One characteristic that seemed to capture readers hearts, no matter the destination?

A strong identity, and a sense that the city was unlike others elsewhere in the country.

Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey.

Floral covered homes in Charleston, SC

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

Readers rewarded past favorites like Chicago (No.

9), Honolulu (No.

A horse pulling a carriage in Charleston, SC

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

4), and New Orleans (No.

1 for the 12th year in a row.

But for the first time, Annapolis (No.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown skyline at dusk.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

  1. and Aspen (No.

The Full List

1.

WBA Hall of Famehonoree.

Scenic street in Savannah, Georgia

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

Reader score: 87.99

2.

Santa Feis like its own country within a country, gushed one reader.

Its such a unique blend of culture and history that you dont see in the rest of the USA.

Aerial view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater in Honolulu

okimo/Getty Images

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Reader Score: 87.43

3.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Crowded street of New Orleans

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

Reader Score: 85.27

4.

But travelers also praised its shopping and Native Hawaiian traditions.

There is something for everyone.

Riverwalk San Antonio Texas skyline, park walkway along scenic canal

dszc/Getty Images

Reader Score: 85.17

5.

Many travelers also appreciated the citys laid-back vibe (it is the Big Easy, after all.)

New Orleans is a great walking around, let’s-pop-into-this-place-kind-of-city, according to one visitor.

Fort Worth Stockyards

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

Others noted its superb history tours, festivals, and markets.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Reader score: 84.53

6.

View of Statue of Liberty and skyline in NYC

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

It was exceptionally maintained and absolutely beautiful.

Reader Score: 83.20

7.

There are almost 20 theaters.

Chicago River and Cityscape during sunset

tunart/Getty Images

you could attend the ballet, the opera, and symphony orchestra concerts, noted one visitor.

Reader Score: 83.19

8.

As one reader summed it up: What can one say that hasn’t already been said?

Panorama of Snowmass Mountain ski area in Aspen, Colorado.

DCrane08/Getty Images

NYC is a great place to visit.

That goes without saying.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Taos at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains,

Mona Makela Photography/Getty Images

Reader score: 83.16

9.

The food, the sports.

Did I mention the food?

Twilight at Harbor at Downtown Annapolis, Maryland

Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images

From a cultural perspective its fantastic because of how many people are from all over the world.

Multiple parts of town have different vibes that keep it fresh and exciting to visit, said one reader.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

View of main street in Nashville

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Reader Score: 82.44

10.

Reader Score: 82.41

11.

Taos, New Mexico

Mona Makela Photography/Getty Images

This small city packs a punch.

The Charles River in Boston

Violet Smirnova/Travel + Leisure

Readers were also charmed by the towns many independent galleries and shops.

Taos is for athletes, artists, and open minded travelers, said one reader.

Reader Score: 81.36

12.

Old Town, Alexandria taken from the Wilson Bridge that crosses the Potomac River

Photos by Coyle/Getty Images

Annapolis is also home to the U.S.

Naval Academy, and many readers touted football games as a cant-miss activity.

I love the culture and activities available in Annapolis.

Reader Score: 81.26

13.

Nashville, Tennessee

Readers cant get enough of the nightlife in Music City.

The citys strong culinary scene and efficient airport also received praise.

Reader Score: 81.18

14.

It’s a perfect mix of old and modern, claims one reader.

Visitors also appreciated that the highly walkable city has distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique feel.

Reader Score: 80.75

15.