Visit California has launched a new film series that will take viewers beyond the state’s gateway cities and into the heart of California’s rural regions. The series has been created to entice and inspire Middle East residents to discover California’s hidden gems and is being launched prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, when many visitors from the Middle East are expected to make their way to North America for the tournament and to California specifically.
Produced in partnership with award-winning filmmakers at More Than Just Parks, the eight-part series is the culmination of a year-long collaboration with regional tourism partners from across the state. The series takes viewers through the deserts, volcanic high country, towering redwood groves, small mountain towns and hidden coastlines and farms that give the Golden State its deep character as the Ultimate Playground.
“California’s rural regions hold some of the most breathtaking scenery and meaningful stories,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California “This series invites travelers to experience a deeper, more authentic California, revealing the beauty and diversity that exist well beyond our gateway cities.”
Visit California will release one new regional film every week across its global channels, offering travelers a cinematic invitation to explore a side of California defined by beauty, adventure and authenticity — that California locals know intimately but visitors often miss.
The series begins with the premiere of a statewide hero reel, followed by weekly regional films rolling out through March.
Middle East residents and travel enthusiasts are invited to be the first to view the weekly launches on Visit California’s YouTube channel. The line up consists of:
- California Deserts: Journeys beyond the expected (Release date: February 25)
- Road trip through NorCal’s “North of Ordinary” region (Release date: March 4)
- Shasta Cascade: Where California gets wild (Release date: March 11)
- The other California: Central Valley surprises (Release date: March 18)
- Gold Country, California – an amazing American road trip (Release date: March 25)
- Explore California’s Central Coast road trip (Release date: April 1)
- Four unique regions. One spectacular High Sierra (Release date: April 8)
- Route 66 adventures through Southern California’s Inland Empire (Release date: April 15)