In a state driven by innovation, the one constant is change. That rings true across the Golden State in 2025, with the new year bringing an exciting slate of theme park attractions, museums, hotels, and restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs
A few attractions and festivals celebrate anniversaries this year—like the 70th year of Disneyland Resort, the centennial celebration of San Diego’s Belmont Park, and Griffith Observatory’s 90th birthday.
With so many openings on the horizon, this won’t be an exhaustive list—but from north to south, here are some items to add to your 2025 California bucket list.
Theme Parks
Giant Pandas Arriving at San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco
The Bay Area will welcome giant pandas for the first time in roughly 40 years when a pair arrives from China in late 2025. The San Francisco Zoo will be one of only three locations in the U.S. where you can visit pandas. (The San Diego Zoo welcomed two new pandas in August 2024.)
Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City
Step into the worlds of your favorite characters at after-hours fan events based on some of the theme park’s most popular sci-fi and gaming attractions. On select evenings from April 25–May 18, 2025, visitors can enjoy themed food, immersive experiences, and exclusive merchandise.
The revamped log flume attraction inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” splashed into Bayou Country at Disneyland Park in November 2024. Picking up after the animated film’s final kiss, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure follows the princess as she gathers her musical friends for a one-of-a-kind Mardis Gras celebration.
Following a temporary closure in the fall, the Carlsbad theme park is reopening its two driving school experiences in 2025 in a brand-new location.
Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience at SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego
Opening spring 2025, this immersive aquarium will be the first of its kind at SeaWorld parks. Walk through habitats in three galleries, which house an 18-foot-tall jelly cylinder, 10-foot archway, photo ops, and a “touchable globe” of jellyfish.
Entertainment and Family Fun
Mission Rock, San Francisco
This new waterfront neighborhood has emerged on the San Francisco Bay, offering five acres of green space, views of Oracle Park and the Bay Bridge, a sandy shoreline, and a still-expanding roster of restaurants, including local favorites such as Flour + Water and Arsicault Bakery.
Located 70 miles east of Los Angeles, the Yucaipa Valley is a newly distinguished American Viticulture Area in the Inland Empire. It claims to be the highest elevation AVA in the state of California (up to 4,600 feet). Taste the Syrah and Barbera at Suveg Cellars, the region’s first award-winning winery.
What’s New in Sports
NBA All-Star Weekend, San Francisco Bay Area
Highlights of the star-studded basketball weekend taking place Feb. 14–16, 2025, include the NBA Crossover fan event at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, as well as a celebrity matchup and rising stars game at Oakland Arena. The weekend will culminate in the NBA All-Star Game at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors and the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, who will make their debut in May 2025.
Intuit Dome, Inglewood
The Los Angeles Clippers now play at this 17,700-seat venue, which opened in fall 2024 and houses five basketball courts, a practice facility and training center, and an outdoor plaza with multiple bars and restaurants.
Frontwave Arena, Oceanside
The new home to the Sockers indoor soccer team and the L.A. Clippers G-League basketball team has a capacity of up to 7,500 people and will also host musical acts, comedians, family shows, and community events in Oceanside.
New Hotels and Resorts
California’s newest accommodations are as exciting as they are diverse. Already open in late 2024 are spots including Chicken Ranch in the Sierra Nevada, a 34,000-square-foot casino resort, and the 18-room Fainting Couch boutique hotel in Lake County that opened near the tranquil Cobb Mountain around 100 miles from both San Francisco and Sacramento. Nature enthusiasts will love Yosemite’s new digs, which include glamping experiences at Wildhaven Yosemite and cottages at Firefall Ranch. SoCal welcomed the historic Fairmont Breakers Long Beach in November, bringing 1920s luxury back to the coast with an open-air rooftop lounge, two-story spa, and live jazz club.
Notable openings planned for 2025 include:
- Outdoor experiences company Evo is opening a Tahoe City hotel in collaboration with pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones.
- Appellation Healdsburg, cofounded by chef Charlie Palmer, will blend culinary experiences with luxury amenities in the heart of wine country.
- Outdoor spaces abound at Treehouse Silicon Valley, the London brand’s first U.S. property.
- Yosemite is getting two new hotels and glamping sites in 2025: Outbound Yosemite about 25 minutes from the South Gate entrance and Under Canvas, the tented camp brand’s first California location.
- The all-electric Limelight Mammoth hotel will offer convenient access to the village gondola up to Canyon Lodge.
- Santa Cruz’s first luxury beachfront property, La Bahia Hotel & Spa, will feature four restaurants and a rooftop deck with views of the Pacific.
- Book an Airstream through AutoCamp Sequoia to bask in the great outdoors of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
- Sleep under the starry skies in a steel container-inspired guest room at Reset Hotel Twentynine Palms, located just outside Joshua Tree National Park.
- Splash and relax at the 4.25-acre water park experience at Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista.
New Restaurants and Nightlife
Jumbo’s Win Win, Philo
A former San Francisco expert mixologist moved to rural Anderson Valley, best known for its wines, and opened this roadside burger spot named after his son.
RO Restaurant & Lounge, Yountville
What started as a caviar and champagne pop-up lounge has evolved into acclaimed chef Thomas Keller’s newest Yountville restaurant featuring an Asian-inspired menu that highlights local California ingredients.
The Mess Hall at the Presidio, San Francisco
Set to open in 2025, this new food hall will operate as an all-day café, market, and bar within San Francisco’s Tunnel Tops park.
Valley Goat, Sunnyvale
James Beard Award–winning chef Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat fame is opening her first Bay Area restaurant inside the new Treehouse hotel featuring shareable plates and fresh, bold flavors. Opening in 2025.
Super Peach by Momofuku, Los Angeles
The David Chang–founded restaurant group known for its pork buns and innovative ramen is opening a casual dining experience at Westfield Century City in spring 2025.
River Street Marketplace, San Juan Capistrano
The diverse culinary scene at Orange County’s newest foodie destination features global flavors and farm-fresh fare from restaurants such as La Vaquera and Finca, which sources produce from the nearby Ecology Center.
Nobu del Coronado, Coronado
Savor the star chef’s signature miso-marinated black cod and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño while taking in ocean views when Nobu opens at the historic Hotel del Coronado in spring 2025.
Retail Openings
Nintendo San Francisco, San Francisco
Get your game on at California’s first Nintendo store opening in Union Square in 2025. It will be a mecca to play and shop for games, apparel, and accessories from popular franchises including Super Mario Bros., Pokémon, Legend of Zelda, and more.
Rolex on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
A three-level Rolex flagship operated by Gearys opened in December 2024 on the Beverly Hills luxury shopping street featuring a showroom, green marble bar, and in-house service center.
South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
The largest luxury shopping destination on the West Coast will add several brands in 2025, including Alaïa, Acne Studios, Khaite, and Moncler, as well as a new boutique for Rolex in collaboration with Tourneau.
Fashion Valley, San Diego
Luxury is landing at the Mission Valley shopping center, which welcomed new boutiques from brands including Kurt Geiger and Celine in late 2024. A newly expanded Prada boutique is expected in 2025, along with the first San Diego locations for Christian Louboutin and Fendi.
Museums and Culture
Counterculture Museum, San Francisco
At the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, the museum will examine the lasting impact of movements ranging from the Beat Generation and women’s liberation to LGBTQ+ rights and beyond. Opening in spring 2025.
Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center, Santa Ynez
Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians at this new museum in the Santa Ynez Valley. Opening in 2025.
Slamdance Film Festival, Los Angeles
The annual film festival for emerging artists is moving to L.A. in 2025 and will run Feb. 20–26 at the Landmark Theaters Sunset and the DGA Theater Complex in West Hollywood.
Two ADA-accessible theater spaces in the historic former Navy Building 178 in Liberty Station will host live performances and house a lower-level gallery showcasing local artists. Opening in 2025.
Notable Anniversaries
Gilroy’s agriculture-themed park kicks off its 25th anniversary with a springtime celebration, followed by a new Cherry Jubilee event in the summer.
90th Anniversary of the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
The Mount Hollywood landmark in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park celebrates nine decades in 2025. Access to its exhibits, grounds, and telescopes remains free to the public.
Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration, Anaheim
Along with the return of fan favorite parades, the Anaheim theme park is introducing new entertainment including a character cavalcade and the “Walt Disney—A Magical Life” show. Festivities begin May 16, 2025, and will run through summer 2026.
Belmont Park Centennial, San Diego
The historic amusement park in Mission Beach ushers in its 100th year fresh off 2024 renovations that included the opening of the new Shipwreck Cove ride. Expect birthday festivities all year long like photo ops, live music, and character activations.
Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari Celebrates 30 Years, Dana Point
As a designated Whale Heritage Area, Dana Point is a prime location for whale watching, and this beloved tour operator offers catamaran tours that feature cool underwater viewing pods. To celebrate, Capt. Dave’s will offer monthly specials—such as 30 percent off on select safaris—throughout the year.