A Summer Visitor's Guide to the Lowcountry: Where to Find the Best Local Ice Cream from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head
Sun, sand, Spanish moss, and a scoop of something awesome; welcome to South Carolina's Lowcountry.
Whether you're chasing waves on the Grand Strand, kayaking through salt marshes, or strolling cobblestone streets in Charleston, one thing is certain: summer in the Lowcountry is best enjoyed with ice cream in hand. And if you're lucky, that ice cream comes from local Wholly Cow, a Charleston institution that's been crafting small-batch flavors for over 42 years.
Here's your stop-by-stop guide to the best ice cream experiences along the South Carolina coast, from Myrtle Beach all the way down to Hilton Head.
Find a Wholly Cow Scoop Shop Near You | Find Us on a Restaurant Menu
Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach State Park — The Pier Store
4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Start your Lowcountry road trip right at Myrtle Beach State Park, one of the most beloved stretches of undeveloped beach on the Grand Strand. After a morning on the sand, cool down with a scoop of Wholly Cow ice cream at the park's Pier Store. The park's maritime forest, nature trails, and fishing pier make it a great full-day stop before heading south.
Nearby: The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Ripley's Aquarium, and over 60 miles of Grand Strand shoreline stretching from Little River to Pawleys Island.
Pawleys Island
Huntington Beach State Park — The Spoonbill's Ice Cream Shop
16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Just south of Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach State Park is consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the country. Wide, uncrowded beaches, a freshwater lagoon, and the striking Atalaya Castle all await. Grab a Wholly Cow scoop at the Spoonbill's Shop inside the park before or after you explore. The birding here is exceptional.
Nearby: Brookgreen Gardens, the largest outdoor sculpture garden in the U.S., is right across the highway.
Photo Credit: J. Ruman
Awendaw
Aw So Sweets
5103 Hwy 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429
Aw So Sweets located in Awendaw, a charming small town tucked along Hwy 17 just north of Charleston. This exciting shop serves up Wholly Cow ice cream to one of the most scenic stretches of the Lowcountry, home to the Francis Marion National Forest, the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and stunning views of the ACE Basin. Whether you're heading up or down the coast, it's a perfect pitstop on the drive between Myrtle Beach and Charleston; and well worth the detour.
Nearby: Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center, Garris Landing boat ramp for kayak access into the Cape Romain estuary.
Isle of Palms
Outpost at Isle of Palms Marina
50 41st Avenue, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 | outposiop.com
One of Charleston's most beloved barrier islands, Isle of Palms offers 7 miles of pristine beach along the Atlantic and the laid-back coastal energy that makes the Lowcountry so irresistible. The Outpost at the Isle of Palms Marina serves up Wholly Cow ice cream right on the waterfront, an ideal stop after a day of beach volleyball, paddleboarding, or dolphin-watching.
Nearby: Wild Dunes Resort, Breach Inlet, and the causeway drive to Sullivan's Island and Fort Moultrie.
Photo provided by The Outpost at Isle of Palms Marina
Old Village, Mount Pleasant
Pitt Street Pharmacy
101 Pitt St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | pittstreetpharmacy.com
Step back in time at the legendary Pitt Street Pharmacy in Mount Pleasant's charming Old Village neighborhood. This authentic soda fountain has been a local landmark for generations — and a popular filming location for productions seeking that perfect slice of small-town Americana. Saddle up to the counter, order a scoop of Wholly Cow ice cream, and let the Old Village work its magic.
Nearby: Shem Creek waterfront and the scenic Pitt Street Bridge trail for sunset walks over the marsh.
Photo Credit: M. Socia
Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant
Shem Creek Outpost
1411 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | shemcreekoutpost.com
Newly opened and already a local favorite, the Shem Creek Outpost puts you right in the heart of one of Charleston's most picturesque spots. Shem Creek is the historic home of Mount Pleasant's shrimping fleet, and the area has blossomed into a destination for waterfront dining, kayaking, and sunset strolls. Pick up a scoop of Wholly Cow and take a leisurely walk along Shem Creek Park's boardwalk — the views of the marsh and shrimp boats are postcard-perfect.
Nearby: Waterfront restaurants, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and stunning tidal creek views. Patriot's Point is within a short distance to tour the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier or take a ferry to tour Fort Sumter.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina
Caviar & Bananas
51 George St, Charleston, SC 29424 | caviarandbananas.com
Charleston's historic district is a feast for the senses; carriage rides, rainbow-colored antebellum homes, cobblestone streets; but it can also be, in July and August, spectacularly hot and humid. When you need a moment of cool relief, duck into Caviar & Bananas on George Street. This beloved local specialty grocer and café is a downtown institution, and their Wholly Cow ice cream offerings are the perfect way to recharge before your next historic home tour or walk along the Battery.
Nearby: City that is History, College of Charleston campus, Marion Square, King Street shopping, the Charleston City Market, Historic Home.
Photo by Jimmy Woo on Unsplash
Folly Beach
Bert's Market
202 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439 | bertsmarket.com
Folly Beach runs on its own clock; looser, saltier, more flip-flop-friendly than anywhere else in the Lowcountry. And at the heart of it all is Bert's Market, Folly's iconic community hub open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you're an early-morning surfer, a family loading up for the beach, or a night owl craving something sweet after a live show on Center Street; Bert's has you covered with Wholly Cow ice cream around the clock.
Nearby: Folly Beach County Park, the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, hunt fossil and shark teeth on the beach, and the iconic "Edge of America" surf scene. James Island County Park is minutes away.
Kiawah Island & Seabrook Island
Beaches and Cream — The Sanctuary Hotel
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455 | kiawahresort.com
For the ultimate Lowcountry luxury experience, Beaches and Cream at the iconic Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island delivers Wholly Cow's flavors in one of the most breathtaking settings on the East Coast. Kiawah's 10 miles of pristine beach are a short walk away. Whether you're a resort guest or a day visitor, this is a scoop worth savoring slowly.
Nearby: Kiawah Island Beach walker Park, world-class golf at the Ocean Course, scenic drives through Seabrook Island for wildlife watching and shopping at Freshfields.
Photo Credit: J. Ruman
Johns Island / West Ashley —
Wholly Cow Ice Cream & Coffee Shop
3642 Savannah Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455 | whollycowicecream.com
No Lowcountry ice cream tour is complete without a stop at Wholly Cow Ice Cream & Coffee on Johns Island, over 42 years of ice cream and sorbets, made with care and quality you can taste. The flagship scoop shop serves up 24 rotating flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt, from classics like Killa Vanilla to local favorites like Charleston Sea Turtle and Southern Praline.
But the experience doesn't stop at ice cream.
Wholly Cow also offers their own small-batch coffee beans roasted right in the West Ashley area of Charleston. Whether you're in the mood for a rich espresso, a velvety latte, a frothy cappuccino, or the showstopping affogato (a scoop of ice cream drowned in a shot of espresso — trust us on this one), Wholly Cow has you covered. Hot or cold, the coffee is crafted with the same attention to quality that has defined the brand for over four decades. Local roasted beans, local hands, local love.
Johns Island itself is a destination — South Carolina's largest island is home to the Angel Oak Tree (one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi), Wadmalaw Island day trips, and a thriving farm and culinary community. After exploring the island, there's no better place to land than Wholly Cow; ice cream in one hand, coffee in the other. The shop is located just off Savannah Highway (Highway 17).
Wholly Cow Ice Cream & Coffee — Scooping Since 1984.
Johns Island, Charleston, SC
Photo Credit: J. Ruman
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head's world-famous beaches, golf courses, and waterfront dining make it one of the Southeast's premier vacation destinations — and now enjoy Wholly Cow ice cream.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926 | skullcreekboathouse.com
Before you grab a scoop, make a night of it. Skull Creek Boathouse is one of Hilton Head's most beloved and highly recommended restaurants, an island institution celebrated for its stunning waterfront setting on Skull Creek and a menu that showcases the best of Lowcountry coastal seafood. We're talking fresh-off-the-boat shrimp, Lowcountry boil, local oysters, and the catch of the day prepared by a kitchen that takes its craft seriously. The views? Unmatched. Whether you're watching the sunset paint the marsh gold over a plate of fried shrimp or settling in for a leisurely waterfront dinner, Skull Creek Boathouse delivers the full Hilton Head experience and they do it right. It consistently earns top marks from locals and visitors alike for good reason.
And when dinner is done? Head next door for the sweetest ending possible.
Skull Creek Boathouse Ice Cream (New — Hilton Head's Newest Ice Cream Destination)
397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
The newest addition to the Skull Creek family and fast becoming a Hilton Head destination in its own right, the Skull Creek Boathouse Ice Cream shop brings the full Wholly Cow experience to the island. Choose from 14 flavors of Wholly Cow crafted ice cream made small batches. Whether you're stopping in after a beach day, a bike ride along the trails, a sunset dinner at the Boathouse, or a cruise on Skull Creek, this is the sweet spot Hilton Head has been waiting for.
Nearby: Coligny Beach Park, Harbour Town Lighthouse and Marina, Sea Pines Resort, stunning beaches and 12 miles of dedicated bike paths winding through the island's maritime forest.
Photo Credit: K. Lopez
Planning a trip to the Lowcountry?
Use our store locator to find the Wholly Cow location closest to you — scoop shops, restaurant partners, and retail spots all in one place.
Plan Your Route
Your north-to-south Lowcountry ice cream itinerary:
- Myrtle Beach State Park — Pier Store
- Huntington Beach State Park (Pawleys Island) — Spoonbill's Shop in the park
- Awendaw — Aw So Sweets
- Isle of Palms — Outpost Marina
- Old Village, Mt. Pleasant — Pitt Street Pharmacy
- Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant — Shem Creek Outpost
- Downtown Charleston — Caviar & Bananas
- Folly Beach — Bert's Market (Open 24/7!)
- Kiawah Island — Beaches and Cream
- Johns Island — Wholly Cow Ice Cream & Coffee ⭐
- Hilton Head — Skull Creek Boathouse Restaurant + Ice Cream Shop
