Santa Fe has been named the top city in the United States by the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. This marks the first time Santa Fe has achieved the number one position on this list, which features readers' 15 favorite cities in the U.S. Additionally, Santa Fe ranked as the 19th favorite city globally and is the only U.S. city included among international destinations this year.
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber expressed pride in this recognition, stating, "We’re #1! This award belongs to all of Santa Fe." He emphasized that visitors feel the city's hospitality and magic through its history, culture, art, food, architecture, and people. Randy Randall, Executive Director of TOURISM Santa Fe, highlighted that being chosen as the top city destination is an extraordinary achievement given travelers' many options today.
The World’s Best Awards are celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2025. Santa Fe has consistently appeared on the list of top U.S. cities since 2002 and is recognized as a World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame Honoree. Besides being listed among top cities, Santa Fe resorts were also acknowledged; Bishop's Lodge ranked second among top resorts in the west and Ten Thousand Waves was listed as one of the best domestic U.S. spas.
Travel + Leisure compiled a list of "5 Favorite Santa Fe Hotels of 2025," featuring The Inn of the Five Graces, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, La Fonda on the Plaza, Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda and Spa, and Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.
Readers shared positive feedback about Santa Fe: "A unique beautiful city. Captures one’s heart," and "Every trip exceeds the last." The complete awards list is available online and will be featured in Travel + Leisure's August 2025 print issue.
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