We can list plenty of reasons to visit Atlanta, but sampling the range of excellent doughnuts may be our favorite.
You’ll need to fuel up before checking out the thriving hip-hop scene, thoughtful history museums, and outdoor experiences throughout the city. And we know exactly where to get your grub on.
Today we’ll cover the best fried dough options around Atlanta, so you can make the most of your trip.
Let’s hit the road!
Discover Atlanta, Georgia, on a Doughnut Road Trip
Georgia’s capital is a cultural hub of the South. Whether you’re into sports, music, or delicious food, the city is a perfect destination for a tourist who wants a bit of everything.
You can also explore the bustling film scene with a guided tour of sites featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Walking Dead, and other fan favorites. History lovers can visit museums like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
But while you can find all the urban fun you want, it also has plenty of green spaces, as well as the Chattahoochee River, for outdoor lovers. Hiking, biking, and kayaking are great ways to work up an appetite for the next experience.
Hungry visitors will find many American and Southern favorites in the diverse food scene. But don’t forget the most important meal of the day during your trip. Atlanta has some incredible doughnut options. In fact, it’s the perfect snack to plan your trip around.
Best Atlanta Doughnut Shops
While you can find doughnuts anywhere in Atlanta, not every shop is created equal. We’ve picked our favorites in the city so you can make the most of your trip.
DaVinci’s Donuts
The fried treats here are indeed works of art. And they’re made fresh right before your eyes. DaVinci’s creates fluffy, cake-style doughnuts with a crispy exterior that leaves your mouth watering.
You’ll find all the classics, plus unique flavors like Samoas, French toast, and birthday cake. But our favorite part of this shop is the option to build your own combo. Choose your favorite flavors and toppings, and do it twice guilt-free because the doughnuts aren’t humongous like the standard fare.
They have four locations in the area, but the only one in Atlanta proper is near the Lenox Square Mall.
Vegan Dream Doughnuts
If you prefer gluten-free, plant-based treats, then you’ll love Atlanta’s Vegan Dream Doughnuts. Everything on the menu is perfect for your dietary preferences.
Even better, they avoid refined sugar, using coconut crystals and agave instead for a healthier take on an American classic. This bakery is inside Strong Drink Vegan Juice Bar in the West End. They offer different flavors daily, but you can always expect to see their unique cinnamon rolls, plain or with fruit toppings.
Sublime Doughnuts
This Atlanta favorite offers doughnuts, coffee, and ice cream around the clock, so you’ll never have to rush to pick up your order. Beyond experimenting with new flavors, they even stray from the classic ring shape, opting for stars, hearts, and letters instead.
Try their doughnut burgers if you want to step further from tradition. They have three locations, including one in Mercedes-Benz stadium if you’re lucky enough to catch a game while in town.
If you’re on the other side of the country: Sugar Abuse Warning: The Best Portland, Oregon, Doughnut Shops.
Fun Things To Do in Atlanta
The Big Peach has something for everyone, but our favorite attractions are outdoor experiences. Here are a couple of must-see options.
Explore the Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a project working to connect 1,300 acres of green space and dozens of miles of trails. It’s also a light rail network that creates easy access to different neighborhoods in the city.
While the development is still in progress, you can access four trails and six parks. You’ll get easy access to delicious restaurants, public art, shopping, and museums while you explore.
The Illuminarium along the Eastside Trail offers a virtual safari experience. Or you can check out a rooftop theme park at Ponce City Market for a family-friendly pit stop.
Visit Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Park is a 22-acre playground initially designed for the 1996 Olympics. The space offers fascinating architecture, water features, and gardens.
We recommend taking the audio walking tour of the park to get the full story behind this incredible locale. If you’ve got extra doughnuts or other snacks, you can enjoy a lovely picnic with stunning views of Atlanta.
You can even catch live music in the outdoor amphitheater. The park also offers quick access to the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, and the Children’s Museum. It’s a perfect destination central to a thriving tourist center.
Want more to do? Hit these 5 Famous Movie Sites You Can Visit in Atlanta, Georgia.
Best Places to Stay for an Atlanta Doughnut Road Trip
With so many great Atlanta doughnut shops to explore, you’ll need a good home base. Here are some of our favorite spots to reserve.
Stone Mountain Park Campground
This campground lets you immerse yourself in nature just 15 miles outside Atlanta. It offers over 400 sites for RV or tent camping, as well as cabin and yurt rentals. Many sites are just steps away from Stone Mountain Lake.
On top of the 3,200 acres of forest and the hulking rock the park is named for, you can also visit a quarry and an old mill. The Historical and Educational Environmental Center will fill you in on the unique geology and history of the region.
Sugar Magnolia Bed and Breakfast
This restored Queen Anne Victorian home is two miles from downtown, a few blocks from the BeltLine. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring the city.
The Sugar Magnolia Bed and Breakfast focuses on ambiance with authentic decor, classic jazz and blues, and a cozy massage chair. While you may want to skip breakfast to enjoy your Atlanta doughnut trip, there’s no reason to miss the free coffee.
Hotel Clermont
The Hotel Clermont was built in 1924 and was recently saved from demolition by new investors. Its historic style brings a charming classic movie feeling to the 94-room home away from home.
The rooftop bar lets you unwind with a classic cocktail, overlooking a scenic Atlanta skyline. But with easy access to the BeltLine, downtown, or midtown, it won’t be long before you feel the urge to explore.
Plan an extended trip with this Atlanta Travel Guide 2023.
Is an Atlanta Doughnut Road Trip Worth It?
It’s true you can get doughnuts anywhere, but Atlanta is the perfect backdrop for one of America’s best breakfasts. You can enrich your vacation with music, history, and delicious comfort foods. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a unique mix of urban life and green spaces.
So start choosing your favorite flavors and plan your trip to the Georgia capital today!
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