Start planning your next dream-worthy vacation with the newly released 2026 California Visitor’s Guide: The Best of California. This free, 196-page travel companion is packed with road-tested itineraries, insider tips, and fresh ideas to help you experience California in new and unforgettable ways.
Gracing the cover of this year’s guide is actress and musician Mandy Moore, a natural fit as someone who’s made her very own California dreams come true. In her profile, Moore reflects on what makes the state feel like home—from her years living in Altadena to family road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway—and takes the California Questionnaire. Her story sets the tone for a guide that celebrates the Golden State’s creativity, diversity, and sense of possibility. “Anywhere I am in California, I feel at home,” Moore says. “I hope that California feels as proud of me as I am of it.”
Inside, readers will find an insider’s handbook to the state’s most intriguing and lesser-known experiences. One of the centerpieces explores Route 66 in all its glory, as the iconic highway celebrates its centennial in 2026, along with cost-saving hacks for travelers looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality.
Foodies will want to bookmark “Perfect Bites Along Highway 1,” a delicious road-trip-ready piece that calls out can’t-miss dishes along the coast.
To help travelers match their mood to the moment, the guide also introduces “Five Vacation Vibes,” a collection of curated itineraries designed for every type of traveler—whether you’re craving adventure, solo time, family bonding, or a little of everything. Nature lovers will be especially inspired by a spotlight on the Eastern Sierra, showcasing its otherworldly landscapes in a dramatic photo essay format.
Winter enthusiasts won’t want to miss “Gold Medal–Worthy Snow Getaways,” which traverse California’s premier snow destinations and feature athlete-recommended spots for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain fun.
Throughout the guide, readers will also find in-depth coverage of California’s 12 travel regions, complete with recommendations on where to eat, drink, shop, and explore. The magazine also includes expert insiders sharing tips and local insights about how to best explore their own cities.
Download the digital version or order your free guide to be delivered straight to your doorstep and start planning your next California adventure.