What’s New Across California in 2026

by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Fri December 5, 2025

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 100^th 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.