California set to welcome visitors with major milestones, mega events, attractions in 2026

California is set to welcome visitors with a wave of new attractions, hotel openings and milestone celebrations, coupled with mega-events that will put the state’s iconic cities on a global stage in 2026.

Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California, said that: “California continues to redefine its already incredible offerings and experiences.”

Beteta continued: “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.”

As for what’s ahead in 2026, here are some highlights:

Route 66 Celebrates Centennial

From the deserts of San Bernardino County to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, California will celebrate its legendary stretch of Route 66, as it turns 100 in 2026. Travelers can look forward to roadside landmarks, retro-inspired motels, a new visitor center and cultural installations celebrating the Mother Road’s rich history.

Super Bowl LX returns to San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco will host Super Bowl LX in 2026, bringing one of the world’s premier sporting events back to the Bay Area. The city will celebrate with fan festivals, community activations and special events across the region.

California Gateways Host FIFA World Cup 2026 Games

California will play a major role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 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 from around the world as part of the tournament’s expanded North American format.

NASCAR San Diego Weekend

For the first time ever, NASCAR will host races on an active military base in San Diego in June. 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.

There’s a whole bunch more too, everything from the Arts to Attractions, new hotel openings to theme park news, not to mention special events.

For more, go to www.visitcalifornia.com