When summer temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond, Boulder locals know exactly where to go for relief. After a morning hike beneath the Flatirons, a tubing adventure on Boulder Creek, or an afternoon at the Boulder Reservoir, nothing satisfies quite like an ice-cold scoop of homemade ice cream or a refreshing handcrafted drink.

Fortunately, Boulder is home to some of Colorado’s finest dessert shops, offering everything from rich small-batch ice cream and authentic Italian gelato to sparkling lemonades and fruit-filled sorbets. Whether you’re looking for a classic waffle cone or a dairy-free frozen treat, these local favorites have something for everyone.

Sweet Cow: A Boulder Favorite

One of the city’s most beloved ice cream shops is Sweet Cow, with locations at 2628 Broadway in North Boulder and 669 South Broadway in South Boulder. Known for its small-batch ice cream made with high-quality ingredients, Sweet Cow has earned a loyal following among Boulder residents.

Popular flavors include Dutch Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and seasonal specialties that rotate throughout the year. Their homemade waffle cones, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches make every visit feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating after a hike or simply cooling off after work, Sweet Cow delivers a classic Boulder experience.

Glacier Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato

For decades, Glacier Homemade Ice Cream has been a Boulder institution. Located at 3133 28th Street, Glacier has created more than 1,000 different flavors over the years while offering approximately 80 rotating selections at any given time.

Guests can choose from rich favorites like Rocky Road and Butter Pecan, or lighter options including homemade sorbets and gelatos. Their colorful shop has become a favorite destination for families, students, and visitors looking for a truly local dessert experience.

Gelato Boy Brings Italy to Pearl Street

For those who prefer silky Italian-style gelato, Gelato Boy offers two convenient Pearl Street locations at 1433 Pearl Street and 1021 Pearl Street.

Made using traditional Italian techniques, Gelato Boy features vibrant fruit flavors, creamy classics, and seasonal specialties including Limoncello, Harvest Berries, Pistachio, and Stracciatella. Vegan selections are also available, making it one of the most inclusive dessert stops in downtown Boulder. A stroll along Pearl Street with a cup of gelato has become one of the city’s favorite summer traditions.

Pearl Street Mall – Boulder, CO (Elevation: 5,430 ft) One of the most beautiful and top-rated outdoor malls in the U.S., with the Flatirons of the Rocky Mountains as a stunning backdrop

Heaven Creamery’s Healthier Approach

If you’re searching for a more natural dessert, Heaven Creamery Boulder offers handcrafted ice cream, gelato, and sorbets made without processed sugars, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.

Located at 2525 Arapahoe Avenue, Unit H-6, Heaven Creamery has built its reputation around clean ingredients and innovative recipes. Favorites include Nutella Banana Crêpe, Apple Pie à la Mode, and an impressive selection of vegan and gluten-free options that appeal to every kind of dessert lover.

More Great Places for Frozen Treats

Boulder offers even more choices for cooling off during the hottest days of summer.

Ben & Jerry’s | Ice Cream & Catering on Pearl Street continues serving its famous classics alongside dairy-free favorites.

At Twenty Ninth Street, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has quickly become popular for its premium French-style ice cream and one of the country’s strongest selections of plant-based flavors.

Together, these shops ensure that every visitor can find a frozen dessert that matches their taste.

Refreshing Drinks Beyond Ice Cream

Not every hot afternoon calls for ice cream.

The historic Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, located at 1770 13th Street, has long been one of the city’s favorite places to cool down with handcrafted beverages. Its refreshing Hibiscus Cooler, sparkling ginger lemonade, herbal teas, and fresh fruit drinks provide lighter alternatives while offering one of the most beautiful patio settings in Boulder.

Dushanbe Tea House

Across the city, coffeehouses and cafés also serve iced matcha, cold brew coffee, kombucha, sparkling waters, and creative seasonal lemonades that perfectly complement Boulder’s active outdoor lifestyle.

Tips for Staying Cool

Summer afternoons in Boulder can become surprisingly hot, especially at higher elevations where the sun feels more intense.

Plan outdoor adventures during the morning or early evening whenever possible. Stay hydrated throughout the day, wear sunscreen, and take advantage of shaded parks, Boulder Creek, and indoor attractions during peak afternoon heat.

Then reward yourself with one of Boulder’s outstanding frozen treats.

Boulder Creek

The Sweet Taste of a Boulder Summer

Part of what makes Boulder so special is its combination of outdoor adventure and outstanding local businesses. After hiking the Flatirons, biking through town, exploring Pearl Street, or spending the afternoon at Boulder Reservoir, stopping for ice cream has become a summer tradition shared by locals and visitors alike.

From the handcrafted scoops at Sweet Cow and Glacier Homemade Ice Cream to authentic Italian gelato at Gelato Boy and healthier creations at Heaven Creamery, Boulder offers some of the finest frozen desserts in Colorado.

On the hottest days of summer, there may be no better way to cool down than enjoying a cone, a cup of gelato, or a refreshing lemonade while taking in the spectacular views that make Boulder one of America’s favorite mountain towns.

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