15 California Spots Serving Donuts Better Than Any Brunch Plate

Forget fancy brunch plates with their overpriced avocado toast and tiny portions.

California is home to some of the most incredible donut shops that turn simple fried dough into pure magic.

Get ready to discover the sweetest destinations across the Golden State!

1. California Donuts Los Angeles

Open 24 hours, this LA legend never sleeps, and neither should your donut cravings. California Donuts whips up some of the most Instagram-worthy treats you’ll ever sink your teeth into.

Think fruity pebbles crusted rings, Oreo explosions, and glazes in every color of the rainbow. Late-night munchies or early morning sugar rush?

They’ve got you covered around the clock with donuts that taste as wild as they look.

2. Randy’s Donuts Inglewood

That giant donut on the roof isn’t just for show – it’s a Hollywood icon that’s starred in more movies than some actors. Randy’s has been slinging classic donuts since 1953, keeping it real when others get fancy.

Their glazed rings are simple perfection: crispy outside, fluffy inside, just sweet enough. Sometimes you don’t need unicorn sprinkles when you’ve mastered the basics this well.

3. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee Costa Mesa

Sidecar treats donuts like an art form, using small-batch techniques and seasonal ingredients that change with the calendar. Huckleberry lemon? Butter and salt? These aren’t your gas station donuts, friend.

Every bite screams quality, from locally sourced dairy to real fruit purees. They’ve turned the humble donut into something you’d proudly serve at a dinner party, though you’ll probably eat them all first.

4. The Donut Man Glendora

When strawberry season hits, people line up around the block for The Donut Man’s legendary fresh strawberry donuts. Whole berries stuffed inside a pillowy donut shell create pure summer bliss.

But don’t sleep on their peach version either – it’s like biting into a California sunset. This family-run spot has been a Glendora treasure for decades, proving that fresh fruit and fried dough are soulmates.

5. JD Flannel Donuts & Coffee San Juan Capistrano

JD Flannel brings a hipster vibe to donut culture without the pretentiousness. Their rotating menu keeps things exciting – maple bacon bars one week, lavender honey the next.

Pair your pastry with their seriously good coffee, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast situation way better than waiting an hour for eggs Benedict.

The cozy atmosphere makes you want to linger, assuming you don’t devour everything immediately.

6. Yum Yum Donuts City of Industry

Yum Yum keeps it wonderfully old-school with no fancy frills, just solid donuts at prices that won’t wreck your wallet. Sometimes reliability beats novelty, especially at 6 AM before coffee kicks in.

Their chocolate bars have that perfect cake-like density, while the glazed twists practically melt on your tongue.

It’s the kind of place your grandparents would approve of, and that’s absolutely a compliment in the donut world.

7. Donut Wheel Livermore

Livermore locals swear by Donut Wheel’s fresh-every-morning approach that guarantees you’re getting donuts at peak deliciousness.

Their apple fritters are practically the size of your head and worth every calorie.

The mom-and-pop charm here is real – you’ll get greeted like family and leave with a box bigger than you planned. Why settle for one when you can try six different flavors for science?

8. Donut Hut Burbank

Burbank’s entertainment industry workers fuel their long shoots with Donut Hut’s reliable sugar bombs. Nothing fancy here, just consistently good donuts that hit the spot when you need comfort food fast.

Their jelly-filled donuts actually have enough jelly – a rare feat in the donut universe. Early birds get the warmest batches, though honestly, they’re great any time of day when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

9. Holey Grail Donuts Los Angeles

Who says healthy and delicious can’t coexist? Holey Grail makes vegan and keto donuts that’ll fool your taste buds completely.

Using taro, yeast, and zero animal products, they’ve cracked the code on guilt-free indulgence. Even hardcore donut traditionalists admit these taste shockingly legit.

Whether you’re plant-based or just curious, these donuts prove restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. Game-changer alert!

10. Kettle Glazed Doughnuts Los Angeles

Kettle Glazed takes the craft donut movement seriously, churning out small batches that disappear faster than you can say “carbs.”

Their unique flavor combos – think cardamom pistachio or miso caramel – sound weird but taste incredible.

These aren’t everyday donuts; they’re special occasion treats that justify getting out of your pajamas. Quality ingredients shine through in every bite, making each donut feel like a tiny celebration.

11. Primo’s Donuts Los Angeles

Primo’s has been an LA staple forever, serving no-nonsense donuts that remind you why simple pleasures matter most. Their chocolate glazed rings achieve that perfect balance between cake and air.

No Instagram walls or trendy marketing here – just honest baking that’s fed generations of Angelenos.

Sometimes the best donuts come from places that look like time capsules, preserving recipes and techniques worth keeping alive.

12. SK Donuts & Croissant Los Angeles

Why choose between donuts and croissants when SK does both brilliantly? This hybrid bakery satisfies multiple cravings in one convenient stop.

Their croissant donuts – cronuts before cronuts were cool – combine buttery layers with sweet glazes perfectly.

13. The Donut Hole La Puente

Driving through a giant donut hole sounds like a fever dream, but at this La Puente landmark, it’s gloriously real. The architecture alone makes this place worth visiting, even before tasting anything.

Classic donuts made fresh daily keep the nostalgia alive while satisfying modern sugar cravings.

It’s pure Americana meets California car culture, with delicious donuts as the perfect bonus. Instagram gold and breakfast solved simultaneously!

14. Bob’s Donuts San Francisco

San Francisco’s Bob’s Donuts stays open 24/7, saving night owls and early risers alike from donut-less despair.

Their giant donuts are comically oversized, challenging even the hungriest customers to finish one solo.

Late-night study sessions and post-party munchies find their perfect match here. The old-school diner vibe adds authenticity you can’t fake, making every visit feel like stepping back to simpler, sweeter times literally.