Ask five people what makes the perfect donut and you’ll probably start a minor argument. Is it the crisp-edged heft of a buttermilk bar? The airy bounce of a raised glazed? Maybe it’s the cronut—a flaky, buttery hybrid that has no business being this good with coffee. Whatever your pick, one thing’s clear: National Donut Day is the perfect excuse to seek out the best donuts in SoCal and commit to some highly subjective, sugar-fueled taste testing.
National Donut Day falls on the first Friday of June—this year, that’s June 7—and around here there are no shortage of contenders for the “best donut” crown. From cult classics to TikTok darlings, there’s a donut for every mood, vibe, and sugar tolerance.
Creative or classic?
Let’s start in Los Angeles, where SK Donuts & Croissant on 3rd Street serves up a ridiculous crème brûlée donut with a torched sugar shell that cracks like glass. They’ve also nailed the infamous cronut, layering buttery flake with fillings like Oreo cream and Nutella.
Another LA favorite, Randy’s Donuts in Inglewood, is iconic for a reason. You’ve seen the giant rooftop donut in movies, but their giant apple fritter and maple glazed raised donuts are what keep locals coming back.
Bougie bites
JD Flannel Donuts & Coffee in San Juan Capistrano takes a more boutique approach. Their small-batch, scratch-made donuts come in standout flavors like brown butter sea salt, maple bacon, and lemon lavender. Plus, their coffee is just as dialed-in as the donuts.
If you’re more into the 24-hour scene, The Donuttery in Huntington Beach is a must. Open all night and fully stocked with vegan and gluten-free options, they do everything from taro-glazed rings to pillowy blueberry cake donuts.
Riverside is also stepping up its donut game with spots like Urban Dripp, a downtown hangout that fuses cool aesthetics with creative donut flavors. Think raspberry jam-filled, Fruity Pebbles-topped, or cookies-and-cream frosted. They even do donut sandwiches for the sweet-and-savory crowd.
Best of both worlds
Still searching for the best donuts in SoCal? San Diego is stacked. If you want fun, loud, and a little over-the-top, Donut Bar in downtown delivers. Their “Big Poppa Tart” donut—yes, it’s stuffed with an actual Pop-Tart—is as extra as it sounds. They also rotate in seasonal flavors like strawberry split and grilled cheese (donut as bun).
If you prefer something more straightforward, Peterson’s Donut Corner in Escondido has been serving up traditional rings, bars, and twists since the early ’80s. It’s open nearly 24/7 and remains a North County staple.
Also worth the drive: VG Donuts & Bakery in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Family-owned since 1969, this place mixes old-school charm with coastal chill. Their crumb donut and chocolate old-fashioned are hard to beat after an early-morning beach walk.
In Chula Vista, Donut Panic offers a Japanese-American twist on the classic donut menu, with mochi donuts and matcha glazes alongside more familiar options.
So go ahead—gather your friends, load up on napkins, and prepare to pick sides in the great cake vs. raised vs. cronut debate. The only real rule? Eat what makes you happy.
