In 2023, California will have from cultural attractions to photo-worthy museums, and theme park experiences to luxury resorts. Check out the list below.
Theme Parks
Universal Studios Hollywood
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ 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. Nearby, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen™ is an original concept restaurant opening at Universal CityWalk in early 2023. This innovative achievement will propel guests into a multi-dimensional experience that recreates iconic environments from the Mario Kart games and where no two races are alike. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge”is also one of the most complex rides ever built within the entertainment industry.
The sophisticated ride is a multi-sensory cornucopia of color, sound and movement that invites guests to navigate familiar environs through the creative use and integration of head-mounted augmented reality (AR) goggles—a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.
From the depths of the dungeon within Bowser’s Castle, guests will climb aboard stadium-style, four-seat Mario Kart vehicles inspired by the video game, put on their AR goggles …and then with a 3-2-1 GO! signal from Lakitu, they will be off to the races.
Disneyland
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 Jan. 27 with limited-time offerings taking place throughout the year.
SeaWorld
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.
SeaWorld’s coolest new coaster will feature a unique indoor launch station where passengers will start their journey inside of the Wild Arctic exhibit and launch outside straddling a unique snowmobile-style vehicle. Guests will race through the Arctic and experience three exhilarating launches, each faster than the last, at 34, 38 and 40 miles per hour. The straddle snowmobile-style seats allow for an immersive ride experience for each rider as they lean into banks and turns and glide up heights as tall as 30 feet along the 2,800 feet of track. Manufactured by Intamin Worldwide, each train will hold 16 riders in eight, two-person rows.
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 the summer of 2023, showcasing beautiful décor across three new zones in the area.
Major Attractions To Open
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. Almost 10,000 square feet of permanent exhibit space is dedicated to the Tribe’s collection of art and artifacts as well as a 360-degree animation theater telling the creation story.
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. 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.
New Hotel Openings
Appellation Hotel in the rolling hills of Healdsburg. This 108-key hotel is designed in every respect to deliver the wine country lifestyle. Guest rooms feature generous balconies and public spaces all fully connect to outdoor spaces through retractable walls
Hearst Hotel in San Francisco is set to redefine luxury in the city by the bay. Built-in 1911 and home to the San Francisco Examiner until the 1960s, The Hearst Building features Spanish Revival style construction, Tennessee Pink marble on the lower floors and a terra cotta façade reaching to the roof parapet. In 1938, famed architect Julia Morgan was retained by Hearst to complete a remodel of the entryway, the façade—which showcases 20 cast bronze medallions of fanciful animals and a distinctive crest above the front entry—and other notable architectural details. Morgan, who was born in the Bay Area and was Hearst’s principal architect on the design of Hearst Castle, was a pioneer in her field, having been the first woman to receive the American Institute of Architects’ highest award, the AIA Gold Medal and her work continues to inspire today.
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
Palihotel San Diego, along with three new hotels within Palisociety’s brand-new Le Petit Pali brand.