CA's National Parks Lead Nation In Economic Impact: NPS

CALIFORNIA — Tens of millions of visitors spent billions in communities neighboring California's national parks and recreation areas last year and supported nearly 35,000 jobs, according to the National Park Service.

NPS economists completed an analysis of national parks across the U.S., finding national parks in the Golden State generated the most visitor spending and highest economic output in the nation. According to the report, more than 38 million park visitors spent $2.7 billion in "gateway regions" located within 60 miles of a park, with $4.5 billion in total economic impact.

Nationally, NPS economists found 312 million national park visitors spent nearly $24 billion in neighboring communities, supporting more than 378,000 jobs with a total economic impact of $50.3 billion — a new record. The lodging sector reaped the most benefits, accounting for $9 billion, followed by restaurants at $4.6 billion.

"With the help of volunteers and parents, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 300 million visitors every year," said Chuck Sams, National Park Service director. "The impact of tourism on national parks is undeniable: bringing jobs and revenue to communities in every state in the country and making national parks an essential driver to the national economy."

In California, visitors to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area spent the most, followed by visitors to Yosemite and Joshua Tree.

Here's how much visitors spent around California's national parks, historical parks and recreation areas:

1. Golden Gate: $1.1 billion
2. Yosemite: $498 million
3. Joshua Tree: $171 million
4. Point Reyes: $117 million
5. Death Valley: $105 million
6. Muir Woods: $98.3 million
7. Sequoia: $96.8 million
8. San Francisco Maritime: $86.8 million
9. Whiskeytown: $75 million
10. Port Chicago Naval Magazine: $74.7 million
11. Fort Point: $63.1 million
12. Kings Canyon: $60.7 million
13. Mojave: $51 million
14. Cabrillo: $50.7 million
15. Santa Monica Mountains: $39.7 million
16. Redwood: $32.8 million
17. Lassen Volcanic: $30 million
18. Channel Islands: $21.8 million
19. Pinnacles: $18.9 million
20. Manzanar: $13.9 million
21. Devils Postpile: $10.5 million
22. Lava Beds: $6.4 million
23. John Muir: $2.6 million
24. Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front: $2.5 million
25. Eugene O'Neill: $1.2 million
26. Cesar E. Chavez: $765,000

A detailed breakdown is available on the National Park Service website.