How Many Tourists Visit California Each Year? [30+ California Tourism Statistics]

California — the Golden State — is the most visited state in the U.S., known for its beaches, Hollywood, wine country, national parks, and tech hubs.

In 2024, California welcomed ~267.8 million visitors who spent $157.3 billion, generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenue, and supported ~1.17 million jobs.

While international visitation is forecast to soften slightly in 2025, California remains the nation’s tourism powerhouse.

California’s tourism sector is not only the biggest in the United States but also one of the most diverse.

From surfers riding Pacific waves to wine lovers in Napa Valley and hikers exploring Yosemite, the visitor mix reflects the state’s unique combination of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Key stats: California Tourism

• $157.3 billion spent by visitors in 2024 — a new all-time high, powering local businesses, hotels, and attractions across California.
• That spending supports 1.2 million jobs and delivers $12.6 billion in tax revenue for state and city governments.
• In 2023, tourism surpassed pre-pandemic levels: $150.4 billion spent, eclipsing the 2019 high of $144.9 billion.
• Forecast for 2025 shows nearly 267.8 million visits (both in- and out-of-state), though with a slight slide (~0.7%) in total visitation.
• Mexico, China, and Canada are major international markets: California claims 46% of all Mexican travel to the U.S., 40% from China, and earns 53% of U.S. destination spending by Mexicans, 22% by Chinese visitors.
• Yosemite drew almost 3.9 million visitors in 2023 — proof that California’s natural beauties still lure huge crowds.

How Many Tourists Visit California Each Year?

California saw about 267.8 million visitors in 2024, up from 259 million in 2023.

• 2019 (record): ~270M visitors
• 2020: ~140M (pandemic low)
• 2022: ~240M
• 2023: ~259M
• 2024: ~267.8M

This steady growth shows California’s resilience. Even after the sharp pandemic decline, the state has almost completely recovered to its record 2019 levels.

For perspective, California alone attracts more visitors than most countries worldwide, making tourism one of its most powerful economic engines.

💡 Expert Insight — Caroline Beteta, CEO of Visit California
“California tourism is a cornerstone of what is now the world’s fourth-largest economy, and the industry has proven its resilience time and again. Despite pressures, especially on international visitation, Visit California remains optimistic about the state’s long-term global brand strength and is focused on supporting the businesses and communities that will drive our industry forward.”

How Many Tourists Visit California Each Day?

On average, California hosts ~733,000 visitors per day.

That’s like adding the entire population of Seattle to the state every day.

During peak summer weekends, however, this number climbs even higher, especially in Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego where theme parks and beaches reach capacity.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in California?

Tourism spending reached $157.3B in 2024, with a forecast increase to $158.1B in 2025.

• 2023 spend: ~$152B
• 2024 spend: ~$157.3B
• 2025 forecast spend: ~$158.1B
• Jobs supported (2024): ~1.17M
• State & local tax revenue (2024): ~$12.6B

This spending covers everything from luxury hotels in San Francisco and Beverly Hills to small-town diners along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Interestingly, food and accommodations are the largest spending categories, showing how California’s culinary scene and hospitality industry fuel the visitor economy.

💡 Expert Insight — Caroline Beteta
“In 2024, visitor spending reached $157.3 billion — a 3% increase over the prior year. That growth was widespread, with spending increasing in 50 of California’s 58 counties.”

Which Countries Visit California the Most?

Mexico, Canada, and China remain California’s leading international markets, with the UK, Japan, and South Korea also significant.

California’s international profile reflects its role as a gateway state. Los Angeles and San Francisco airports are the first U.S. entry points for many Asian and European travelers.

Mexico remains the strongest market thanks to geographic proximity and cultural ties, while China and India represent fast-growing segments due to business, education, and family travel.

💡 Expert Insight — Caroline Beteta
“We are not alone in grappling with this difficult operating environment — destinations across the United States face similar challenges. … domestic travel accounts for more than 80% of visitor spending in California — and Visit California invests 79% of its marketing budget in reaching U.S. consumers.”

What Are the Most Visited Areas in California?

Los Angeles and San Francisco are the top gateways, with San Diego, Anaheim, Napa, and Yosemite drawing millions.

• Los Angeles — Hollywood, beaches, theme parks
• San Francisco — Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz
• San Diego — beaches, zoo, Balboa Park
• Anaheim — Disneyland Resort
• Napa & Sonoma — wine country
• Yosemite & Sierra Nevada — national parks
• Palm Springs & Coachella Valley — desert resorts

Each region offers a distinct travel experience: Los Angeles for entertainment and glamour, San Diego for family-friendly coastal escapes, and the Sierras for rugged outdoor adventure.

Unlike other U.S. destinations, California’s tourism is not centered on one city but spread across multiple urban and natural icons.

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in California?

Disneyland Resort and Yosemite National Park remain the state’s most visited destinations, alongside San Francisco icons.

The appeal of these attractions is both local and global.

Disneyland alone draws more visitors than many entire states, while Yosemite continues to be an international symbol of America’s national park system.

Meanwhile, iconic free attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge or Hollywood Walk of Fame add to California’s reputation as a bucket-list destination.

When Is the Best Time to Visit California? (Seasonality)

Summer is the busiest time, but spring and fall offer ideal weather with fewer crowds.

California’s diversity means the best time to visit depends on where you’re going.

Skiers head to Lake Tahoe in winter, while desert resorts like Palm Springs shine in cooler months.

Summer is peak season everywhere, from the Pacific Coast Highway to Yosemite, but those seeking fewer crowds often prefer spring and fall.

What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to California?

Coachella, Comic-Con, and the Rose Parade headline California’s world-class event calendar.

These events showcase California’s variety: Coachella attracts global music fans, Comic-Con drives entertainment tourism, and the Rose Parade brings Americana tradition to worldwide audiences.

Collectively, they demonstrate how culture, music, food, and heritage shape California’s global brand.

How Much Money Does California Make From Tourism?

In 2024, California tourism generated $157.3B in spending and $12.6B in tax revenue.

• Visitor spend: ~$157.3B (2024)
• Jobs supported: ~1.17M
• Tax revenue: ~$12.6B

To put this in perspective, if California tourism were a company, it would rank among the largest U.S. corporations by revenue.

The industry’s contributions extend far beyond hotels and attractions — tax dollars support schools, infrastructure, and local communities across the state.

Hotels Snapshot (2024/25)

California hotels averaged ~$210 ADR in 2024 with occupancy at ~72%. Forecasts suggest a modest dip in occupancy in 2025.

• ADR (2024): ~$210
• Occupancy (2024): ~72%
• 2025 forecast: -1.5% occupancy, limited RevPAR growth
• Highest ADR markets: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Napa

The lodging sector shows the split between California’s global gateways (like San Francisco and LA, with high ADRs and international demand) and secondary regions, where recovery is slower.

This regional imbalance is a key focus for tourism planners in 2025.

FAQ – California Tourism Insights

How many tourists visit California each year?
In 2024, California welcomed approximately 267.8 million visitors, making it the most visited state in the United States.

What is California’s most visited attraction?
The most visited attraction in California is Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, which receives around 18 million visitors annually.

When is the best time to visit California?
The best time to visit California is in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller, though summer remains the busiest season.

Which countries send the most visitors?
The top international markets sending tourists to California are Mexico, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom, followed by Japan and South Korea.

How much money does California make from tourism?
In 2024, California’s tourism industry generated $157.3 billion in visitor spending and contributed $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Sources

1. Visit California (Industry) — California Travel Impacts 2024 — Economic Impact (spend, jobs, tax revenue)
2. Visit California (Industry) — California Travel Forecast 2025 (visitation & spending outlook)
3. Visit California (Industry) — California Regional Lodging Forecast (ADR/occupancy trends)
4. Visit California — CEO Update (Caroline Beteta) — California Tourism Month: New Economic Data & Forecast (quotes, 2024 $157.3B)
5. Travel Matters California — California Tourism Sees Gains in 2024 (context & CEO commentary)
6. National Park Service (NPS) — Yosemite National Park Visitation Statistics
7. Universal Studios Hollywood (NBCUniversal) — Press Room & Attendance Context
8. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Press & Facts (visitor information)
9. Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District — Visitor Information & Annual Reports (Golden Gate Bridge)
10. Alcatraz City Cruises (Official Concessioner) — Alcatraz Visitor Operations & Facts
11. Griffith Observatory — Visitor Information & Fact Sheet
12. Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority — Press Room & Visitor Metrics (Lake Tahoe region)
13. Coachella (Goldenvoice) — Press & Festival Facts (attendance context)
14. San Diego Comic-Con (Comic-Con International) — Press & Event Overview (attendance context)
15. Tournament of Roses — Media Resources (Rose Parade & Rose Bowl)