Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 20th: Best Ice Cream Near Vancouver, WA

National Ice Cream Day is coming up on Sunday, July 20th, and it’s the perfect reason to indulge in a scoop (or two) of your favorite frozen treat. Whether you're a fan of classic vanilla, adventurous small-batch flavors, or rich Italian gelato, the Vancouver, WA area has something cold and creamy waiting for you.

Here’s where to go for the best ice cream experiences in and around Vancouver this summer:

Salt & Straw at the Vancouver Waterfront – Now Open Daily!

📍 Location: 740 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA 98660
📞 Phone: (425) 429-4778
🕚 Hours: 11AM – 11PM daily
🚗 Local Pickup & Delivery Available

Salt & Straw has become a beloved staple at the Vancouver Waterfront since opening last year—just in time to help us celebrate National Ice Cream Day this Sunday, July 20th. Known for its inventive flavors and community-first mission, Salt & Straw brings a blend of decadence, creativity, and purpose to every scoop.

This isn’t your average ice cream shop. At Salt & Straw, ice cream is a storytelling platform—crafted in small batches with local, seasonal, and sometimes surprising ingredients. From wild-foraged nettles to habanero goat cheese and Grandma’s almond brittle, each recipe is as thoughtful as it is indulgent.

What to Try:

• Monthly Menu Series: Always fresh, always surprising—July usually features seasonal summer favorites.

• Best Sellers: Think Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, and Chocolate Gooey Brownie.

• Dairy-Free Options: Rich, flavorful, and creamy even without the dairy.

• Ice Cream Cakes & Bundles: Great for celebrations or if you're feeling extra festive.

Why We Love It:

• Locally crafted, Portland-proud

• Supports independent food artisans and local nonprofits

• Socially conscious mission with national impact

• Seriously indulgent flavors that rotate monthly—so you’ll always have an excuse to come back

Tillamook Creamery – A Day Trip Worth Melting For

📍 Location: 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141
📞 Phone: (503) 815-1300
🕚 Hours: Open daily, typically 10AM – 6PM (check online for seasonal hours)
🚗 Free Self-Guided Tours + Ice Cream Counter

A couple of scenic hours from Vancouver, Tillamook Creamery is more than just a place to grab a cone—it’s a full-on experience for dairy lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates rich, creamy ice cream made the old-fashioned way.

Owned by a farmer-founded cooperative since 1909, the Creamery welcomes visitors to learn how their world-famous cheese and ice cream are made. National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 20th is the perfect excuse to plan a summer road trip to this iconic Oregon landmark.

What to Try:

• Summer Small-Batch Flavors: This season features limited-time treats like Apple Crisp and Salty Caramel Pretzel

• Oregon Strawberry: A best-seller made with ripe local berries

• Classic Chocolate Collection: Bold, rich, and deeply satisfying

• Build Your Own Sundae: A kid (and adult!) favorite

Why We Love It:

• Family-friendly and free to visit

• Watch ice cream and cheese being made from the viewing gallery

• Huge scoop shop with dozens of Tillamook ice cream flavors

• Easy to pair with a day trip to the nearby Oregon Coast

• Fun, educational, and super tasty

Eight Cow Creamery – Locally Crafted Scoops in Ridgefield, WA

📍 Location: 4327 S Settler Dr B Suite 140, Ridgefield, WA 98642
📞 Phone: (360) 771-6962
🕚 Hours: Mon–Sat: 12 PM – 10 PM | Sunday: Closed
🚗 Walk-in Only | Ice Cream Truck & Cart Available for Events

Tucked in the heart of Ridgefield, Eight Cow Creamery is more than just a neighborhood ice cream shop—it's a labor of love from a local Navy veteran family with eight children (yep, that's where the name comes from!). They set out to create a welcoming gathering space for the community, and they’ve done exactly that—one scoop at a time.

Their small-batch ice cream is hand-crafted in-house using locally sourced ingredients and a whole lot of care. The vibe is cheerful, family-friendly, and community-first, and their flavor selection is just as heartwarming as their story.

What to Try:

Classics That Locals Love:

• Kookie Monster: A sweet blue base loaded with marshmallows, Oreos, and cookie dough

• Brownie Batter: A chocolate base swirled with Nutella (yes, really!)

• Sicilian Sea Salt Caramel: Salty-sweet with chocolate-covered toffee bits

• PNW Mud Tracks: Chocolate with peanut butter ribbons and crunchy Muddy Buddies

Summer Specials & Dairy-Free Options:

• Mountain Huckleberry Pie (seasonal)

• POG Sorbet – Passion fruit, orange, and guava (Dairy-Free/Vegan)

• Raspberry Sorbet and German Chocolate (GF/DF options available)

Toppings: Just 50¢ for sprinkles, whipped cream, waffle cone bits, and more

Why We Love It:

• Family-owned and veteran-operated

• Fun, community-focused environment (ice cream truck available for events!)

• Truly homemade, thoughtful flavors that rotate with the seasons

• Plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options

• They stay open late—perfect for warm summer nights

Eight Cow Creamery is a hidden gem worth discovering this National Ice Cream Day. Whether you're heading out to Ridgefield for the scenery or the scoops, this is a sweet spot where community and craft come together perfectly.

Sorridi Gelato – A Taste of Italy in Vancouver

📍 Location: 9228 NE Hwy 99, Suite 111, Vancouver, WA 98665
🕚 Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Monday: Closed
🚗 Walk-in Only | Indoor & To-Go Options Available

“Sorridi” means smile in Italian—and one visit to this charming gelato shop in Vancouver will definitely do just that. Sorridi Gelato is known for its simple, honest ingredients and authentically Italian process that turns fresh dairy and real food into creamy, craveable joy.

They handcraft their gelato with just seven clean ingredients and flavor it with real fruits, nuts, and chocolate—no artificial fillers or shortcuts here. The texture is velvety smooth, the flavors bold but balanced, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

What to Try:

• Rotating Daily Flavors: Think pistachio, mango, tiramisu, stracciatella, and hazelnut

• Real Fruit Sorbettos: Dairy-free options that are just as rich in flavor

• Italian-Style Yogurt: Tangy, creamy, and perfect for those wanting something less sweet

• Try a Split: Can’t pick just one flavor? Try multiple in one cup or cone!

Why We Love It:

• Authentically Italian gelato made fresh in-house

• Just 7 ingredients and real food-based flavors

• Friendly local staff and a relaxed neighborhood vibe

• Great variety of dairy-free and low-sugar options

• A hidden gem for dessert lovers north of downtown

Ice Cream Renaissance – Downtown Vancouver’s Sweetest Tradition

📍 Location: 1925 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660
📞 Phone: (360) 694-3892
🕚 Hours:
Sun–Thu: 12 PM – 10 PM
Fri–Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
🚗 Dine-In, Takeout & New Location at Oak Tree Station

Since 2001, Ice Cream Renaissance has been more than just a dessert spot—it’s been a community gathering place full of charm, creativity, and absolutely unforgettable ice cream. Locally owned and operated, this beloved Downtown Vancouver institution has built its reputation on handcrafted desserts made from natural ingredients, no corn syrup, and a whole lot of personality.

From epic sundaes like the “Bellini Banana Split” and “Mt. St. Helens” to nostalgic ice cream sodas, house-baked brownies, and Affogatos, their menu is designed to delight your taste buds and your imagination.

What to Try:

Sundae Confessions:

• Botticelli Brownie Sundae: House-made brownie, Honey Vanilla, hot fudge, whipped cream

• Mt. St. Helens: Ice cream + cocoa + walnuts + raspberry “lava”

For the Fun-Loving Crowd:

• Not So Leaning Tower of Pisa: Ice cream cookie sandwich perfection

• I NEED EXCESS: Yes, 9 to 12 scoops—go big or go home

Drinkable Treats:

• Affogato: Scoop of ice cream drenched in hot espresso

• Italian Soda or Ice Cream Float: All the nostalgic fizz with gourmet flair

• Real Ice Cream Shakes: Choose your flavor—make it a malt!

Why We Love It:

• Creative, decadent, and over-the-top desserts

• Locally sourced ingredients from Alpenrose Dairy and PNW farms

• A cozy, art-inspired setting perfect for date night, family time, or solo treat runs

• Fun flavors and playful presentation that feel like a celebration

• Now also scooping at Oak Tree Station’s food cart pod!

🍨 Bonus Tips for a Cool Sunday

• Beat the heat: Midday lines can be long, so consider going earlier or later in the day

• Pair your treat: Plan your ice cream stop with a park stroll, live music, or an outdoor movie

• Make it a tour: If you’re feeling ambitious, turn National Ice Cream Day into a full ice cream crawl

Final Scoop

National Ice Cream Day only comes once a year, and Sunday, July 20th is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. From artisan gelato to farm-fresh creamery scoops, the Vancouver area is full of cool spots to celebrate.

So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and make this a sweet summer memory you won’t forget!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there two National Ice Cream Days?
Officially, National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July. However, some people also celebrate in December, confusing it with Ice Cream Month or global observances. The July date is the widely recognized and celebrated one in the U.S.

Who gives out free ice cream on National Ice Cream Day?
Many national chains like Dairy Queen, Baskin-Robbins, and Cold Stone Creamery often run promotions. Local ice cream shops sometimes join in with freebies or BOGO deals. It’s best to check your favorite spot’s social media or website for offers.

What's today National Ice Cream Day?
In 2025, National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 20. It's part of National Ice Cream Month, celebrated every July. Mark your calendar and grab a scoop!

Why is National Ice Cream Day celebrated?
It was created to recognize ice cream’s popularity in American culture. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday as National Ice Cream Day in 1984. It’s a fun excuse to enjoy a treat and support local creameries.

What president declared National Ice Cream Day?
President Ronald Reagan declared both National Ice Cream Day and National Ice Cream Month in 1984. He praised ice cream as a fun and nutritious food enjoyed by 90% of Americans. It’s been a beloved tradition ever since.

Who started ice cream in the world?
Ice cream has ancient roots—early versions were enjoyed in China as far back as 200 BC using milk and rice frozen in snow. The concept spread through Persia and Europe, with Italy developing modern gelato in the Renaissance. The version we love today evolved over centuries.

What is the oldest ice cream?
The oldest known "ice cream" was a frozen milk and rice dessert from ancient China. In modern history, gelato and frozen custards were some of the earliest recipes. The U.S. saw its first commercial ice cream in the 18th century.

Is ice cream healthy?
Ice cream contains calcium and protein, but it’s also high in sugar and fat. Enjoying it in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. There are also lighter, dairy-free, and low-sugar options available.

What is the largest ice cream brand in the world?
Unilever owns the largest portfolio of ice cream brands, including Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers. Ben & Jerry’s is especially iconic in the U.S. and globally recognized. These brands dominate the international market.

What's the unhealthiest ice cream?
Some premium or novelty pints can contain over 1,000 calories, loads of saturated fat, and more sugar than a can of soda. Brands with mix-ins like cookie dough, caramel swirls, and chocolate chunks tend to be the richest. Always check the label if health is a concern!