice cream cravings intensify.

North Brunswick itself is a diverse, dynamic township with a strong sense of community and convenient access to both New York City and Philadelphia. The population includes young families, college students from nearby Rutgers University, and established residents who appreciate the township’s blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility.

This Nicholas Creamery will likely become a popular spot for study breaks, family outings, date nights, and casual meetups among friends.

Route 1 hosts numerous businesses, shopping centers, and restaurants, creating a commercial corridor that attracts visitors from surrounding towns and beyond. The new Nicholas Creamery will join this thriving business community, adding another reason for people to choose North Brunswick as their destination.

By Spring 2026, this location will be scooping happiness and creating new traditions for an entirely new group of devoted ice cream enthusiasts.

Planning Your New Jersey Ice Cream Road Trip

Why settle for visiting just one Nicholas Creamery location when you could embark on an epic ice cream adventure across New Jersey? With seven locations spread throughout the state, you have the perfect excuse to explore different towns while satisfying your sweet tooth at every stop.

Start by mapping out a route that makes geographical sense, perhaps beginning at the shore locations and working your way inland, or vice versa depending on where you’re starting from.

Each town offers its own unique attractions beyond the ice cream shop, so plan to spend some time exploring what makes each community special. Atlantic Highlands provides stunning water views and charming downtown streets, while Long Branch offers boardwalk entertainment and beach access.

Fair Haven invites leisurely strolls through tree-lined residential areas, and Middletown provides convenient shopping and dining options. Tinton Falls offers peaceful parks, Wall gives you that perfect shore-adjacent vibe, and North Brunswick (once opened) will showcase the diversity and energy of Central Jersey.

Consider making your ice cream road trip a multi-day adventure, booking accommodations along the way and truly immersing yourself in each area. Alternatively, ambitious ice cream enthusiasts could attempt to visit multiple locations in a single day, though pacing yourself might be wise to avoid ice cream overload.

Bring friends or family members who share your enthusiasm for frozen treats and community exploration – the experience becomes even more fun when shared with people you care about.

Document your journey with photos at each location, creating a visual record of your New Jersey ice cream adventure that you can share on social media or keep as a personal memory. Rate each location’s flavors, compare experiences, and develop your own opinions about which spot claims the title of your personal favorite Nicholas Creamery destination.