2026 California visitor’s guide unveiled
The comprehensive guide inspires travelers to explore California
Jan. 20, 2026
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2026) — The 2026 edition of the California Visitor’s Guide featuring cover star Mandy Moore is now available. The comprehensive guide inspires travelers to explore California, complete with an insider's handbook on the state’s hidden gems, a Route 66 road map to celebrate the route’s centennial, travel tips and more.
“Mandy is a true embodiment of the California dream, a real-life Disney princess, and a wonderful ambassador for the Golden State,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Her connection to California reflects the freedom, creativity and optimism that draw travelers here from around the world. This guide is filled with countless stories and experiences that inspire unforgettable journeys across the state.”
In Moore’s profile, she shares how destinations across the state have shaped her sense of home, creativity and community – from her neighborhood roots in Altadena and time spent in Los Angeles County to family road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway and visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
“Anywhere I am in California, I feel at home,” Moore said. “I hope that California feels as proud of me as I am of it.”
Available in print and online, the visitor’s guide is packed with useful information for trip-planning, as well as inspired ideas for exploring lesser known experiences across the state.
Highlights of the 2026 California Visitor’s Guide include:
- An insider’s handbook to California’s most intriguing and lesser-known experiences
- An exploration of Route 66 (celebrating its Centennial in 2026) one of America’s most storied highways, which winds through California’s deserts, canyons and epic beachside conclusion, with essential stops and historic landmarks along the way
- “Five Vacation Vibes,” features five diverse, curated itineraries designed for every type of traveler
- A spotlight on the Eastern Sierra’s dramatic landscapes and showcasing why the region is a must-visit for nature lovers in 2026
- Gold medal-worthy snow getaways, that traverse California’s premier snow destinations, with athlete-recommended spots
- Expert advice on tackling California’s multitude of options and offerings, including timing, logistics, seasonal considerations and tips from locals on how to maximize a California vacation.
The 2026 Visitor’s Guide is available at California Welcome Centers, regional tourism offices and online at VisitCalifornia.com/travel-guides. It will also be distributed in March with three People Inc. publications: Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine and Real Simple.
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ABOUT VISIT CALIFORNIA:
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.
