Take a Donut Tour of South Walton

In South Walton, we’re all about life’s simple pleasures — whether it’s a stroll down Scenic Highway 30A with your dog or indulging in a favorite childhood treat like donuts!

No matter where you are in South Walton, fresh donuts are only a short walk or drive away. Our beach neighborhoods celebrate the glazed goodness of these sweet treats, which make for the perfect beach vacation breakfast or snack. Take an east-to-west donut tour of South Walton and get your fill of fried, frosted and sprinkled treats next time you’re in town.

The Donut Hole

A longstanding South Walton establishment, The Donut Hole has been a go-to breakfast spot for locals and visitors for decades. The original Donut Hole opened in Destin in 1978 and expanded to South Walton’s Santa Rosa Beach in 1989. Just a few years ago, The Donut Hole opened its third location in Inlet Beach, making it the perfect South Walton stop for visitors driving in from the east along Highway 98.

Owned and operated by the Chandler family from its opening until today, The Donut Hole is a family-friendly spot serving hearty omelets, sandwiches, burgers and dinner favorites in addition to its delicious donuts. Stop by for a casual sit-down meal or drop in to pick up a dozen of your favorite treats.

Charlie's Delights

Owned by Charlie Mingus, a part-time South Walton resident and former Army helicopter pilot, Charlie’s Delights in Alys Beach serves donuts that are made fresh by hand daily. Charlie and his business partner, John, have worked together for more than a decade to recreate the delicious German-style donuts John learned to make while stationed with the Army in Germany during the 1990s.

Charlie and John operate a small donut dynasty throughout the Gulf South — in addition to Charlie’s Donuts, the two oversee other donut shops in nearby Bonifay, Florida; Daleville, Alabama; and Ft. Rucker, Florida. Stop by to sample Charlie’s Donuts at the shop’s Alys Beach and Seacrest locations. Be sure to arrive early in order to snatch your dozen before they sell out!

*Charlie's Donuts are also available at Blue Mountain Beach Creamery and Sunrise Coffee Co. in Gulf Place. 

Dough Sea Dough Donuts

Using a 77-year-old recipe, the donut pros at Dough Sea Dough Donuts (formerly The Donut Hut) make from-scratch donuts daily for loyal fans. Although the maple-bacon donut is a bestseller, the Seagrove establishment’s key lime donut is a must-try treat for those visiting the area.

Boasting the largest selection of donuts along Scenic Highway 30A, this family-owned-and-operated shop offers more than 20 different types of donuts in addition to Amavida coffee and a small selection of baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.

Parlor Doughnuts

With a handful of locations from Southern California to South Carolina, Parlor Doughnuts in Miramar Beach takes great care in focusing on the craft of these tasty treats. Their artisanal donuts are layered, flaky and sweet, made fresh all day. For the perfect complement, they offer incredible coffee creations made by experienced baristas. And as an alternative (or addition), options such as breakfast sandwiches and bowls are also available.

But it's really all about the donuts here. The innovative menu of more than 20 flavors includes gluten-free and vegan versions, even a keto doughnut. And it's not just the humans who leave happy – they offer all-natural, grain-free dog donuts, too!

No matter what type of donut you're craving, you'll certainly find it in South Walton. These scrumptious sweet treats are the perfect grab-and-go option for a quick, but tasty breakfast, or just an afternoon snack. 

Check out our donut trail map below for a little inspiration on your next visit to South Walton.

Hungry for more? Explore all of South Walton's culinary experiences here.