Home » Latest Travel News » San Francisco Joins Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Other Cities in California and Texas in Welcoming the Most Canadian and Mexican Tourists Across the US Last Year: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
January 30, 2026
In 2025, San Francisco joins Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other cities in California and Texas in welcoming the most Canadian and Mexican tourists across the U.S.. This growth highlights the strong cultural and economic ties between these regions and their neighboring countries. San Francisco, with its iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene, continues to attract a significant number of visitors from Canada and Mexico. The proximity, accessibility, and rich experiences offered by cities in California and Texas make them popular destinations for travelers seeking a mix of leisure, culture, and adventure. These cities’ diverse attractions—from San Francisco’s historic neighborhoods to Dallas’s thriving arts scene—play a key role in driving tourism. This continued influx of tourists underscores the U.S.’s strategic importance in fostering cross-border tourism, with California and Texas leading the charge in welcoming Canadian and Mexican visitors year after year.
San Francisco, CA: The Charm of Canadian Visitors
San Francisco, with its stunning bay views, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and diverse cultural offerings, is another top U.S. destination for Canadian tourists. In 2025, 75,231 Canadians visited this charming city, drawn by its rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and culinary excellence. Whether it’s exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, riding the historic cable cars, or soaking in the atmosphere of Chinatown, San Francisco offers a wide range of activities that appeal to Canadians seeking both relaxation and adventure. The city’s strong ties to Canada—both economically and culturally—contribute to its status as a favorite for Canadian tourists. Its well-developed tourism infrastructure, including world-class hotels and easy access via major international airports, makes it an appealing option for those looking for a cosmopolitan city break. San Francisco’s reputation for inclusivity and diversity also adds to its appeal, making it an attractive destination for Canadians of all backgrounds. As cross-border travel continues to rise, San Francisco’s blend of modern innovation and old-world charm ensures that it will remain a top destination for Canadian travelers for years to come.
Los Angeles, CA: A Gateway for Canadian Tourists
Los Angeles, one of the most iconic cities in the world, continues to attract Canadian tourists in large numbers. In 2025, the Port of Entry in Los Angeles recorded 351,726 visitors from Canada. As a cultural and entertainment hub, Los Angeles offers a wide range of attractions, including Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and some of the best shopping in the world. Its accessibility, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to other major California destinations make it a top choice for Canadians looking for a mix of leisure, culture, and adventure. This influx of Canadian visitors highlights the strong cultural ties between the U.S. and Canada, as well as the ease of travel between the two countries. With its temperate climate, diverse food scene, and wealth of entertainment options, Los Angeles remains a perennial favorite for Canadian travelers. It’s also a major stop on many Canadian holiday itineraries, whether for short getaways or longer stays. As the city continues to evolve and cater to international tourists, it remains a leader in cross-border tourism, especially for Canadians.
Oakland, CA: A Hidden Gem for Canadian Travelers
Oakland, just across the bay from San Francisco, is gaining popularity among Canadian tourists, with 51,899 visitors arriving in 2025. Known for its diverse culture, excellent food scene, and proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland is increasingly seen as a more affordable, yet vibrant, alternative to its neighbor. Visitors are drawn to its unique neighborhoods like Jack London Square, the thriving Arts District, and its proximity to Berkeley and San Francisco. The city’s urban charm, combined with its rich history and cultural diversity, offers a dynamic experience for Canadian tourists seeking a blend of city and nature. With the Oakland Museum of California, Redwood Regional Park, and a burgeoning dining scene, it’s clear why Oakland is quickly becoming a favorite among international visitors, including Canadians. The city also has excellent public transportation links, making it easy for travelers to explore the entire Bay Area. As more Canadians seek new, off-the-beaten-path destinations, Oakland’s rise as a top spot for short vacations is likely to continue, providing visitors with an enriching, yet laid-back travel experience.
Houston, TX: Texas Welcomes Canadian Tourists
Houston, Texas, is one of the top destinations for Canadian tourists, with 312,264 visitors in 2025. As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Houston offers a dynamic mix of culture, arts, and business, making it a compelling choice for Canadian travelers. From the Museum of Fine Arts and the Space Center Houston to the lush Hermann Park and exciting Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, there’s something for everyone. Houston’s welcoming atmosphere, alongside a growing culinary scene and booming entertainment industry, draws a diverse group of Canadian visitors each year. The city’s affordable cost of living, combined with excellent hotel accommodations and world-class amenities, make it an attractive destination for those seeking a mix of urban exploration and cultural experiences. Houston’s close proximity to Canada and well-connected flights help boost cross-border travel, while the city’s international flavor—with a variety of festivals, food options, and cultural activities—adds to its charm. As Houston continues to develop, it is poised to remain a key city for Canadian tourism to the U.S., offering visitors an exciting, cosmopolitan escape.
Dallas, TX: A Stronghold for Canadian Tourists
Dallas is another major hub for Canadian tourists, with 269,602 visitors recorded in 2025. Known for its rich history, modern attractions, and Southern hospitality, Dallas offers a mix of culture, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Tourists flock to Dallas’ Arts District, which is home to world-class institutions like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, while sports fans enjoy Dallas Cowboys games and the American Airlines Center for NBA action. The city’s vibrant food scene, which blends Tex-Mex, Southern comfort food, and international cuisines, also draws Canadian visitors looking for an authentic American culinary experience. Furthermore, Dallas’s economic ties to Canada—especially in sectors like technology and business—ensure steady tourism flows from Canadian business travelers as well. With excellent shopping districts like NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas, alongside iconic landmarks like Dealey Plaza, Dallas maintains its appeal as a dynamic destination for Canadians seeking both leisure and business opportunities. Dallas remains a top choice for Canadians looking to explore the heart of Texas.
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San Antonio, TX: A Unique Blend of Culture for Canadian Visitors
San Antonio, Texas, continues to be a favorite for Canadian tourists, with 110,515 visitors recorded in 2025. Known for its rich Spanish heritage, the Alamo, and the famous San Antonio River Walk, the city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to the historic missions, including the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the vibrant Fiesta San Antonio, which celebrates the city’s rich multicultural roots. San Antonio also boasts a thriving arts scene, with museums like the San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum. With its temperate climate, excellent shopping, and world-class dining, the city remains an accessible, charming destination for Canadian travelers. Additionally, its proximity to other Texas cities, such as Austin and Houston, makes it an easy addition to a regional itinerary. The city’s steady growth in tourism is reflective of its cultural and historical significance, with Canadian tourists continually finding new reasons to visit this Texan gem.
US Tourism: Insights from Travel.gov
According to Travel.gov, the U.S. tourism industry continues to be a major economic driver, attracting millions of visitors each year. The country’s vast diversity of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and world-renowned landmarks—such as the Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty, and Walt Disney World—make it a top destination for travelers worldwide. Travel.gov highlights how tourism in the U.S. contributes significantly to local economies, providing jobs and fostering growth in regions from urban centers to rural areas. The agency also emphasizes the growing importance of digital marketing and international partnerships in promoting U.S. tourism globally. While the industry has faced challenges in recent years, Travel.gov reports a resilient recovery, supported by ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and streamline the visitor experience. This includes improvements in visa facilitation, increased air connectivity, and the expansion of sustainable tourism initiatives. As global travel rebounds, the U.S. remains well-positioned to continue attracting a diverse range of tourists, contributing to both its economy and global cultural exchange.
In 2025, San Francisco joins Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other cities in California and Texas in welcoming the most Canadian and Mexican tourists across the U.S., driven by strong cultural and economic ties.
Conclusion
San Francisco joins Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other cities in California and Texas in welcoming the most Canadian and Mexican tourists across the U.S. in 2025. This surge in visitors highlights the strong cultural, economic, and geographic ties between the U.S. and its neighboring countries. As these cities continue to provide diverse experiences—from vibrant cultural landmarks to world-class dining and entertainment—they remain key players in driving cross-border tourism. The continued appeal of California and Texas as top destinations for Canadian and Mexican travelers underscores the importance of fostering these relationships and maintaining accessibility for international visitors. This trend is expected to continue as these regions expand their tourism offerings and enhance connectivity with their neighbors, further solidifying their status as leading U.S. travel hubs.
