California Reinvents Group Travel with Expansive Event Spaces, Iconic Venues, and Luxury Hotels in 2026

Published on December 16, 2025

California is poised for a transformative year in 2026, as the Golden State reinforces its position as the ultimate destination for meetings, events, and group gatherings. With a slate of ambitious new developments, major renovations, and innovative venues, California is offering organizers and attendees alike unmatched flexibility, creativity, and luxury. From sprawling convention centers to immersive entertainment districts, world-class museums, and luxury resort openings, the state is redefining the standard for meetings and events on both national and global scales.

Major Renovations Elevate Event Capabilities

L.A. Convention Center under $2.6 Billion Transformation
Construction has begun on an extensive modernization of the L.A. Convention Center (LACC), a $2.6 billion project designed to meet the demands of large-scale conferences and international gatherings. When complete, the center will boast 190,000 additional square feet, a contiguous hall exceeding 750,000 square feet, and expanded meeting and multi-purpose rooms. This monumental renovation ensures Los Angeles can host multi-track events, global conventions, and even Olympic-scale gatherings with seamless efficiency, further cementing the city as a premier meeting destination.

Innovative California Venues Open in 2026

OCVIBE in Orange County Debuts First Phase
The new OCVIBE entertainment district in Orange County, spanning over 100 acres along the river near ARTIC and the Honda Center, is set to transform the region’s event and leisure offerings. Opening in phases throughout 2026, highlights include the Market Hall, a 50,000-square-foot culinary hub featuring 21 chef-driven concepts and six bars; the versatile Weave workspace; the 5,700-person Concert Hall; and the Urban Park, the district’s central gathering space. OCVIBE promises to deliver uniquely California experiences for corporate retreats, private events, and immersive group entertainment.

ONT Field Launches Ontario Tower Buzzers’ Debut
ONT Field, a 190-acre sports and entertainment district in Ontario, opens in April 2026 alongside the arrival of the Ontario Tower Buzzers, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Single-A affiliate. The venue features seating for 4,500 guests, over 75,000 square feet of food and beverage offerings, and themed “neighborhoods” for curated event experiences. Ideal for sports-themed corporate events and fan-centered gatherings, ONT Field is set to become a vibrant hub for year-round group activities.

West Harbor Redefines Los Angeles Waterfront
Set to open in summer 2026, West Harbor at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro is a 42-acre waterfront entertainment destination offering restaurants, retail, recreation, and a 6,200-seat amphitheater. The venue will also host Harbor Breeze Cruises, providing private charters and whale-watching experiences. Designed for groups of all sizes, West Harbor combines natural beauty with state-of-the-art infrastructure to deliver unforgettable events along the Pacific coastline.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opens Doors
Los Angeles’ Exposition Park will welcome the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in September 2026, celebrating storytelling through painting, photography, film, and sculpture across 100,000 square feet of gallery space. The 11-acre campus includes two theaters, classrooms, and dedicated event spaces, making it an inspiring setting for cultural events, educational programs, and private functions. Founded by filmmaker George Lucas, the museum integrates art, innovation, and entertainment to elevate any gathering.

Reimagined Old Lumberyard in Truckee
Downtown Truckee will unveil the first phase of the Old Lumberyard project in May 2026, transforming a historic industrial site into a mixed-use commercial and retail gathering space. Phase two, set to begin later in the year, includes a 10,000-square-foot event center and boutique hotel, offering versatile indoor and outdoor event options amidst a historic yet modern backdrop.

Expanding Hotel Offerings for Groups

Napa Valley’s Group-Friendly Resorts
Napa Valley continues to grow as a destination for corporate retreats and celebratory events. Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, a complete transformation of the former Embassy Suites now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, features over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including five meeting rooms, two boardrooms, and landscaped courtyards. The Napa Valley Car Club adds a distinctive flair, accommodating up to 150 guests amid vintage and exotic cars, complemented by curated driving experiences through wine country.

Mammoth’s Limelight Hotel Offers Mountainside Magic
Limelight Hotel Mammoth, opening earlier this month, combines contemporary mountain style with après-ski energy. With 8,000 square feet of event space, six indoor/outdoor venues, and proximity to The Village’s gondola, the property is ideal for retreats, team-building exercises, and celebrations framed by breathtaking mountain views.

Santa Cruz Welcomes Its First Luxury Hotel
La Bahia Hotel & Spa introduces Santa Cruz’s first luxury resort, featuring 155 rooms, 16 suites with ocean views, and 13,000 square feet of event space, including a 4,000-square-foot ballroom and rooftop deck. With four distinct culinary concepts and indoor-outdoor flexibility, La Bahia is poised to attract corporate groups and high-end social gatherings to the region’s iconic coastline.

Additional Hotel Developments
Several other noteworthy openings and renovations are set for 2026, including:

• The Kali Hotel & Rooftop in Inglewood near SoFi Stadium, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
• Rosewood San Francisco in the Transbay District, offering access to iconic city landmarks.
• Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, reopening after extensive restoration with upgraded interiors and culinary offerings.
• Renovations at The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Wilshire, and L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, promising refreshed luxury experiences.
• Parker Palm Springs unveils an open-air amphitheater for flexible events.
• Hotel De Anza in San Jose reopens with seven unique event spaces after a full renovation.
• Chateau Big Bear restored to enhance event functionality while preserving its cultural charm.

California’s 2026 Meetings and Events Outlook

With this influx of world-class venues, extensive hotel offerings, and immersive entertainment experiences, California is cementing its reputation as the ultimate destination for meetings, events, and group travel. The state’s combination of coastal beauty, mountain retreats, urban sophistication, and cultural innovation provides unmatched opportunities for creative programming, large-scale conventions, and memorable group experiences.

As 2026 approaches, planners and organizers can expect an unparalleled landscape of possibilities across California—whether hosting a global conference, a corporate retreat, or a luxury event. The Golden State continues to raise the bar for meetings and events, delivering experiences that inspire, connect, and leave lasting impressions.