Washington D.C. and Los Angeles Media Events promote the Golden State
Courtney Payne
May 1, 2026
Visit California recently brought together journalists, influencers and tourism partners on both coasts through two media events designed to spark new travel stories and strengthen industry relationships. Held in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, the events showcased the diversity of California experiences.
Washington D.C. event takes attendees on a California road trip
On the East Coast, Visit California welcomed 20 journalists and influencers to an evening at the Thompson Washington D.C. celebrating the diverse road trip experiences found across the Golden State. Joined by 10 California tourism partners, the event created opportunities for meaningful conversations, relationship-building and story development centered around the state’s iconic drives and destination experiences.
Attendees included media representatives from National Geographic and Washington Life Magazine, who connected directly with destination partners throughout the evening.
Designed to reflect the spirit of a California road trip, the reception featured a “California passport map” highlighting what’s new and noteworthy across participating destinations while guiding guests through the evening’s conversations. Cocktails, cuisine and immersive storytelling created an engaging atmosphere that encouraged deeper conversations and fresh inspiration. The evening concluded with desserts and a road trip giveaway courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs and Visit Pasadena.
Los Angeles media event highlights the best of California travel
Visit California, alongside 42 tourism partners, welcomed more than 100 journalists and influencers to an evening celebrating the latest in California travel at the iconic Sony Pictures Studios. The Los Angeles media event spotlighted destinations, businesses and attractions across the state, with partners sharing story ideas, new developments and travel experiences shaping their destinations.
Media attendees from outlets including the Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, Eater and Condé Nast Traveler connected directly with representatives throughout the evening in a setting steeped in Hollywood history. Surrounded by hand-painted backdrops featured in some of the most celebrated films and accompanied by a live string quartet performing notable film scores, the event created opportunities for meaningful conversations, fresh story inspiration and future coverage highlighting the diversity of experiences found across the Golden State.
Guests also had the chance to win California getaways, including trips to Yosemite National Park, Big Bear Lake and LEGOLAND California Resort.
Together, the Washington D.C. and Los Angeles media events connected tourism partners with influential media voices in ways that inspire future travel coverage. Whether through Hollywood-inspired experiences in Los Angeles or road trip storytelling in the nation’s capital, both events highlighted the breadth of experiences that continue to position California as one of the world’s most compelling travel destinations.
