The Best Local Ice Cream Shops to Visit This Summer in Northern Virginia

School may be right around the corner, but there is still time to soak up the kind of summer moments that make Northern Virginia feel so special.

A slow evening walk through downtown Vienna. A family afternoon in Great Falls. A date night in Arlington. A quick stop after errands in McLean or Tysons. Sometimes the best summer memories are not overplanned. They are the simple ones, like grabbing ice cream, sitting outside, and letting everyone linger a little longer.

And while Northern Virginia has no shortage of places to cool off, there is something extra special about skipping the big chains and supporting the local shops that give each community its personality.

Whether you live in McLean, Arlington, Great Falls, Vienna, Falls Church, or you are exploring Northern Virginia as your next place to call home, these local ice cream shops are worth adding to your summer list.

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream | Arlington & Vienna

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream is a Northern Virginia classic for a reason.

With locations in both Arlington and Vienna, Toby’s has that easy neighborhood feel that makes you want to stop in after dinner, after a walk, or honestly, after surviving another full day of summer schedules.

The ice cream is homemade, the scoops are generous, and the flavors range from classic favorites to seasonal options that keep locals coming back.

The Arlington location is a perfect stop if you are spending time in Westover, one of those charming neighborhood pockets that makes Arlington feel so livable. The Vienna location is ideal after shopping, dinner, or a stroll through town.

Don’t miss: Their homemade waffle cones and rotating seasonal flavors.

Great Falls Creamery | Great Falls

If you are spending the day at Great Falls Park, driving through the village, or enjoying a slower afternoon in one of Northern Virginia’s most scenic communities, Great Falls Creamery is a must.

This locally loved shop serves hand-scooped ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, and baked treats in a setting that feels relaxed, family-friendly, and perfectly Great Falls.

It is the kind of place that becomes part of a family routine. A post-hike reward. A summer evening stop. A place where kids get excited before you even pull into the parking lot.

That is one of the things I love most about Great Falls. Yes, it is known for privacy, acreage, and beautiful homes, but it also has these beloved local spots that make the community feel warm and connected.

Perfect for: Families, hikers, and anyone who wants a slower summer afternoon.

Kiln & Custard | Vienna

Kiln & Custard has quickly become one of Vienna’s most talked-about dessert spots, and for good reason.

Known for its frozen custard, loaded shakes, and colorful dessert creations, this is the place to go when you want something fun, indulgent, and slightly over the top in the best possible way.

It is especially popular with families, teens, and anyone who appreciates a dessert that is just as pretty as it is delicious.

Located in Vienna, Kiln & Custard fits perfectly into an afternoon of exploring local shops, grabbing dinner nearby, or rewarding the kids after a long summer day.

Order idea: One of their signature loaded custard shakes.

Lil City Creamery | Arlington

Lil City Creamery is small-batch, locally made, and full of personality.

This Arlington favorite has built a loyal following thanks to its handcrafted ice cream, rotating seasonal flavors, and creative approach to classic treats. It feels like one of those true neighborhood gems that makes Arlington such a special place to live.

If you are spending the day exploring Arlington’s parks, shops, restaurants, or walkable neighborhoods, Lil City Creamery is the perfect way to finish the afternoon.

Arlington has a way of blending convenience with community, and local spots like this are exactly why buyers continue to fall in love with the area.

Best for: A casual neighborhood stop with flavors you will want to come back for.

Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream | Falls Church

Located just a short drive from McLean and Tysons, Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream is a wonderful stop if you love discovering something a little different.

Their flavors are inspired by family recipes and global ingredients, blending familiar favorites with creative combinations you may not find anywhere else.

It is the kind of place where you go in thinking you know what you want, then immediately change your mind once you see the menu.

If you are spending the afternoon shopping around Tysons, exploring Falls Church, or heading home from McLean, Mimi’s is a sweet little detour worth making.

Local tip: Check their rotating menu before you go. The creative flavors are part of the fun.

Café de Vienna | Vienna

Café de Vienna is already known as a favorite local coffee spot, but their homemade ice cream deserves its own moment.

If you are looking for something a little quieter and more relaxed than the larger dessert shops, this is a lovely stop. Their sorbets and seasonal ice cream flavors are perfect for a warm summer evening in downtown Vienna.

Grab a scoop, take a walk, and enjoy one of the many reasons Vienna continues to be such a sought-after place to live: it feels polished, welcoming, and easy to love.

Perfect for: A low-key summer evening in downtown Vienna.

Turn It Into a Northern Virginia Summer Adventure

One of the best things about living in Northern Virginia is how easy it is to turn a simple ice cream run into a full afternoon exploring one of our local communities.

A few easy summer ideas:

Spend the morning browsing shops in downtown Vienna, then stop by Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream or Kiln & Custard.

Explore Great Falls Park, then head to Great Falls Creamery for a post-hike treat.

Walk through Arlington’s Westover neighborhood before grabbing a cone from Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream or Lil City Creamery.

Spend the afternoon around McLean or Tysons, then make the short drive to Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream in Falls Church.

Take an evening walk through downtown Vienna and finish with something sweet from Café de Vienna.

These are the little moments that make a community feel like home.

More Than Just Great Ice Cream

One of the things I love most about Northern Virginia is that every community has its own rhythm and personality.

McLean offers sophistication, convenience, and access. Arlington brings energy, walkability, and connection. Great Falls gives you space, privacy, and a slower pace. Vienna feels warm, charming, and deeply livable.

And tucked throughout each of these communities are the local businesses that make daily life feel personal.

The coffee shop that remembers your order. The ice cream stop your kids ask for after dinner. The park you return to every season. The local restaurant that becomes your go-to. These are the details that turn a house into a life.

At The Haven Group, we believe finding the right home is about more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. It is about finding the community that fits the way you actually want to live.

So before summer slips away, grab the kids, text a friend, plan a date night, or take yourself out for a scoop. Northern Virginia has plenty of sweet spots worth enjoying.

And if you are thinking about making a move in McLean, Arlington, Great Falls, Vienna, or anywhere throughout Northern Virginia, we would love to help you find the place that feels like home.