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There is a donut paradise in San Diego, a place where the smell of the sea blends with the scent of coffee, freshly made. San Diego has a lively and multicultural donut scene for anyone’s taste. A blend of old-school bakeries and donut havens leading the way in terms of creativity, this Southern California city is heaven for those with a sweet tooth.
All over San Diego doughnut culture is the donut shops that have been around for years providing visitors with sugar-filled treats. Their charms are the result of years of family ownership and tradition when simpler days and delights are remembered. However, in the romance of these timeless bakeries, a new kind of artisanal donut shop is rising, bringing new tastes and creative ways.
San Diego is an excellent doughnut destination for satisfying sweet tooth cravings. So, here are six spots that cater to the cravings of every donut addict.
6 Places To Have Donuts In San Diego
1. Peterson's Donut Corner
Image Credit: Peterson's Donut Corner
This place is a local institution in the center of Escondido for over thirty years. The thing that makes Peterson’s stand out is its dedication to quality and heritage. From the time they cross the threshold, the scent of a deep-fryer permeates the space, luring enthusiasts over to the counter and the many delicious offerings on display. Peterson’s donuts are not only delicious but also enormous – these donuts are far from the average size and can satisfy hunger even of the hungriest person.
Location: 903 S Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun 4 am–12 am
Must-Try Dishes: Apple Fritter and Maple Bacon Bar
Price for 2: $2–20
2. Broad Street Dough Co.
Image Credit: Broad Street Dough Co.
Located in the lovely coastal town of Encinitas, Broad Street Dough Co. is doing up donuts in a whole new way with fun flavors and artsy presentation. The sensory experience that this place offers in their donuts is wide; from the zesty tang of lemon blueberry lavender to the comforting nostalgia of s’mores, each donut is a masterpiece meant to please the palate. Additionally, Broad Street Dough Co. aims at accommodating dietary limitations, offering vegan and gluten-free alternatives so that everyone can enjoy their sweet treats.
Location: 967 S Coast Hwy 101 Ste 109B, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun 8 am–4:30 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Lemon Blueberry Lavender and Chocolate Donut
Price for 2: $2–20
3. VG Donut & Bakery
Image Credit: VG Donut & Bakery
This place is located in the coastal town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and from the minute visitors walk in, they’re greeted with comfort and nostalgia. An establishment that is owned by a family and has been operated since 1969, real lives on in this bakers’ paradise, as it has been doing so for generations. What makes VG Donut & Bakery different is its passion for tradition and craft. Every donut is a masterpiece created with the use of traditional recipes and high-quality components; and the final product is not only tasty but also comforting.
Location: 106 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007, United States
Timings: Tue-Sun 5 am–5 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Cinnamon Roll and Bear Claw
Price for 2: $2–20
4. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Image Credit: Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Situated in the posh Del Mar Highlands, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is not a mere eatery but a culinary adventure itself. What makes Sidecar unique is its devotion to quality and creativity. Every donut is meticulously hand-crafted and made from locally produced ingredients giving the end product an aesthetic appeal as well as taste. And a rotating list of seasonal flavors such as huckleberry and butter & salt means there’s always something new and exciting to try. Furthermore, with professionally brewed coffee to go with pastry Sidecar is the golden middle between indulgence and comfort.
Location: 3435 Del Mar Heights Rd d7, San Diego, CA 92130, United States
Timings: Mon-Tue 6:30 am–6 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Huckleberry and Seasonal Donuts
Price for 2: $2–20
5. Mary’s Donuts and Coffee
Image Credit: Mary’s Donuts & Coffee
Conveniently situated in the bustling suburb of Santee, Mary’s Donuts & Coffee is the local institution offering excellent friendly customer service and delectable delights. For more than 30 years, this friendly family-run bakery has been producing its classics of donuts and pastries. Every single treat is handmade with love and attention to detail, from the soft, glazed rings to the rich chocolate sprinkles. Secondly, Mary’s is a warm and welcoming place that allows people to come with friends and family for a cup of coffee and a sweet tooth.
Location: 8959 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun Open 24 hours
Must-Try Dishes: Blueberry Cake and Chocolate Sprinkle Donut
Price for 2: $2–20
6. Dodo Bird Donuts
Image Credit: Dodo Bird Donuts
Nestled in the center of downtown San Diego, Dodo Bird Donuts is a little-known spot renowned for its unusual flavors and fun decor. What makes Dodo Bird unique is the playful style of donut making, where each treat is a work of art that is as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. The donuts are colorful, the toppings are unique, and every donut is a visual treat. These handcrafted donuts are of an outstanding quality and are worth every cent.
Location: 369 Bird Rock Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun 6:30 am–2:30 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Matcha Glaze and Thai Tea and Donut
Price for 2: $10–20
Donut landscape in San Diego is a rich fusion of old and new, serving the desires of natives and tourists. Visit the city’s donut destinations there will be many sweet surprises along the way as every bakery has their unique style of the favorite treat.
