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Each year, it seems every travel publication and their mother spin a globe and name off destinations wherever their finger lands, without any justification for their regurgitated listicle.
Here at Travel Off Path, we’re truly a team of expert globetrotters.
As such, we collectively put our heads together rather than “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” whatever sounds cool at the time.
And lucky for us (if I do say so myself ), I’m a 10-year west coast resident and hop around from the border of Mexico to the tip-top of Washington as much as possible.
Rather than highlight the usual go-tos such as San Fran, Seattle, and the bright lights of Hollywood, we’ve got real data to back up the West Coast’s top 2026 destinations, ranging from a battle of bakeries in the Cuyamaca Mountains to a cross-border surprise named one of the world’s best cities.
Without further ado, we’re proud to reveal the official Travel Off Path ‘West Coast Uncovered’ List 2026: 5 destinations you need to visit next year, before everyone else beats you to it!
5) Chula Vista: San Diego’s Outskirts Become A Resort Hotspot
Ever heard of Chula Vista? It’s okay if you haven’t — even though I love living here, most San Diegans snark at it as if there’s nothing beyond the unsightly mechanic shops along Broadway.
But the snarks have quickly shifted to smiles as even locals are “stay-cationing” here now in Chula Vista’s first-ever resort along the scenic San Diego Bay.
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opened doors last summer to mixed fanfare, but I’ve seen with my own eyes more tourists trickling into Chula Vista now that it’s a full-fledged resort town, not just an underrated foodie spot to score cheaper Carne Asada Fries and margaritas on Third Ave.
Chula Vista isn’t stopping there, though. There’s a major proposal on the table to bring a 50,000-seat stadium, 3 more hotels, and an entertainment district to completely revitalize this sleepy side of town along the calm waterfront.
Best of all, Chula Vista is only 7 miles from downtown San Diego, making for an easy hideaway from the city life yet close enough to dip back into the action.
4) Sacramento: Underrated Capital Finally Gets Its Due
Say what you want about California politics, but the city where it all goes down is breaking tourism records.
Sacramento may not be what most people picture. You know — swaying palm trees along vibrant blue water and chiseled bodyguards.
However, the state capital still has a lot to offer when it comes to unsuspecting attractions, such as Old Sacramento, where old-timey saloons and horse carriages are still commonplace.
But the real star is Sacramento’s farm-to-table food scene and easy access to some of the most world-renowned wineries in Napa Valley.
Visitors are coming for everything from the buzzing art scene and riverfront concerts to quirky neighborhoods like Midtown that blend creative energy with small-town charm.
The best part? You won’t empty your wallet like you would in L.A. or The Bay.
3) Julian: Let Your Tastebuds Strike Gold In The Battle Of Bakeries
Julian is no longer a SoCal secret — this past-time gold rush town is booming again!
Located roughly an hour east of San Diego through winding mountain roads lies a map-dot town with no stoplights, but jam-packed with goodies.
Whether it be timeless diners, cozy wineries, storied inns, my favorite Mexican restaurant in the States, line-out-the-door breweries, boutique shopping, or idyllic U-pick orchards, Julian has become more than a day trip.
But long before its hype from Travel + Leisure and us here at Travel Off Path, the town’s post-gold rush success has been its famous pies, stoking friendly debates over who has the better slice, likened to Philly’s cheesesteak rivalry.
My personal go-to is Apple Alley with fewer lines compared to most favorites, Mom’s, and Julian Pie Co.
Julian is great to visit any season. Right now, you can immerse yourself in autumn splendor, soon you’ll experience winter wonderland vibes (check road conditions), and sunny hiking beyond.
If there’s one absolute must-visit, it’s Blue Door Winery, home to the best sangria to ever grace my lips and proudly run by Julian’s unofficial mayor, Oliver.
2) Victoria: Canada’s Curveball
Which city was crowned the world’s ‘best city’ ahead of Puerto Vallarta and Florence?
None other than Victoria, usually overlooked in favor of nearby Vancouver.
Located across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Washington, Victoria is one of the West Coast’s most surprising delights to visit, though it’s best to wait ’til spring unless you prefer shivering in your skivvies for some odd reason.
While Montreal boasts undeniable French flair, on the flip side lies Victoria, which is known to be the most British city of the North through afternoon tea traditions, double-decker buses, and charming colonial architecture.
Whether flying in on Alaska Airlines or hopping aboard a scenic ferry ride, we believe you’ll instantly fall in love with perhaps Canada’s most underrated city!
1) Carlsbad: New Flights Put Unsung Beach Town On The Map
Travel + Leisure just named Carlsbad the #1 destination for 2026 — but here is where we at Travel Off Path disagree…
Sure, Carlsbad has a superb culinary scene, no matter if it’s beachside taco stands or higher-up celebrity-run ‘steakhouses of sorts’ like my favorite Ember & Rye, but to say Carlsbad is the top spot solely for food is a slap in the face to the city’s gorgeous coastline and under-hyped resorts.
So, is Carlsbad worthy of being #1? A resounding YES — but it’s not just a foodie town.
We’ve been featuring Carlsbad for the last year or so. We were the first to reveal McClellar-Palomar Airport opening to commercial flights again, now anchored by American and United (much to locals’ chagrin, with an ongoing lawsuit).
Regardless, Carlsbad is shedding its reputation as a San Diego add-on, becoming a destination unto itself with beautiful beaches, luxe resorts, Legoland for the kiddos, and one of the West Coast’s prettiest springtime attractions, the kaleidoscopic flower fields.
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Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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