California Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 3 November 2025

California, known as “The Golden State”, consistently attracts tourists worldwide. With its sprawling beaches, iconic cities, and diverse landscapes, it’s no surprise that the state has continued to draw in millions of visitors each year.

How many people visit California every year?

In 2024, California welcomed a total of 16.52 million international tourists. 

• The Golden State welcomed 17.4 million international visitors in 2019.¹

• However, like other states, California experienced a decline in tourist numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting lows of 3.7 million in 2020 and 5.14 million in 2021.

• In 2022, the visitor count made a remarkable turnaround, reaching upwards of 11.76 million. Following this trend, California received 14.99 million visitors in 2023.

• California welcomed 16.52 million international visitors in 2024, 1.53 million (10.2%) more than 2023 yet 5.3% below the pre-pandemic 2019 total.

How many people visited California in 2024?

• California saw 16.52 international visitors in 2024, an increase of 10.2% from 14.99 million arrivals in 2023. 
• However, this figure remained 5.3% below the pre-pandemic year, 2019.

How many people visited California in 2023?

• The state welcomed 14.99 million international visitors in 2023. This marked a remarkable 28% increase from 2022 (11.76 million).

How much do tourists spend in California every year?

In 2024, international tourists visiting California spent about $26.04 billion.

• Visitor spending increased from $27.1 billion in 2017 to around $28 billion in both 2018 and 2019.

• The years 2020 and 2021 saw a downturn in spending due to COVID-19, with expenditures falling to $5.3 billion and $5.17 billion, respectively.

• By 2022, spending rebounded to approximately $17.59 billion but had yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. 

• In 2023, international spending increased by 27% and reached $22.5 billion. International visitor spending increased to $26.04 billion in 2024, 15.5% more than 2023 yet 7.5% below the pre-pandemic 2019 level.

How much do tourists spend in California in 2024?

• Visitors in California spent $26.04 billion in 2024 , 15.5% higher than the previous year, but still 7.5% below the pre-pandemic level (2019).

• Mexican and Canadian Visitors spent most, at $4.9 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively.

How much does it cost to visit California?

• On average, visitors spent around $284 per day, or approximately $2,000 to $2,200 per trip depending on trip length and travel style. Spending levels were highest in popular destinations such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Fran

Where do international visitors to California come from?

• In 2024, international tourists were mostly from Mexico (7.22 million), followed by Canada (1.73 million), China (647,000) and the United Kingdom(630,000)²

Impact of Coronavirus on California Tourism

• California’s international visitor numbers decrease by 79% to 3.74 million in 2020. Although there was a slight uptick to 5.14 million visitors in 2021, this was still far below pre-pandemic levels.

• Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After maintaining around $28 billion in 2018 and 2019, expenditure dropped by 81% to $5.3 billion in 2020, In 2021, spending slightly decreased to $5.17 billion.

Economic Impacts of Tourism in California

• The tourism sector has generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2024, a 3.1% increase from $12.3 billion in 2023.

• Direct travel-generated employment saw a 2.1% increase, growing from 1,141,810 jobs in 2023 to 1,165,760 in 2024. This represents an addition of approximately 23,950 jobs compared to the previous year.

• Direct travel-generated earnings grew from $61.4 billion in 2023 to $65.0 billion in 2024, an increase of approximately $3.6 billion or 5.8%.

• California travel industry GDP of $98.2 billion in 2024 represented approximately 2.4% of the total California GDP.

When is the best time to visit California?

• The best time to visit California is April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild, crowds are smaller, and outdoor conditions are ideal. 

• Spring (April–June) brings wildflower blooms and comfortable weather, while autumn (September–October) offers warm days and vineyard harvests. 

• Summer (July–August) is popular but often hot and crowded, and winter (December–February) is best for skiing and quieter travel in Southern California.

California Travel Resources

What are the main reasons people visit California?

• In 2024, leisure visitors made up the majority, with around 13.05 million visitors, a 4.2% increase over the last year. Leisure travelers spent $20.16 billion in 2024.

• The remaining 3.47 million visitors were business travelers, up 41.1% from 2023. They spent $5.87 billion during their visits.

How popular is California as a tourist destination?

California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, consistently recognized for its diverse attractions and travel excellence. 

• National Geographic Traveler China Golden Award (2024) – Most Anticipated Destination, the only U.S. destination to receive this honor.

• Trip.com Group Awards (2024) – Won multiple titles, including Strategic Partnership Destination of the Year and Best Global Partner.

• Visit California Poppy Awards – Recognizes excellence in tourism marketing and destination stewardship across the state (biennial industry awards).

• Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (2025) – Several California resorts ranked among the Top Resorts in the World.

• Top U.S. Tourism Economy – Consistently ranks as one of the highest-spending tourism states, reflecting its strong visitor demand and global brand appeal.

California Tourism Statistics: International and Domestic

International and Domestic Visitors

• International visitor numbers peaked in 2018 at 18.2 million and declined during the pandemic to 3.74 million in 2020. By 2024, international tourism recovered to 16.52 million. 

• Domestic visitation, which was at 263 million in 2018, also dropped in 2020 to 136.90 million but rebounded to 252.99 million in 2024. 

• Total visitor numbers, combining international and domestic, followed a similar trend, with a decrease to 140.64 million in 2020 and a recovery to 269.51 million in 2024.

International and Domestic Visitors in California (in million)
Year	International	Domestic	Total
2018	18.20	263.00	281.20
2019	17.45	268.10	285.55
2020	3.74	136.90	140.64
2021	5.14	208.30	213.44
2022	11.76	247.30	259.06
2023	14.99	248.90	263.89
2024	16.52	252.99	269.51

International and Domestic Tourists Spending

• International spending in California was $28.57 billion in 2018, but due to the pandemic, it fell to $5.3 billion in 2020. By 2024, it rose again to $26.04 billion.

• Domestic spending showed a similar trend. Domestic visitors spent $112 billion in 2018, but this dropped to $63 billion in 2020 and climbed back to $131.29 billion in 2024.

• Overall, total spending, which includes both international and domestic, hit a low of $68.30 billion in 2020 but reached $157.34 billion in 2024.

International and Domestic Spending in California (in billion)
Year	International	Domestic	Total
2018	$28.57	$112.00	$140.57
2019	$28.14	$116.70	$144.84
2020	$5.30	$63.00	$68.30
2021	$5.17	$99.90	$105.07
2022	$17.59	$124.90	$142.49
2023	$22.55	$127.90	$150.45
2024	$26.04	$131.29	$157.34

Top Attractions in California

California is home to a variety of must-see attractions that cater to all sorts of travellers.

• Disneyland: The iconic theme park in Anaheim offers entertainment for the whole family.

• Yosemite National Park: Known for stunning waterfalls, immense sequoias, and majestic rock formations like El Capitan.

• Golden Gate Bridge: A marvel of engineering and an iconic symbol of San Francisco.

• Universal Studios Hollywood: A theme park that offers an experience of the magic of filmmaking with a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood.

• San Diego: Known for its lovely sunny weather, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and numerous beaches.

California Travel Statistics Resources

• Los Angeles Statistics
• San Diego Statistics
• San Francisco Statistics
  
  

America & USA Travel Statistics Resources

• Arizona Statistics (incl. Grand Canyon National Park)
• Canada Statistics (incl. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver)
• Colorado Statistics (incl. Denver)
• Florida Statistics (incl. Destin, Key West, Miami, Orlando)
• Hawaii Statistics (incl. Kauai, Maui, Oahu)
• Illinois Statistics (incl. Chicago)
• Louisiana Statistics (incl. New Orleans)
• Massachusetts Statistics (incl. Boston)
• Mexico Statistics (incl. Cancun)
• Nevada Statistics (incl. Las Vegas)
• New York Statistics (incl. New York City)
• Panama Statistics
• Peru Statistics (incl. Machu Picchu)
• South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
• Tennessee Statistics (incl. Memphis, Nashville)
• Texas Statistics (incl. Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)
• Utah Statistics
• Washington Statistics (incl. Seattle)

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References

1. VC: California Key figures and Tourism Statistics – Annually ↩︎
2. TMCA: 2018 International Travel to California – Top Market ↩︎