California’s diversity is embodied in the innovative new experiences and attractions opening in 2023, along with the reimagination of its time-honoured classics,” said 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.”
EXCITING THEME PARK ADDITIONS
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Opening at Universal Studios Hollywood
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly anticipated themed land, will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023 as the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in the nation. The U.S. 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 colors and architectural ingenuity within a newly expanded area of the theme park, featuring a groundbreaking ride, interactive areas for the whole 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 at Disneyland Resort Begins 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 Jan. 27 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. With a 48-inch height requirement, even young adventure seekers can enjoy Arctic Rescue.
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 the Cultural Plaza’s 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 center 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 above is just a sampling of the new openings and experiences coming to California in 2023. For more information about what’s new across the Golden State, visit media.visitcalifornia.com.
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Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to visitcalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.
Media Contact:
Kristen Bonilla, Visit California
(916) 319-5421
kbonilla@visitcalifornia.com