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Tourism can be a boon for many California cities, bringing in jobs, businesses and fresh sources of income.
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Travel spending in California hit a record-high $158.9 billion in 2025.
However, welcoming waves of visitors can come with negative impacts — ranging from crowds, noise and traffic to a lack to parking and loss of available housing.
AMFM Healthcare recently ranked the 150 U.S. cities that experience the most pressure during peak tourism season — exploring how “the seasonal influx of visitors affects local stress levels, daily routines and overall wellbeing.”
Three California cities were among the top travel destinations struggling with impacts on housing, parking, traffic and more, according to the behavioral health company, which is headquartered in San Juan Capistrano.
See which popular tourist destinations were hit the hardest:
What are the biggest issues facing travel destinations?
According to the AMFM Heathcare study, 62% of residents in popular vacation destinations said they feel “crowded out” of their towns by visitors at least some of the time.
“For some, this may mean avoiding downtown areas, changing grocery shopping times, steering clear of local beaches or skipping restaurants they would normally visit,” the healthcare company said.
Survey respondents said their stress levels, daily routines and overall wellbeing were affected by visitors, resulting in burnout.
“Tourist towns sell the dream of escape,” AMFM Healthcare said. “But for the people who live there year-round, peak season can feel less like a vacation and more like an endurance test.”
According to survey respondents, these were the biggest tourism-related sources of stress
- Traffic congestion
- Higher prices
- Crowded restaurants and long waits
- Lack of parking
- Crowded beaches, trails, lakes or public spaces
- Rude or disrespectful visitors
- Noise and late-night behavior
- Short-term rentals reducing housing availability
What is California’s most stressed tourist town?
According to the survey commissioned by AMFM Healthcare, Carmel-by-the-Sea was the most stressed tourist town in California in 2026.
The Central Coast city ranked No. 18 in the nation in terms of pressure from tourism.
“Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like a storybook brought to life” with hidden passageways and whimsical cottages, said See Monterey, Monterey County’s destination marketing organization. “Within one square mile, you can stroll between galleries, tasting rooms and white-sand beaches, all framed by ocean breezes and timeless charm.”
In addition to dining, wine tasting and shopping, the city offers access to Carmel Beach, a dog-friendly spot, with renowned surfing and “breathtaking sunsets,” See Monterey said.
Other popular attractions in the area include Carmel Mission and 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road that connects Carmel-by-the-Sea to Monterey.
Carmel-by-the-Sea had a population of 14,142 in 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau said.
However, the number of people in the coastal city swells during peak tourism season, with a year.
Carmel-by-the Sea residents have raised concerns about overcrowding and traffic congestion tied to tourism.
“I’ve lived here most of my life and this year definitely feels EXTRA,” Reddit user W1ldHoneysuckle wrote on a June 27 post. “I understand we have tourists, but as a local, there used to be ‘down’ time when we could enjoy our area too.”
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Another Reddit user, Fun-Hat7228, suggested that the coastal city “blew up” in popularity because of TikTok videos advertising Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Which California cities feel pressure from visitors?
Two other California cities made AMFM Healthcare’s 2026 list of the tourist towns that face the most pressure from visitors.
South Lake Tahoe ranked No. 29 on the list, and Solvang was No. 59.
With its clear blue waters, snow-capped mountains and copious sunshine, Lake Tahoe area is a popular destination for travelers, drawing 15 million visitors a year.
“When you first see the lake and take in its beauty, magnitude and majesty, it fills you with energy and awe,” Visit Lake Tahoe said.
At South Lake Tahoe, the “beautiful landscape and countless outdoor activities come together to create an unforgettable experience,” Visit Lake Tahoe said. “Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a bit of both, this picturesque destination has something for everyone.”
In the summer, activities include water-skiing, paddle boarding and parasailing. Skiing, snowboarding and tubing draw visitors once snow falls in the Sierra Nevada.
Social media user appear torn about how beneficial tourism is for Tahoe-area residents.
Although many businesses in the city rely on tourists, a majority of local “resent the tourists who litter, cause traffic, and generally disrupt the otherwise peaceful existence that people move here for,” one Reddit user wrote in a March 2024 post.
Tourists from the Bay Area “have no idea how stuck-up and obnoxious they are to the locals,” Reddit user Mymymichael said.
Locals are likewise concerned about the impacts of tourism on Solvang, described by Visit California as “a picturesque town with Danish roots.”
“Solvang is a sun-soaked slice of Danish culture in the Santa Ynez Valley, where California wine cellars mix with European bakeries and shops,” Visit Solvang said.
Residents expressed frustrations about noise, parking and housing at a Solvang City Council meeting in August 2025, KSBY-TV reported, worrying that short-term vacation rentals disrupt residential areas and impact business for local hotels.
In February, the City Council moved to tighten restrictions on short-term rentals, Noozhawk reported at the time.
Where are the top 10 cities for travel stress?
According to AMFM Healthcare, these U.S. cities experience the most pressure during peak tourism season:
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Destin, Florida
- Hanalei, Hawaii
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Key West, Florida
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Las Vegas
- Waikiki, Hawaii
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Long Beach Island, New Jersey
How did AMFM Healthcare rank tourist destinations?
TAMFM Healthcare said it commissioned a survey of 3,042 U.S. adults in July “to identify the local communities respondents believe experience the greatest pressure during the peak tourist season.”
Participants were asked about the impacts of factors including crowding, traffic, parking, noise, access to amenities and local infrastructure.
Responses were aggregated to rank the cities that experience the highest levels of seasonal tourism pressure.
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