There's no wrong season for ice cream in Central New York, but summer makes it official. From decades-old stands with cones on the roof to brand-new cafés serving scoops by the lake, Onondaga County is packed with spots worth the drive.

So buckle up for a "sundae drive" (see what we did there?) and follow our roadmap to the sweetest stops across the greater Syracuse area, one cone at a time.

 

The Ice Cream Stand: Downtown Syracuse

The first stop on our trail features downtown's most popular ice cream spot! Opened in 2016 on West Water Street near Clinton Square, the Ice Cream Stand serves soft serve, Gifford's hard ice cream, homemade waffle cones, coffee, and more. There are also plenty of vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options available, so that everyone can indulge as they "Sprinkle Syracuse."

 

Gannon's Ice Cream: Syracuse and Onondaga Hill

One of Onondaga County's most famous ice cream shops, Gannon's is sure to have a flavor you will love! Family-run since 1982, with over 200 rotating flavors, whimsical decorations, and dozens of awards, the best part of this homemade ice cream shop is truly the customers. Visit the original on Valley Drive or the second location on McDonald Road, and remember to take a pint home for later!

 

Peter's Polar Parlor: Fairmount

This classic ice cream spot on Milton Avenue has been a staple in the Syracuse area since 1969! Now part of the family-owned Sweet Life 315 group, Pete's serves soft serve, creative sundaes, and seasonal twists, plus pies and custom-made cakes for every occasion.

 

Marcellus Lanes: Marcellus

Bowl and enjoy a soft serve treat at Marcellus Lanes! Open since 1959, this Slate Hill Road spot serves several unique and seasonal flavors and sundaes. You won't believe how high these cones are stacked unless you see it for yourself. Pro Tip: ask for a bowl with your cone for a mess-free experience.

 

Skan Ellus Drive-In: Skaneateles

An Upstate gem, Skan Ellus is where the memories are sweet. Open since 1967 and beautifully renovated under new ownership in 2024, this cherished spot on Cherry Valley Turnpike features soft serve, hard ice cream, and American food classics. Try their ice cream nachos and black raspberry soft serve!

 

Bailey's Dairy Treat: Nedrow

Bailey's will truly take you back in time! One of the old-fashioned ice cream stands on our trail, the South Salina Street shop serves Turkey Hill, Gifford's, and soft serve. You'll know it when you see the giant ice cream cone on the roof. Stop by for a sweet treat on your way south!

 

Charlee's Ice Cream: Camillus

Eat in, sit outside, or take your treats to go through their drive-thru on Kasson Road. They carry Perry's Ice Cream, Slush Puppie, Dole Whip, and more. They even feature local vendors in their "Shop Local" corner.

 

Jen & Kerri's Ice Cream Station: Jamesville

Nestled in an old train station, Jen & Kerri's opened in Jamesville in 2021, offering 6 soft serve flavors and around 25 Gifford's ice cream flavors. Try an ice cream flight, ice cream nachos, and decadent ice cream sandwiches! Check out the trails at Clark Reservation beforehand to work up an appetite. 

 

Sno Top: Manlius

A Manlius staple since 1957, Sno Top is one of the oldest ice cream stands in Onondaga County! Now part of the Sweet Life 315 family, it sits right by Swan Pond on Fayette Street. Make sure to try the "trash can" sundae, contrary to the name, it's delicious.

 

Coneheads Creamery: Minoa

Coneheads is the perfect spot to enjoy unique, creative new sundae flavors! With a friendly staff, delicious ice cream, and a cute outdoor seating area to enjoy with friends, this Hulbert Street stop is a must-try place on our ice cream trail.

 

Fifi's Ice Cream & Sweets: Eastwood

The hardest part about going to Fifi's is choosing what you want! Open year-round on James Street, this Eastwood favorite offers over 65 flavors of Perry's hard ice cream, plus soft serve, froyo, smoothie bowls, sundaes, shakes, and seasonal specials. Don't miss the ice cream nachos, and take home an ice cream cake for later!

 

Cloud Nine Creamery and Cafe: Cicero

Live music, good food, and ice cream? Yes please! This Brewerton Road creamery and cafe proudly serves Perry's hard ice cream, breakfast and coffee, live music throughout the summer, and a cool outdoor vibe.

 

Big Dip: North Syracuse

This is definitely a historical ice cream spot that has some people feeling nostalgic about treats of the past. Now part of the Sweet Life 315 family, this North Main Street landmark is known for its abundance of ice cream flavors. You've got to stop by!

 

Hickory Hill: Baldwinsville

The Hickory Hill Ice Cream Stand features unique, homemade flavors! Located at Hickory Hill Golf Course on Route 31, enjoy a cold, sweet treat after a round of mini golf on a summer day.

 

Heid's Sweet Treats: Liverpool

Widely known for its retro diner vibes and Hofmann hot dogs since 1917, Heid's also serves delicious scoops at their Sweet Treats ice cream parlor right next door on Oswego Street! Right across from Onondaga Lake Park, grab some hot dogs for dinner and stay for a sweet treat afterward.

 

Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe: Solvay

Proudly local and family-run, Scoops was founded by an Italian family right in the heart of Solvay. Rooted in tradition and community, this shoppe serves 44 premium flavors alongside its homemade two-berry twist, cookiewiches, and ice cream pies. Stop in for a scoop and a little taste of Solvay's Italian roots!

 

Cream & Coffee: Skaneateles

The newest stop on our trail! Opened in late 2025 in the heart of Skaneateles village on East Genesee Street, Cream & Coffee is a dessert café from Amanda Hughes, the owner of downtown's Ice Cream Stand. Expect about 15 flavors of homemade hard and soft serve ice cream, baked goods, pastries, and a full espresso bar, all with lakeside village views. Unlike many stands on this trail, it's open year-round.

 

However you take it, soft serve or hard scoop, cone or cup, a single flavor or a sundae piled sky-high, there's a stop on this trail with your name on it. Pack the car, round up your favorite people, and start scooping your way across Onondaga County.

Found a spot we missed, or have a flavor we have to try? Tag us @visitsyracuse and use #VisitSYR so we can follow along on your sundae drive.

 

Check It Out, Syracuse