How Many Tourists Visit Los Angeles Each Year? [Los Angeles Tourism Statistics]

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is not just about Hollywood glitz and Pacific beaches — it’s one of the most visited cities in the United States.

In 2023, Los Angeles County welcomed ~49–49.1 million visitors, approaching its 2019 record of ~50 million and signaling a near-full recovery; 2024 tracked close to record territory as international markets improved.

💡 Expert Insight — Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
“‘We Love LA’ isn’t just a tagline – it highlights the passion, optimism, and commitment we have for our community… our City of Angels is ready to roll out the red carpet for visitors from around the globe.”

Key stats: Los Angeles Tourism

• 49.1 million visitors came to Los Angeles in 2023 — that’s about 97% of its 2019 (pre-pandemic) tourism levels.
• Tourist spending in 2022 hit $21.9 billion, with the wider tourism economy generating $34.5 billion in business sales.
• 2019 remains a benchmark: visitor spending was larger (~$24.7 billion) and economic impact about $37.8 billion.
• Over 528,000 jobs in LA depend on the travel, lodging, and hospitality sector (2022).
• Only ~23% of overnight visitors are international, but they account for nearly half (49%) of overnight tourism spending.
• Local business sales linked to tourism exceeded $40 billion in 2023.
• Los Angeles collected $290 million from tourist lodging taxes in 2023.
• The region handles ~50 million visitors/year overall, contributing $18+ billion to the local economy.

How Many Tourists Visit Los Angeles Each Year?

In 2023, Los Angeles County hosted ~49–49.1 million visitors, nearly matching the 2019 record of ~50 million.

• 2019: ~50M (record pre-pandemic)
• 2022: ~46.2M (91% of 2019)
• 2023: ~49–49.1M (97–98% of 2019)
• 2024 (est.): Likely nudged back toward 50M+ as long-haul rebounds. (Inference from 2023 base + 2024 IPW coverage.)

How Many Tourists Visit Los Angeles Each Day?

With ~49 million annual visitors, Los Angeles sees an average of ~134,000 visitors per day, with summer/holidays peaking higher.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in Los Angeles?

Tourists in LA generated ~$40 billion in direct spending in 2023, supporting ~530,000 jobs and roughly ~$50B in total impact. (Industry summaries/briefs; aligns with LATCB and hotel investment coverage.)

💡 Expert Insight — Adam Burke, Los Angeles Tourism (on convention center importance)
“Right now, our convention center ranks 21st in the nation. This modernization would vault us into the top 10.”

Which Countries Visit Los Angeles the Most?

Top international visitors typically come from Canada, Mexico, and the U.K., with strong contributions from Asia (China, South Korea, Japan) and Australia. (Pattern consistent with LATCB reporting across 2022–2024.)

(Use LATCB’s upcoming year-end tables for finalized 2024 market totals.)

What Are the Most Visited Neighborhoods in Los Angeles?

Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA are the most popular neighborhoods for visitors.

• Hollywood – Walk of Fame, studios, nightlife
• Santa Monica – Pier, beaches, shopping
• Downtown LA – Crypto.com Arena, museums, dining
• Venice Beach – Boardwalk, canals, skate culture
• Beverly Hills – Rodeo Drive, luxury hotels
• West Hollywood – Sunset Strip, nightlife, LGBTQ+ hub
• Malibu – Scenic beaches, coastal drives
• Pasadena – Rose Bowl, historic architecture

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Los Angeles?

Universal Studios Hollywood is LA’s most visited paid attraction; free icons like Griffith Observatory and the Walk of Fame also draw millions.

💡 Expert Insight — Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (on events & readiness)
“If we are going to bring Downtown back, if we are going to bring tourism back… we must compete to win. With a new convention center, we will attract thousands of business travelers.”

When Is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles? (Seasonality)

Summer (Jun–Aug) and winter holidays are busiest; spring and fall offer better value with mild weather.

What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Los Angeles?

The Academy Awards, LA Pride, Rose Parade, and major sports/conventions are year-round demand drivers; the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games are expected to deliver a huge boost.

💡 Expert Insight — Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (on LA28)
“The 2028 Olympics is a unique opportunity to unite and improve the city… a chance to showcase the entire city, from the Valley to Long Beach and Universal Studios.”

How Much Money Does Los Angeles Make From Tourism?

Tourism generated roughly $40B in direct spending in 2023, with total business sales around $50B, supporting ~530K jobs. (Regional briefs & association letters summarizing LATCB inputs.)

💡 Expert Insight — Adam Burke, Los Angeles Tourism (on stewardship & strategy)
“The pandemic demonstrated just how indispensable tourism is to the Los Angeles community… fueling job growth, local business sales, and tax revenues across every LA neighborhood.”

FAQ – Los Angeles Tourism Insights

How many tourists visit Los Angeles each year?
~49–49.1M in 2023; near the ~50M record from 2019.

Which countries send the most tourists to LA?
Canada, Mexico, and the U.K., followed by China, South Korea, Japan, Australia.

What’s LA’s most visited attraction?
Universal Studios Hollywood (paid); free icons like Walk of Fame also draw ~10M+. (Industry tallies; verify per venue updates.)

When is the best time to visit LA?
Summer and winter holidays are busiest; spring/fall balance weather and value.

How much money does tourism generate for LA?
About $40B in direct visitor spending (~$50B total impact) and ~530K jobs.

Sources

1. TravelAge West — Los Angeles Tourism Has Almost Fully Recovered Post-Pandemic (49.1M in 2023)
2. Insider Travel Report — LA celebrates recovery at IPW 2024 (domestic/international split)
3. Los Angeles Tourism (LATCB) — Year-end results & recovery updates (2022 baseline; 2023 outlook)
4. Hotel Investment Today — Convention center modernization quote — Adam Burke
5. Campaign Brief — “We Love LA” campaign — Adam Burke quote
6. Discover Los Angeles (LATCB) — Market Outlook Forum remarks — Adam Burke
7. Mayor of Los Angeles — State of the City 2025 — Karen Bass on conventions & tourism
8. Reuters — LA28 Olympics opportunity & expected impact — Karen Bass
9. Discover Los Angeles (press) — 2023 visitation recovery context (IPW)