These 2 Texas cities made Travel + Leisure's top 15 best US cities in 2024. See full list
If you're looking for an easy end-of-summer getaway, you may not need leave Texas!
Travel and Leisure has released its "World's Best Awards 2024," which includes a list of the 15 best U.S. cities. Not one but two Texas cities made the cut.
People are also reading: Travel + Leisure ranks this Texas city among top 15 favorite cities in the US list
15 best U.S. cities 2024, reported by Travel and Leisure
T+L ranked U.S. cities based on the following criteria:
Sights/landmarks
Culture
Food
Friendliness
Shopping
Value
T+L annually asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the world to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. More than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.), according to their blog.
Here's a breakdown of the rankings.
No. 1: Charleston, South Carolina
T+L attributed Charleston's continued reign as the best U.S. city to its historic architecture, walkability and Southern hospitality. As South Carolina's oldest city, it claims several historic sites, such as Fort Sumter, where, in 1861, the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Other firsts include the Charleston Museum, founded in 1773 and considered America's first Museum; the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, one of the colonies' first public buildings; and Dock Street Theatre, the site of the country's first theatrical performance and opera in the 1730s. "Charleston can compete with any European capital for its arts, entertainment, active lifestyle, and food,” a T+L voter said.
The capital of South Carolina is also known for its cuisine, which features traditional Southern dishes including shrimp and grits, hush puppies, fried chicken and of course sweet tea. T+L readers also felt welcomed by city's Southern charm: a T+L reader wrote Charleston was “a great example of a city that holds to their roots, but also strives to be current and welcoming to everyone.”
No. 2: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe was founded in 1610 and is the nation's oldest capital. It is known for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures — "like its own country within a country," as one T+L visitor described. The city is home to many historical sites, including the Palace of the Governors, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Loretto Chapel.
Another T+L visitor referred to the Pueblo-style buildings and independent galleries in downtown Santa Fe as "a photographer's dream and a shopper's delight."
No. 3: Savannah, Georgia
Founded in 1733, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and one of the most visited in the South. It's known for its well-preserved historic architecture, complete with monuments and forts from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras.
The Savannah Historic District, featuring antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets and manicured gardens, is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the U.S. T+L readers enjoy the city's oak-shaded parks, shopping opportunities, carriage rides and cemetery tours.
No. 4: Honolulu, Hawaii
The capital and largest city among Hawaii's islands, Honolulu attracts visitors with its natural beauty and Native Hawaiian traditions. Beaches, volcanoes and hiking trails combined with luaus and dives off the island of Oʻahu provide excitement for tourists from around the world.
A T+L visitor described interacting with the "friendliest" locals while in Honolulu, while also finding their culture "mesmerizing."
No. 5: New Orleans, Louisiana
Another well-rounded capital is New Orleans, which offers jazz music, Mardi Gras celebrations and a mix of cuisines — which include Creole, Vietnamese, Filipino and barbecue dishes. The city known as "Big Easy" was founded by French colonists in 1718 and has a rich history influenced by French, Spanish and African cultures.
T+L readers reported the city, which sits along the Mississippi River, is a great place to walk around and enjoy food and drink, history tours, festivals and markets.
No. 6: San Antonio, Texas
Home of the Alamo and Missions National Historical Park commemorating a famous battle in the Texas Revolution, San Antonio is a blend of historical and contemporary attractions. T+L visitors were particularly interested in destinations along the San Antonio River, such as the pedestrian park Museum Reach and the River Walk — a 15-mile stretch that winds through the city center and is lined with restaurants, shops and hotels.
No. 7: Fort Worth, Texas
Another Texas city has recently joined T+L's list of best U.S. cities. One reader described Fort Worth as "cosmopolitan meets ranch." The city, whose slogan is "Where the West Begins," offers a mix of cowboy culture and world-class cultural institutions such as The Kimbell Art Museum. Visitors may choose to attend one of the country's best rodeos and a daily cattle drive through the stockyard district, or one of the nearly 20 theaters with ballet, opera and symphony orchestra concerts.
No. 8: New York, New York
It's no surprise the city that never sleeps appeals to so many visitors — along with its staggering 8 million residents, the most of any U.S. city. The Big Apple offers fun to everyone, with Broadway shows, iconic museums, next-level shopping and some of the world's best restaurants. Though a bit pricey, T+L readers assure the cost is worth visiting the global center for business, finance, culture and media.
No. 9: Chicago, Illinois
Following as the third-most populous city in the U.S., Chicago sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. T+L readers cherished the Midwest city's walkability and easy-to-navigate public transportation. Different parts of the "Windy City" embrace various cultures, while also catering to foodies and sports fans. Visitors can view its architecture on a Chicago River tour, catch a baseball game at Wrigley Field, or discover the best deep-dish pizza.
No. 10: Aspen, Colorado
Making a new appearance on this year's list, T+L visitors found Aspen, Colorado to be "a very well-rounded town full of great shops, museums and restaurants." The mountain town claims a world-renowned skiing resort in addition to featuring contemporary art at the Baldwin Gallery. Its Jerome Hotel is also famous for hosting celebrities since the 1950s, including Gary Cooper and John Wayne. The Woody Creek Tavern was also home to journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson.
No. 11: Taos, New Mexico
A small city located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos offers adventure with hiking, skiing and rafting the Rio Grande. It's also the home of Taos Pueblo, a 1,000-year-old continually inhabited Adobe community and the only living Native American community to be designated as both a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. T+L readers took a special interest in the rich Indigenous culture and the town's many independent galleries and shops. As one reader put it, "Taos is for athletes, artists, and open-minded travelers."
No. 12: Annapolis, Maryland
The coastal city known as "the sailing capital" of the U.S., Annapolis makes its first appearance ever on T+L's list. With historic sites, a walkable downtown, and its famous crab cakes, T+L readers enjoyed the city's culture and activities. As home to the U.S. Naval Academy, visitors can also attend a Navy football game.
Annapolis was also the home of four signers of the Declaration of Independence and was the country's temporary capital following the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
No. 13: Nashville, Tennessee
A night in Music City might include a lively honky tonk on Broadway, a Grand Ole Opry performance or an open mic night at a cafe. Nashville sits on the Cumberland River, with attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Johnny Cash Museum. Aside from music, visitors can also enjoy theatre and art, or take in the city's strong culinary scene.
No. 14: Boston, Massachusetts
The capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, one T+L reader described Boston as "a perfect mix of old and modern." Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers, it's also one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Among several historic landmarks, the Freedom Trail winds through the heart of Boston and passes 16 sites significant to the American Revolution. Visitors can also attend a baseball game at Fenway Park, visit one of many unique neighborhoods, or visit an iconic hotel — such as North America's first Raffles property.
No. 15: Alexandria, Virginia
Across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., sits Alexandria, also among the country's oldest cities. As a major port and shipbuilding center, Alexandria played a key role in the American Revolution. T+L readers enjoyed the picturesque Old Town, whose Saturday farmers' market has been operating for 260 years. The small Virginia town also features attractions like The Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Mount Vernon Trail.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: San Antonio, Fort Worth make T+L's list of 15 best US cities 2024
