Southwest city takes over as the top U.S. travel destination, dethroning Charleston.
In an exciting turn of events, Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been named the No. 1 U.S. travel destination by Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards. This marks a significant shift, as Charleston, South Carolina, which had held the top spot for 12 consecutive years, was dethroned.
Santa Fe's rise to the top can be attributed to several key factors. The city's rich history and distinctive adobe architecture immerse visitors in its unique identity, offering a tangible connection to the past. Santa Fe's culinary scene is also a major draw, with inventive New Mexican cuisine and a vibrant food culture that has earned praise from Travel + Leisure's readers.
The city's natural beauty is another significant attraction. With diverse landscapes and abundant outdoor activities, Santa Fe offers a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The city's arts and culture scene is equally vibrant, with dynamic institutions, museums, galleries, and events that reflect its strong cultural presence.
Santa Fe's walkability and welcoming atmosphere are also noteworthy. The city is pedestrian-friendly and consistently rated as accessible and welcoming for all types of travelers, from solo visitors to multigenerational families.
Other cities that made the 2025 list include Charleston, South Carolina, which landed at No. 3, New Orleans, Louisiana, ranked No. 2, and Chicago, Illinois, ranked No. 10. San Antonio, Texas, and Greenville, South Carolina, were also included, ranking at No. 12 and No. 8, respectively.
The list, which captures not only where people are going but what they're valuing most along the way, also featured Nashville, Tennessee (No. 13), Asheville, North Carolina (No. 10), and Honolulu, Hawaii (No. 7).
It's important to note that no new travel requirements taking effect in 2025 were mentioned in the provided paragraph. Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards revealed that readers raved about the destinations' offerings, from their food scenes and natural beauty to their arts and culture.
For those interested in the reasons behind Santa Fe's 2025 ranking, the city's rich history, incredible food scene, natural beauty, arts and culture, walkability, and friendliness all played a significant role. However, it's important to clarify that, according to Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, Santa Fe secured the number one spot as the best city in the U.S. for the first time in 2025, not 2022. If you are seeking information specifically about 2022, the current available data does not support Santa Fe holding the top spot for that year.
- Santa Fe's food scene, marked by inventive New Mexican cuisine, earned praise from Travel + Leisure's readers, making it an attractive destination from a food-and-drink perspective.
- Travelers seeking an international lifestyle can immerse themselves in the unique identity of Santa Fe, with its distinctive adobe architecture and diverse landscapes, offering a taste of a different culture.
- Along with its rich history and vibrant food culture, Santa Fe's home-and-garden appeal lies in its abundant outdoor activities and powerhouse arts and culture scene, providing a holistic travel experience.
