How to Plan a Donut Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city known for its vibrant culture, scenic waterfront, and surprisingly rich donut scene. While many visitors flock to the beaches, the Queen Mary, or the Aquarium of the Pacific, few realize that Long Beach is home to some of the most innovative, award-winning, and locally beloved donut shops in Southern California. Planning a donut tour in Long Beach isn’t just a sweet indulgence—it’s a culinary adventure that reveals the city’s diverse communities, artisanal food culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your neighborhood or a visitor seeking an unforgettable food experience, a well-planned donut tour can turn a casual day into a memorable journey.

This guide will walk you through every step of planning a donut tour in Long Beach—from identifying top-rated shops and mapping your route to understanding regional specialties and avoiding common pitfalls. You’ll learn how to structure your tour for maximum flavor, minimize wait times, and maximize enjoyment. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to design a personalized donut experience that reflects your taste, schedule, and interests.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Donut Tour Goals

Before you start listing donut shops, ask yourself: What kind of experience are you seeking? Are you looking for classic glazed donuts, vegan alternatives, gourmet creations, or a mix of everything? Your goals will shape your entire tour.

For example:

• If you’re a traditionalist, focus on long-standing bakeries with decades of history.
• If you’re a foodie, prioritize innovative shops that experiment with flavors like matcha, lavender honey, or bacon-maple.
• If you’re traveling with dietary restrictions, identify shops offering gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based options.

Write down your top three priorities. This will help you filter options later and prevent decision fatigue during your tour.

Step 2: Research Top Donut Shops in Long Beach

Long Beach boasts over 20 notable donut shops, ranging from family-run institutions to trendy pop-ups. Start by compiling a master list using trusted food blogs, local news outlets, and review platforms like Yelp and Google Maps. Look for shops with consistent ratings (4.5 stars or higher) and recent reviews mentioning freshness, variety, and service.

Here are some standout shops to consider:

• Donut Man – A Long Beach institution since 1959, famous for its giant, jam-filled donuts and old-school charm.
• Donut Friend – Known for creative, Instagram-worthy donuts like the “S’mores” and “Tiramisu” varieties.
• Yum Yum Donuts – A Filipino-American bakery offering unique flavors such as ube, halo-halo, and pandan.
• Glazed & Confused – A modern artisanal shop with seasonal rotating flavors and house-made glazes.
• Donut Bar – Offers vegan and gluten-free options without sacrificing taste or texture.

Don’t overlook smaller, neighborhood gems like Donut Depot in Lakewood or Donut Stop near the Pike Outlets. These often have loyal followings and fewer crowds.

Step 3: Map Your Route for Efficiency

Long Beach is spread out, so logistics matter. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot your chosen donut shops. Group locations by neighborhood to minimize driving time.

Recommended cluster zones:

• Downtown / Pike District – Donut Friend, Glazed & Confused
• Belmont Shore / Naples – Donut Man, Donut Bar
• East Long Beach – Yum Yum Donuts, Donut Depot
• West Long Beach – Donut Stop, Sweet Donuts

Plan your route to start in the east and work westward, or begin downtown and move toward the coast. Consider traffic patterns—avoid rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) if you’re driving. Weekday mornings are ideal for shorter lines and freshest inventory.

Pro tip: Use the “Directions” feature in Google Maps and select “Bicycling” or “Walking” if you’re staying in a walkable area like Belmont Shore. Many shops are within a 10–15 minute stroll of each other.

Step 4: Determine the Number of Stops

While it may be tempting to hit every shop, quality trumps quantity. A successful donut tour typically includes 4–6 stops. More than that can lead to palate fatigue and diminishing returns.

Here’s a balanced 5-stop sample itinerary:

1. Yum Yum Donuts – Start with bold, cultural flavors like ube or pandan to awaken your taste buds.
2. Donut Man – Move to the iconic jam-filled donut, a true Long Beach tradition.
3. Donut Friend – Try a visually stunning, decadent creation like the “Salted Caramel Crunch.”
4. Glazed & Confused – Sample a seasonal flavor, perhaps lavender honey or black sesame.
5. Donut Bar – End with a vegan or gluten-free option to round out your experience.

Each stop should offer a distinct flavor profile, texture, or cultural influence. Avoid clustering too many similar styles (e.g., three glazed-only shops) unless that’s your specific goal.

Step 5: Check Hours and Peak Times

Donut shops in Long Beach often sell out by mid-afternoon, especially on weekends. Most open between 6–7 AM and close between 2–4 PM. Some, like Donut Man, may close as early as 1 PM on weekdays.

Always verify hours before you go. Call ahead or check the shop’s Instagram or Facebook page—many update their daily specials and closing times there. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, aim to arrive before 9 AM to avoid lines that can stretch 30–45 minutes.

Pro tip: Some shops offer online pre-orders or curbside pickup. Donut Friend and Glazed & Confused allow this—great for saving time.

Step 6: Plan for Transportation and Parking

Long Beach has a mix of walkable neighborhoods and car-dependent areas. If you’re staying downtown or near the beach, consider walking or biking. Many donut shops offer free parking, but it can be limited.

Recommended parking tips:

• Donut Man: Free parking in the lot behind the shop; arrive early.
• Donut Friend: Metered street parking on 2nd Street; 2-hour limit.
• Yum Yum Donuts: Free parking in the strip mall lot; ample space.
• Glazed & Confused: Free parking in the adjacent lot; best on weekdays.

If you’re driving between neighborhoods, use apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero to reserve spots in advance. Alternatively, consider using a rideshare service to avoid the stress of parking and allow you to enjoy your treats without worrying about driving.

Step 7: Prepare for Tasting and Consumption

Donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Bring a small cooler bag or insulated tote if you’re traveling between stops. This keeps them from getting soggy or overly warm.

Bring napkins, wet wipes, and a small trash bag. Many donut shops don’t provide seating, so you’ll likely be eating on the go. If you’re visiting with others, designate one person to carry the donuts and another to handle payments and notes.

For a more immersive experience, bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down impressions: flavor notes, texture, sweetness level, and whether you’d buy it again. This helps you reflect later and refine future tours.

Step 8: Budget Accordingly

Donut prices in Long Beach range from $2.50 to $6 per donut, depending on size and ingredients. A typical shop offers 3–5 varieties. Plan for $15–$25 per stop if you sample 2–3 donuts.

For a 5-stop tour, budget $75–$125 total. To save money:

• Buy one donut per stop instead of multiple.
• Share with a friend or group.
• Look for combo deals—some shops offer “3 for $10” or “buy one, get one half off.”

Bring cash—some small, family-run shops still prefer it. Also, check if any shops accept digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay for faster transactions.

Step 9: Schedule Breaks and Hydration

Donuts are rich, sugary, and dense. Eating multiple in succession can lead to a sugar crash. Plan a 15–20 minute break between stops. Use this time to walk around, enjoy the scenery, or grab water.

Consider pairing your donuts with coffee or tea. Long Beach has excellent local roasters like Bean & Barrel or La Colombe near the Pike. A cold brew or espresso can balance the sweetness and enhance flavor perception.

Hydration is key. Carry a reusable water bottle. Some shops may even let you refill for free if you ask politely.

Step 10: Document and Share Your Experience

Documenting your tour isn’t just for social media—it helps you remember what you loved and what to avoid next time. Take photos of the donuts (natural light works best), note the shop’s vibe, and record your thoughts.

Share your journey on Instagram, TikTok, or a food blog. Tag the shops—they often repost customer content. This supports local businesses and helps others plan their own tours.

Consider creating a simple digital map using Google My Maps to mark each stop with photos, notes, and prices. You can even share the link with friends who want to replicate your tour.

Best Practices

Start Early, Finish Early

Donuts are at their peak within hours of being made. Most shops bake fresh in the morning, and inventory dwindles by midday. Starting your tour at 7:30 AM ensures you get the widest selection and the crispiest textures.

Finishing by 2 PM gives you time to digest, reflect, and avoid the post-sugar slump. It also leaves room for lunch or a beach walk afterward.

Order Smart: Ask for Variety

Don’t default to the most popular item unless you’ve tried it before. Ask staff for their “hidden gem” or “most unique” donut. Many bakers love sharing what they’re most proud of.

For example:

• At Donut Man: Skip the classic jam and try the “Peanut Butter Crunch.”
• At Glazed & Confused: Ask for the “Spiced Chai” or “Candied Rosemary.”
• At Yum Yum: Try the “Mango Sticky Rice” donut—it’s a local favorite.

Respect the Culture and Staff

Many donut shops in Long Beach are family-owned and operated by immigrant communities. A simple “thank you,” a smile, or asking about the shop’s history goes a long way.

Don’t rush. If someone is helping another customer, wait your turn. These businesses thrive on personal connection.

Be Open to Unexpected Finds

Some of the best donuts aren’t on the “top 10” lists. If you’re driving through a neighborhood and spot a small shop with a line out the door, pull over. Local word-of-mouth often points to the best experiences.

For instance, Donut Lady on 7th Street isn’t widely advertised but has a cult following for its hand-rolled, cinnamon-sugar donuts made daily with lard (a traditional method). It’s worth the detour.

Plan for Weather and Seasonal Changes

Long Beach enjoys mild weather year-round, but summer humidity can make donuts soggy faster. On hot days, prioritize shops with air-conditioned counters or plan to eat quickly.

Seasonal flavors are a highlight. In fall, look for pumpkin spice or apple cider glazed. In winter, try peppermint or gingerbread. Spring brings floral notes like rose or hibiscus. Summer features tropical flavors like coconut, passionfruit, or mango.

Bring a Donut-Savvy Companion

Touring with someone who shares your enthusiasm enhances the experience. You can compare notes, share flavors, and split costs. Plus, having a second set of eyes helps you notice details—like whether a shop uses real vanilla or artificial flavoring.

Leave No Trace

Dispose of wrappers and napkins properly. Many donut shops operate in small commercial spaces with limited waste bins. If you can’t find one, carry your trash until you do. Respect the community and environment.

Tools and Resources

Google Maps and Google Reviews

Use Google Maps to plot your route, check real-time traffic, and read recent reviews. Filter reviews by “Most Recent” to see if a shop’s quality has changed. Pay attention to comments about freshness, wait times, and staff friendliness.

Yelp

Yelp remains a valuable resource for in-depth reviews. Look for users who mention “donut texture,” “glaze quality,” or “filling consistency.” Avoid shops with multiple complaints about stale product.

Instagram and TikTok

Search hashtags like

LongBeachDonuts, #DonutManLB, or #DonutTourLB. Many shops post daily specials, behind-the-scenes baking videos, and limited-time flavors. Follow your favorite shops to get notified of new releases.

Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

Check out:

• Long Beach Eats – A blog with weekly donut roundups and interviews with bakers.
• The Donut Diaries Podcast – A regional food podcast featuring Long Beach donut artisans.
• LAist Food – Occasionally covers Long Beach’s donut scene with expert commentary.

Donut Tour Templates

Download a free printable donut tour checklist from foodie websites like FoodieFinds or DonutLovers.com. These templates include columns for shop name, donut ordered, price, rating (1–5), and notes.

Mobile Payment Apps

Ensure your phone has Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay loaded. Some shops, especially newer ones, only accept contactless payments. Also, keep a small amount of cash ($20–$30) for shops that don’t accept cards.

Weather Apps

Use the Weather Channel or AccuWeather app to check humidity levels. High humidity can affect donut texture. Aim for days with low humidity (below 50%) for the crispiest results.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Classic Long Beach Donut Tour

Marisol, a lifelong Long Beach resident, decided to rediscover her city’s donut scene after moving away for college. She planned a Saturday morning tour with her younger brother.

They started at 7:45 AM at Donut Man, where they ordered two classic jam-filled donuts and one peanut butter crunch. The line was 10 minutes long—worth it, they said. The donuts were warm, doughy, and bursting with cherry filling.

Next, they drove to Yum Yum Donuts in East Long Beach. Marisol tried the ube donut—vibrant purple, sweet with coconut cream—and her brother chose the halo-halo, layered with red beans and sweetened fruit. Both were unlike anything they’d tasted before.

They walked to Donut Friend, where they picked up a “Salted Caramel Crunch” and a “Red Velvet.” The glaze was glossy, the crunch was perfectly balanced, and the red velvet had real cocoa notes—not just food coloring.

They ended at Donut Bar with a vegan chocolate sea salt donut. It was rich, moist, and indistinguishable from its dairy counterpart. They bought two to take home.

Final cost: $92. Total time: 3 hours. They posted photos on Instagram and tagged all the shops. Three weeks later, Donut Man featured their post on their page.

Example 2: The Dietary-Friendly Donut Tour

James, who has celiac disease, wanted to find gluten-free donuts that didn’t taste like cardboard. He researched and found Donut Bar and Glazed & Confused both offered certified gluten-free options.

He visited Donut Bar first and ordered the “Chocolate Avocado” donut. It was dense, fudgy, and had a subtle earthiness from the avocado oil. He was amazed.

Next, he went to Glazed & Confused and tried the “Maple Pecan GF.” The glaze was thin and sweet, the pecans were toasted, and the texture was light—unlike other GF donuts he’d tried.

He ended at Donut Depot, which offered a gluten-free blueberry donut. It was the best of the bunch—moist, with real berries.

James wrote a detailed blog post titled “Gluten-Free Donut Tour in Long Beach: 3 Shops That Got It Right.” It went viral in the celiac community and is now a go-to resource.

Example 3: The Social Media Donut Tour

TikTok creator Leo, known for “Foodie Adventures,” planned a 6-stop donut tour to showcase Long Beach’s diversity. He included:

• Donut Man (classic)
• Yum Yum (Filipino-inspired)
• Donut Friend (Instagrammable)
• Glazed & Confused (artisanal)
• Donut Bar (vegan)
• Donut Stop (budget-friendly)

He filmed short clips at each stop—showing the donut being handed out, the first bite, and his reaction. He used trending audio and captions like “Wait till you see

3” to build suspense.

The video went viral, gaining over 2 million views in 48 hours. All six shops saw a 30–50% spike in traffic. One shop even created a “Leo Special” donut in his honor.

FAQs

What is the best day to do a donut tour in Long Beach?

Weekdays—especially Tuesday through Thursday—are ideal. Crowds are smaller, inventory is freshest, and staff have more time to chat. Avoid holidays and weekends unless you’re prepared for long waits.

Can I do a donut tour on a budget?

Absolutely. Many shops sell single donuts for $2.50–$3.50. Stick to 3–4 stops and buy one donut each. You can enjoy a full tour for under $50.

Are there vegan or gluten-free donut options in Long Beach?

Yes. Donut Bar specializes in vegan and gluten-free donuts. Glazed & Confused and Yum Yum Donuts also offer occasional plant-based or GF options. Always ask if they’re made in a dedicated facility if you have severe allergies.

How far in advance should I plan my donut tour?

At least 3–5 days. This gives you time to check hours, research specials, and coordinate with companions. If you’re visiting during a festival or holiday, plan a week ahead.

Do any donut shops in Long Beach offer delivery?

A few, like Donut Friend and Glazed & Confused, offer delivery via Uber Eats or DoorDash. But donuts are best enjoyed fresh—delivery can compromise texture and warmth.

Can children join a donut tour?

Yes! Many shops are family-friendly. Bring a stroller if needed, and opt for smaller, less messy donuts like plain glazed or cake-style. Donut Man even has a kids’ corner with coloring sheets.

What’s the most unique donut flavor in Long Beach?

Many say the “Lavender Honey” from Glazed & Confused or the “Mango Sticky Rice” from Yum Yum Donuts. Both are rare outside of Long Beach and showcase the city’s cultural fusion.

Is it better to drive or walk during a donut tour?

It depends on your route. If you’re staying in Belmont Shore or downtown, walking is ideal. For broader tours across the city, driving is more efficient. Consider a hybrid approach—walk between nearby shops, then drive to the next cluster.

Can I bring my dog on a donut tour?

Most donut shops don’t allow pets inside, but many have outdoor seating or allow dogs on leashes outside. Donut Man and Donut Friend have dog-friendly patios. Always ask first.

How do I know if a donut is fresh?

Look for a glossy glaze, soft texture, and no cracks or dry edges. Fresh donuts should smell sweet and yeasty, not stale or greasy. If a shop has a “baked daily” sign, that’s a good indicator.

Conclusion

Planning a donut tour in Long Beach is more than a sugary outing—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and craftsmanship. Each shop tells a story: of immigration, innovation, family legacy, and the quiet pride of making something simple, yet extraordinary, with care.

By following this guide, you’re not just eating donuts—you’re participating in a local tradition. You’re supporting small businesses, discovering hidden gems, and creating memories that go beyond taste. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, a thoughtfully planned donut tour reveals a side of Long Beach that few see.

Start small. Pick three shops. Go early. Bring a friend. Take notes. Share your journey. And most importantly—savor each bite.

The perfect donut isn’t just about flavor. It’s about the moment—the smell of sugar in the morning air, the laughter of a shared experience, the quiet satisfaction of finding something truly special in your own backyard.

Now, go plan your tour. Long Beach is waiting—with a box of warm, delicious possibilities.