The Alamo City has established itself as a shining star in the travel world, according to Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards. San Antonio ranked No. 6 among the best U.S. cities, as determined by the publication's readers.
The annual World's Best Awards ask Travel + Leisure readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, which include the top hotels, resorts, cities, and more. The 2024 survey had more than 186,000 responses from T+L readers with more than 700,000 votes across 8,700 destinations and accommodations.
San Antonio was one of just two Texas cities to make the list of the top 10 best cities in the U.S. with a score of 83.20 points, just ahead of Fort Worth (No. 7). The best U.S. cities list are all bucket list-worthy destinations with "palpable history, walkable downtowns, regional cuisine, and robust cultural and artistic institutions," according to Travel + Leisure.
In the report, T+L said San Antonio's bustling historic district, public art displays, and beautiful parks are the main attractions that keep visitors coming back for more.
"Historic sites like the Alamo and the Mission are two notable entry points into this south Texas city," the report said. "But contemporary attractions also abound — Museum Reach, a three-mile pedestrian park along the San Antonio River, has many public art installations."
One reader lauded the popular San Antonio River Walk, which was described as "exceptionally maintained."
"[The River Walk is] probably one of the nicest places we have ever visited in the States," the reader said.
Tourists can't get enough of the River Walk.Photo by Shelly Collins on Unsplash
Elsewhere in Texas
Fort Worth was only .01 points behind San Antonio in the rankings, but still earned a coveted spot among the top 10. A reader described the city as a place where "cosmopolitan meets ranch." But it's Cowtown's thriving arts scene – including the vast number of theater, ballet, opera, and symphony orchestra performances – that stand out above the rest.
"Though Fort Worth retains its cowboy image with one of the country’s best rodeos and a daily cattle drive through the streets of the [Stockyards] district, it’s not all ten-gallon hats — the cultural institutions, such as The Kimbell Art Museum, are world-class," the report said.
Most notably, both Texas cities outranked major U.S. destinations like New York City and Chicago in the report.
"For nearly three decades, our World's Best Awards have set the standard for excellence in travel, as chosen by our dedicated and discerning readers," said Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, in a release. "The 2024 results highlight a blend of time-honored favorites and emerging destinations, reflecting the diverse interests of today's travelers. We're delighted to honor these exceptional places and experiences that inspire our audience to explore the world."
The top 10 best U.S. cities in 2024, as voted by Travel + Leisure readers, are:
- No. 1 – Charleston, South Carolina
- No. 2 – Santa Fe, New Mexico
- No. 3 – Savannah, Georgia
- No. 4 – Honolulu, Hawaii
- No. 5 – New Orleans, Louisiana
- No. 6 – San Antonio, Texas
- No. 7 – Fort Worth, Texas
- No. 8 – New York, New York
- No. 9 – Chicago, Illinois
- No. 10 – Taos, New Mexico
The full list of winners of Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2024 can be found on travelandleisure.com.
