California named best family destination by Travel and Leisure India

California continued to strengthen its presence in the Indian market in late 2025 through a combination of industry recognition and strategic media engagement that showcased the state’s diverse, year-round appeal.

On Dec. 16, 2025, California was named Best Family Destination at the Travel and Leisure India Awards in New Delhi. The recognition highlighted the state’s strong appeal to family and multigenerational travelers and reinforced California’s position among top long-haul destinations for Indian travelers.

In parallel, Visit California delivered a targeted group media trip in November 2025, designed to spotlight California’s outdoor beauty through a Northern California road trip across San Francisco, Monterey County and South Lake Tahoe. The program emphasized outdoor recreation, culinary experiences and local culture, illustrating the variety of experiences available within a single journey. From coastal drives and city exploration to alpine scenery, the trip showcased California’s ability to deliver diverse, lifestyle-driven travel experiences that resonate with Indian audiences.

Together, the Travel and Leisure Award India recognition and the media familiarization program reinforced California’s positioning as a top year-round destination for the Indian market, supporting expanded storytelling and long-term engagement by highlighting the breadth of the state’s offerings, including outdoor adventure, food and wine, culture, entertainment and luxury experiences.