Americans want a healthy way to start the day, right? Did you know that over 10 billion donuts are sold across the U.S. each year? They are no longer just for breakfast since many shops sell specialty donuts for birthdays, team celebrations and every holiday. Almost every donut shop provides numerous styles from powdered to doughnut holes.

Doughnuts (also spelled donuts) were brought to America by the Pilgrims and Dutch settlers. With time, they have become a distinctly American treat. In fact, doughnuts were distributed to American soldiers on the front lines of World War I by female Salvation Army workers known as "Doughnut Girls." But their history goes all the way back to ancient Rome and Greece.

City Donuts in Orange Beach has been named the second-best donut shop in the United States. The honor came from USA Today’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, which recognize top food spots across the country.

The local favorite placed just behind Donald’s Donuts of Zanesville, Ohio. USA Today’s travel experts selected 20 nominees, and the public voted to choose the top 10. Winners were announced earlier this month.

City Donuts opened in 2013 and has built a strong reputation for fresh, handmade donuts, ice cream, and boba drinks. It is known for its wide selection, friendly staff, and late-night hours during tourist season.

The shop has become a must-stop for vacationers along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Many visitors say they return year after year for their favorite donuts. Locals love the quality and convenience of having the shop close to home.

Here is the full list of the top 10 winners in the USA Today’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards Best Donut Shop category:

1. Donald’s Donuts – Zanesville, Ohio
   
2. City Donuts – Orange Beach, Alabama
   
3. Back Door Donuts – Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
   
4. Round Rock Donuts – Round Rock, Texas
   
5. Duck Donuts – Multiple locations
   
6. Cardigan Donuts – Minneapolis, Minnesota
   
7. Benny’s Donuts – Corvallis, Oregon
   
8. Stan’s Donuts & Coffee – Chicago, Illinois
   
9. Amy’s Donuts – Colorado Springs, Colorado
   
10. Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts – Lynchburg, Virginia

Each shop was praised for its creativity, taste, and quality. Voters picked places that offered something unique, from secret recipes to regional flavors.

City Donuts is located at the Publix Shopping Center at 26651 Perdido Beach Boulevard, at the corner of Orange Beach Blvd. The shop is open daily, and hours may vary during the off-season.