CALIFORNIA: Route 66 and new Road Trips Guide released

Visit California’s newest guide aims to inspire journeys across the state, including iconic Route 66 and Highway 1 – Image: Visit California

 Visit California has released this year’s edition of its California Road Trips Guide with California Now podcast host and comedian Josh Meyers on the cover. The release comes amid the centennial celebration of Route 66, with its famous finish line at the Santa Monica Pier, and includes a feature on rediscovering the route.

Beyond Route 66, the new guide invites readers to hit the road to explore the Golden State’s iconic highways, diverse landscapes, treasured favorites and hidden gems. “California road trips are a gateway to discovery, connection and unforgettable experiences,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “The 2026 Road Trips Guide captures the spirit of exploration that can only be found in the Golden State.”

The guide includes immersive travel narratives, visually rich features and out-of-the-box itineraries designed to inspire fresh and meaningful ways to explore the state.

Cover star Josh Meyers takes readers on a road trip to Mammoth Lakes told through a first-person narrative. Meyers immerses audiences in the people, landscapes, adventure and stories that define California’s Eastern Sierra, also featured on a podcast episode that brings the journey to life.

The new guide’s release comes amid the centennial celebration of Route 66, with its famous finish line at the Santa Monica Pier – Image: Visit California

Additional features in this year’s guide include:

• Parallel Beauty: A visually striking photo essay captures the contrast and connection between Highway 1 and U.S. Route 101, two iconic routes that run side by side along the coast.
• Gone Surfin’: A celebration of California’s legendary surf culture encourages exploration of beach towns and oceanfront adventures up and down the coast.
• Taste Trek Through the North Coast: Led by Melissa King, this culinary journey highlights standout food stops and regional flavors.
• Gold Country Treasures: A road trip through Gold Country uncovers a mix of natural beauty and historic charm, from wildflower-filled landscapes to unique outdoor experiences.
• Out and Exploring: A couple-led journey through Big Sur and the state’s iconic sequoias showcases one of California’s most awe-inspiring itineraries.
• Gateway Weekend Getaways: Easy, short-drive escapes from major urban hubs make it simple for travelers to plan quick trips—from wine country to mountain retreats.
• Theme Park Add-Ons: Destinations such as Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood serve as starting points for broader regional exploration.
• Minor Leagues, Major Fun: A playful road trip theme highlights California’s Minor League baseball teams, celebrating quirky traditions, local flavor and community spirit.
• Undiscovered Sierra: Lesser-known Sierra destinations are positioned as ideal basecamps for outdoor adventure and low-key exploration.
• Golden Gate Soundtrack: A music-inspired road trip connects destinations through California’s rich cultural and musical history.

To further bring the Route 66 road trip experience to life during its centennial year, the Road Trips Guide is complemented with a Route 66 Passport, released earlier this year. The collectible keepsake, found at select California Welcome Centers, encourages visitors to explore the California communities, landmarks and experiences along the route, while its digital extension expands on the experience with trip planning inspiration, games and content that is accessible year-round.The 2026 California Road Trips Guide is available at VisitCalifornia.com/travel-guides and California Welcome Centers statewide.

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.

NAN/VC 9 April 26

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