In a significant step toward more inclusive travel, Visit California has unveiled its new Accessibility Hub—an expansive online platform dedicated to empowering travelers with disabilities to experience the state’s diverse landscapes, cities, and attractions with greater ease and confidence.
The initiative not only provides practical tools and resources for travelers but also serves as a guide for industry professionals to create more accessible experiences. From curated itineraries to expert advice and personal stories, the Hub is a milestone in California’s broader commitment to universal tourism.
Showcasing Inclusion on the Open Road
To spotlight the initiative, Visit California collaborated with award-winning television presenter and disability advocate Sophie Morgan on a three-part original series titled Joy Diversion, which premiered July 28 on the organization’s YouTube channel. Shot in an unscripted road trip format, the series captures Morgan—who recently relocated from the UK to Los Angeles—exploring California’s vast natural beauty and inclusive spirit.
“Road trips in California are all about travelling without compromise,” said Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California. “This Joy Diversion series – and Sophie’s storytelling – brings to life everything that makes California the world’s ultimate playground.”
In Joy Diversion, Morgan embarks on scenic drives with friends across California, from desert escapes and alpine lakes to coastal towns and wine country, celebrating the spontaneity, freedom, and accessibility that define the California road trip experience.
“Since moving to California, I’ve been blown away by how easy and joyful road tripping can be,” said Morgan. “This series is a reflection of that—it’s about celebrating movement, spontaneity, and the joy of the open road.”
Resources for Travelers and Industry Professionals
The Accessibility Hub offers a wealth of content tailored for travelers with disabilities and those who serve them. Among its key features:
- Practical travel guides and itineraries tailored for varying accessibility needs
- Expert contributions from leaders in the accessible travel space, including Cory Lee, an award-winning writer and advocate whose firsthand insights bring valuable perspective
- Inspiration and tips for navigating popular destinations, accommodations, attractions, and transportation options
- Tools for tourism businesses to improve accessibility and adopt best practices
The hub acts as a bridge between travelers and California’s travel industry, helping both parties better understand how to create experiences that are not just compliant, but welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable.
Looking Ahead to Global Events
The launch of the Accessibility Hub comes at a pivotal time, as California prepares to take the global stage with major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. These milestones are expected to draw millions of international visitors, and Visit California is using the moment to double down on its commitment to accessibility.
The Hub and Joy Diversion are part of the organization’s wider Playful Journeys platform, which positions California as a destination that values freedom, inclusion, and adventure for all.
