Summer has arrived in Sitka, bringing with it more sunny skies and warmer weather, perfect for outdoor adventures and lazy afternoons. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there’s no better way to cool off and celebrate the season than with a delicious scoop of ice cream. With National Ice Cream Day just around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in Sitka to indulge in a tasty treat.

Each of these establishments welcomes ice cream enthusiasts year-round. So, whether you’re joining locals in indulging during the winter months or cooling off in the summer heat, you’re always welcome to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co.

For gourmands and salt enthusiasts, Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co. offers a delightful array of sweet treats. In collaboration with Wild Scoops, an Anchorage-based ice creamery, Alaska Pure Sea Salt now features various ice cream pints infused with their signature sea salts. Our favorite is the chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich, topped with their original sea salt.

For those who enjoy a savory twist with their sweets, consider purchasing a bag of your preferred salt to sprinkle on any ice cream. Alaska Pure Sea Salt owners Jim and Darcy recommend the vanilla bean, coffee, blueberry, and the original sea salt flavors for the best dessert pairings.

Wild Blueberry Wild Scoops perfectly paired with blueberry salt | Photo by: Alaska Pure Sea Salt

Beak Restaurant

While Beak Restaurant is renowned for its delicious comfort food and cozy ambiance, it’s also a hidden gem for rare desserts. Alongside classic treats like ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and affogatos, you can find a unique take on Akutaq (pronounced a-goo-duck), also known as “Alaskan ice cream.” This traditional dessert, originating from the Yupik tribe in northern Alaska, is typically made with berries, natural sweeteners like potato roots or wild carrot, whipped fat or tallow, and sometimes various meats. No one Akutaq is the same. Each family’s recipe is unique, passed down through generations.

Beak’s version of Akutaq features sugar, whipped shortening, and a blend of berries, offering a crisp and refreshing dessert that beautifully showcases the traditional flavors and culture of Alaska.

Beak staff serving up a fresh batch of akutaq | Photo by: Beak Restaurant

Bear Country Convenience & Coffee

This hip convenience store boasts an on-site soft-serve machine with a constantly rotating selection of fun flavors, occasionally featuring the beloved Dole Whip—the only place you can find it in Sitka! Keep an eye on their Facebook page to discover the latest flavor offerings.

Additionally, they offer a variety of frappes and smoothies in nearly any flavor you can imagine. Try one of these options for a refreshing ice-cream-like treat with a caffeine boost to kickstart your day.

Dole whip float complete with whipped cream and sprinkles | Photo by: Bear Country Convenience & Coffee

Harry’s Soda Shop

Step back into the 1950s at this charming old-time soda shop, nestled inside Harry Race Pharmacy. With its bright red barstools and vintage 1950s wall art, Harry’s Soda Shop creates a nostalgic atmosphere that transports you to a bygone era. Harry’s is known for their specialty sundaes inspired by iconic Sitka landmarks, such as the Blue Lake Shake, the Three Sisters Extravaganza, the Mt. Edgecumbe Eruption, and more.

In addition to their signature sundaes, the menu features classic treats like malt milkshakes, root beer floats, and a scoop of your favorite flavor on a waffle cone.

Sundae lineup at Harry’s Soda Shop | Photo by: Harry Race

Sitka Swirls

Sitka Swirls is Sitka’s iconic ice cream truck, instantly recognizable by its bright blue color and flashing light on top. This mobile dessert haven is a local favorite, offering unique and delicious menu highlights like ice cream nachos, waffle boats piled high with toppings, and Flavor Burst-infused soft serves with plenty of scrumptious flavor options.

Watch their Facebook page for the latest updates on hours, truck location, and flavor offerings.

Flavor Blast soft serves | Photo by: Sitka Swirls

Sitka takes its desserts seriously, offering a diverse array of options for every palate. Plan your visit today to discover these delightful treats firsthand and immerse yourself in Sitka’s vibrant culinary scene. Happy National Ice Cream Day—celebrate in style with a scoop (or two) of our local favorites!