Visit California is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Poppy Awards, the Golden State’s biennial celebration of the most innovative and impactful tourism marketing and destination management efforts.
This year’s competition drew submissions from destinations and partners across California, resulting in a strong and diverse field. These standout entries impressed judges with creativity, strategy and results.
Finalists will be recognized and winners announced at the 2026 Poppy Awards, taking place March 11 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista.
Read more about this year's Poppy Awards finalists.
Poppy Awards 2026 Finalists
Best Brand Advertising Campaign - $1 million & up
Aquarium of the Pacific
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Universal Studios Hollywood
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Visit Napa Valley
Visit Newport Beach
Best Brand Advertising Campaign - under $1 million
Belmont Park
The Broad
The San Francisco Peninsula
Visit Oxnard
Visit San Luis Obispo
Best Content Marketing
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Mendocino Railway
San Diego Tourism Authority
SIXT Rent a Car LLC
Visit Oceanside
Visit San Luis Obispo
Best Influencer Campaign
Mendocino Railway
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Pacifica Hotels
Visit Carlsbad
Visit Carmel
Visit San Luis Obispo
Best Public Relations Campaign
Hotel Maya, Long Beach
LEGOLAND California Resort
See Monterey
Sensorio - Solterra Strategies is Sensorio’s Agency of Record
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Visit Anaheim
Visit Newport Beach
Best Strategic Partnership
Howard Johnson Anaheim
L'Auberge Del Mar
Mendocino Railway
Visit Oakland and Visit Mendocino County
Visit Sacramento
Visit SLO CAL, Travel Paso and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Best Sustainability or Resilience Award
Portola Hotel & Spa
Rush Creek Lodge
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Visit Lake Tahoe
Visit Pasadena
Best Trade and Media Activation
San Diego Tourism Authority
See Monterey
The Ameswell Hotel
Visit Newport Beach
California Welcome Center of the Year
Ridgecrest Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Salinas Valley Tourism & Visitors Bureau
Visit Oceanside
