7 Best Donut Shops in California

Okay people, I’m not a professional donut critic or anything, but I do know a good donut when I see one, or eat one. That being said, I’ve compiled a list of the 7 best donut shops in California. This is entirely based on my opinion so you should go try out these places for yourself and see what all the rave is about!

7 Best Donut Shops in California

1. Great Donuts (Alamo, CA)

This one is an all time favorite. I may be biased because I grew up eating these donuts and it’s where my love of donuts began, but you absolutely have not lived until you’ve had warm donut holes or a warm maple bar from Great Donuts. This is a family run shop so not only do you get the most amazing donuts in the world, but you get Mrs. Chao’s friendly face in the morning asking if you want the usual. Not that I have a usual or anything…

2. DK’s Donuts (Santa Monica, CA)

When I was living in L.A. this place was one of my go-tos. It’s home of the croissant and donut hybrid and if you guys have not tried one of these yet, you are missing out. They also make crazy donut sandwiches that will blow your mind. If you can’t make it to DK’s Donuts don’t fret, because they deliver nationwide! Currently ordering for myself as I type this.

3. The Donut Man (Glendora, CA)

I haven’t personally been to this one, but my sister swears by it. The line to Donut Man almost always goes out the door because their donuts are to die for! They’re known for their seasonal fruity donuts and it’s open 24 hours a day. What’s not to love?!

4. Donut Alley (Larkspur, CA)

Half of the charm of this donut shop is the location. Larkspur is just about the cutest town you’ve ever seen and this shop does the classic donuts just right. Another thing I love about this spot is that they give back. Everyday Donut Alley donates their leftover donuts to Saint Vincent De Paul, an organization helping people in need. This one definitely deserves to be on the list of best donut shops in California and after the north bay fire there has never been a better time to check it out and show your support!

5. Randy’s Donuts (Inglewood, CA)

Randy’s Donuts is a famous landmark with a giant donut on top, but the real celebrity is the actual donuts. They are seriously dense and delicious. These bad boys will fill you up though so make sure your stomach is ready for what’s to come!

6. Stan’s Donut Shop (Santa Clara, CA)

Back during college days I was constantly on the hunt for a good donut place. A friend of mine found Stan’s Donut Shop and we fell in love. The donuts were on the bigger side which is always a plus and they have seriously mastered the glaze raised let me tell ya! If you guys are ever near the south bay area this place is a must try!

7. Bob’s Donuts (San Francisco, CA)

San Francisco is known for hole in the wall places that are surprisingly amazing. Bob’s Donuts is one of those places. It may not look like much, but this place makes darn good donuts. What they’re really known for though is “The Big Kahuna, the Belly Buster, the Scale Breaker, whatever you want to call it, it’s the BIG ONE.” They have a challenge where if you finish the giant donut in under two minutes you get the donut for free, a t-shirt, and your name listed on the hall of fame. I’ve been training so you can expect to see my name up there pretty soon… Also, noteworthy that Bob’s Donuts is open 24/7 so if you’ve got that late night craving, you know where to go!

I hope you guys get to try the best donut shops in California and you love em as much as I do! Now go out and get yourself a good donut! If you’re looking for a good recipe try out my gingerbread donuts…they’re the perfect fall treat! What’s your favorite donut shop?!