Looking for your next American getaway? Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards offer plenty of inspiration, highlighting cities that travelers love for their food, history, architecture, and local culture. Charleston leads the small-city rankings, followed by destinations such as Alexandria, Santa Fe, and Greenville, while San Diego and New Orleans stand out among larger cities. From charming historic districts and creative art scenes to coastal escapes and celebrated local cuisine, these seven destinations offer very different ways to experience the United States. Here’s what makes each one worth adding to your travel wish list.
Charleston, South Carolina, Claims the Top Spot Among Small Cities
Charleston’s appeal goes well beyond its picture-perfect streets. The historic South Carolina city ranked No. 1 among small cities in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, continuing its strong record in the annual rankings. Its appeal comes from a combination of history, architecture, waterfront scenery, and a food scene that has become a destination in its own right. Visitors can explore cobblestone streets, admire historic homes, and spot colorful window boxes throughout the city’s older neighborhoods. The waterfront adds another layer to the experience, with scenic views and places to enjoy fresh seafood outdoors. Charleston also hosts food and cultural festivals that bring additional attention to its restaurants and local traditions. Its historic character is not confined to museums or designated landmarks; it remains part of the city’s everyday atmosphere. For travelers seeking a destination where architecture, regional cuisine, and a walkable historic district come together, Charleston offers a compelling reason to plan a visit. Its first-place ranking reflects readers’ enthusiasm for a city that balances its past with a lively contemporary dining and cultural scene.
Alexandria, Virginia, Wins Travelers Over With Historic Charm
Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria offers a historic escape with easy access to the nation’s capital. The city ranked No. 2 among small U.S. cities in the 2026 awards, thanks in part to its preserved architecture, independent shops, and attractive waterfront. Old Town is a natural starting point, with red-brick sidewalks and rows of buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. King Street provides a lively route through boutiques, restaurants, and specialty stores, while the waterfront offers views of boats moving along the river. Art lovers can visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former industrial building now home to galleries and working artists’ studios. History also appears in places such as Gadsby’s Tavern, which has connections to the early years of the United States. Alexandria’s location makes it particularly convenient for visitors who want to explore both the city and Washington, D.C., without staying in the capital itself. Its ranking highlights the appeal of a destination that combines a strong sense of history with an active local shopping, dining, and arts scene.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, Stands Out for Its Art and Culture
Santa Fe has long attracted artists, collectors, and travelers interested in a city where creative expression is part of the landscape. Ranked No. 3 among small cities in the 2026 awards, New Mexico’s capital is known for its adobe architecture, historic churches, and concentration of galleries and cultural institutions. The city’s distinctive buildings give many streets a character unlike that of other American destinations, while its artistic community draws on a mixture of regional traditions and contemporary influences. Condé Nast Traveler highlights more than 250 galleries, including SITE Santa Fe in the Railyard district, which is known for contemporary art. Visitors looking for something more immersive can explore Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return, an interactive art experience spread across more than 70 rooms. Santa Fe also offers museums, restaurants, and historic sites that make it easy to build a varied itinerary. Its creative identity has helped keep it on travelers’ lists year after year. For those who want a trip centered on art, architecture, and cultural discovery rather than conventional sightseeing alone, Santa Fe provides a distinctive destination with plenty to explore.
Greenville, South Carolina, Draws Visitors With Downtown Charm and Outdoor Adventures
Greenville has developed into a destination that appeals to both city explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. Ranked No. 4 among small cities in the 2026 awards, it combines a lively downtown with easy access to the hills and mountains of the southern Appalachian region. The city offers a growing range of restaurants, bars, and places to spend an evening, giving visitors plenty to do after a day outdoors. Its surroundings are particularly attractive to cyclists, who can choose from rolling country roads and demanding climbs. Some routes offer steep terrain that has drawn comparisons to famous European cycling landscapes. Greenville’s appeal is not limited to serious athletes, however. Visitors can enjoy the downtown atmosphere, explore local food and drink options, and use the city as a base for discovering the surrounding countryside. The combination makes it a useful choice for travelers who do not want to choose between urban amenities and outdoor activities. Its high ranking suggests that readers appreciate destinations where a strong local scene and access to nature complement each other, creating opportunities for both relaxed weekends and more active trips.
Santa Barbara, California, Earns Praise for Its Coastal Beauty
Santa Barbara offers a coastal getaway where ocean scenery and distinctive architecture shape the experience from the moment visitors arrive. Ranked No. 5 among small cities in the 2026 awards, the California destination sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Its mild climate and Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere have helped earn it the nickname the American Riviera. Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, with white stucco walls and red-tile roofs, give the city a recognizable look, while the coastline offers opportunities for beach visits and waterfront walks. Santa Barbara also attracts food lovers with its restaurants, wine experiences, and access to ingredients produced along California’s Central Coast. Visitors can spend a morning by the water, explore downtown, and enjoy a slower evening without needing to travel far between activities. The city appeals to a broad range of travelers, including families, couples, and people looking for a comfortable coastal retreat. Its ranking reflects the appeal of a destination that combines natural scenery with attractive architecture, dining, and accommodation options, making it an appealing alternative to the busier pace of larger California cities.
San Diego, California, Impresses With Beaches and a Growing Food Scene
San Diego’s beaches remain a major attraction, but the city has developed plenty of reasons for visitors to stay long after their time by the water. It ranked No. 10 among big U.S. cities in the 2026 awards, with its hospitality and food scenes helping strengthen its reputation as a destination in its own right. Newer hotel options, including properties such as the Guild and the Carté, add to the range of places travelers can choose from. Food is another major draw, particularly the city’s Mexican cuisine and seafood, which reflect its coastal location and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. Visitors can build an itinerary around beach time, neighborhood restaurants, and urban attractions rather than relying on one headline activity. San Diego’s climate also makes outdoor exploration a central part of many trips. Its position in the big-city rankings shows how a destination often associated with sunshine and surfing can offer a broader travel experience. For visitors seeking a mix of relaxed coastal time, good food, and city amenities, San Diego provides plenty of options beyond the shoreline.
New Orleans, Louisiana, Stands Out for Its Music, Food, and Cultural Heritage
New Orleans rewards visitors who look beyond its best-known attractions and spend time exploring the neighborhoods that give the city its distinctive character. Ranked No. 9 among big U.S. cities in the 2026 awards, it draws on a rich blend of Creole, Cajun, and French influences that shape its food, music, architecture, and local traditions. Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street remain famous draws, while Café du Monde and Preservation Hall are familiar stops for many first-time visitors. But the city’s cultural life extends well beyond those landmarks. Frenchmen Street is known for live music, and the French Quarter and Bywater offer varied dining and nightlife experiences. The Warehouse District provides another perspective, with galleries, hotels, and cultural institutions, including the National WWII Museum. This range makes New Orleans appealing to travelers with different interests, whether they want to explore music history, sample regional dishes, or spend time among art and museums. Its ranking reflects the city’s ability to offer an experience that feels deeply rooted in local history while remaining lively and constantly engaging for visitors.
