The Ultimate Guide to California’s latest attractions

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.

New Update
Ultimate Guide to California’s latest attractions

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

SanFrancisco_ViewOfTheGoldenGateBridge- Credit- Visit California & Max Whittaker

  • 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

Intuit Dome

  • 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

Courtesy of Chicken Ranch Casino Resort (Instagram- @playchickenranch)

  • 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

Courtesy of RO Restaurant & Lounge (Instagram- @ro.lounge)

  • 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

Shopping at Fashion Valley Mall, San Diego, Credit Visit California & David H. Collier

  • 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

Courtesy of  Firefall Ranch at Yosemite (Instagram- @firefallranch)

  • 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

Yosemite_GirlWalkingThroughValleyFloorAtSunset_Credit Visit California & David H. Collier

  • 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.