12 California Donut Shops Worth Planning A Road Trip Around
California’s donut scene is anything but ordinary, blending sugary nostalgia with bold creativity in ways that feel uniquely West Coast.
Across the state, donut shops double as roadside landmarks, neighborhood institutions, and late-night saviors for sweet cravings.
Some have been frying dough for generations, while others reinvent the donut with unexpected flavors, seasonal fillings, and over-the-top toppings.
From classic glazed rings enjoyed straight from the box to fruit-filled creations that taste like dessert masterpieces, there’s a donut here for every mood.
These shops aren’t just about the treats – they’re about the experience, whether it’s pulling into a drive-through under a giant donut sign or walking into a shop locals have loved for decades.
Road trips in California come with ocean views, desert highways, and one very important question: where’s the next donut stop?
Each destination on this list offers something unforgettable, from iconic architecture to recipes that keep people coming back year after year.
Once you start planning your route, resisting “just one more stop” becomes nearly impossible.
These California donut shops are worth the drive.
If you love donuts, this road trip needs to happen.
Grab the keys – the donuts are waiting.
1. Randy’s Donuts (Inglewood)
A giant 32-foot donut perched on the roof makes this Inglewood bakery impossible to miss from the street.
Randy’s Donuts has been serving fresh pastries at 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301 since 1953, becoming one of the most photographed donut shops in the entire state.
The massive rooftop sign has appeared in countless movies and television shows, cementing its status as a true Los Angeles landmark.
Inside, customers find classic donuts made fresh throughout the day, from simple glazed rings to chocolate-covered varieties topped with sprinkles.
The shop tends to get busy during morning hours and late evenings when locals stop by for their sugar fix.
Lines can form quickly on weekends, but the wait moves fairly fast.
Visiting Randy’s feels like stepping into a piece of California pop culture history.
The vintage architecture and neon signage create a nostalgic atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a warm donut and cup of coffee.
Parking is available in the adjacent lot, making it easy to stop, snap photos, and grab treats for the road.
2. Bob’s Donuts & Pastry Shop (San Francisco)
Open around the clock since the 1960s, this San Francisco institution never closes its doors to hungry donut seekers.
Bob’s Donuts & Pastry Shop operates at 1720 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, serving fresh pastries at any hour of the day or night.
The shop is famous for the Big Donut Challenge, where brave customers attempt to finish a head-sized donut in under three minutes.
Regular-sized donuts come in classic flavors like maple bars, apple fritters, and chocolate old-fashioned varieties.
Long working hours mean night owls and early risers alike can satisfy their cravings whenever the mood strikes.
Counter seating provides a cozy spot to enjoy treats while watching the city pass by outside.
The neighborhood location makes it a convenient stop during any San Francisco visit.
Late-night availability proves especially popular with locals finishing evening shifts or visitors exploring the city after dark.
Parking can be tricky in this urban area, but street spots usually open up with a bit of patience.
3. The Donut Man (Glendora)
Seasonal fruit takes center stage at this beloved Route 66 bakery that has built a cult following around its fresh strawberry and peach donuts.
The Donut Man operates at 915 E Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740, drawing crowds from across Southern California during peak fruit seasons.
These specialty donuts feature whole, ripe fruit pieces tucked inside fluffy dough, creating an experience that goes far beyond typical bakery offerings.
Strawberry season typically runs from late winter through spring, while peach donuts arrive during summer months.
Long lines form early in the morning when the seasonal varieties are available, so arriving right at opening time helps beat the rush.
The shop also offers traditional donuts year-round for visitors who stop by outside fruit season.
The historic Route 66 location adds extra charm to any visit.
Outdoor seating provides space to enjoy treats while soaking up the California sunshine.
Cash is preferred, though other payment options may be available, so checking ahead helps ensure a smooth visit.
4. SK Donut & Croissant (Los Angeles)
Creative flavor combinations and hybrid pastries have earned this family-run Los Angeles bakery a dedicated following among adventurous eaters.
SK Donut & Croissant serves inventive treats at 5850 W 3rd St A, Los Angeles, CA 90036, blending traditional techniques with modern twists.
The maple bacon donut has become a signature item, balancing sweet glaze with savory meat in a way that somehow works perfectly.
Croissant donuts filled with Nutella, strawberry cream, or vanilla custard offer buttery layers that shatter with each bite.
Regular donuts come in both classic and unusual flavors, giving customers plenty of options to explore.
The shop tends to sell out of popular items by mid-morning on weekends, so early visits increase the chances of snagging favorite flavors.
The Sawtelle neighborhood provides plenty of other dining and shopping options nearby, making it easy to build a full outing around a donut stop.
Parking can fill up quickly in this busy area, but metered street spots and small lots offer solutions.
The friendly service and quality pastries keep customers coming back trip after trip.
5. The Donuttery (Huntington Beach)
More than 50 varieties of donuts line the display cases at this 24-hour Huntington Beach bakery that never sleeps.
The Donuttery keeps its doors open around the clock at 17420 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, offering everything from vegan options to gluten-free varieties alongside traditional favorites.
The blueberry donuts contain real fruit pieces, while the massive apple fritters come loaded with apple chunks and cinnamon.
The constant availability makes this spot popular with surfers grabbing pre-dawn fuel and families stopping by after evening beach outings.
Display cases stay well-stocked throughout most hours, though the selection naturally peaks during morning hours.
Prices remain reasonable despite the huge variety and specialty options.
The location sits just a short drive from Huntington Beach, making it a natural stop during any coastal California road trip.
Ample parking makes visits stress-free, even during busy summer weekends.
The bright, clean interior provides a welcoming atmosphere whether stopping in at noon or midnight.
6. Marie’s Donuts (Sacramento)
A convenient walk-up window and cash-only policy keep things simple at this Sacramento bakery famous for legendary apple fritters.
Marie’s Donuts operates at 2950 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818, serving treats through a street-facing window that makes grabbing breakfast quick and easy.
Those apple fritters have earned cult status among locals, featuring crispy exteriors, tender insides, and generous amounts of apple chunks mixed with cinnamon.
The cash-only system moves lines along quickly, though first-time visitors should remember to bring bills.
Traditional donut varieties complement the famous fritters, providing options for different tastes.
The walk-up format works perfectly for downtown workers grabbing morning treats or visitors exploring Sacramento on foot.
The central location puts Marie’s within easy reach of many Sacramento attractions and hotels.
Street parking is available nearby, though walking from surrounding areas often proves easier.
The straightforward approach and quality pastries have kept this spot thriving for years, earning loyal customers who return again and again.
7. Seaside Donuts Bakery (Newport Beach)
Beachside vibes and 24-hour availability have made this Newport Beach bakery a social media sensation in recent years.
Seaside Donuts Bakery has been serving treats at 2108 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663, since 1985, though it gained massive popularity on platforms like TikTok during the 2020s.
The affordable prices and convenient location near the coast make it a natural stop for beach-goers craving something sweet.
The round-the-clock schedule means visitors can satisfy donut cravings before sunrise surf sessions or after late-night dinners.
Classic varieties dominate the menu, focusing on well-executed traditional flavors rather than experimental combinations.
The casual atmosphere and quick service keep things moving even when lines form.
The proximity to Newport Beach makes this an ideal stop during any Orange County coastal adventure.
Parking can get tight during peak beach season, but spots usually open up with a short wait.
The Instagram-worthy treats and beachy location explain why this spot has become such a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
8. Donut Derelicts (Huntington Beach)
Classic cars and fresh pastries come together every Saturday morning at one of the oldest continuous informal car gatherings in America.
Donut Derelicts meets in the parking lot of Adams Avenue Donuts at 9015 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646, where automotive enthusiasts have been gathering for decades.
The weekly event showcases everything from vintage hot rods to modern muscle cars, creating a rolling museum that changes every week.
Adams Avenue Donuts provides the fuel for this automotive tradition, serving fresh pastries to car owners and spectators alike.
The casual, friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone, whether arriving in a classic vehicle or a regular daily driver.
Saturday mornings offer the best chance to catch the gathering in full swing.
This combination of car culture and donut culture creates a uniquely California experience.
Families enjoy checking out the vehicles while kids munch on glazed treats.
The free event requires no registration or fees, making it an accessible stop during any Southern California road trip that happens to pass through on a weekend.
9. Donut Wheel (Livermore)
Googie architecture and fresh pastries have been drawing customers to this Livermore landmark since 1962.
Donut Wheel operates in a building erected in 1941 at 2017 First St, Livermore, CA 94550, showcasing the distinctive mid-century style that defined California roadside architecture.
The unique building design makes it instantly recognizable and provides a glimpse into the state’s automotive golden age.
Inside, traditional donuts are made fresh daily, focusing on classic flavors executed well rather than trendy innovations.
The shop maintains reasonable hours, serving the Livermore community with consistent quality.
Morning visits offer the fullest selection, though popular items often remain available throughout the day.
The historic building and long-standing presence in Livermore give this spot a nostalgic charm that newer bakeries cannot replicate.
The downtown location puts it within walking distance of other Livermore attractions and shops.
Parking is generally available nearby, making it an easy stop during travels through the East Bay area.
10. The Donut Hole (La Puente)
Two massive donut-shaped buildings frame the drive-through lane at this legendary La Puente bakery, creating one of the most unique ordering experiences anywhere.
The Donut Hole opened in 1963 at 15300 E Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91744, and drivers literally pass through giant concrete donuts to pick up their orders.
This quirky roadside architecture has made it one of the most photographed donut shops in America.
The menu features traditional favorites like buttermilk bars, glazed twists, and jelly-filled rounds, all made fresh daily.
Early morning tends to offer the best selection, though the shop keeps reasonable hours throughout the day.
Prices remain affordable, and the portions are generous.
Families love stopping here for the novelty factor as much as the tasty treats.
Kids get excited about driving through the giant donuts, making it a fun photo opportunity during any Southern California road trip.
The location sits along a busy street, so turning in requires a bit of attention, but the experience is absolutely worth the effort.
11. Rocklin Donuts And Cinnamon (Rocklin)
Recognized as California’s top donut destination by multiple reviewers, this Rocklin bakery has earned its reputation through consistently excellent pastries and warm service.
Rocklin Donuts and Cinnamon serves treats at 4845 Granite Dr ste. b, Rocklin, CA 95677, where customers rave about the extremely soft and airy texture of menu items.
Bear claws, apple fritters, and cinnamon rolls stand out as particular favorites among regular visitors.
The friendly service creates a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers returning beyond just the quality pastries.
Morning hours tend to be busiest, especially on weekends when locals stock up for family breakfasts.
The shop maintains a clean, inviting interior that makes enjoying treats on-site pleasant.
The Rocklin location provides a convenient stop for travelers heading between Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Parking is readily available, and the suburban setting makes navigation straightforward.
The combination of exceptional quality, reasonable prices, and genuine hospitality explains why this shop has earned such high praise from donut enthusiasts across the state.
12. DK’s Donuts & Bakery (Santa Monica)
Inventive flavors and creative presentations have turned this Santa Monica bakery into a must-visit destination for adventurous donut lovers.
DK’s Donuts & Bakery crafts unique treats at 1614 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, where the menu goes far beyond traditional offerings.
Crème brûlée donuts topped with torched sugar, s’mores varieties loaded with marshmallow and chocolate, and seasonal specialties keep the selection exciting.
The 24-hour operation means these creative treats are available whenever cravings strike, whether that’s mid-afternoon or the middle of the night.
The bakery also produces custom cakes and other pastries for customers seeking something beyond donuts.
Display cases showcase the colorful, photogenic creations that have made this spot popular on social media.
The Santa Monica location puts this bakery within easy reach of beaches, shopping, and other coastal attractions.
Street parking can be challenging during busy times, but the quality and creativity of the donuts make the effort worthwhile.
The combination of constant availability and inventive flavors creates a destination worth seeking out during any Los Angeles area visit.
