California is set to usher in 2026 with an extraordinary lineup of new attractions, major hotel openings, and milestone celebrations—alongside world-class sporting events that will place the Golden State in the global spotlight.
“California continues to redefine its already incredible offerings and experiences,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “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 Centennial
California will celebrate 100 years of historic Route 66 in 2026, with roadside landmarks, retro-style motels, a new visitor center, and cultural installations marking the centennial from San Bernardino County to the Santa Monica Pier.
Super Bowl LX Returns to the San Francisco Bay Area
In 2026, San Francisco will host Super Bowl LX, accompanied by citywide fan festivals, community events, and celebrations across the region.
California Hosts FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches
The state will welcome 14 World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, showcasing California to a global audience.
NASCAR San Diego Weekend
For the first time in history, NASCAR will host races on an active military base in San Diego during Father’s Day weekend, marking the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary.
Arts & Attractions
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Opening in 2026 in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, the museum will highlight narrative storytelling across visual media on its 11-acre campus.
LEGOLAND® California Launches Galacticoaster
Debuting early 2026, the new indoor space-themed roller coaster will feature nearly 1,500 feet of track and customizable ride vehicles.
Universal Studios Hollywood — Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
In 2026, the park will unveil its first high-speed outdoor roller coaster, reaching up to 72 mph with a unique 360-degree rotation.
Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration
The celebration continues through summer 2026 with limited-time entertainment, décor, and themed culinary offerings.
SeaWorld San Diego Reimagines Shark Encounter
Opening spring 2026, the newly designed exhibit will offer immersive multimedia experiences and a VIP Shark Tour.
DSRT Surf
Palm Desert will welcome the DSRT Surf resort in summer 2026, offering a surf park, hotel, villas, and sustainability-focused programs.
San Diego Zoo — Danny Sanford Elephant Valley
Opening early 2026, the exhibit invites guests into a recreated savanna habitat featuring over 350 native plants.
Meow Wolf Los Angeles
The immersive art collective will debut its sixth permanent exhibition in 2026.
Entertainment Districts
West Harbor — Los Angeles Waterfront
Opening summer 2026, the 42-acre waterfront destination will feature dining, recreation, retail, and a 6,200-seat amphitheater, plus direct access to Harbor Breeze Cruises.
OCVIBE — Orange County
The first phase launches in 2026 with a 50,000-square-foot Market Hall, office spaces, a 5,700-seat Concert Hall, and an expansive Urban Park.
ONT Field in Ontario
Opening April 2026, ONT Field will become home to the Ontario Tower Buzzers, the new Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Noteworthy New Accommodations
California will continue its rapid hospitality expansion into 2026, following more than 46 hotel openings in 2025 alone.
Key 2026 openings and enhancements include:
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Outbound Yosemite Resorts – modern stays near Yosemite
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The Baby Grand (Coronado) – boutique seaside luxury
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The Kali Hotel & Rooftop (Inglewood) – Autograph Collection near SoFi Stadium
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The Elene (Napa Valley) – boutique resort and dining destination
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Hard Rock Casino Tejon (Kern County) – newly opened full-scale entertainment resort
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Under Canvas Yosemite – upscale glamping with safari-style tents
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Limelight Hotel Mammoth – contemporary mountain retreat
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Hotel Solea, Autograph Collection – near LEGOLAND
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Six Senses Napa Valley – wellness-driven luxury resort
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Rosewood San Francisco – luxury tower in the Transbay District
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Appellation Petaluma – wine country hotel
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Pan Am Hotel by Hilton – aviation-themed stay in Commerce
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The Oasis RV Resort – premium RV accommodations
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Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara – reopening after extensive restoration
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Renovations across Beverly Hills – refreshed offerings at The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Wilshire, and L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
