Visit California has unveiled a number of new offerings coming to the Golden State in 2023, ranging from theme park experiences and cultural attractions to photo-worthy museums and luxury resorts.
EXCITING THEME PARK ADDITIONS
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly-anticipated themed land, will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, and will be the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ to debut in the United States. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ opened its first location at Universal Studios Japan to rave reviews in 2021. The US debut at Universal Studios Hollywood will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to become part of their compelling universe. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ was created in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to generations of Nintendo fans for over 40 years.
Disney – 100 years of wonder celebration at Disneyland Resort Begins in January 2023
Disney 100 Years of Wonder (Disney100) will be the largest cross-company global celebration in the history of The Walt Disney Co. At Disneyland Resort, the heart of the celebration, the fun kicks off on the 27th January 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 to Debut Arctic Rescue Coaster SeaWorld San Diego’s new highly anticipated coaster, Arctic Rescue, will open in spring 2023. Joining other thrill rides at the theme park, Arctic Rescue 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 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger.
Revamped and reimagined experiences at 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 surprised by the direction the train takes them. The new Fiesta Village will reopen at Knott’s Berry Farm in summer 2023, 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.
MAJOR ATTRACTION OPENINGS
Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza opening 2023
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 its design includes Agua Caliente traditions such as basket weaving and pottery, and elements found in nature.
The Sausalito Center for the Arts opening in Marin County
The Sausalito Center for the Arts (SCA) in Marin County is set to open in early 2023, along the iconic waterfront street of Bridgeway. Sausalito is a community with a rich arts heritage, and the SCA embodies that history. The centre will feature art and cultural events, as well as serve as an educational, meeting and community-building space. A one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of downtown Sausalito, the SCA will feature a beautiful rooftop bar complete with Sausalito’s famed picture-perfect view of the bay.
Museum of Illusions coming to San Diego
Museum of Illusions will open a new museum in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter toward the end of 2023. The nearly 10,000-square-foot museum will feature optical illusions, 3D holograms, brain-puzzling exhibits and interactive illusion rooms designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
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.
- The Renovated Sea Ranch Lodge Is a Must-Visit Stop in Northern California’s Iconic Coastal Community.
Nomada Hotel Group set to open three new properties in SLO CAL
Adding to its existing portfolio including Granada Hotel & Bistro in San Luis Obispo, Farmhouse, a B&B style hotel with 26 separate cottages is due to open in the heart of Paso Robles in January 2023. River Lodge, a wine country escape complete with 27 accommodations, large central pool, gardens and full-service restaurant and bar, is due to open in May 2023 at the base of the Paso Robles wine trail. In August 2023, Pozo, situated near Santa Margarita Lake, will provide 30 accommodations including airstreams, upscale tents and RV hookups. The property will also boast a distiller, pool and soaking tubs, as well as a full-service restaurant.
