Making New Year’s Travel Resolutions And Finding New Ways To Explore California In 2026
A new year opens the door to fresh momentum, small promises kept, and plans that finally make it off the page.
Travel resolutions often begin as quiet ideas, shaped by curiosity and a desire for change, then grow into meaningful experiences once a destination starts to take form.
California fits naturally into that shift, offering a sense of movement and variety that makes planning feel energizing rather than overwhelming.
Long coastal drives, evolving city neighborhoods, and cultural spaces built for lingering all contribute to a rhythm that invites intentional travel.
Across California, familiar places feel newly relevant as routes reopen, creative districts take shape, and public spaces welcome visitors with renewed ease.
This is a year that encourages thoughtful pacing, flexible plans, and a deeper connection to the places that shape the journey as much as the destination itself.
Highway 1 Reopens In Big Sur After Landslides
After years of patience and repair work, the central stretch of Highway 1 through Big Sur is anticipated to reopen in March 2026, reconnecting one of America’s most breathtaking coastal drives.
This iconic route winds along dramatic cliffs where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific Ocean, offering views that have captivated travelers for generations.
The highway’s closure following landslides meant detours and limited access to beloved spots like McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.
Reopening this stretch means visitors can once again cruise past rugged coastline, stop at scenic overlooks, and explore small communities tucked between mountains and sea.
Spring timing tends to bring wildflowers blooming on hillsides and clearer skies after winter storms pass.
Planning a drive soon after reopening allows travelers to experience the route with fresh pavement and restored viewpoints.
Pack layers, since coastal fog may roll in unexpectedly, and consider stopping at pullouts to stretch and take photos safely.
Lucas Museum Of Narrative Art Opens In Los Angeles
Los Angeles welcomes a striking new cultural landmark in 2026 with the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a space dedicated to storytelling through visual art, film, illustration, and digital media.
The museum is located at One Lucas Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90037, in the heart of Exposition Park near the California Science Center and Natural History Museum.
Its futuristic design stands out with flowing curves and expansive galleries filled with paintings, movie props, digital installations, and historical artifacts that trace how humans have told stories across centuries.
Visitors may explore collections ranging from classic American illustration to contemporary cinema art, all curated to highlight narrative power.
The museum offers a family-friendly environment where younger visitors can engage with interactive exhibits while adults appreciate fine art and film history.
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, making it easier to move through galleries at a comfortable pace and spend time with favorite pieces without crowds.
FIFA World Cup Matches At California Stadiums
California steps onto the global stage in 2026 as Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood host a combined 14 FIFA World Cup matches, bringing international soccer excitement to the state.
Levi’s Stadium is located at 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054, while SoFi Stadium sits at 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301, both offering state-of-the-art facilities and seating for tens of thousands of fans.
These venues provide more than just sports by creating atmosphere with food vendors, fan zones, and surrounding areas buzzing with energy before and after matches.
Attending a World Cup match could become a once-in-a-lifetime memory, especially for families introducing children to international competition and diverse cultures celebrating together.
Tickets may sell quickly, so planning ahead and checking official World Cup channels helps secure seats.
Public transit options and rideshare drop-off zones tend to ease parking challenges on game days, and arriving early allows time to soak in pre-match festivities.
LEGO Galacticoaster Opens At LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad unveils the LEGO Galacticoaster in 2026, a family-friendly roller coaster that blends space adventure themes with the playful creativity LEGO fans adore.
The resort is located at 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, just north of San Diego along the coast.
This new coaster joins dozens of rides, shows, and building experiences designed for children aged 2 to 12 and their families, all set within colorful lands constructed from millions of LEGO bricks.
Galacticoaster promises gentle thrills suitable for younger riders, with smooth turns and space-themed scenery that sparks imagination without overwhelming kids.
The park tends to be less crowded on weekdays during the school year, offering shorter wait times and more relaxed exploration.
Bringing sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles helps everyone stay comfortable, since Southern California sunshine can be strong even on cooler days.
Combining the coaster with other attractions like Miniland USA creates a full day of discovery and fun.
Southwest Airlines Adds Flights To Sonoma County
Getting to California’s wine country becomes easier in 2026 as Southwest Airlines expands service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, opening new travel possibilities for visitors seeking rolling vineyards, charming towns, and farm-fresh dining.
The airport is located at 2200 Airport Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, serving as a convenient gateway to Sonoma County’s diverse landscapes.
This smaller regional airport offers a more relaxed arrival experience compared to larger hubs, with shorter security lines and quicker baggage claim.
Flying into Sonoma County places travelers within easy driving distance of Healdsburg, Sebastopol, and the Russian River Valley, where redwood groves meet agricultural valleys.
The region invites exploration beyond vineyards, including coastal access at Bodega Bay, farm stands selling seasonal produce, and hiking trails through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Renting a car at the airport provides flexibility to wander country roads, stop at roadside fruit stands, and discover small-town cafes serving locally sourced meals in a laid-back atmosphere.
OCVIBE Entertainment District Opens In Orange County
Orange County debuts OCVIBE in 2026, a new entertainment district near the Honda Center that transforms the area into a lively destination for dining, live music, and community gatherings.
OCVIBE is located at 2610 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806, adjacent to the Honda Center and within reach of other Anaheim attractions.
The district features outdoor plazas, restaurants ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals, performance spaces, and green areas designed for strolling and socializing before or after events.
Families attending concerts or hockey games can arrive early to grab dinner and let kids explore the open spaces, creating a fuller experience beyond the main event.
The walkable layout encourages leisurely exploration, with seating areas and landscaping that soften the urban environment.
Evening visits bring energy as crowds gather, but daytime hours may offer quieter moments to check out the district’s design and grab a relaxed lunch.
Checking the event calendar helps coordinate visits with live performances or special activities happening in the plazas.
West Harbor Development Opens In Los Angeles
San Pedro’s waterfront transforms in 2026 with the opening of West Harbor, a mixed-use development bringing shops, eateries, and public spaces to the Los Angeles Harbor area.
West Harbor is located at 1332 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731, along the water with views of boats, the harbor, and Catalina Island on clear days.
The development replaces older structures with pedestrian-friendly streets, outdoor seating, and a design that invites visitors to linger and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
Exploring West Harbor offers a chance to watch harbor activity, from fishing boats to cargo ships, while enjoying fresh seafood or browsing local vendors.
The area’s history as a working port adds character, and nearby attractions like the Battleship USS Iowa Museum and Point Fermin Lighthouse extend the visit.
Weekend mornings may bring farmers markets or community events, while weekday afternoons offer a quieter pace for walking and people-watching.
Bringing a light jacket helps, since ocean breezes can cool things down even on sunny days.
LAX Undergoes Major Terminal Modernization
Los Angeles International Airport continues its ambitious $30 billion modernization project in 2026, with significant upgrades to Terminal 6 and the expansion of West Gates improving the travel experience for millions of passengers.
LAX is located at 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045, serving as one of the busiest airports in the United States and a primary gateway for international and domestic travel.
The renovations bring more natural light, updated dining and shopping options, improved seating areas, and streamlined security checkpoints designed to reduce stress and congestion.
Travelers passing through LAX in 2026 may notice smoother navigation, cleaner facilities, and a wider variety of food choices reflecting Los Angeles’s diverse culinary scene.
The modernization also includes better signage and technology to help passengers find gates and amenities more easily.
Arriving with extra time allows travelers to explore new dining options or relax in upgraded lounges, turning layovers into less rushed experiences.
Checking terminal maps ahead of time helps plan connections and locate specific gates within the sprawling airport layout.
California Coastal Trail Expansion Continues
California’s ongoing expansion of the California Coastal Trail brings more access to the state’s stunning 1,200-mile coastline, connecting beaches, bluffs, and coastal communities with a continuous path for hiking and biking.
The trail stretches from the Oregon border in the north to the Mexico border in the south, passing through diverse landscapes including redwood forests, sandy dunes, rocky headlands, and urban waterfronts.
New sections completed in 2026 fill gaps and improve connectivity, making it easier for adventurers to plan multi-day treks or shorter day hikes exploring specific coastal segments.
Walking or biking the trail offers intimate encounters with coastal ecosystems, chances to spot seabirds and marine mammals, and access to hidden beaches and tide pools.
Each section varies in difficulty, with some stretches offering gentle, flat paths suitable for families and others requiring more stamina and sure footing.
Checking trail maps and recent updates helps identify newly opened sections and plan routes matching fitness levels and interests.
Layered clothing and sturdy shoes serve hikers well, since coastal weather can shift quickly throughout the day.
