There’s something about the first hint of fall in the Bay Area that brings a craving for cozy moments and simple pleasures. For me, it’s the warmth of a freshly made apple cider donut—the perfect bite of autumn. Whether it’s after a slow wander through an orchard or a spontaneous stop at a farmers’ market, these donuts embody the essence of the season.
From local farms to pop-up stalls at farmers’ markets, the Northern California has some of the best spots to indulge in these autumn delights. In this guide, we’ll uncover the top places to find the freshest apple cider donuts, so you can get your fix while the season is in full swing. Let’s dive into where to track down the tastiest fall treats around town.
What Makes a Great Apple Cider Donut?
As someone who grew up in the Midwest, let me tell you—we don’t mess around when it comes to apple cider donuts. It’s all about the balance. The perfect donut has to be soft and fluffy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside. But the real magic? It’s in the flavor. That warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, with just a hint of tang from fresh apple cider, makes each bite taste like fall.
The cider is usually boiled down to concentrate the flavor, which gives the donut that rich, autumn essence we all crave this time of year. And let’s not forget the sugar coating—it’s got to be generous, leaving a sweet, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the warm, spiced dough. There’s nothing better than biting into a freshly fried apple cider donut, especially when it’s still warm. Whether you’re enjoying one at the orchard or grabbing a dozen to take home, it’s the ultimate taste of the season.
Top Places for Apple Cider Donuts in the Bay Area
Fall in Northern California brings cozy mornings, crisp apples, and the hunt for the perfect apple cider donut. From charming orchards to hidden farm stands, here are the top places where you can savor these fall favorites.
Delfino Farms – Apple Hill, Placerville
Whenever I’m in Apple Hill, stopping by Delfino Farms is a no-brainer, especially for the apple cider donuts at Joan’s Apple Bakery. They make them fresh every day, and the balance between that crisp exterior and fluffy inside is hard to beat. They’re usually still warm, and there’s something so comforting about eating one while wandering around the farm. After you’ve indulged, you can pick some apples or head over to their tasting room for a glass of their hard cider—it’s the perfect way to round out a autumn day.
- Insider Tip: Arrive early if you’re visiting on a weekend—the bakery opens at 8 AM and donuts can sell out by mid-morning. For the best experience, head up the hill for a view of the Sierra foothills while you enjoy your treats. Their hard cider is also a hidden gem, perfect for taking home!
- Website: Delfino Farms
Gizdich Ranch – Watsonville
Tucked away in the apple orchards of Watsonville, Gizdich Ranch is well-known for its U-pick apples and fresh pies, but let me tell you, their apple cider donuts are the real hidden gem. Made fresh every morning, they’re perfectly coated in sugar and are the best way to kick off a day of apple picking. I usually grab one (okay, maybe more) and pair it with their fresh-pressed apple cider—it’s basically fall in a cup.
- Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday if you can—weekends get busy, and donuts can sell out by noon. For the freshest donuts, aim to get there around 9 AM when the ranch opens. Afterward, take your cider and donuts over to their picnic area for a relaxing brunch surrounded by the orchards.
- Website: Gizdich Ranch
Rainbow Orchards – Camino
If you’re visiting Apple Hill, Rainbow Orchards is a staple for their famous apple cider donuts. Served hot from the fryer, these sugar-dusted delights are made throughout the day, ensuring you’re getting them fresh. Their farm stand also features apple cider by the jug, along with other seasonal treats like caramel apples.
- Insider Tip: To skip the lines, try visiting late morning (around 10:30 AM) on weekdays when fresh batches are made without the crowds. For a full fall day, head out to their pumpkin patch right after grabbing your donuts. The farm’s hidden gem is their apple butter — perfect to take home as a souvenir.
- Website: Rainbow Orchards
Bernal Bakery – San Francisco
If you’re in the city, Bernal Bakery in Bernal Heights is a gem. Their apple cider donuts are small-batch and only available for a very limited time each fall, but trust me, they’re worth setting your alarm for. These donuts sell out fast, so you’ve got to get there early. I like to pair mine with their chai latte — the perfect way to kick off a cozy weekend.
- Insider Tip: Grab your donut and take it up to Bernal Heights Park for a breakfast with one of the best views in the city.
- Website: Bernal Bakery
Clearview Orchards – Santa Cruz Mountains
For a peaceful escape, Clearview Orchards is tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and it’s the perfect spot to slow down. Their apple cider donuts are made seasonally with fresh organic apples from the orchard, and they’re the perfect excuse to take a break after apple picking. It’s such a great spot for families—relaxed, quiet, and far from the crowds.
- Insider Tip: Call ahead to make sure they have donuts available as they’re a seasonal treat. Early October is the best time to visit when both apples and donuts are at their peak. Their organic apple juice is another local favorite, perfect for a fall picnic.
- Website: Clearview Orchards
Swanton Pacific Ranch – Davenport
For a coastal spin on the classic fall apple-picking experience, Swanton Pacific Ranch near Davenport is hard to beat. They blend sustainable farming with stunning ocean views, and if you time it right, you can grab one of their fresh apple cider donuts during their fall events. There’s something special about biting into a warm, spiced donut with the cool coastal air around you—it’s an autumn experience you won’t forget.
- Insider Tip: Plan your visit around their fall harvest events—donuts are often available then, but not always on a regular basis. The ranch’s focus on sustainability means their events fill up fast, so booking early is key. After grabbing your donuts, take a short walk down to China Ladder Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the ocean.
- Website: Swanton Pacific Ranch
The Red Apple – Murphys
Every time I’m driving through the Sierra Foothills, I make it a point to stop at The Red Apple. It’s one of those classic roadside gems where the apple cider donuts are made fresh daily, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and best enjoyed with a cup of their fresh-pressed cider. Honestly, it’s the kind of spot that makes any fall road trip feel complet
- Insider Tip: While you’re there, try their cider slushies—it’s a refreshing surprise on a sunny fall day!
- Website: The Red Apple
Johnny Doughnuts – Pac Heights, San Rafael, Marin County Mart, and Santa Rosa
I’m counting down to early October, because that’s when Johnny Doughnuts starts selling their seasonal Apple Cider Doughnut, and it’s honestly one of the best fall treats around. They make it with North Coast Organic Apple Cider, and you can taste the real apple flavor in every bite—rolled in warm fall spices, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season. Their apple cider doughnuts will be available daily from all locations once they launch in October, and trust me, you’ll want to get one while they last!
- Insider Tip: Don’t leave without trying their other seasonal specials — the Brown Butter Pumpkin or Apple Bismark are perfect fall treats that pair beautifully with their house coffee.
- Website: Johnny Doughnuts
Other Fall Treats You Shouldn’t Miss
Whenever I’m out hunting for apple cider donuts, I always end up leaving with a few extra fall treats. Here are some of my favorites that you’ll want to check out too:
- Caramel Apples: There’s nothing like biting into a caramel apple to bring back those childhood memories. At Delfino Farms and Rainbow Orchards, they take it up a notch by adding toppings like nuts or chocolate. I always end up grabbing one to snack on while wandering through the orchard—it just feels right.
- Pumpkin Pies and Baked Goods: If pie is your thing, you can’t miss the freshly baked pumpkin pies at Gizdich Ranch and Swanton Pacific Ranch. And if I’m being honest, I never leave without an apple pie too. There’s nothing better than slicing into one of their pies while it’s still warm.
- Apple Butter + Jams: I can’t visit places like Clearview Orchards without stocking up on their apple butter and jams. They’re perfect for spreading on toast or sneaking a spoonful right from the jar—breakfast definitely feels cozier with these around.
- Fresh Apple Cider: I always grab a jug of fresh-pressed apple cider before heading home. Both Gizdich Ranch and Rainbow Orchards press theirs on-site, and heating it up with a cinnamon stick makes for the coziest night in.
- Pumpkin Bread: I have a hard time saying no to pumpkin bread, and both Swanton Pacific Ranch and Delfino Farms make it impossible to leave without grabbing a loaf. It’s the perfect fall snack to enjoy with tea after a day of exploring.
There’s no better way to celebrate fall than with these apple cider donuts. So grab a box, share them with friends (or don’t), and enjoy the season, one bite at a time!
