The Sweet Spot: The Best Ice Cream Shops in Punta Gorda

By Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau on Aug. 27, 2025

In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, it’s almost always the perfect weather for an icy cold treat! To get you started when you're in the mood for ice cream and other chilly goodies, here's out list of the Top 5 Cool Treat Shops:

1. Harbor Scoops

Punta Gorda's own Harbor Scoops offers hand-crafted ice cream, milk shakes, sundaes, floats, banana splits, snacks, and more, with the added bonus of outside seating to enjoy the views of Laishley Marina and the Punta Gorda bridges.

2. Swirls & Curls Ice Cream

Voted Best Homemade Ice Cream Shop in Englewood 16 years in a row, Swirls & Curls Ice Cream offers new flavors every month, as well as homemade doggie treats.

3. Lava Ice Shop

Conveniently located in Port Charlotte, right in the middle of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, is the Lava Ice Shop, a local treasure with a sweet treat for every palate. Specializing in dairy-free and vegan-friendly Italian Ice, they also offer sugar-free options.

4. Zoet Sweet Boutique

Zoet (pronounced "Zoot") is proud to offer fresh, homemade ice-cream, sweets from all over the world, and "European inspired desserts." You can also get a sandwich, salad, or hot meal.

5. A Better Scoop

A Better Scoop has been serving Englewood and surrounding areas signature hand-made frozen desserts for over ten years! They pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients to bring you some of the best ice cream in the area (including homemade waffle cones!), always served with a friendly smile. Made in the Shade Ice Cream Flight

6. Made in the Shade Ice Cream

Made in the Shade specializes in creative ice cream options, from their custom ice cream tacos to ice cream flights. There's always something new and exciting (or familiar and comforting) to taste, so stop on by.

7. Fresco

One of our newest hotspots for cool treats (as it were) is Fresco Punta Gorda. With goodies ranging from gelato and pastries to coffee of all kinds and imported Italian goodies and more, you're sure to find your perfect dessert.

We love our frosty treats in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach and we're sure you will too!

Author

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau was established in 1997. The Visitor & Convention Bureau supports local businesses by promoting Charlotte County as a premiere travel destination, domestically and internationally, to consumers, meeting planners, travel trade and sports-rights holders.
We advocate for and promote Charlotte County as a warm, welcoming, and beautiful destination with positive economic growth and a focus on the preservation of natural resources to build a sustainable future for visitors and residents alike.
Learn more on our About Us Page and visit our Events Page to stay up to date on happenings in the area.
Blog content is created and reviewed by our amazing staff, (locals of course!). Through our posts we share those “in the know” tips, the “where the locals go” info, and the “places not to miss” to inspire travelers to visit. We share our knowledge by highlighting activities and events, the area’s unique natural appeal, and our prioritizing of conservation, sustainability, and accessibility. Our social media, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in particular, focus on all there is to do, see, and eat in the area. Social posts and videos are created and shared by the VCB, by visitors, and sometimes by sponsored travel writers (always disclosed).
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast is Florida’s premier ecotourism destination, free from crowds and off the beaten path yet still offering the comfort and amenities discerning travelers seek. Our location on Charlotte Harbor means endless miles of natural shoreline and outdoor assets like beaches, nature preserves, and waterways of all kinds. Visitors can find unlimited outdoor pursuits like sailing, boating, world-class fishing, paddling, birding, biking, dining and arts. Come find out why “Our Best Side is Outside℠.”