Daybreak Donuts

At Daybreak Donuts, every cake donut is fried when you order it, then glazed and topped while you watch. That means a warm donut at any hour the shop is open, an easy beach-week breakfast or afternoon treat.

• Surf City
• Made-to-order donuts
• Great with kids
• Grab and go

What stands out

Visitors consistently praise how hot and soft the made-to-order donuts are. Kids love choosing their own glaze and topping and watching the donuts being made, and plenty of families order two or three dozen for the rental house. There’s no seating inside and the gravel lot gets muddy in the rain, so plan on taking them to go.

What to order

• Sandy ShoreHoney glaze and cinnamon sugar, the shop’s classic.
• Bacon BombMaple glaze, bacon and cinnamon sugar.
• S’moresMarshmallow glaze, graham crackers and mini chocolate chips.
• Bongo’s Blueberry HillBlueberry glaze and powdered sugar, a visitor favorite.
• Death By ChocolateChocolate glaze, cookie crumbs, chips and sprinkles.
• Build your ownPick any glaze and topping from the board.

Photos: Daybreak Donuts

The setting

A small takeout shop on South Topsail Drive, close to the south end of Surf City. You order at the counter and can watch the donut makers at work while you wait.

Before you go

• All donuts are vanilla cake donuts; there are no gluten-free donuts.
• They’re best the same day, and the box has reheating instructions.
• Wear Daybreak gear into the shop for a free Sandy Shore donut.

Plan your visit

• Where: 303 S. Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Posted hours are 7am–3pm. Days can change with the season.
• Menu & updates: daybreakdonutsnc.com
• More nearby: coffee shops near Surf City

Staying nearby? Browse our Surf City vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on the business’s own website, menu and social posts and on recurring themes in public guest reviews; checked October 2026. Menus, hours and prices change, so confirm with the business before you go.