Sandwiched Between LA And Santa Barbara Is California's Secret Coastal City With Trendy Shops And Serene Beaches

Beach vibes, trendy seaside towns, and vibrant surf spots define California's rugged Pacific coastline, a region that attracts visitors year-round. The Central Coast, which is characterized by its picturesque vistas and charming towns, is a stretch of coastline that has a variety of hidden gems, particularly secret beach communities. Stretching from Santa Cruz County in the north to Ventura County in the south, the Central Coast is filled with unique finds, one of which is the stunning coastal city of Port Hueneme. 

Located between Santa Barbara, a historic city with incredible beaches, and LA, an iconic celebrity spotting destination, Port Hueneme offers up a slice of exclusivity and charm. While road tripping along the Central Coast, Port Hueneme makes a fantastic stop off, but it is also an idyllic destination to spend a few days relaxing and discovering what the secret seaside city has to offer. Port Hueneme is about 65 miles from LAX, where car hire is readily available, and this is highly recommended to explore this fabulous stretch of coastline, especially along the scenic Santa Barbara coast, regarded as the "American Riviera."

Port Hueneme is nothing short of a hidden gem, and this ultra-charming seaside city has many incredible surprises up its sleeve. From trendy shopping to eloquent dining, Port Hueneme is the ultimate beachside destination, where you can spend your days staying active, indulging in local cuisine, discovering local hot spots, or even taking part in some soulful beachside yoga. This undiscovered destination has it all. 

California's most iconic feature is, of course, its coastline, and Port Hueneme's stunning beach is where you will find locals and visitors gathering from dusk til dawn. The Port Hueneme Pier, which is a landmark city sight, is a popular fishing spot, but visit here during the sunset hours and you will be rewarded with some of the best views around. Hueneme Beach Park has perfect conditions for surfing, but if you would rather stay on land, you can take the opportunity to rent a bike or take a walk along the idyllic promenade, which hugs the seaside. Why not push the boat out and rent a surrey to enhance your experience?

If you have been busy adventuring along the Pacific Highway, this is a fantastic opportunity to leave your car behind and take advantage of the city's 12 miles of walking and bike trails. En route, you can stop off for a dip in the sea, grab a bite to eat at the many local eateries, or visit the city attractions such as the Port Hueneme Lighthouse and the Port Hueneme Historical Museum. 

One of the standout features of this secret coastal city is its undeniable calming vibe. In fact, the city has a long-standing tradition of being used as a stop-off point during fishing expeditions to rest and revive. Interestingly, the name "Hueneme" comes from the native Chumash language, meaning "resting place." So as you can imagine, Port Hueneme is the perfect place for a relaxing escape. 

Apart from its serene beaches, sensational vistas, and coastal activities, Port Hueneme is a haven for shopping and dining. The go-to spot is Mandalay Village Marketplace, which features restaurants, trendy shops, grocery stores, designer jewelers, and marketplace gyms. It can often get busy in the afternoon, so consider shopping there earlier or later in the day if you want to avoid crowds. 

If you're looking for some local beachside seafood, Surfside Seafood is the place to try the freshest local catch, and if you fancy catching your own, it is worth noting that California does not require a fishing license to fish off a pier. You should have no problem sourcing excellent fried fish, shrimp, and oysters. If you want something a little fruity for dessert, you can always take a trip to nearby Santa Paula, the "citrus capital of the world," just 21 miles inland. 

The best time to visit Port Hueneme is between May and September, when festival season is in full swing and you can experience the Hueneme Beach Festival in July, featuring live music and food by the beach. The quirky Port Hueneme Banana Festival in September features a banana-eating contest and a variety of banana-based delights. The beach views cannot be underestimated in Port Hueneme; that is why you should consider a hotel like Zacahari Dunes, just 4.5 miles away, which boasts unsurpassed Pacific Ocean vistas, while having all of Port Hueneme's amenities on your doorstep.