Sweet Treats in St. Augustine: Best Desserts and Ice Cream Spots

Explore St. Augustine's sweetest destinations! From handmade chocolates to gourmet ice cream, our guide highlights the best spots for desserts and indulgent treats.

December 10, 2024
4:15 pm

St. Augustine is not just about history, scenic views, and beaches—it’s also a paradise for dessert lovers. From artisanal ice cream shops to bakeries serving fresh, homemade confections, if you’re looking for sweet treats in St. Augustine, the Ancient City offers plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of creamy ice cream, rich chocolates, or flaky pastries, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar

Cousteau's Milkshake and Waffle Bar - One of the best dessert Spots in St. Augustine

Why You’ll Love It: This quirky spot specializes in gourmet Belgian waffles and decadent milkshakes. Inspired by the legendary filmmaker Jacques Cousteau, the menu features creative, nautical-themed treats like “The Life Aquatic” (a waffle topped with Nutella and whipped cream) and “Steve Zissou” (a milkshake made with strawberries and shortbread).
Must-Try: The “Team Zissou,” a waffle topped with vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
Location: 15 Hypolita St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Good to Know: Seating is limited, so plan for takeout if it’s crowded.

2. Peace Pie

Peace Pie Ice Cream Sandwich - St. Augustine Florida

Why You’ll Love It: This dessert shop takes ice cream sandwiches to the next level, layering delicious ice cream between two cookies with a surprise filling—like pie fillings, ganache, or jam. It’s the perfect handheld treat for walking around St. George Street.
Must-Try: The “Salted Caramel Brownie” ice cream sandwich, featuring layers of creamy caramel, chocolate, and fudge brownies.
Location: 8 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Good to Know: Peace Pie’s sandwiches are substantial, so you might want to share!

3. Cold Cow Ice Cream

Cold Cow Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip in St, Augustine

Why You’ll Love It: Known for its generous portions and creamy ice cream, Cold Cow is a hidden gem loved by locals. With a wide variety of classic and creative flavors, you’re sure to find something to please your taste buds.
Must-Try: The “Peanut Butter Explosion” or a custom sundae with all your favorite toppings.
Location: 938 Santa Maria Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086
Good to Know: Perfect for families, Cold Cow has both indoor and outdoor seating.

4. Whetstone Chocolates

Whetstone's Chocolates in St. Augustine is a local favorite, with enough choices to try a different piece of chocolate for each day of the year

Why You’ll Love It: Whetstone Chocolates is a must-visit for chocoholics. This local chocolatier offers handcrafted chocolates, truffles, fudge, and more. Their guided tours give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process and, of course, include free samples.
Must-Try: The Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel, a fan favorite.
Location: 42 St. George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Good to Know: Tours run daily but fill up quickly—book ahead!

5. Crème de la Cocoa

Why You’ll Love It: This dessert boutique is known for its sophisticated, artful creations. Crème de la Cocoa offers a rotating menu of pastries, cakes, and chocolates, all made in-house with high-quality ingredients.
Must-Try: The “Florida Sunset” mousse cake—a blend of citrus flavors and delicate textures.
Location: 299 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Good to Know: They also specialize in custom cakes for weddings and events.

Seasonal and Festival Treats

St. Augustine comes alive during special events like the Nights of Lights or the Celtic Festival, where vendors serve unique seasonal desserts. Look for treats like spiced hot chocolate, holiday-themed cookies, or caramel popcorn. For more year-round festivals, check the local events calendar to see what sweet indulgences might be available during your visit.

Tips for Exploring St. Augustine’s Sweet Spots

Plan for Walking Tours: Many dessert spots are within walking distance of each other in the historic district. Park at a central location and explore on foot.
Try Something New: Don’t shy away from the creative flavor combinations—this is your chance to try something you won’t find elsewhere.
Beat the Heat: If you’re visiting during the warmer months, opt for ice cream or milkshakes to cool down while you enjoy the sights.

Family-Friendly Options

All of the dessert spots on this list are family-friendly, making them great choices for kids and adults alike. Cold Cow and Peace Pie, in particular, are big hits with younger visitors, while Whetstone Chocolates offers a slightly more upscale experience for chocolate lovers of all ages.

Accessibility and Parking

Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar: Limited street parking nearby; best to visit on foot.
Peace Pie: Located on Aviles Street, a pedestrian-friendly area.
Cold Cow Ice Cream: Offers parking on-site, making it an easy stop for families.
Whetstone Chocolates: Conveniently located on St. George Street, near other attractions.
Crème de la Cocoa: Ample parking available; a great stop on your way to or from downtown.

Linking Your Sweet Adventure

For a full-day experience, pair your dessert stops with nearby attractions like St. Augustine Beach, Castillo de San Marcos, or a walking ghost tour in the evening. Make dessert the highlight of your adventure by planning stops between sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

St. Augustine’s dessert scene is as rich and diverse as its history. Whether you’re craving a refreshing scoop of ice cream, a warm waffle, or artisan chocolates, this city has something to satisfy every craving. Be sure to bookmark this guide for your next trip to the nation’s oldest city!