For the last 36 years, Conde Nast Traveler has invited its readers to vote for their favorite destinations and travel experiences around the world, from the best cruise lines to top resorts and favorite cities. This year, some 526,518 people voted for their faves — and we’re adding some of their picks to our own “where to go in 2024” list.
Among other things, readers were wowed by charming small cities across the South, from Charleston in South Carolina to Savannah, Georgia — and St. Augustine in Florida, a town settled in 1565, decades before any pilgrims popped up at Plymouth Rock. It’s the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S. and home to forts, castles and Gilded Age landmarks. The Southwest is represented on the list by Santa Fe and Sedona. And back East, Annapolis and its Chesapeake Bay seafood get a shout out, too.
Florida’s historic St. Augustine — and its scenic Bridge of Lions — was recently singled out by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best affordable vacation spots in the country. (Getty Images)
You won’t find any California entries on the small cities list, but both San Francisco and San Diego get nods on the Readers Choice Top 10 Big Cities list at Nos. 5 and 3, respectively. And Milwaukee — Milwaukee! — ranks No. 2, outshining New Orleans, New York City and other major destinations.
Take a peek at the lists, then hop over to www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-cities-us for details on each city, as well as travel tips and photos.
Top Small Cities in the U.S.
1 Charleston, South Carolina
2 Santa Fe, New Mexico
3 Alexandria, Virginia
4 Greenville, South Carolina
5 Savannah, Georgia
Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah, Georgia (Getty Images)
6 Aspen, Colorado
7 St. Augustine, Florida
8 Pensacola, Florida
9 Annapolis, Maryland
10 Sedona, Arizona
Top Big Cities in the U.S.
1 Chicago, Illinois
2 San Diego
A new museum at San Diego’s Balboa Park, pictured, along with beautiful beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants have made that sunny city a tourist magnet. (Getty Images)
3 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4 New Orleans, Louisiana
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5 San Francisco
6 Boston, Massachusetts
7 New York City
New York City (Getty Images)
8 Nashville, Tennessee
9 Washington, D.C.
10 Miami, Florida
