Visit California Media Kit
FY 2026/2027
Visit California connects with millions of qualified consumers actively seeking travel inspiration, advice and insights. Consumers enjoy a variety of platforms: print, digital, social media, and audio — helping them plan their perfect Golden State vacation.
California Travel Related Spending
$158.9B
California State and Local Tax Revenue
$13.6B
California Tourism Related Employment
1.2M
Print
Visit California produces two printed guides annually: the Official State Visitor’s Guide and the Road Trips Guide, as well as the Official State Map. These inspirational guides highlight California’s abundance and inform travelers of the best ways to experience the state’s rich bounty through travel stories and tips as well as awe-inspiring photography.
Celebrity Content
Each notable cover star shares why they love the Golden State, their travel recommendations, and participates in the California Questionnaire.
Reasons to Travel to California Now
From events, to new accomodations, attractions and restaurants, the guides show why 2027 is the perfect time to Visit California.
Regional Coverage
A showcase of the rich diversity of California’s 12 tourism regions through what’s new and noteworthy, town spotlights, upcoming events, and more.
What's Inside
Family Travel
Both guides showcase how families can have the ultimate vacation in California, including theme parks, beaches, museums, outdoor adventures, and more.
Road Trips Inspiration
Hit the road with curated itineraries as well as tips and tricks for an unforgettable California road trip.
Our stories do everything but pack their bags
Travel Guides Inspire Travel
of readers plan to travel for leisure in the next 12 months
90%
of readers plan to or already have visited California after reading the guide
88%
of readers found the content of the guide to be highly informative
82%
of readers reported a highly positive view of California as a destination after reading
83%
“I was surprised to find ‘locals only’ favorites recommended in my area. They are definitely off the beaten path but so worth it. Thank you for driving business to places that deserve and need it! Knowing this, I was more excited to visit recommended places around the state."
“I liked that it was an informative overview on many of the highlights of California, along with some off the beaten tracks to unique experiences and activities. It felt like a good friend was sharing her tips on where to go. I already kept this guide as a future resource for when I next visit California.”
“The guide is packed with uncommon knowledge you don’t hear about unless you’re talking to a local. A lot of information you can google and find out, but the one-off facts that are spread throughout the visitor guide are appealing and make me want to visit these gems.”
Source: Travel Guide Study 2024 Survey conducted by People Inc.
A STUNNING SHOWCASE OF THE BEST THE GOLDEN STATE HAS TO OFFER
Official 2027 California State Visitor's Guide
$15,500
3.375” x 4.625”
¼ Page (v)
$29,474
7.5” x 4.625”
½ Page (h)
$47,166
8” x 10.5”
Full Page
$88,292
16” x 10.5”
SPREAD
Rate
Trim
Ad Size
$54,237
Inside Back Cover
$58,964
Inside front cover
$61,318
Back Cover
Rate
Location
Premium Placement
Display
$1,350
enhanced listing
Enhanced Listing
Added Value Benefits
Free ad in the digital edition of the Visitor’s Guide (including a link from your ad to your website)
1 complimentary enhanced listing in the printed guide and digital edition (value: $1,350)
Free leads from the Travel Information Card, leads are sent by email weekly
Note: The above Gross rates are for full-color display advertising. Enhanced listings are non-commissionable.
Reach consumers who have an active interest in California as they search for things to see and do in the state. This new section allows advertisers to get in-front of travelers in a cost-effective way.
Explore Section
rate
$4,500
Note: Program and dates subject to change and circulation. Participation and space available on a first-come, first served basis.
Space Close: 10/2/2026
Enhanced Listing materials due: 10/9/2026
ad materials Due: 10/9/2026
Release Date: January 2027
Publishing Calendar
500,000 copies of the Official California State Visitor’s Guide will be produced, as well as a digital edition of the guide which will live on VisitCalifornia.com
250,000 copies will be sent directly to highly qualified subscribers of relevant People Inc. titles (e.g. Travel+Leisure, Real Simple and Food & Wine)
Distributed to California Welcome Centers, DMOs, in-state Sales missions, and consumer and travel trade shows
Promoted actively throughout the year on VisitCalifornia.com, ongoing single copy request fulfillment
DISTRIBUTION THAT DELIVERS
Free ad in the electronic version of the Guide (with link from your ad to your website)
Free leads from the Travel Information Card, leads are sent by email weekly
Added Value Benefits
Note: All Rates are net and non commissionable.
$34,429
Inside Back Cover
$35,701
Inside front cover
$41,384
Back Cover
Rate
Location
Premium Placement
$8,114
3” x 4.5”
¼ Page (V)
$14,958
6.25” x 4.5”
½ Page (h)
Rate
Trim
Ad Size
Display
Publishing Calendar
1,000,000 copies of the California Road Trips Guide will be produced, as well as a digital edition of the guide which will live on VisitCalifornia.com
600,000 copies will be sent directly to highly qualified subscribers of relevant People Inc. titles (e.g. Travel+Leisure, Real Simple and Food & Wine)
Distributed to California Welcome Centers, DMOs, in-state Sales missions, and consumer and travel trade shows
Promoted actively throughout the year on VisitCalifornia.com, ongoing single copy request fulfillment
DISTRIBUTION THAT DELIVERS
$27,147
7” x 10”
Full Page
$4,175
3” x 2.125”
⅛ Page (H)
*Dates Subject to Change
Dedicated Newsletter:
Price: $8,500
Dedicated advertiser messaging to Visit California newsletter list
100% SOV
Advertising partner provides copy, logo, images, and click through URLs
Sponsored Newsletter:
Price: $3,000
Advertiser message block in a Visit California editorial newsletter
Partner provides copy, image, and click through URL
Podcast Stats
Global Listenership: 74% domestic / 26% international
23K+ average listens per podcast episode
24 minutes average amount of time listened per episode
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Podcast Interstitial Ads
See it on VisitCalifornia.com!
One 60-second host-read ad distributed in an episode of the California Now Podcast
Click-through URL on the podcast show notes page on VisitCalifornia.com
Sponsor provides: talking point and CTA; script and recording is handled by People Inc. Travel Content
Rate: $1,000
Reach out to your Visit California Sales Representative to get in on the action today!
Tom Ward
Account Manager
530/621-1235
tomward@adexec.com
North Coast, Shasta Cascade, Gold Country, High Sierra, and San Francisco
Kelly Wagner
Account Manager
415/225-6787
kelly@wagnerid.com
San Francisco, Central Valley, Central, Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire, and Deserts
Note: All Rates are net and non commissionable.
*Dates Subject to Change
$8,114
3” x 4.5”
¼ Page (V)
$4,175
3” x 2.125”
⅛ Page (H)
$27,147
7” x 10”
Full Page
Rate
Trim
Official 2027-2028 California Road Trips Guide
Space Close & Materials Due: 12/11/2026
Release Date: March 2027
Publishing Calendar
DISTRIBUTION THAT DELIVERS
$14,958
3” x 9.25”
½ Page (V)
Sponsored Newsletter
Dedicated Newsletter
VisitCalifornia.com
Showcase your brand alongside Visit California’s award-winning content – videos, articles, and social posts – that inspire highly qualified readers in-state and beyond to plan their perfect California vacation. Our editors expertly curate the Golden State’s most exciting trends, experiences, and destinations as well as all the latest information readers need to know for their trip.
728x90 px, 300x50 px
LEADERBOARD AD UNIT
160x600 px, 120x600 px
SKYSCRAPER AD UNIT
300 x 250 px
MPU/MID PAGE UNIT
UNIT SIZE(S)
AD TYPE
Highlight your brand’s priorities in custom content delivered to consumers interested in traveling to California*
Includes logo promotion/sponsorship tout on the article
Promotion across Visit California’s owned channels and paid content distribution
Content flight: 6 months
Rate: $15,000
Custom Content
Promotion of your brand via various digital banner ads sizes across Visit California’s website:
Sponsored Content
Banner Advertising
FILE FORMAT TYPES CAN INCLUDE:
Image (PNG, JPEG)
GIF
HTML5
Third Party Tags
Campaign Manager 360
RATE:
SKYSCRAPER AD UNIT
MPU/MID PAGE UNIT
LEADERBOARD AD UNIT
Connects travelers with a highly curated series of trips that captures California's abundance and variety.
Email
Visit California’s weekly newsletter provides travel inspiration to over 190K+ active US subscribers directly in their inbox, helping them plan their dream California vacation. With average open rates over 30% and click-to-open rates averaging 3.2%, Visit California’s newsletters can promote your message to an engaged audience interested in California travel.
Advertising opportunities include:
California Now Podcast
Hosted by actor, comedian, and proud Californian Josh Meyers, the California Now Podcast brings the Golden State to life through entertaining conversations with local experts, outdoor adventurers, celebrities and people that know California best. Be a part of this innovative and engaging platform and integrate your message into upcoming episodes with a strategic sponsorship.
Material Requirements
Image (300 dpi, CYMK)
Headline (2 lines of copy maximum, approximately 5 words)
Body copy (4 lines of copy maximum, approximately 30 words
URL
Social Handle(s)
*Content topic is subject to Visit California approval
BACK TO TOP
$12 CPM, dependent on the total number of impressions
Showcase your brand on Visit California's 2027 Official State Map. This solo sponsorship opportunity includes:
2027 Official Vacation Map
Brand logo on the cover of the map
Up to 12 touts highlighting your brand throughout the map
QR code placement on the map that points back to a URL of your brand’s choosing
distribution:
California Welcome Centers throughout the state
Single copy orders & bulk order requests on VisitCalifornia.com
rate: $50,000
Highlight your brand’s priorities in custom content delivered to consumers interested in traveling to California*
Custom design outside of the standard Visit California branding and standard sponsored article format
Promotion across Visit California’s owned channels and paid content distribution
Content flight: 6 months
Rate: Starting at $35,000
Sponsored Content
Premium Sponsored Content
Deals Newsletter:
Provides partners with high-visibility opportunities to promote exclusive offers in a monthly deals newsletter co-op
Up to 6 advertising partners per campaign (need a minimum of 3 for an email to run)
Rate: $2,000 per advertising block
International Newsletter Advertising:
Reach international audiences interested in traveling to California via Visit California's monthly newsletter in 4 international markets: Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Dedicated advertiser messaging to Visit California's international newsletter list(s) with 100% SOV
Advertiser partner provides copy, logo, images, and CTAs
New!
New!
New!
New!
Australia:
14.6K subscribers
Average Click to Open Rate: 2.9%
Rate: $625
Canada:
16.5K subscribers
Average Click to Open Rate: 2.6%
Rate: $700
Mexico:
27.9K subscribers
Average Click to Open Rate: 1.8%
Rate: $1,185
United Kingdom:
30.6K subscribers
Average Click to Open Rate: 2.0%
Rate: $1,230
Custom Podcast Episode
Feature your destination or brand in a dedicated episode of the California Now Podcast
People Inc. Travel Content will partner with you to develop the episode topic, identify guests, and incorporate brand messaging. All topics and guests are subject to Visit California approval.
Rate: Starting at $35K
New!
Custom On-Location Podcast Episode
Bring your story to life with a dedicated California Now Podcast episode recorded on location.
Visit California and People Inc. Travel Content will partner with you to develop the episode topic, identify guests, and incorporate brand messaging. Filming locations will be selected collaboratively based on the approved concept and guests. All topics and guests are subject to Visit California approval.
Rate: Starting at $75K
New!
*Content topic is subject to Visit California approval
Deals Newsletter