California Invites Visitors to Explore Major New Attractions and Openings in 2025
The Voice of Chandigarh News| Travel Trade Reporter
California welcomes travelers to visit in 2025 and discover everything the Ultimate Playground has to offer, from new luxury accommodations and exciting theme park attractions to enriching cultural offerings and anniversary celebrations.
“The diversity and abundance of new openings across California in 2025 reinforces the state’s position as the Ultimate Playground,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “With so many new offerings to explore and anniversaries to celebrate, now is the perfect time to plan a trip to California.”
MUSEUM OPENINGS AND EXPANSIONS
Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center slated to open in 2025
The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will allow the tribe to share its rich cultural heritage with the public. Elements of Chumash culture will surround visitors as they progress through the museum, beginning at the Welcome Gallery. The permanent exhibit gallery is where the tribe’s message will be told, and a classroom is available for kid-friendly learning and exploration. Other spaces include a gathering house amphitheater and lush gardens to help visitors learn about the sustainability and balance that have played important roles in Chumash culture.
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center to open in 2025
“The Joan,” is a world-class theater and arts center opening at San Diego’s Arts District Liberty Station in late summer. Building 178 Performing Arts Center will include two state-of-the-art theater spaces with spacious, ADA accessible seating, a rehearsal space, open air lobby, two elegant bars, three landscaped patios, and more.
Counterculture Museum opening in spring 2025
Opening in San Francisco at the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets, the Counterculture Museum will examine the history, challenges and lasting impact of major cultural movements. This new museum was created by the founders and management of The Beat Museum, building upon a legacy of celebrating movements that have reshaped our world.
THRILLING THEME PARK UPDATES AND MILESTONES
“Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” coming to SeaWorld San Diego
The first of its kind for SeaWorld parks, the Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience will be the newest immersive and interactive aquarium at SeaWorld San Diego. In spring 2025, guests will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes in three unique galleries as if diving into the heart of the ocean. Each of the galleries will feature a jelly species to discover including Moon Jellyfish, Pacific Sea Nettles, Upside-Down Jellyfish and Comb Jellies.
Disneyland Resort commemorates 70th anniversary
Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration will take place May 16, 2025 through summer 2026. Highlights include the return of the fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park, plus the all-new “World of Color Happiness!” and return of “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade at Disney California Adventure Park.
LEGOLAND California’s Driving School Reopening
LEGOLAND® California’s Driving School attractions will reopen in a brand-new location in 2025. For 25 years, kids have burned rubber, stopped at red lights and earned their driver’s licenses at both Driving School and Junior Driving School. When it reopens, the attraction will feature new interactive features and elements, ensuring a memorable and unique experience.
Historic Belmont Park Celebrates 100 years in 2025
In 2025, San Diego’s iconic beachfront amusement park, Belmont Park, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. The birthday festivities will take place all year long and celebrate the park’s rich history as one of Southern California’s most beloved and notable attractions.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park turns 25 in 2025
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, a beloved agricultural-themed park, will begin celebrating its 25th anniversary in spring 2025, followed by a new Cherry Jubilee event in the summer.
Children’s Fairyland Celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2025
Located on the shores of Oakland’s Lake Merritt, Children’s Fairyland celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025. The whimsical 10-acre theme park invites children to create, imagine, play and learn with its nearly 60 storybook sets, kid-size rides, friendly animals, and ten acres of gardens. In celebration of the anniversary, new exhibits are planned to reflect and highlight the vibrant ethnic diversity found in Oakland and the Bay Area.
MAJOR ATTRACTION NEWS AND CELEBRATIONS
New Outpost Meadow opening at Presidio Tunnel Tops
The Presidio Trust is expanding the iconic Presidio Tunnel Tops, creating the new Outpost Meadow, opening summer of 2025. The site adds more parkland, gardens, picnic and gathering area along with high demand visitor amenities west of the Outpost nature playground, at San Francisco’s northern waterfront.
Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley Golf Club coming to Irvine
America’s first Hijinx Hotel, where you don’t stay – you play, is slated to debut at Irvine Spectrum Center in 2025. This will bring Australia’s challenge room concept to the U.S. and a Holey Moley Golf Club for all ages. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy 27 themed mini-golf holes, 15 immersive challenge rooms and signature cocktails.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is expanding in 2025
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Greater Palm Springs will open a new splash pad and cafe/marketplace in 2025. The family-friendly zoo and garden – specializing in the deserts of the world – is also in the process of expanding with a new event center, entry pavilion, lion habitat and other facilities.
Santa Barbara Celebrates Centennial of 1925 Earthquake
In 2025, Santa Barbara celebrates the centennial of the 1925 earthquake that transformed the architecture of the city. Following the disaster, the city was rebuilt in the dreamy Spanish revival style that distinguishes it today. Visitors can still see the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which was transfigured into a spectacular national landmark, and Casa del Herrero, a private Montecito estate, which helped usher in the age of Spanish design.
NOTEWORTHY NEW ACCOMMODATIONS
California’s diverse accommodation offerings continue to expand. In 2024, more than 37 new hotels and resorts opened, accounting for over 3,700 additional rooms. The year ahead is gearing up to be even more exciting, with dozens of hotel projects already nearing the end of construction.
Noteworthy openings projected for 2025 include:
- Appellation Healdsburg, a culinary-focused property co-founded by Chef Charlie Palmer featuring 108 rooms
- Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara will reopen with a new culinary addition: Nobu
- La Bahia Hotel & Spa, Santa Cruz’s first luxury property, encompassing one city block located across from the vibrant Main Beach
- AutoCamp Sequoia, located just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Reset Hotel Twentynine Palms, featuring Ben Uyeda’s modern, minimalistic designs blending sustainability with chic architecture
- Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, a premier meeting, convention and leisure resort in Chula Vista
- Under Canvas Yosemite, the first Under Canvas location in California, located in Tuolumne County
- Kimpton Pacific Grove Hotel, a boutique property near Lover’s Point Park
- The Jordan San Gabriel Hotel, a tranquil retreat featuring a spa and outdoor heated pool, located across from San Gabriel Square Mall
- The 194-room AC Hotel by Marriott Pasadena, located in the Playhouse Village District, will feature a rooftop bar and restaurant
These openings are just a sampling of the new attractions and experiences coming to the Golden State in 2025. For more information about what’s new across California, visit media.visitcalifornia.com.
