The Ultimate Guide to California’s latest attractions

California is a land of innovation and excitement, always offering something new for visitors to explore. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline-fuelled thrills, rich cultural experiences, or world-class cuisine, the Golden State never stops setting the bar higher for travellers seeking unforgettable moments. In 2025, California is unveiling a spectacular array of theme park attractions, museums, hotels, restaurants, and celebrations. Here’s a roundup of the most anticipated highlights to add to your California bucket list this year.

Family-Friendly Fun

• Giant Pandas Return – The San Francisco Zoo is set to welcome giant pandas for the first time in nearly 40 years, expected in late 2025.
  
  
• Universal Fan Fest Nights – Running select evenings from April 25 to May 18, 2025, Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles invites fans to immerse themselves in their favourite fictional worlds after hours.
  
  
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – A brand-new attraction at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim celebrates New Orleans culture with a lively Mardi Gras-themed experience.
  
  
• Legoland Carlsbad Expands – Two of Legoland’s driving school experiences will reopen in a new location, enhancing the interactive fun for children.
  
  
• The Jellyfish Experience– Debuting in spring 2025, Jewels of the Sea at SeaWorld San Diego will be the first of its kind at a SeaWorld park.
  
  
• Mission Rock – A newly developed waterfront district at San Francisco featuring green spaces, a sandy shoreline, and a host of restaurants, including local favourites like Flour + Water and Arsicault Bakery.

A Sporting Spectacle

• NBA All-Star Weekend– From February 14-16, 2025, basketball enthusiasts can experience the NBA Crossover fan event in San Francisco and thrilling matches at Oakland Arena and Chase Center.
  
  
• Golden State Valkyries Debut – The WNBA’s newest team is slated to take to the court in May 2025.
  
  
• New Sports Arenas – The recently opened Intuit Dome in Inglewood (17,700 seats) and Frontwave Arena in Oceanside (7,500 seats) will host basketball, indoor soccer, concerts, and entertainment events.

Luxury Stays & Boutique Hotels

• Chicken Ranch Casino Resort – A newly opened 34,000-square-foot casino resort in Sierra Nevada.
  
  
• Fainting Couch Hotel – A charming 18-room boutique hotel near Cobb Mountain in Lake County is perfect for a tranquil retreat.
  
  
• Yosemite’s New Lodgings – For nature enthusiasts, glamping at Wildhaven Yosemite or just enjoying the comfort of Firefall Ranch’s cottages makes for a perfect holiday.
  
  
• Fairmont Breakers– A historic hotel revival at Long Beach offering 1920s-inspired luxury, a rooftop lounge, a two-storey spa, and a jazz club.

Culinary Delights & Vibrant Nightlife

• Mess Hall at the Presidio– Opening in 2025, this all-day café, market, and bar will be a must-visit within San Francisco’s Tunnel Tops Park.
  
  
• Super Peach by Momofuku– David Chang’s new restaurant, launching in spring 2025 in Los Angeles promises innovative ramen and signature pork buns.
  
  
• Nobu at Hotel del Coronado – Enjoy Nobu Matsuhisa’s famed black cod and yellowtail sashimi while admiring ocean views from this highly anticipated spring opening.
  
  
• Exciting New Restaurants – Look out for Jumbo’s Win Win (Philo), RO Restaurant & Lounge (Yountville), Valley Goat (Sunnyvale), and River Street Marketplace (San Juan Capistrano).
  
  
• Wine Tasting – Now recognised as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), the Yucaipa Valley boasts some of California’s highest-altitude vineyards. Tourists can sample award-winning Syrah and Barbera at Suveg Cellars.

Shopping Destinations

• Nintendo Store–California’s first-ever Nintendo store will open in Union Square in San Francisco in 2025.
  
  
• Rolex Flagship– Shop at the new three-storey Rolex boutique in Beverly Hills operated by Gearys that opened in December 2024.
  
  
• Luxury Shopping Expands – South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa) and Fashion Valley (San Diego) will welcome new high-end brands in 2025.

Cultural Attractions

• Counterculture Museum – Opening in spring 2025, this museum in San Francisco will explore the legacy of movements such as the Beat Generation, women’s liberation, and LGBTQ+ rights.
  
  
• Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Centre – Discover the history and traditions of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians at this newly developed museum.
  
  
• Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Centre– Opening in 2025, this cultural hub in San Diego’s Liberty Station will host live theatre and showcase local artists in a dedicated gallery.

Special Celebrations

• Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park – Enjoy the 25th anniversary with a springtime festival and the debut of a Cherry Jubilee event in summer 2025.
  
  
• Disneyland Resort, New Entertainment Lineup – As part of its 2025 festivities, Disneyland, Anaheim will introduce a new parade, a character cavalcade, and Walt Disney—A Magical Life, a tribute to the visionary himself. Events will begin on May 16, 2025 and run through summer 2026.
  
  
• Belmont Park– This iconic amusement park in San Diego’s Mission Beach marks its 100th year with exciting renovations, including the launch of the new Shipwreck Cove ride.

With a thrilling mix of new attractions, cultural hotspots, and luxurious stays, California in 2025 is set to be an unmissable travel destination. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventure-seeker, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. So, start planning your California adventure today.