Tallying up all his favorite things about the Golden State comes easily for Oscar Nuñez, who spent years charming audiences as accountant Oscar Martinez on The Office, a role he’s now reprising for Peacock’s The Paper. The multitalented Emmy- and SAG Award–winning actor has also had memorable turns in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Reno 911, Mr. Iglesias, and the big screen’s The Proposal.
Out of character, he won 2025’s celebrity season of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire alongside his Office costar Kate Flannery. Though their winnings were earmarked for charity, he was happy to share with us his wealth of knowledge about California’s great restaurants, walkable neighborhoods, and scenic drives.
Where do you live? I live in the Hollywood Hills off Mulholland Drive.
Why there? I loved the view from our deck; you can see the Hollywood Sign. Not bad for a kid from Jersey.
Who or what is your greatest California love? My wife and daughter were born in California. If that’s not enough, I used to drive my daughter to school along Mulholland Drive, one of the most spectacular drives in California. Strike that. One of the most spectacular drives in the country. Strike that. One of the most spectacular drives in the world. Don’t you dare strike that.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? A family trip to Laguna Beach, where we stay at a swanky resort and visit our fabulous friends!
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I’m going to a number of places. First, we’d head south to the aforementioned Laguna Beach. Then back north to Ojai, Montecito, and Santa Barbara. My sister-in-law lives in Santa Barbara. There are many family- and dog-friendly places to stay with all kinds of price ranges. In Santa Barbara we like to ride bikes along the beachside Cabrillo Blvd., from the marina to the beautiful and well appointed Santa Barbara Zoo. The downtown area known as State Street is inviting with many bars and restaurants.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Outside of Japan we have the best sushi! And outside of Mexico we have the best Mexican food. True that.
What is your favorite way to play in California? We live near the Hollywood Bowl and visit when we can. We are a family of walkers. Our favorite neighborhoods to wander are Hancock Park, Toluca Lake, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I recommend Third Street in West Hollywood, the Cross Creek Shopping Center in Malibu, Abbot Kinney in Venice, and Beverly Hills, if only to window shop.
Best California song? “Shangri-la” by Yacht. Here’s why: I was working in Toronto, and my wife and daughter were staying with me. We had an apartment across the street from the Shangri-la Hotel, one of the top luxury hotels. I was obsessed with it. I love hotels! This song [with its “If I can’t go to heaven, let me go to L.A.” chorus] came up on my playlist and I played it a lot while running around with my then 3-year-old daughter. We still play it.
How would your California dream day unfold? Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a comb across my head… Breakfast at Sweet Lily Cafe on Cahuenga Blvd. Then a road trip with my family is the best. The destination is secondary, it could be Palm Springs (we love their Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and their hikes), Disneyland, or San Diego (Hotel del Coronado, anyone?). California is hands-down one of the best states in the country.