Readers select The City Different for #1 City in the United States & #19 in the World for a Second Time
Santa Fe, N.M. – July 7, 2026: Santa Fe has once again ranked as the best U.S. city in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, achieving the No. 1 position on the list of “Best Cities in the U.S. 2026.” This is a back-to-back honor for the city, following the first ever win in this category last year. Additionally, Santa Fe’s score kept the city in the No. 19 spot on readers’ list of the “Best Cities in World.” Santa Fe is the only U.S. city featured on the list of winning international destinations this year.
"Being named the No. 1 city in the United States for a second year in a row is an incredible honor and a moment of tremendous pride for our entire community," said Mayor Michael J. Garcia. "Santa Fe is unlike any place in the world. Visitors come here for our history, culture, art, cuisine and natural beauty, and they return because of the warmth, creativity and spirit of the people who call this city home. This recognition belongs to our residents, our artists, our small businesses, our hospitality workers and everyone who helps make The City Different such a special place. We are grateful to the readers of Travel + Leisure for this distinction and excited to continue sharing the magic of Santa Fe with the world."
As a long-loved travel destination for Travel +Leisure readers, Santa Fe first finished on the top of the U.S. cities list in 2025 and has been represented annually on the list since 2002. This longevity makes Santa Fe one of the most awarded cities with the designation as a World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame Honoree.
“Winning a national honor once is outstanding, but earning this top distinction from the readers of Travel + Leisure two years in a row demonstrates that Santa Fe is an exceptional destination with enduring appeal” said Randy Randall, TOURISM Santa Fe Executive Director. “This repeat honor is earned by our entire hospitality community; all those dedicating their time and talents 365 days a year to making Santa Fe one of the most beloved destinations.”
In addition to the best cities lists, Santa Fe resorts also appeared on lists of best hotels and spas. Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Collection took the #3 spot on the list of top resorts in the west and Ten Thousand Waves was #15 on the list of best domestic wellness retreats.
Travel + Leisure also compiled a list of the “Best Hotels in Santa Fe,” highlighting The Inn of the Five Graces, La Fonda on the Plaza, Inn on the Alameda, Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.
The complete list of awards is now available online at travelandleisure.com and will appear in the magazine’s August 2026 print issue. More than 661,000 votes were cast by readers in the 2026 survey.
B-roll video and press ready photos of the destination can be downloaded here: https://share.crowdriff.com/01KVEBZHHJ12CB644b0199f885a8d4
