Sweet Treats
In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When you just can't satisfy your sweet tooth, it's time to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here you'll find all the right combinations of sugary, creamy, crunchy, and decadent treats. Come for the beach and stay for dessert as we take you on a tour of some of the beach's most iconic sweet treats - and some new ones, too!
1. The Yard Milkshake Bar
The Yard Milkshake Bar has taken Gulf Shores by storm! This ice cream shop opened its doors in 2017 and has been a popular spot ever since. What's special about The Yard's milkshakes? You can choose all your toppings and add-ons, including a giant slab of cheesecake, a big ball of cookie dough, or even a full-size frosted cupcake. These creative ice cream concoctions are super Insta-worthy.
2. BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets
A trip to BuzzCatz Coffee &Sweets will definitely bring out the (sophisticated) kid in you. Relive the days of staring into the glass dessert case as a kid and picking out the cinnamon roll with the most icing. BuzzCatz has a pastry chef who bakes up made-from-scratch treats every day. From homemade pop tarts to flaky pastries, you'll find a sweet treat for an afternoon sugar rush. Don't forget to grab a fresh cup of coffee while here to complement your sugary snack.
3. Café Beignet
Sink your teeth into an airy beignet at Café Beignet Gulf Shores or Café Beignet Orange Beach. That's right. There are two locations to choose from, so you're never far from a tempting treat! Order your beignets filled with creamy pudding or topped with chocolate sauce, or enjoy them in their traditional state: coated with powdered sugar. Takeout is available, but get there early as the café closes at noon.
4. Pete's Ice Cream & Donuts
Can't decide between ice cream and donuts? At Pete's Ice Cream & Donuts, you can get the best of both worlds! Pete's makes its ice cream with fresh fruits and natural ingredients and offers different flavors almost daily. After you've grabbed your scoop, watch as the donut masters hand roll and cut the donuts to perfection. It's the ideal combo!
5. Matt's Homemade Alabama Ice Cream
Let's continue on this journey of sweet treats with a stop at Matt's Homemade Alabama Ice Cream. Matt's ice cream hails from Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe in nearby Mobile, where the family-run creamery churns out time-honored flavors and new tastes. Did someone say salted caramel? It's a must-try! Get your ice cream piled high with toppings, or devour it in its natural state. Either way, your sweet tooth will be satisfied.
6. Kayden's Candy Factory
If you're out shopping or playing at The Wharf and are craving something sweet, venture to Kayden's Candy Factory. This sweet spot has just about everything you could want, from sundaes and donuts to caramel apples, waffles, and crepes. Need a treat to go? Grab chocolate-covered pretzels or a bag of fudge. No matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find it at Kayden's.
7. New Orleans Original Snoballs
A day spent soaking up rays in the sand calls for something cold to cool you off. If you're in Gulf Shores, visit New Orleans Original Snoballs for refreshing shaved ice. Top your snoball with blue raspberry, cotton candy, piña colada, or any other delicious flavors. This shop is located directly across the street from the beach, so you can grab a cup before you hit the water.
8. Chocolate Corner
Calling all chocolate lovers! The Chocolate Corner in Gulf Shores is your one-stop shop for all things chocolate. Savor a creamy turtle or gourmet truffle, or indulge in homemade fudge or chocolate-covered strawberries. The shop's specialty shaped chocolates are the perfect souvenir to bring a little piece of the beach home with you, but you may have a hard time eating them because they're so pretty!
9. City Donut
Start your day with a delectable donut or pastry from City Donut in Orange Beach. These fresh donuts are made from scratch daily and are available in several tasty flavors. From Oreo or Butterfinger to coconut or Fruity Pebbles, the possibilities are endless! If you're looking for something to keep you cool, grab a milkshake to help wash down your donuts.
10. Yumm Twister Ice Cream
If there's one thing better than creamy, authentic gelato, it's gelato in a one-of-a-kind handcrafted cone. Yumm Twister Ice Cream is a family-owned and -operated ice cream shop offering soft-serve gelato in freshly baked, specialty cones. Choose from several ice cream flavors, then add your favorite toppings or opt for one of the shop's signature cones. They also have milkshakes, so you can take your sweet treat to go!
11. Hope's Cheesecake
Did someone mention cheesecake? Grab a slice or two from Hope's Cheesecake in Gulf Shores and discover delicious, mouthwatering pies and cakes. Hope's offers over 30 incredible flavors, including key lime, raspberry, chocolate amaretto, coconut cream, and many more. Each cheesecake is made using cream cheese, fresh whole eggs, pure cane sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice and is baked in a specialty oven. This place is a must-try while you're on the beach.
12. A Specialty Bakery & Party Shoppe
A Specialty Bakery & Party Shoppe is perfect for a sugary pick-me-up. You'll drool over cupcakes, cookies, chocolates, and other sweet treats here. If you need a dessert to go, grab one of the shop's cakes in a cup and enjoy it at the beach or wherever your day takes you.
13. Crumbl Cookies
Experiencing a late night dessert craving? We've got just the place. You can pick up your favorite cookies at the beach until midnight at Crumbl Cookies in Gulf Shores. With six rotating flavors each week, you'll never run out of sweet treats to try!
14. Milkshake Momma
It’s raining sprinkles at Milkshake Momma Burgers and Shakes. This joint has shakes, banana splits, cookies, cheesecakes, and more irresistible desserts. You can even balance out the sweet with a massive burger or juicy chicken sandwich.
