While the return of international travel took center stage in 2022, by no means did U.S. destinations fall to the wayside. GoTravelDaily readers were equally drawn to the buzz and vibrancy of cities spanning from San Diego, California, to Alexandria, Virginia — no passport required. While warm-weather hot spots throughout the South were ranked most popular, voters also headed up to the Northeast and the Midwest.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Cities were specifically rated on the following criteria:
- Sights/landmarks
- Culture
- Food
- Friendliness
- Shopping
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Readers’ favorite cities ran the gamut this year, from destinations filled with old-fashioned charm to modern, bustling metros. One thing that remained constant from last year was readers’ love for Charleston, South Carolina, which ranked No. 1 yet again. Santa Fe, Savannah, New York City, and Boston also returned to the list. From coast to coast, the cities that made the list this year captured a variety of cultures and cuisines — and proved that travelers may not need their passports to see a new and exciting place.
The Full List
1. Charleston, South Carolina
Once again named GoTravelDaily readers’ absolute favorite U.S. city, Charleston, also known as the Holy City, has the perfect combination of southern charm and city vibes. “This place is a destination to behold,” gushed one reader. Others praised the friendly locals, historic sites, and the shopping and dining along King Street. “So many incredible restaurants” have made Charleston a foodie destination, and “the mix of hotels makes the city a perfect fit for any type of traveler.” Reader Score: 88.63
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe captured readers’ hearts as a favorite destination thanks to its eclectic nature and widespread appeal. “Santa Fe has something to offer for everyone: great food, culture, outdoor activities including skiing and world class hiking… architecture is wonderful,” one reader raved. The city’s top-notch arts scene has long been a magnet for both creators and culture mavens, many drawn to the galleries along Canyon Road and in the Railyard District.
Reader Score: 88.47
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Whether or not it’s Mardi Gras season, a visit to New Orleans is a guaranteed good time. This city brimming with history keeps its musical traditions alive with jazz clubs like Fritzel’s and Preservation Hall and “street performers that will knock your socks off.” It also “may be the best food city in the world,” according to one reader, with its famous Creole cuisine now sharing the stage with delightful Haitian, Israeli, and Vietnamese fare.
Reader Score: 86.10
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah makes “southern charm” feel like an understatement. Its streets are lined with balconied Italianate and Federal-style houses; its small parks, or squares, are filled with live oaks covered in Spanish moss. While a stop at beloved ice cream parlor Leopold’s is a must, there are also plenty of museums and “haunted” houses to tour.
Reader Score: 85.96
5. Chicago, Illinois
“Honestly, who doesn’t like Chicago?” one reader rightly asks. The Windy City remains a voter favorite thanks to its world-class art galleries and museums, dynamic performing arts scenes, Magnificent Mile shopping, and phenomenal culinary offerings. Visitors can admire the city’s famous skyline from numerous rooftop restaurants and bars, but nothing beats an architecture cruise along the Chicago River.” Reader Score: 83.45
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
A tropical climate, rich culture, and eclectic food scene entice travelers to Hawaii’s capital throughout the year. Naturally, the sand and surf remain the main draws. Said one reader: “It doesn’t get better” than a “walk on Waikiki Beach at sunset.” Several others, however, raved about the city’s “tantalizing cuisine” found at trailblazing restaurants like the farm-to-table Merriman’s.
Reader Score: 83.40
7. New York, New York
New York is “an adventure waiting to happen,” with an endless variety of activities — from catching a Broadway show to strolling the famous boardwalk at Coney Island. “The best nightlife, the best food, the best architecture, the best museums,” raved one reader. The subway and ferries also make the Big Apple easy to navigate.
Reader Score: 83.36
8. Nashville, Tennessee
The music scene in Nashville—home to the Grand Ole Opry—is rivaled only by the city’s culinary scene. Known as the “Athens of the South,” it boasts several top-tier universities as well as a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park. Reader Score: 82.89
9. Alexandria, Virginia
Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria offers the charm of a small town alongside the buzz of the nation’s capital. In this “living museum,” you’ll find red-brick sidewalks and the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers market. Reader Score: 82.71
10. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s colorful architecture nods to its past while contemporary hotels keep the Texas city looking toward the future. A hotspot for history buffs, foodies, and families, a perfect day in San Antonio includes an afternoon stroll along the Museum Reach, a park filled with walking paths and public art installations. Reader Score: 82.57
11. Williamsburg, Virginia
Steeped in history, Williamsburg “offers such an insight into the past,” while another noted “there is a lot to see and do with Jamestown and Yorktown nearby as well.” The modern part of the city boasts hiking, camping, and great restaurants. Reader Score: 81.43
12. Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon “has a very great small-town atmosphere without necessarily being ‘small town.'” Located just a 30-minute drive east of Mt. Bachelor, it’s the perfect base for skiing by day and enjoying local breweries by night. Reader Score: 81.38
13. San Diego, California
San Diego won over readers with its “beautiful architecture, friendly people, and amazing climate.” With diverse neighborhoods, visitors can stroll through Balboa Park or enjoy dining in the Gaslamp Quarter. Reader Score: 81.31
14. Boston, Massachusetts
History buffs can find their happy place in Boston. “Boston is one of those cities that has a LOT of history. From the Freedom Trail to the renowned museums, the city has so much to explore,” one reader wrote. Reader Score: 81.23
15. Asheville, North Carolina
Readers raved about The Biltmore, a Vanderbilt mansion that boasts stunning French Renaissance architecture. “Incredible!!” one reader wrote of the property, which offers accommodations, a spa, and a winery. Reader Score: 81.02
