Alabama beach doughnut shop lauded as among the best in the South

There is no denying that doughnuts taste better when you are near the ocean. Southern Living recently highlighted this coastal phenomenon, noting that a standout Alabama doughnut shop is helping prove that point.

As Southern Living points out, while a hot, fried treat might seem like a heavy choice under the scorching summer sun, beachgoers often skip the ice cream in favor of a fresh doughnut. The publication credits the popularity of these coastal snacks to the light, airy texture of yeast-raised varieties and their convenience as a grab-and-go snack.

Orange Beach's finest

City Donut in Orange Beach has earned its spot as one of the premier beach doughnut destinations in the South. This family-owned favorite offers a wide array of handmade yeast and cake doughnuts, complete with an assortment of icings, toppings, and fillings. Beyond the classics, the shop also serves up ice cream and boba teas.

The shop's reputation is well-established on a national level. In 2025, City Donut secured second place in USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for the country's best doughnut shops, following an impressive first-place finish the previous year.

Why locals love it

Southern Living highlights the simplicity of the shop's approach: "This local shop fries their donuts freshly everyday and has become a local hit. For something a bit different, try their glazed croissants. The flaky pastry is only elevated by a crisp layer of sugar."

City Donut joins a prestigious list of southern coastal spots, including BKeDSHoP in Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Dulce Dough Donuts & Bakery in St. Simons Island, Ga.; Parlor Doughnuts in Pawleys Island, S.C.; and Britt’s Donut Shop in Carolina Beach, N.C.

City Donut is located at 25751 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach and is open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Visit their website for more information.