This article was originally published on Crafting Your Home. A human contributor also wrote and edited the post.
Travel + Leisure readers have once again named Santa Fe the best city in the United States. The New Mexico capital took the top spot ahead of Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia,in the magazine’s 2026 World’s Best Awards.
This is the second consecutive year that Santa Fe has won the title. Charleston had previously held the top position for much of the past decade, but Santa Fe overtook it in 2025 and has now defended the ranking for another year.
How the Cities Ranked
The 2026 list placed Santa Fe first, followed by Charleston and Savannah. New Orleans ranked fourth, while Chicago came fifth. Fort Worth, Honolulu, New York City, Alexandria and Greenville completed the top 10.
The rankings were based on votes from Travel + Leisure readers, who evaluated cities in categories including sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, and shopping.
Why Santa Fe Stood Out
Santa Fe is known for its distinctive architecture, art scene, cultural heritage and Southwestern food. The city’s identity is strongly connected to Native American, Hispanic, and Spanish influences, which show up in its buildings, galleries, museums, and public spaces.
Travel coverage of the ranking highlighted Santa Fe’s artistic heritage, cultural identity, architecture, and year-round appeal.
The city is also associated with Georgia O’Keeffe, whose work and legacy remain an important part of Santa Fe’s cultural reputation. The area’s art galleries, historic sites and museums attract visitors who want more than a conventional city break.
Charleston Remains a Favorite
Although Charleston fell to second place, it still received strong support from readers. The South Carolina city is known for its historic streets, coastal setting, architecture, restaurants and Southern hospitality.
Charleston’s second-place ranking shows that it remains one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. It didn’t fall out of the top tier; instead, it narrowly followed Santa Fe in a list that continues to favor cities with distinctive character and strong visitor experiences.
Savannah Takes Third Place
Savannah ranked third in the 2026 list. The Georgia city is recognized for its historic squares, tree-lined streets, preserved architecture, and nearby coastal landscapes.
Its ranking places it ahead of several larger and more internationally famous U.S. cities. The result suggests that many travelers value atmosphere, history, walkability, and local identity when choosing a destination.
A Shift Away From Only Big Cities
New York City ranked eighth, behind Santa Fe, Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans, Chicago, Fort Worth and Honolulu. The result does not mean that travelers have lost interest in major cities, but it shows that smaller destinations can compete successfully when they offer distinctive culture, food and hospitality.
Santa Fe’s victory may appeal to travelers looking for a slower pace and a strong sense of place. Its popularity comes from a combination of art, history, food, landscapes and architecture rather than a single attraction.
What the Ranking Means for Travelers
The list gives visitors several different types of destinations to consider. Santa Fe offers Southwestern culture and art, Charleston provides coastal history and Southern cuisine, while Savannah is known for its historic atmosphere and leafy public spaces.
The rankings should not be treated as an objective measurement of every traveller’s ideal holiday. They reflect the preferences of Travel + Leisure readers, and individual experiences can vary depending on budget, season, weather and personal interests.
Still, the results provide a useful guide for people planning a U.S. city break. Travelers who want history, food, architecture and local character now have three highly ranked destinations to compare.
Santa Fe’s Repeat Victory
Santa Fe’s second consecutive win confirms its growing reputation among domestic and international travelers. The city has retained the title while competing against destinations with long-established tourism profiles.
For visitors, the appeal lies in the chance to experience a city that blends centuries of history with contemporary galleries, restaurants, festivals, and outdoor activities. The result also shows that a destination does not need to be the largest city to become one of America’s most admired travel spots.
For the second year in a row, Travel + Leisure readers have placed Santa Fe at the top of the U.S. city rankings, with Charleston and Savannah following closely behind.
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