Imagine a place where the mountains meet art, where vibrant culture blends effortlessly with stunning natural beauty, and where every moment invites you to savor life’s boldest flavors. This is Santa Fe — and for the second year running, it’s officially America’s favorite city to visit.
On July 7, 2026, Travel + Leisure announced its 2026 World’s Best Awards, and Santa Fe, New Mexico did something no city has ever done in the award’s 31-year history: it repeated as the #1 Best City in the U.S. for a second consecutive year. More than 207,000 readers cast over 660,000 votes, and once again, “The City Different” came out on top.
As locals and passionate stewards of this enchanting destination, we invite you to discover why Santa Fe isn’t just holding onto a title — it’s redefining what people expect from an American vacation.
The Santa Fe Plaza — the historic heart of the city readers just named #1 in America for the second year in a row.
🏆 Santa Fe Makes History: Back-to-Back #1
Santa Fe first claimed the top spot in 2025, ending Charleston, South Carolina’s decade-plus hold on the title. Plenty of destinations get a moment in the spotlight and fade the following year. Santa Fe didn’t. In 2026, it became the first city ever to repeat as Best U.S. City in the award’s history — and it did it while Charleston mounted a genuine comeback to reclaim second place, proving last year was no fluke.
Santa Fe’s 2026 score of 88.85 also secured it the #19 spot on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Cities in the World” list — making it the only U.S. city to appear among the 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. 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.” — Santa Fe Mayor Michael J. Garcia
📰 Where to see the full results: The complete 2026 World’s Best Awards list is available now at travelandleisure.com, with the full rankings appearing in the magazine’s August 2026 print issue.
🌄 Why Readers Keep Choosing Santa Fe
Travel + Leisure’s readers weigh cities on sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, and value — and Santa Fe scores high across the board. Here’s what the magazine and its readers pointed to specifically in 2026.
300+ Days of Sunshine a Year
Readers repeatedly cited Santa Fe’s high-desert climate as a year-round draw — reliable sunshine in winter for a family-friendly ski season, and warm, dry summer days perfect for exploring on foot.
A Flavorful, Distinctive Food Scene
From red and green chile to fine dining that draws on centuries of New Mexican tradition, Santa Fe’s cuisine continues to set it apart from every other city on the list.
World-Class Art and Culture
Travel + Leisure specifically called out the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, along with attractions like Meow Wolf and the galleries of Canyon Road, as reasons visitors keep coming back.
A Four-Season Destination
A family-friendly ski resort just minutes from downtown means Santa Fe doesn’t have an off-season. Winter visitors ski; summer visitors wander the Plaza, galleries, and markets.
This is the heartbeat we help you experience firsthand. As your local guides, we connect you with the events, galleries, and hidden gems that make Santa Fe’s win feel earned rather than accidental.
📊 2026 Best Cities in the U.S. — The Full Top 5
Santa Fe didn’t just win — it held off some of the most beloved cities in the country to do it. Here’s how the 2026 list shook out:
| Rank | City | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | #1 |
| #2 | Charleston, South Carolina | #3 |
| #3 | Savannah, Georgia | #4 |
| #4 | New Orleans, Louisiana | #2 |
| #5 | Chicago, Illinois | #10 |
🔎 The bigger picture: Charleston held the Best U.S. City title continuously from 2013 until Santa Fe broke that streak in 2025. Charleston’s climb back to #2 in 2026 shows just how competitive this category has become — and Santa Fe still came out on top.
Curious what makes Santa Fe feel this way in person? This video captures it well:
Santa Fe — two-time reigning Best City in the U.S., Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
Personalized Service That Makes the Difference
Your Santa Fe vacation is more than a getaway — it’s where your family creates mountain memories that last a lifetime. We understand how much your time, comfort, and investment mean to you. That’s why our approach is rooted in stewardship and authenticity. While you manage your busy life, our boots-on-the-ground team ensures your rental is pristine, welcoming, and ready to embrace you.
Our guests consistently share how this personalized attention transforms their trips. One recent visitor noted,
“The moment we arrived, everything was perfect — the home was immaculate, and the local recommendations made our trip unforgettable. It felt like we were part of a community, not just visitors.” — Benjamin from Chicago, IL
This is the assurance we provide: a stay defined by impeccable care, transparent communication, and a trusted team dedicated to your peace of mind.
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites — home base in the city Travel + Leisure readers rank #1 in America.
🏡 Where to Stay in America’s #1 City
A two-time award-winning destination deserves lodging to match. Whether you’re drawn downtown or prefer a quiet, gated retreat, our two Santa Fe properties put you close to everything that just earned this city the top spot again.
🏨 Fort Marcy Condos — Walk to the Plaza
Set on nine landscaped acres just above historic downtown Santa Fe, Fort Marcy puts you minutes from the Plaza, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the galleries of Canyon Road — all named among the reasons readers voted Santa Fe #1.
- Walking distance to the Historic Santa Fe Plaza
- 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos with full kitchens
- Private balconies with panoramic Santa Fe views
- Next to Cross of the Martyrs — a stunning city overlook
- Perfect for couples, families, and multi-night stays
🏡 Quail Run — Resort Amenities and Space
For groups and families who want resort-quality space after a day exploring award-winning Santa Fe, Quail Run delivers. A peaceful, gated community a short drive from downtown, with the kind of living space no hotel room can match.
- Homes, townhomes, and condos — multiple sizes available
- Resort amenities including pool and tennis courts
- Gated community with tranquil high-desert setting
- Short drive to the Plaza and Santa Fe’s top attractions
- Ideal for larger groups and extended stays
Book with Confidence
We understand that your Santa Fe vacation is more than a getaway — it’s an investment in an experience worth protecting. Every booking through All Seasons Resort Lodging comes with our full guest programs:
- 🔒 Lowest Rate Guarantee — we match any lower price you find
- ↩️ 48-Hour Money-Back Guarantee — risk-free booking window
- 🛡️ Travel Protection Plan — trip insurance and coverage details
- 💙 True Blue Perks — 10% discount for returning guests
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Santa Fe’s 2026 Best City Win
Why was Santa Fe named the #1 city in the U.S. for 2026?
Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, based on more than 660,000 reader votes, named Santa Fe the #1 Best City in the U.S. for the second year in a row — the first repeat win in the award’s 31-year history. Readers highlighted its 300+ days of sunshine, distinctive food scene, and cultural attractions like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Is this Santa Fe’s first time winning this award?
No — Santa Fe first won Best U.S. City in 2025, ending Charleston, South Carolina’s decade-plus hold on the title. In 2026, Santa Fe repeated as #1, becoming the first city ever to win the category two years in a row.
How did Santa Fe rank globally?
Santa Fe’s 2026 score of 88.85 placed it #19 on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Cities in the World” list — the only U.S. city to appear among the winning international destinations this year.
Where can I see the full 2026 World’s Best Awards results?
The complete rankings are available at travelandleisure.com, with the full list appearing in Travel + Leisure’s August 2026 print issue.
Where’s the best place to stay in Santa Fe?
Fort Marcy Condos put you walking distance from the Plaza and downtown attractions. Quail Run offers a gated, resort-style setting with more space for groups. Both are managed by All Seasons Resort Lodging with our Lowest Rate Guarantee.
Experience the City Travel + Leisure Readers Rank #1 — Two Years Running
Santa Fe’s back-to-back win isn’t luck — it’s the sunshine, the food, the art, and the people. Come see it for yourself, and let our local team help you make the most of every moment.
Questions? Call us 7 days a week: 888-575-2775 • 9 AM – 5 PM Mountain Time • reservations@asrlodging.com
![Your Guide To Park City Mountain Lift Tickets [2024-2025]](https://www.allseasonsresortlodging.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ski-slope-from-lift_1024x1440-1.jpg "Your Guide To Park City Mountain Lift Tickets [2024-2025]")
