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CITIES
Forget the Usual Hotspots
These surprising California cities will wow you
by Ilona Kauremszky
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 coastlines and Hollywood dreams, has no shortage of headliner destinations. But tucked between the postcard-perfect landscapes are these surprising cities.
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 Victorian homes in the state, with the Carson Mansion reigning supreme. The gingerbread 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 spirit alive. A visit here isn’t just a step back in time—it’s a full immersion into California’s Gilded Age charm.
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 leads to such a sweet adventure?
Pacific Grove: The Butterfly Kingdom
Perched on the picturesque Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove enchants visitors with its storybook charm. But did you know it’s also known as “Butterfly Town, USA?” Each fall, thousands of monarch butterflies descend upon this compact coastal hub, transforming the Monarch Grove Sanctuary into a fluttering sea of orange and black. Stroll along the scenic Asilomar State Beach, breathe in the salty ocean air, and marvel at Victorian cottages that seem to have sprung from the pages of a fairytale. It’s a place where nature and nostalgia converge in the most unexpected way.
Palm Desert: The Oasis of Mid-century Marvels
Palm Desert isn’t just a sun-soaked golf retreat—it’s a mecca of mid-century modern design. While neighboring Palm Springs often steals the spotlight, Palm Desert harbors its own treasure trove of sleek, retro architecture. The El Paseo Shopping District, often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” offers an elegant blend of boutique shopping and open-air art installations. And here’s a surprising twist: Palm Desert boasts a certified Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where giraffes roam against a backdrop of cactus-lined trails. This oasis proves the desert is anything but barren—it’s brimming with life, style and uninterrupted sunshine.
Ontario: The Logistics Powerhouse with a Cultural Heart
Thanks to its international airport and massive distribution centers, Ontario may be known as a hub for cargo and commerce, but it has a surprising cultural pulse that beats loud and proud. The Ontario Museum of History & Art unveils the city’s rich past, while the Graber Olive House, claims to be the oldest operating olive packer in the country, offering a delicious dive into this culinary tradition. Did you know Ontario has one of the largest convention centers in the state? This inland city proves that logistics and leisure can coexist in unexpected harmony.
Oceanside: The Surf Town with a Hollywood Legacy
Oceanside’s laid-back vibe and unending waves make it a classic surf town, but here’s something unexpected—it has deep Hollywood ties. This coastal retreat served as one of the filming locations for the hit action movie Top Gun. See the Top Gun House now meticulously restored and operating as the High-Pie bakery. Stroll along the historic wooden Oceanside Pier, catch a sunset over the Pacific, or explore the California Surf Museum, where legends of the sport come to life. Oceanside may be easygoing, but its history, pop culture significance, and surf scene pack a powerful punch.
