Best Donuts in California (2026 Guide)
California is a donut powerhouse, from LA's legendary independent shops to San Francisco's artisan bakeries. The state's diverse culture fuels incredible variety — mochi donuts, ube-glazed, vegan options, and old-school pink box classics all thrive here.
Top 15 Donut Shops in California
Why it's notable: The top-rated donut shop in California, known for Classic glazed donuts, Boba milk teas, Vietnamese coffee, with 2 awards, serving since 2024, featuring boba tea and Vietnamese coffee.
Why it's notable: One of California's highest-rated shops, known for Raspberry Creme Fritters, Apple Fritters, Classic Glazed, with 3 awards, serving since 2010, featuring National Recognition and Early Hours.
Why it's notable: One of California's highest-rated shops, known for Orange Blossom Donut, Pastrami Savory Donut, Lemon Curd Donut, with 2 awards, serving since 2022, featuring artisanal and craft coffee.
Why it's notable: A standout Carlsbad favorite, known for Strawberry-filled donut, Housemade citrus curd-filled yeasted donuts, Tahitian vanilla glazed donuts, with 3 awards, serving since 2017, featuring gourmet ingredients and daily vegan options.
Why it's notable: A standout Riverside favorite, known for Brioche Donuts, Churro Donut, Blueberry Cheesecake, featuring brioche donuts and multiple locations.
Why it's notable: A standout San Juan Capistrano favorite, known for Brioche Donuts, Seasonal Flavors, Specialty Coffee, with 2 awards, serving since 2017, featuring Brioche Base and Seasonal Menu.
Why it's notable: A standout Costa Mesa favorite, known for Huckleberry Donuts, Maple Glazed, Butter & Salt, with 3 awards, serving since 2013, featuring Open Kitchen and Artisan Quality.
Why it's notable: A standout San Diego favorite, known for Huckleberry cake donut, Butter + Salt brown butter donut, Seasonal fruit-glazed cake donuts, with 4 awards, serving since 2012, featuring premium ingredients and seasonal rotating flavors.
Why it's notable: A standout Santa Clara favorite, known for Hand-glazed donuts, Old-fashioned cake donuts, Apple fritters, with 2 awards, serving since 1959, featuring Cash only and Early morning hours.
Why it's notable: A standout Los Angeles favorite, known for Artistic decorated donuts, Seasonal themed donuts (Halloween, Christmas), Instagram-worthy designs, with 3 awards, serving since 1982, featuring Open 24 hours and Seasonal specials.
Why it's notable: A standout Riverside favorite, known for Ube Crème Brûlée Donut, Fruity Pebble Donut, Strawberry Shortcake Donut, with 3 awards, serving since 2020, featuring craft beer and mimosas.
Why it's notable: A standout Glendora favorite, known for Fresh Strawberry Stuffed Donut (seasonal), Fresh Peach Stuffed Donut (seasonal), Tiger Tail donut, with 5 awards, serving since 1972, featuring 24 hours and seasonal fruit donuts.
Why it's notable: A standout Inglewood favorite, known for Classic crullers, Old fashioned, Cinnamon crumb, with 4 awards, serving since 1953, featuring Open 24 hours (most locations) and Iconic architecture.
Why it's notable: A standout Los Angeles favorite, known for Classic crullers, Old fashioned, Cinnamon crumb, with 4 awards, serving since 1953, featuring Open 24 hours (most locations) and Iconic architecture.
Why it's notable: A standout San Diego favorite, known for Artisan brioche donuts, Crème brûlée, Ube, with 2 awards, serving since 2020, featuring #1 in California (Yelp 2024) and Artisan brioche.
Donut Shops by City in California
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best donut shop in California?
Sweet Daze Donut & Boba in Rancho Cucamonga is the top-rated donut shop in California with a 5.0 rating.
How many donut shops are in California?
We have 157 donut shops listed across 61 cities in California on NearbyDonuts.com.
Which cities in California have the best donuts?
The top cities for donuts in California include Sacramento (13 shops), Riverside (12 shops), San Diego (12 shops), San Francisco (12 shops), Los Angeles (9 shops).