“California’s abundance of natural beauty, diverse communities and innovative experiences make it the ultimate playground for visitors of all ages, interests and abilities,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “Landmark new attractions and experiences – paired with milestone anniversary celebrations – make 2024 the perfect time to plan a trip to the Golden State.”
MAJOR ATTRACTION OPENINGS AND CELEBRATIONS
Destination Crenshaw Opening in February 2024
Destination Crenshaw is a reparative development project and will be the largest Black-led public art project in the United States – and quite possibly the world. The project will commission more than 100 works by artists who have strong ties to Los Angeles, creating a pipeline of work and jobs for emerging, seasoned and internationally renowned artists. New pocket parks will line the project site, providing spaces for gathering, rest and conversation as well as community healing, protest and celebration. With a commitment to environmental equity, Destination Crenshaw will reforest the boulevard, planting more than 800 trees and developing over 30,000 square feet of sustainable landscaping.
World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024
World Design Capital®(WDC) is designated every two years by the World Design Organization®(WDO) and recognizes cities for their effective use of design to enhance economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life. The San Diego Tijuana designation provides the region with a year-long international showcase of design through unique experiences and explorations that stimulate thinking and bring the two cities communities together to celebrate what makes San Diego Tijuana exceptional.
Intuit Dome Slated to Open in Fall 2024
Intuit Dome, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, will open for the 2024-25 season in Inglewood. Intuit Dome will deliver technology-enabled fan experiences, and will drive economic growth to the surrounding communities. Intuit Dome will have five courts – more courts than any other NBA arena, in addition to more than 86,000 square feet of training, medical and player spaces. The 80,000-square-foot outdoor plaza is bordered by Roman steps and will include two bars, a restaurant and a 5,000-square-foot team store.
THRILLING THEME PARK NEWS
Disneyland Park Welcomes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
A new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will debut at Disneyland Park in late 2024. Guests will embark on a musical journey inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.” The stories of Princess Tiana also extend to Tiana’s Palace quick-service restaurant that opened in 2023, and Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets retail shop that opened in New Orleans Square in 2022.
Reimagined Camp Snoopy Opening at Knott’s Berry Farm in 2024
The reimagined 6-acre Camp Snoopy is set to open at Knott’s Berry Farm on Memorial Day weekend. At the new Snoopy’sTenderpaw Twister Coaster, Beagle Scout Master Snoopy and his troop will take guests on a coaster experience through the forest. Rocky Mountain Trucking Company will be transformed into the new Camp Snoopy’s Off-Road Rally, where guests can jump into their own Snoopy or a Peanuts character themed four-wheeler and race to the finish line. At the new Camp Snoopy Theater, campers will gather under a giant rustic-themed theater, filled with log benches that surround a large firepit that will be lit for special campfire entertainment. The updated Grizzly Lodge dining hall will feature new décor and menu items, new family restrooms, and an immersive new Snoopy Camp Store.
LEGOLAND California Turns 25 in 2024
In 2024, LEGOLAND California turns 25 and is celebrating with new attractions, entertainment and experiences. A new land, Dino Valley, debuts in spring with three rides, an interactive zone, and character meet and greets. New rides include the Explorer River Quest and DUPLO® Little Dino Trail rides. Summer introduces North America’s first-ever LEGO World Parade with six themed floats and entertainers inspired by LEGO City, LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO Friends, LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure and DUPLO.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Debuts New Rides and Celebrates Giant Dipper Centennial
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will debut two new rides in 2024, in addition to celebrating the centennial anniversary of the iconic Giant Dipper. The Dream Wheel is a modern take on a quintessential seaside amusement park Ferris wheel. Standing just under 65 feet tall, this family-friendly ride includes 15 colorful gondolas each capable of seating four adults or six children. The ride will provide views of the Boardwalk, Monterey Bay, downtown Santa Cruz and the coastline, and is tentatively scheduled to open around spring break. The second ride, Surge, is tentatively scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. Seating up to 24 people, the modern spin on a classic thrill ride will provide guests with 360 degrees of adrenaline-packed excitement.
“Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” Coming to SeaWorld San Diego
The first of its kind for SeaWorld parks, the Jellyfish Experience will be the newest immersive and interactive aquarium at SeaWorld San Diego. 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.
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Old Spanish Days Celebrates Centennial in Santa Barbara
Old Spanish Days Fiesta is a beloved Santa Barbara tradition celebrating 100 years in 2024. The annual event educates residents and visitors about the history, customs and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and early American settlers that comprise the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara. The festival has grown due to the overwhelming interest of many different organizations to develop and maintain it as an extension and expression of their place in the community. Visitors are able to experience the historical spirit of Santa Barbara when they watch and join the city and its residents in Fiesta celebrations.
California Wine Month Celebrates 20th Anniversary in September
September is the 20th annual California Wine Month, a time to raise a glass to the state’s wine industry and celebrate its people, regions, wines and experiences. Wine lovers can join the festivities all month long as wineries across California host events and activities ranging from hands-on harvest boot camps and tours to wine festivals, grape stomps and food and wine pairing experiences. As the top U.S. wine-producing state and home to more than 6,200 wineries, California grows more than 100 grape varieties, produces over 81% of the country’s wine and accounts for 95% of its wine exports. In addition, California is a leader in sustainable practices, with 80% of the state’s wine produced by Certified California Sustainable wineries.
MUSEUM EXPANSIONS AND REOPENINGS
In 2024, several of California’s museums are reopening or debuting expansions. Highly anticipated openings include:
• An expansion of the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, including galleries for Indigenous American art and American design
• The reimagination and reopening of Building One at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, including over 40 new exhibits
Additionally, in 2024 construction will be completed on the David Geffen Galleries at LACMA, a new building for the permanent collection designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor.
NOTEWORTHY NEW ACCOMMODATIONS
California’s diverse accommodation offerings continue to expand, with more than 70 new hotels and resorts opening in 2023, accounting for over 7,500 additional rooms.
Noteworthy new hotels slated to open in 2024 include:
- Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
- Fairmont Breakers, Long Beach’s first luxury boutique hotel
- The Jordan San Gabriel, a tranquil retreat in Los Angeles County
- Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Tuolumne County
- Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- Thompson Palm Springs, in the heart of the Design District
- AutoCamp Sequoia, located just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Wildhaven Yosemite, located in Mariposa outside Yosemite National Park
These openings are just a sampling of the new attractions and experiences coming to the Golden State in 2024. For more information about what’s new across California, visit media.visitcalifornia.com.
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