The city is expanding too. A 15-acre expansion has been completed. White River State Park Henry Street Bridge will open in 2026, and it will have a stunning design, including massive rings that illuminate at night. The new pedestrian/vehicular overpass spans the White River where paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking are now available after a river cleanup that lasted about half a century. Indy has become America’s first river city. Rent equipment or book a guided tour at Frank’s Paddlesports Livery Explore the city on water.
Also in 2026 Tube FactoryThe new 40,000-square foot space will allow the artist-run museum to expand its free programs, cultural collaborations, and performances. The 40,000-square-foot space will allow the museum to offer more free programming, performances and cultural collaborations. Factory Arts DistrictIndy’s largest artist community is becoming a destination that offers art, entertainment and shopping for souvenirs. New openings include Daisy Bar A casual, yet energetic addition to the daytime dining staple Milktooth), MVMT House Pilates studios are a great way to get fit. Salt & Ash Market for locally-made gifts First Friday art walksEnjoy live music and dance, or participate in interactive workshops. —Amber Gibson
O’ahu
Take action: New embrace of Hawaiian culture. A major surf moment. And urban openings
Waikiki has been around for more than 100 years. Moana Surfrider The “First Lady” of Waikiki will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2026 with a major renovation, which will preserve its Victorian bones and add new, modern details. The landmark is just one of many reasons the Hawaiian island You can also find out more about the following: Oahu Its capital and most populous cities, HonoluluThe city is particularly current as it embraces a cultural renaissance that celebrates its history without falling (too far) into kitsch. What are some other reasons to visit? Cirque du Soleil’s ʻAuana Residence at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber HotelIt debuted December 2024, and will run until 2026. On the North Shore on the other side of the island, the professional surfing community will celebrate its golden anniversary in December 2026. World Surf League Final returns to Banzai Pipeline where history and mythology of the sport converges on one stretch reef. Honolulu’s downtown is buzzing with excitement: the 100-year-old Banzai Pipeline. Hawaii Theatre Center The celebration of the 100th anniversary in 2022 continues with island-inspired concerts and retro cinema nights. New nightlife spots such as EP Bar, The 3,000-strong vinyl collection is a testament to the quality of its music. Yours TrulyThe subterranean bar, which is hidden below a fake post-office, channeled Japanese hifi culture, while the speakeasy itself evoked Prohibition era discretion. Oahu is poised to enter a new age in 2026. It will offer a captivating experience for all types of travelers. —John Wogan
Portland, Oregon
Take action: The best art and culinary projects to tell a new story
For a few years now, this perpetually overcast town—with the prevailing tired image of hipster Portlandia—has developed a thornier reputation. But by 2026, major art, culinary, and architecture projects will be able to tell an entirely new story. City of Roses. When travelers arrive at the port, they will immediately sense the plot twist. Portland International AirportThe award-winning mass timber architecture of its terminal’s final third will open in early 2026. The wavy ceiling, which was built with wood from nearby forests through tribal partnerships and sourced via local forests, extends above some two dozen shops and restaurants. The downtown area of the city is a pedestrian-friendly place. Portland Art Museum The oldest art museum of the Pacific Northwest (PAM) will complete a massive expansion by November 2025. PAM’s new 100,000-square-foot space will showcase nearly 300 major acquisitions, and include new galleries including one dedicated to Black artists. The city has one of the most celebrated food scenes on the continent, and stars like Gregory Gourdet have emerged from it. KannSummer 2026 will be a time to celebrate in a new way Willamette ValleyThe bounty of the James Beard Public MarketAfter more than a decade’s worth of planning, the event finally takes shape. The indoor/outdoor venue will rival Seattle’s Pike Place, with its small-scale producers and growers. The new WNBA franchise, the Portland FireThe show, which is set to premiere its first season on May 1, will attract thousands of fans. The Sports Bra. And while these developments signal Portland’s evolution, the city’s soul remains intact—where else would a sprawling bookstore (Powell’sThe city has an urban forest, Forest Park (also known as Forest Park), one of the longest-running drag venues in the country (Drag City).Darcelle XVWhich attractions are on the list? —JD Shadel
Please read our article complete guide to Portland here.
Route 66
Take action: Mother Road celebrates 100 years
Route 66 is a little brighter with neon lights. The iconic US road that ran between Chicago The following are some examples of how to get started: Santa MonicaIn 2026, the city will celebrate its centennial. Despite the fact that the highway’s contiguous section was decommissioned in 1984, some sections have been preserved as a historical resource. More than a dozen vintage diner and hotel signs along Albuquerque’s (18-mile) urban stretch have been restored back to their midcentury glory. In St. Robert Missouri, abandoned neon signs from the past have been collected, polished, and re-lit in a newly opened museum. Route 66 Neon Park. The 2,448-mile route will be marked with celebrations from Springfield Missouri, the site of the Route 66 Centennial National Kick-Off Tulsa is hosting a Tulsa in April Capital Cruise In May, Amarillo will host its 10-day-long Classic Car Festival and a world record attempt for the largest classic car parade ever. Texas Route 66 Festival In June,
