One of our favorite parts of road trips are the unexpected stops along the way: the why-is-no-one-talking-about-this restaurants, the small-town main street boutiques, the wineries, breweries, and coffee shops that you won’t stop raving about post-trip. There’s just something about pulling over to check out a new spot in a beautiful but unfamiliar destination.
With your recommendations from Instagram, Cabana team members’ personal favorite stops, and a few highlights from Cabana Concierge, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite small businesses for you to support on your next road trip.
With countless road trip routes and destinations, our list could go on forever (and with Cabana Concierge, our trip planners can get you a personalized list of must-visit shops and restaurants for wherever your travels are taking you). If you have a spot you love, DM us on Instagram (@cabanavans) or Facebook, and it might be included in our next round up!
WASHINGTON
Seattle Biscuit Company (Seattle)
We’re kicking off our list with our home-city of Seattle. The majority of our team calls the Emerald City home, so selecting just one restaurant to highlight was a challenge. If you want more Seattle recommendations, let us know! Our team is always looking for an excuse to rave about our favorite spots.
This breakfast spot in Ballard is perfect for a slow weekend morning or to fuel up before a long day on the road. The service is friendly and the biscuits are flaky, making this a favorite for a few Cabana team members.
Yonder Cider (Seattle)
The Cabana team has enjoyed exploring Ballard’s busy brewery scene, but we’ve recently been buzzing about the newly opened Yonder Cider taproom.
Their apples come from Washington’s Wenatchee Valley, and their aesthetically pleasing cans can be purchased online and shipped to 40 states. If you’re in Washington, find Yonder near you, and if you’re dropping off your Cabana in Ballard, reminisce on your trip over a cider or beer –– their taproom is in combination with Bale Breaker Brewing.
La Conner Brewing (La Conner)
If your road trip route takes you north, finish off your first hiking day with a beer flight in La Conner. Their seasonal and rotating beer list means you’ll never tire of visiting. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, no worries –– the dining options are varied and delicious. Pick from wood-fired pizza, burgers (including a salmon burger), and a few other favorites.
La Conner is perfectly positioned to be the end to a great day trip up Whidbey Island, or as a first night’s stop before a ferry to the San Juans.
Madrona Blossom (Coupeville)
Sneak in a little shopping on the main street of Coupeville. This Whidbey Island town is great for whale watching and kayaking, but the quaint shops are worth wandering through.
Madrona Blossom has PNW-inspired candles, local products, and seasonal decor that will inspire. The positivity and helpfulness of the staff makes it easy to scratch the shopping itch and pick up those items you’ve had in the back of your mind for a bit.
Treat Cookies (Burien)
You don’t have to head far out of Seattle to hit our first road trip essential: cookies. This mother-daughter owned bakery is a favorite for a few of our team members. Start any travel south of Seattle with something sweet, and your trip is sure to be a success.
The bakery offers vegan and gluten-free options, as well as some seasonal specials like the “Cindy Lou.” Our Head of Product, Levi, recommends the classic “Madison” cookie.
The Surf Shop (Westport)
If you’re looking to surf in WA, you’re probably headed to Westport. Visit the Surf Shop to rent a board and all the gear necessary to make your day on the waves work. This is a personal recommendation from Jackson, one of Cabana’s professional trip planners. When he says these guys are the best, you can trust it.
Four Lakes Winery (Chelan)
Head east out of Seattle and you’ll soon find yourself in Washington wine country. Chelan is one of our favorite viticultural areas to visit, and the family owned and operated Four Lakes Winery is a favorite among Cabana guests.
What do we love most about Four Lakes? You can wine taste to your heart’s content, then actually spend the night on the grounds. Park your Cabana right at the winery and enjoy the views of the valley and serene lakes all day and night.
OREGON
Pelican Brewing Company (Cannon Beach)
Cannon Beach is a perfect first stop along the Oregon Coast, and is there anything better after a beach day than a cold beer? Pelican Brewing has three locations along the coast (Cannon Beach, Tillamook, and their original location in Pacific City).
All three locations provide an excellent ambiance for sipping these Oregon-made brews. On a sunny day, the patio at the Cannon Beach location is the perfect spot. After a taste of their on-tap beers, pick up a pack to take back to your beach campsite.
Green Salmon Coffee Company (Yachats)
Cute coffee shops are a road trip essential for many of us, and when you find a spot that truly stands out, you just have to talk about it. Green Salmon came guest-recommended (thanks Kristie!) and we can’t wait to try it ourselves.
The unique latte art and extensive menu are selling points, but their focus on fair trade coffee is the most compelling. Their tea selection is worth writing home about, too.
P.S. We’re always looking for coffee recommendations! If you have a spot you love in your hometown or come across one on a Cabana trip, send it our way with an Instagram DM or an email to concierge@cabana.life.
Fishermen’s Seafood Market (Coos Bay)
We can’t continue down the coast without mentioning a seafood spot, and this floating restaurant in Coos Bay was a stand out on our Business Operation Manager, Kia’s first Cabana trip. They only serve fresh, local catch. Time it right and you’ll be able to watch the fishermen catch your next meal right in front of you!
Puffin Drinkwear (Bend)
This might not exactly be a road trip destination, but we won’t pass through Oregon small businesses without mentioning this adorable "drinkwear" brand based in Bend. Get a life jacket for your beer can or a sleeping bag for your wine bottle and become the coolest person at your campsite.
This recommendation was brought to us by a pupstagram, so shout out to Olive and her human! We hope dog bowl puffins aren’t too far off.
NORTH & CENTRAL CA
Point Reyes Vineyards (Point Reyes)
Along the Northern California coast, grab fresh oysters and shuck ‘em yourself at this stunning vineyard. Pair with sparkling rose and the exceptional Highway 1 views.
Andytown Coffee (San Francisco)
This coffee roaster in SF’s Sunset District is a favorite for Cabana’s Head of Marketing, Emma. The long line every weekend pretty much speaks for itself. Grab a coffee to go then walk along the Great Highway for the ideal slow and scenic morning.
Arcangeli Grocery Co (Pescadero)
As you head down Highway 1, you won’t want to miss Arcangeli. People line the street for fresh baked artichoke bread, and after one bite you’ll see why. Grab a loaf and eat it by the ocean. (If you’re sensing a grab food and eat it by the ocean theme in these last three, you’re getting a sense for our Head of Marketing’s favorite activity.)
Thomas Hill Organics (Paso Robles)
This Paso Robles restaurant is far from a local secret, but it’s definitely popular for a reason. After a day of wine tasting in Paso, head here for a nice (dog-friendly!) dinner. The local ingredients make it easy to feel immersed in the Paso Robles atmosphere.
Scout Coffee (San Luis Obispo)
Warning: The house made pastries at this coffee shop in San Luis Obispo are hard to resist. The bright atmosphere and friendly service will make your morning a little nicer, even before you’ve sipped your craft roasted coffee.
With their selection of kitchen essentials and home goods for sale, you might want to save room in your suitcase if you’re stopping at Scout.
Gus’s Fresh Jerky (Olancha)
Just south of Lone Pine near Alabama Hills, you’ll find this jerky shop covered in stickers. It’s one of those spots where you might think “This is either going to be really good or really bad.” Trust us: It’s really good.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Bettina Pizzeria (Santa Barbara)
Stop by this cozy pizza spot during your road trip for that home away from home feeling. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll never tire of this simple pizza place.
When our Head of Talent & People, Natalia, described this as the best pizza she’s had on the West Coast, we added it to our list immediately. If you stop by, let us know if she’s right.
Malibu Seafood (Malibu)
We need one more coastal seafood spot for good measure. There’s no shortage of delicious dining options in Malibu, but this seaside cafe is one worth mentioning.
Malibu Seafood comes recommended by our LA-based Concierge, Emma H. If you’re picking up your Cabana in Los Angeles, stop here for lunch on your way out of town.
Stella Jean’s Ice Cream (Newport)
If we’re going to the beach in SoCal, it’s most likely ice cream weather. Stella Jean’s has a location in Newport Beach and one in San Diego. Although ice cream options abound, the fun featured flavors makes this small business an easy one to support.
Kasa Carniceria y Taqueria (Joshua Tree)
When you’re exploring the desert, you might find yourself craving tacos. This hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant is a standout in the area. It’s actually a grocery store with a taqueria in the back, and their authentic Mexican food is a must on a SoCal road trip.
Pigment (San Diego)
If you’re spending a day shopping, dining, and urban exploring in San Diego, don't miss Liberty Station. This plaza is filled with brunch spots, boutiques, and bars.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts or in the mood to treat yourself, Pigment is one of our favorite spots to splurge. Some items, like their plethora of plants or kitchenware, may be difficult to travel with, but if you’re looking for something nice to surprise a loved one, the accessories and self love section are full of great gifts.
The Naked Cafe (San Diego)
If you get to the point in your road trip where you realize you’ve been living a little too much off of granola bars and could use something fresh, head here for breakfast or lunch. This small cafe chain has four SoCal locations and serves items like fresh juice, fruit-filled pancakes, and protein-packed grain bowls.
Cabana Tip: The Del Mar location is just a mile from the dog beach, and yes, they do have an entire menu for your pup (puppuccinos, plates of bacon, and more).
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to weigh in on our next crowd-sourced list of can’t-miss spots!
