Visitors coming to California in 2026 will be treated to a
wave of new attractions, hotel openings and milestone celebrations, coupled
with mega-events that place the state’s iconic cities on a global stage.
“California continues to redefine its already incredible
offerings and experiences,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit
California in a statement. “From groundbreaking new attractions and
accommodations to world-class sporting events and milestone anniversaries, 2026
is the perfect time to discover, or rediscover,
the Golden State.”
Major Events & Milestones
Route 66 Celebrates Centennial: From the
deserts of San Bernardino County to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, California
celebrates its legendary stretch of Route 66 with roadside landmarks,
retro-inspired motels, a new visitor center and cultural installations
celebrating its 100th anniversary.Super Bowl LX Returns to San Francisco Bay:
One of the world’s premier sporting events returns to the Bay Area with fan
festivals, community activations and special events across the region.California
Gateways Host FIFA World Cup 2026 Games: With 14 matches hosted in both the
San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and SoFi
Stadium in Inglewood will welcome fans as part of the tournament’s expanded
North American format.NASCAR San Diego Weekend: For the first
time in June, NASCAR will host races on an active military base in San
Diego. The three-day Father’s Day weekend event features the Craftsman
Truck Series, Xfinity Series and Cup Series, coinciding with the 250th
anniversary of the United States Navy.
Arts & Attractions
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: Slated to
open in 2026 in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
will showcase storytelling through painting, photography, film and sculpture.
The 11-acre campus includes the 5-story museum and a rolling landscape of
greenery and parkland.LEGOLAND California Resort: In early
2026, LEGO Galacticoaster becomes the theme park’s first new roller coaster in
over two decades. Universal Studios Hollywood: Debuts its
first high-speed outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,
reaching up to 72 mph and featuring a groundbreaking 360-rotation.Disneyland Resort: The 70th Celebration
continues through summer 2026 with limited-time entertainment, colorful décor,
themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise and more. SeaWorld San Diego: Reimagination of
Shark Encounter Set will open spring 2026 with an exclusive VIP Shark Tour,
giving guests an unforgettable, educational and up-close experience.DSRT Surf: Set to open summer 2026 in Palm
Desert, the resort will feature a hotel, restaurant, luxury villas and a
5.5-acre surf park. San Diego Zoo Elephant Exhibit: Opening
in early 2026, the Danny Sanford Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo invites visitors
to step into the heart of the savanna. Meow Wolf Los Angeles: Opening in 2026,
the sixth permanent art exhibition is an immersive art and entertainment
company blending storytelling and interactive installations with technology,
creating a world of art and exploration.
Entertainment Districts
West Harbor: Opening in summer 2026, West
Harbor will redefine the Los Angeles Waterfront as a 42-acre dynamic new
destination for dining, entertainment and community connection. OCVIBE: A new immersive entertainment
district in Orange County, spans over 100 acres along the river situated around
the iconic ARTIC and Honda Center with a 50,000-f00t-culinary space. ONT Field Opens for Ontario Tower Buzzers
Debut: A 190-acre sports and entertainment district now home to the Los
Angeles Dodgers’ Single-A affiliate team is slated to open in April 2026.
Noteworthy Accommodation Projects
Outbound Yosemite Resorts: A new stay
experience in the Yosemite region offering modern design and elevated amenities.The Baby Grand: Brings boutique
sophistication to Coronado with elegant seaside accommodations and refined
coastal dining.The Kali Hotel & Rooftop: Part of the
Marriott Autograph Collection in Inglewood, the hotel is conveniently located
near SoFi Stadium.The Elene: Napa Valley’s newest boutique
resort and dining destination.Hard Rock Casino Tejon: Opened as the
first full-scale casino and entertainment resort in Kern County.Under Canvas Yosemite: Offers an upscale
glamping experience with safari-style tents nestled in nature.Limelight Hotel Mammoth: Debuted in 2025
bringing Aspen Hospitality’s contemporary mountain style and vibrant après-ski
energy.Hotel Solea: Autograph Collection by
Marriott hotel sits minutes away from LEGOLAND.Six Senses Napa Valley: Blending
wellness, luxury, and vineyard charm.Rosewood San Francisco: Situated in the
burgeoning Transbay District with access to iconic landmarks.Appellation Petaluma: A wine country
hotel in the heart of downtown Petaluma.Pan Am Hotel by Hilton: Offers
airline-themed accommodations at the Citadel Outlets in Commerce.The Oasis RV Resort: Features 50 designed
sites with full hook-ups.Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa
Barbara: Reopens in 2026 following an extensive restoration.Iconic Hotels The Beverly Hilton, Beverly
Wilshire, and L’Ermitage Beverly Hills are undergoing major renovations to
debut refreshed luxury experiences in 2026.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
