By: Elizabeth Cantrell | From: Travel + Leisure
When choosing city escapes in the United States, travelers continue to seek destinations with pedestrian-friendly streets, dynamic arts and culture institutions, and excellent food. For many visitors, it was also important to have access to activities that suit everyone, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a multigenerational family. One quality that was rewarded time and again, no matter the location? A tangible sense of history, particularly in the city’s architectural identity.
What Readers Loved
The Southeast and the Southwest were well represented, with only one winner each for New England and the Midwest. Readers rewarded recent favorites of the past few years like Boston (No. 14) , San Antonio (No. 12), and Savannah (No. 4).
After dropping off in 2024, Asheville (No. 9) returned to the list, with visitors expressing love for the city and hope for its revival, after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. One newcomer, Greenville (No. 7), made a strong debut, cementing the Southeast as a powerhouse region, with seven cities on the list. Across the board, voters rewarded cities with walkable downtowns and outstanding regional cuisine. And, this year, a new winner emerged, taking the top spot from Charleston for the first time in 12 years.
12. San Antonio, Texas
A longtime reader favorite, this city is praised for its pedestrian-friendly River Walk, historic sites like the Alamo, and the convenience of shopping and dining plazas. “There’s no place like San Antonio. History itself is dead-center in its beautiful downtown area!” said one visitor. Another traveler raved about the Hotel Emma, a boutique hotel in The Pearl—a former brewhouse that’s been converted into a thriving multi-use district with shops, markets, and entertainment spaces.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.68