St. Augustine has been named one of the Top 10 Small Cities in the U.S. for the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. The city was ranked fourth on the list, which was published on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
“We’re thrilled to see St. Augustine receive this honor,” said Susan Phillips, president and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “To be named one of the best by travelers who have experienced our destination, that’s a testament to our wonderful community of tourism and hospitality professionals. They strive to make St. Augustine a memorable place to explore, connect and relax. To be included in this list for multiple years speaks volumes.”
Condé Nast Traveler readers cast 757,109 votes in the magazine’s 38th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, voting on their favorite cities, hotels, islands, resorts and cruises. Two Florida cities made the list, with St. Augustine ranked fourth, and Pensacola, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, ranked 10th.
Readers recognized St. Augustine for its impressive history and charm. Founded in 1565, it remains the oldest continuously occupied settlement of those with a European or African-American heritage in the country. Its experiences cater to a diverse array of travelers, from pristine beaches and miles of navigable waterways to colonial Spanish architecture, brick-lined streets and museums featuring historic artifacts, fine arts and unique antiquities.
Visitors are drawn to popular attractions, including the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum and the St. Augustine Distillery; award-winning events like the Nights of Lights, St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival and Spanish Food & Wine Festival; a global food scene with dining experiences from La Nouvelle Bistro, Caps on the Water and Lotus Noodle Bar; and first-class lodging like the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens and the St. Francis Inn.
Earlier this year, Condé Nast Traveler included St. Augustine on its list of the 31 Most Beautiful Towns in America, while it was the only U.S. location listed on Booking.com’s World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2025. In the past, the city has been recognized as a top small town by publications such as Southern Living and USA Today 10Best.
