Page 24 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

CITIES
BY ILONA KAUREMSZKY
FORGET THE USUAL HOTSPOTS
These Surprising California Cities Will Wow You
Think you know California? Eureka’s
historic charm, Oceanside’s surf
scene, and Ontario’s cultural mix
might just change your mind.
California, the land of sun-kissed coast-
lines and Hollywood dreams, has no
shortage of headliner destinations. But
tucked between the postcard-perfect land-
scapes are these surprising cities.
spirit alive. A visit here isn’t just a step back
in time—it’s a full immersion into Cali-
fornia’s Gilded Age charm.
EUREKA:
The Queen of Victorian Elegance
Eureka, nestled along California’s rugged
North Coast, might surprise travelers with
its astonishing architectural grandeur. This
former Gold Rush boomtown boasts one of
the largest collections of preserved Victo-
rian homes in the state, with the Carson
Mansion reigning supreme. The ginger-
bread house masterpiece, built in 1885, is
often considered the most photographed
Victorian home of its style in the country.
Wander Old Town Eureka where history
whispers from every ornate cornice, and
modern-day artisans keep the creative
OXNARD:
The Strawberry Capital by the Sea
While sun-seekers flock to nearby Malibu,
Oxnard quietly cultivates a surprising claim
to fame: it’s one of California’s largest
strawberry producers. Every spring, the city
bursts into a celebration of its juicy crown
jewel with the annual California Strawberry
Festival. Beyond berries, Oxnard is home to
one of the most stunning, underrated
stretches of coastline—Silver Strand Beach.
It’s a surfer’s paradise with a laid-back vibe,
and just offshore, Channel Islands National
Park offers an outdoor wonderland for
kayakers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Who knew the humble strawberry would
lead to such a sweet adventure?
OUR TRAVEL PASSPORT, COURTESY OF VISIT OXNARD; MICHAEL VI/SHUTTERSTOCK. OPPOSITE: GLENDA SANDBERG, COURTESY OF VISIT OXNARD; SHAWN PARKIN/VISIT OCEANSIDE; SIMONE HOGAN/SHUTTERSTOCK