California is inviting visitors to discover a wealth of new offerings coming to the Golden State in 2023, ranging from theme park experiences and cultural attractions to museums and luxury resorts.
Canadians will also have a new route to get there with the launch of Air Canada service to Sacramento from Toronto staring June 1 – connecting travellers to not only the state capital four times weekly, but providing another gateway to San Francisco and the northern coast, Napa and Sonoma wine regions, plus Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.
“California’s diversity is embodied in the innovative new experiences and attractions opening in 2023, along with the reimagination of its time-honoured classics,” says Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “First-time visitors and residents alike will find something new to explore in the Golden State in the coming year.”
Highlights include:
THEME PARKS
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood: The innovative, immersive themed land will open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Feb. 17 as the first Super Nintendo World in the nation. The US debut will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. The immersive land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colours and architectural ingenuity within a newly expanded area of the theme park, featuring a ground-breaking ride, interactive areas for the entire family and themed shopping and dining. Nearby, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is an original concept restaurant opening at Universal CityWalk in early 2023.
Disney 100 Years of Wonder Celebration: The largest cross-company global celebration in the history of The Walt Disney Co. kicks off Jan. 27 at Disneyland Resort – the heart of the celebration –with limited-time offerings taking place throughout the year. Highlights include platinum-infused décor throughout the resort; two all-new nighttime spectaculars: “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park; the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction; the opening of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown in spring 2023; and the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park in time for spring.
SeaWorld San Diego – Rescue Coaster: The new coaster Arctic Rescue will open this spring. It will be the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. This family-friendly, multi-launch ride invites guests to hop on a snowmobile and launch up to 65 kph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger. Height requirement is 121 cm.
Knott’s Berry Farm: Montezooma’s Revenge was the first flywheel-launched roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1978, and it is the oldest shuttle loop roller coaster still in its original location. For 2023, Montezooma’s Revenge is being rethemed with new thrills that will allow guests to be completely surprized by the direction the train takes them. The new Fiesta Village will reopen at Knott’s Berry Farm in summer, showcasing beautiful décor across three new zones in the area, brand-new food locations, an updated Fiesta Plaza stage and a redesigned marketplace inspired by Los Angeles’ Olvera Street.
NOTEWORTHY NEW ACCOMMODATIONS
California’s diverse accommodation offerings continue to expand, with more than 30 new hotels and resorts opening in 2022, accounting for over 5,100 additional rooms. Noteworthy new hotels slated to open in 2023 include:
• Pendry Newport Beach replacing the iconic former Fashion Island Hotel
• Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa opening in Indian Wells
• Canopy by Hilton opening in downtown Sacramento
• Appellation Hotel in the rolling hills of Healdsburg
• Hearst Hotel in San Francisco, which is set to redefine luxury in the city by the bay
• Palihotel San Diego, along with three new hotels within Palisociety’s brand-new Le Petit Pali brand.
MAJOR ATTRACTION OPENINGS
Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza: The new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza coming to downtown Palm Springs in 2023 will feature the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Spa at Séc-he and an outdoor Oasis Trail. The new museum will celebrate the history, culture and modern times of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the state-of-the-art spa will showcase the Tribe’s ancient Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Inspiration for the Cultural Plaza’s design includes Agua Caliente traditions such as basket weaving and pottery, and elements found in nature.
Sausalito Center for the Arts: The Marin County venue is set to open in February along the iconic waterfront street of Bridgeway. The centre will feature art and cultural events and will boast a beautiful rooftop bar complete with a picture-perfect view of the bay.
Museum of Illusions: The new museum in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter will arrive towards the end of 2023 featuring optical illusions, 3D holograms, brain-puzzling exhibits and interactive illusion rooms designed for visitors of all ages.