We’ve been doing some very difficult research lately. Full commitment has been given to finding our favorite donuts in Orlando. As the pandemic has limited some of our happy fun time options, we had to get creative. Or at least, evaluate what was left to do. Dadlando has always loved long drives, so we kept that on the list. And what better purpose to give our long drives than a search for treats? We’ve made our way here and there throughout Central Florida tasting all the donuts we find along the way.
We like to eat our donuts in the car so a little preparation goes a long way. Some tips for your donut adventures: Bring water bottles for the kiddos and a towel or sheet to put over them to catch all crumbs. And of course a hefty stack of wipes and napkins.
When possible we try to find an empty place nearby to let the kids run around. It helps with the inevitable crazies that come with the sugar high. I’ve marked those places where possible.
Donuts to Go
1414 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32779
Quick service donuts with so many flavor choices. It’s a classic donut shop that serves amazing donuts. They also have sandwiches, wraps, and eggs. You can’t go wrong here, everything is perfectly made. That said, don’t leave without a square glazed. This donut is made out of pieces of heaven. We also like the apple fritter, strawberry cheesecake, and square chocolate glazed.
DG Doughnuts
1414 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32779
Each of these donuts are a gorgeous work of art. And they are big! These donuts lasted long after the drive and I kept snacking all day. Just a few minutes away is the Oakland Nature Preserve. We recommend heading over for a nature walk to get all the sugar out of your system.
Donut King
3716 Howell Branch Rd #1701, Winter Park, FL 32792
House made and always fresh, these donuts are Orlando royalty. The kiddos love any of the options that have cookies and candy on top. Who could blame them? We also love the guava, chocolate glazed, red velvet, and boston creme.
Orlandough
Order Online – Pick-up Locations include Easy Luck & The Heavy
We consider ourselves OG Orlandough fans. And through the years she never ceases to amaze us with her flavor combos and themes. Currently Orlandough is available via online ordering with pick-up at a few local spots. From the anchor menu we love cereal milk and PB&J. Check out the changing rotation of flavors on the filled donut menu!
If you’re picking up at Easy Luck, Dickson Azalea Park is nearby! At The Heavy, you can head to Loch Haven Park or Mead Gardens for a walk.
Shaka Donuts
225 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806
These donuts are hot and fresh made to order. The menu is playful and options plentiful. We tried the ‘B-A-N-A-NA-S’ chocolate with banana drizzle, ‘The Heavy’ chocolate with reese’s pieces, ‘Big Island’ cream cheese with guava drizzle, ‘Samoa’ caramel, coconut, and chocolate, and the ‘Salty’ caramel icing with sea salt. Top contenders were the Salty and Big Island.
These donuts come out hot so it would be best to let them cool a bit if you’re going to eat them in the car. Our kiddos made an extra big mess of these ones!
