Travel Off Path’s ‘West Coast Uncovered’ List: Top Destinations For 2026

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Each 12 months, it appears each journey publication and their mom spin a globe and title off locations wherever their finger lands, with none justification for his or her regurgitated listicle.

Here at Travel Off Path, we’re actually a crew of knowledgeable globetrotters.

As such, we collectively put our heads collectively quite than “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” no matter sounds cool on the time.

And fortunate for us (if I do say so myself 😏), I’m a 10-year west coast resident and hop round from the border of Mexico to the tip-top of Washington as a lot as potential.

Rather than spotlight the same old go-tos akin to San Fran, Seattle, and the intense lights of Hollywood, we have actual knowledge to again up the West Coast’s prime 2026 locations, starting from a battle of bakeries within the Cuyamaca Mountains to a cross-border shock named one of many world’s greatest cities.

Without additional ado, we’re proud to disclose the official Travel Off Path ‘West Coast Uncovered’ List 2026: 5 locations it is advisable to go to subsequent 12 months, earlier than everybody 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 have not — despite the fact that I like residing right here, most San Diegans snark at it as if there’s nothing past the ugly mechanic outlets alongside Broadway.

But the snarks have rapidly shifted to smiles as even locals are “stay-cationing” right here now in Chula Vista’s first-ever resort alongside the scenic San Diego Bay.

Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opened doorways final summer time to combined fanfare, however I’ve seen with my very own eyes extra vacationers trickling into Chula Vista now that it is a full-fledged resort city, not simply an underrated foodie spot to attain cheaper Carne Asada Fries and margaritas on Third Ave.

Chula Vista is not stopping there, although. There’s a serious proposal on the desk to deliver a 50,000-seat stadium, 3 extra accommodations, and an leisure district to utterly revitalize this sleepy aspect of city alongside the calm waterfront.

Best of all, Chula Vista is solely 7 miles from downtown San Diego, making for a straightforward hideaway from town life but shut sufficient to dip again into the motion.

4) Sacramento: Underrated Capital Finally Gets Its Due

Say what you need about California politics, however the metropolis the place all of it goes down is breaking tourism records.

Sacramento is probably not what most individuals image. You know — swaying palm bushes alongside vibrant blue water and chiseled bodyguards.

However, the state capital nonetheless has lots to supply in terms of unsuspecting points of interest, akin to Old Sacramento, the place old-timey saloons and horse carriages are nonetheless commonplace.

But the true star is Sacramento’s farm-to-table meals scene and quick access to among the most world-renowned wineries in Napa Valley.

Visitors are coming for the whole lot from the buzzing artwork scene and riverfront concert events to quirky neighborhoods like Midtown that mix artistic vitality with small-town allure.

The better part? You will not empty your pockets such as you would in L.A. or The Bay.

3) Julian: Let Your Tastebuds Strike Gold In The Battle Of Bakeries

Julian is not a SoCal secret — this past-time gold rush city is booming again!

Located roughly an hour east of San Diego by means of winding mountain roads lies a map-dot city with no stoplights, however jam-packed with goodies.

Whether it’s timeless diners, cozy wineries, storied inns, my favorite Mexican restaurant within the States, line-out-the-door breweries, boutique procuring, or idyllic U-pick orchards, Julian has change into greater than a day journey.

But lengthy earlier than its hype from Travel + Leisure and us here at Travel Off Path, the city’s post-gold rush success has been its well-known pies, stoking pleasant debates over who has the higher slice, likened to Philly’s cheesesteak rivalry.

My private go-to is Apple Alley with fewer strains in comparison with most favorites, Mom’s, and Julian Pie Co.

Julian is nice to go to any season. Right now, you’ll be able to immerse your self in autumn splendor, quickly you will expertise winter wonderland vibes (examine road conditions), and sunny mountain climbing past.

If there’s one absolute must-visit, it is Blue Door Winery, house to the perfect sangria to ever grace my lips and proudly run by Julian’s unofficial mayor, Oliver. 🐶

2) Victoria: Canada’s Curveball

Which metropolis was crowned the world’s ‘greatest metropolis’ forward of Puerto Vallarta and Florence?

None apart from Victoria, often ignored in favor of close by Vancouver.

Located throughout the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Washington, Victoria is likely one of the West Coast’s most stunning delights to go to, although it is best to attend ’til spring except you like shivering in your skivvies for some odd purpose.

While Montreal boasts simple French aptitude, on the flip aspect lies Victoria, which is understood to be probably the most British metropolis of the North by means of afternoon tea traditions, double-decker buses, and charming colonial structure.

Whether flying in on Alaska Airlines or hopping aboard a scenic ferry ride, we consider you will immediately fall in love with maybe Canada’s most underrated metropolis!

1) Carlsbad: New Flights Put Unsung Beach Town On The Map

Travel + Leisure simply named Carlsbad the #1 vacation spot for 2026 — however right here is the place we at Travel Off Path disagree…

Sure, Carlsbad has an excellent culinary scene, regardless of if it is beachside taco stands or higher-up celebrity-run ‘steakhouses of types’ like my favourite Ember & Rye, however to say Carlsbad is the highest spot solely for meals is a slap within the face to town’s beautiful shoreline and under-hyped resorts.

So, is Carlsbad worthy of being #1? A convincing YES — but it surely’s not only a foodie city.

We’ve been that includes Carlsbad for the final 12 months or so. We have been the primary to disclose McClellar-Palomar Airport opening to industrial flights once more, now anchored by American and United (a lot to locals’ chagrin, with an ongoing lawsuit).

Regardless, Carlsbad is shedding its repute as a San Diego add-on, changing into a vacation spot unto itself with lovely seashores, luxe resorts, Legoland for the kiddos, and one of many West Coast’s prettiest springtime points of interest, the kaleidoscopic flower fields.