Candy shops in the USA range from historic confectioneries to modern sweet emporiums. This guide ranks twenty of the best stores to visit in 2026, spread across the country. Each shop offers something special, whether handmade chocolates, nostalgic penny candy, or playful giant treats. Travelers with a sweet tooth can plan a visit around any of these stops. Many double as fun family outings or unique souvenirs. Call ahead for hours, since small shops sometimes keep limited schedules through the year.
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How These Shops Were Chosen
Selection focused on shops with strong reputations and a distinct personality. Each pick offers quality candy, memorable atmosphere, or a notable history. Variety guided the order, so candy lovers find a destination that fits their taste, from gourmet chocolate to retro nostalgia.
- Quality candy, chocolate, and handmade confections
- A memorable in-store experience worth the trip
- History, local character, or a unique theme
- A spread of regions and candy styles
The 20 Best Candy Shops in the USA
The shops below mix historic confectioneries with modern candy stores, listed by region rather than ranked one above another.
1. Dylan's Candy Bar, New York, NY
Dylan's Candy Bar is an iconic destination for serious sweet lovers. The colorful multi-floor store overflows with candy of every kind. Towering displays and a candy staircase make it a photo favorite. Custom mixes let visitors build their own bag. The playful atmosphere appeals to kids and adults alike. This Manhattan landmark sets the standard for a fun, full-on candy shopping experience in the city.
2. Sugarfina, Beverly Hills, CA
Sugarfina brings a luxury touch to candy shopping. The boutique displays gourmet sweets in sleek, jewelry-style cases. Champagne gummy bears and elegant gift boxes draw grown-up fans. The refined design feels more like a fashion shop than a candy store. Curated collections make polished gifts. This Beverly Hills boutique suits travelers who want stylish, upscale confections presented with a designer eye and plenty of California polish.
3. Economy Candy, New York, NY
Economy Candy is a historic shop on the Lower East Side. The family-run store has packed its shelves since 1937. Vintage candies and hard-to-find nostalgic treats fill every inch. Bulk bins and old favorites reward a slow browse. The cluttered, charming space feels frozen in time. This New York institution suits travelers chasing nostalgia and rare candy from decades past at honest, fair prices.
4. Big Top Candy Shop, Austin, TX
Big Top Candy Shop wraps its sweets in a circus theme. The colorful store on South Congress brims with retro candy and oddities. An old-fashioned soda fountain serves floats and shakes. Quirky novelties sit beside classic favorites. The playful vibe fits Austin's offbeat character. This Texas shop suits travelers who want a fun, carnival-style candy stop with plenty of personality and treats to discover.
5. Sweet Pete's, Jacksonville, FL
Sweet Pete's fills a grand candy mansion with handmade treats. The large shop occupies a historic building with room to explore. Visitors watch confectioners craft candy through viewing windows. Classes and tours add hands-on fun for families. A cafe and bar round out the space. This Jacksonville destination suits travelers who want a full candy outing, from watching the making to tasting the results.
6. Lolli and Pops, San Francisco, CA
Lolli and Pops offers an elegant take on the candy store. Polished displays feature artisan chocolates and international sweets. Friendly staff often offer samples to guide the choice. Gift boxes and bulk candy suit any occasion. The refined setting feels welcoming rather than stuffy. This shop suits travelers who want quality confections from around the world in a bright, well-curated space worth a browse.
7. Shane Confectionery, Philadelphia, PA
Shane Confectionery is the oldest continuously operated candy shop in America. The restored store recreates a 19th-century confectionery in fine detail. Handmade chocolates and old-fashioned candies fill the cases. Costumed staff add to the historic feel. Seasonal specialties draw repeat visitors. This Philadelphia landmark suits travelers who appreciate history as much as sweets, offering a step back in time alongside genuinely excellent confections.
8. Schimpff's Confectionery, Jeffersonville, IN
Schimpff's Confectionery is famous for handmade cinnamon red-hots. The long-running shop has made candy for well over a century. Visitors watch classic candy-making demonstrations on antique equipment. A small museum displays vintage candy history. The old-fashioned soda fountain adds to the charm. This Indiana shop suits travelers who enjoy watching traditional candy come to life and tasting time-tested local specialties.
9. Penny Candy Store, Sharon, MA
The Penny Candy Store celebrates simple, nostalgic favorites. The classic shop stocks old-time penny candy by the bin. Visitors fill bags with treats they remember from childhood. The cheerful setting welcomes families and collectors. Hard-to-find classics line the shelves. This Massachusetts shop suits travelers who want a wholesome, affordable candy stop centered on the simple joy of choosing a bag of beloved old treats.
10. IT'SUGAR, Multiple Locations
IT'SUGAR brings a modern, oversized twist to candy retail. The fun stores stock giant candy bars and bold novelty items. Bright displays and humor give the brand a playful edge. Locations appear in malls and tourist districts nationwide. The mix of classic and outrageous treats draws crowds. This chain suits travelers who want a lively, larger-than-life candy experience with plenty of shareable, photo-ready picks.
11. Candyality, Chicago, IL
Candyality turns candy shopping into a playful personality experience. The cheerful Chicago shop matches sweets to your traits for fun. Colorful bins overflow with a huge variety of candy. The friendly concept appeals to families and gift shoppers. Custom mixes make easy souvenirs. This shop suits travelers who want a lighthearted, interactive candy stop with a creative spin and a wide selection to explore.
12. Rocket Fizz, Multiple Locations
Rocket Fizz pairs retro candy with hundreds of unusual sodas. The nostalgic stores stock vintage sweets and oddball flavors. Quirky bottle labels make fun, cheap souvenirs. Locations across the country keep the concept consistent. The retro decor adds to the throwback feel. This chain suits travelers who want classic candy alongside a wall of strange, collectible sodas they will not find at the grocery store.
13. River Street Sweets, Savannah, GA
River Street Sweets is renowned for fresh pralines and southern candy. The Savannah shop hands out warm praline samples to passersby. Visitors watch candy made fresh behind the counter. Saltwater taffy and chocolates round out the cases. The riverfront location adds charm. This Georgia shop suits travelers who want classic southern confections and the irresistible smell of fresh pralines drawing them through the door.
14. Candy Babel, Portland, OR
Candy Babel specializes in international and unusual sweets. The small Portland shop stocks candy from around the world. Hard-to-find imports and natural treats fill the shelves. The curated selection rewards curious tasters. Friendly staff help with recommendations. This Oregon shop suits travelers who want to explore global candy flavors. It gathers sweets rarely seen in typical American stores in one compact stop.
15. Muth's Candies, Louisville, KY
Muth's Candies is a beloved local favorite known for bourbon chocolates. The long-running shop has crafted candy in Louisville for generations. Handmade chocolates and modjeskas anchor the lineup. The classic storefront keeps an old-fashioned feel. Regional bourbon flavors add local flair. This Kentucky shop suits travelers who want authentic, handcrafted sweets with a distinctly local twist tied to the city's famous spirit.
16. Ye Olde Pepper Companie, Salem, MA
Ye Olde Pepper Companie claims roots as America's oldest candy company. The historic Salem shop traces its candy lineage back generations. Traditional treats like Gibralters and Black Jacks remain on offer. The old-time setting fits Salem's historic character. Handcrafted sweets fill the cases. This Massachusetts shop suits travelers who want a taste of early American candy history alongside a visit to one of New England's storied towns.
17. The Candy Lady, Albuquerque, NM
The Candy Lady is known for Southwestern-inspired confections. The Albuquerque shop offers custom candy and regional flavors. Local chile and other twists give the sweets a distinct character. The store gained extra fame from a famous television tie-in. Custom orders draw collectors and fans. This New Mexico shop suits travelers who want playful, regional candy with a strong local identity and a fun backstory.
18. The Fudge Pot, Chicago, IL
The Fudge Pot is beloved for creamy, handmade fudge. The longtime Chicago shop has served the Old Town neighborhood for decades. Rich fudge and hand-dipped chocolates fill the counter. Seasonal treats like chocolate-covered fruit draw fans. The cozy storefront feels timeless. This Illinois shop suits travelers who want classic, old-school fudge and chocolate made the same careful way for many years.
19. Bruce's Candy Kitchen, Cannon Beach, OR
Bruce's Candy Kitchen is a family-run shop famous for taffy. The Cannon Beach store has crafted saltwater taffy for generations. Fresh chocolates and seasonal treats fill the cases. The coastal setting makes it a fun beach-town stop. Visitors watch candy made on site. This Oregon shop suits travelers exploring the coast who want classic seaside sweets from a beloved, long-running local candy kitchen.
20. Papa Bubble, New York, NY
Papa Bubble creates artistic handmade candy before your eyes. The New York shop crafts colorful hard candy with intricate designs. Visitors watch artisans pull and shape each batch by hand. Custom candy with hidden patterns makes a unique gift. The live process is half the fun. This shop suits travelers who want to see candy treated as art and take home a one-of-a-kind sweet.
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Tips for Planning a Sweet-Tooth Tour
A little planning makes a candy crawl sweeter. Check shop hours ahead, since small confectioneries sometimes close early. Pace your samples so you can enjoy several stops, and bring a cooler bag for chocolate in warm weather.
- ✅ Confirm hours, as small shops vary by season
- ✅ Pack a cooler bag to protect chocolate in heat
- ✅ Ask about fresh-made specialties and samples
- ✅ Buy shelf-stable candy as easy travel souvenirs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest candy shop in the USA?
Shane Confectionery in Philadelphia is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operated candy shop in America. Ye Olde Pepper Companie in Salem also claims a long history as one of the oldest candy companies. Both shops preserve traditional methods and recipes, making them rewarding stops for travelers who love candy history.
Which candy shops are best for families with kids?
Several shops on this list delight families. Dylan's Candy Bar, Big Top Candy Shop, and Sweet Pete's offer colorful displays and interactive fun. IT'SUGAR stocks oversized novelty treats that kids love. Shops with candy-making demonstrations, like Schimpff's, add an educational twist. These stops turn a simple sweet run into a memorable family outing.
Can I watch candy being made at these shops?
Yes, several shops offer live candy-making. Schimpff's Confectionery runs classic demonstrations on antique equipment. Sweet Pete's lets visitors watch through viewing windows. Papa Bubble shapes artistic hard candy by hand in the store. River Street Sweets makes pralines fresh behind the counter. Call ahead to confirm demonstration times before you visit.
Are these candy shops good for buying gifts?
Many of these shops excel at gifts. Sugarfina and Lolli and Pops offer elegant boxes ideal for presents. Regional specialties, like Muth's bourbon chocolates or River Street pralines, make memorable souvenirs. Custom candy from Papa Bubble or Candyality adds a personal touch. Most shops ship or package treats for safe travel home.
Do any of these shops have multiple locations?
Yes, a few operate as chains. IT'SUGAR and Rocket Fizz have stores across the country in malls and tourist areas. Most other shops on this list are single, locally owned destinations tied to their city. Checking the shop's website confirms the nearest location and current hours before you plan a visit.
What should I know before visiting a candy shop on a trip?
Plan ahead for the best experience. Confirm hours, since small shops sometimes keep limited schedules. Bring a cooler bag if you buy chocolate in warm weather. Ask about fresh-made specialties and free samples. Choosing shelf-stable candy makes packing easier. A quick call or website check prevents arriving at a closed door.
Planning your next U.S. getaway? Explore more destination guides, road trips, and travel tips at Vacation Getaways US. Have a question or a spot we should cover? Email us at [email protected].