Santa Barbara and Healdsburg Rank Among Top 10 US Small Cities in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

Key points

• Santa Barbara placed fifth and Healdsburg eighth in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for best small US cities.
• The rankings were determined by 798,867 reader votes evaluating factors like food, culture, and architecture.
• Charleston, South Carolina, ranked first, followed by Alexandria, Virginia, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• Santa Barbara’s appeal includes its Pacific Ocean setting, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and over 300 days of sunny weather.
• Healdsburg is recognized for its walkable historic downtown, wine-tasting rooms, and local food scene featuring Pacific Coast seafood and farm produce.
• Lexington, Kentucky, ranked sixth, driven by its horse culture, Bourbon Trail distilleries, and local dining spots like Doodles and Crank & Boom.

Background

California destinations have recently gained national travel attention, with Lonely Planet naming the state’s Coastal Redwoods a top 2027 travel pick in September 2026. This latest ranking adds to a broader trend of smaller US cities gaining prominence in travel media, shifting focus from major metropolitan hubs to regional destinations with distinct cultural and culinary identities.

How outlets are covering it

The Santa Barbara Independent emphasized the economic impact of the ranking, noting that tourism generates over $2.2 billion in annual visitor spending and supports more than 15,000 local jobs. Visit Santa Barbara’s CEO highlighted the prestige of the award as a reflection of the city’s enduring appeal. Alexandria Now focused on the city’s rise to second place, linking the ranking to increased visitor-related tax revenues, which reached nearly $92 million in the fiscal year ending June 30. The Lexington Herald-Leader detailed specific local attractions, such as the Kentucky Horse Park and Bourbon Trail distilleries, that contributed to Lexington’s sixth-place finish. The California Post provided a broader overview of the two California cities, contrasting Santa Barbara’s seaside glamour with Healdsburg’s wine-country experience, while noting population and income figures for both towns.

Why it matters

The rankings signal a growing national interest in smaller, regionally distinct US destinations that offer unique cultural, culinary, and natural experiences. For cities like Santa Barbara and Healdsburg, such recognition can drive tourism revenue, support local businesses, and enhance regional branding. The awards also reflect a shift in travel preferences toward destinations that combine accessibility with authentic local character, moving beyond traditional major-city tourism models.

What to watch

The full results of the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards will be featured in the magazine’s upcoming November issue. Local tourism boards in ranked cities, including Visit Santa Barbara and Visit Alexandria, are expected to leverage the rankings in marketing campaigns to attract visitors. The rankings may also influence travel planning for the 2027 season, as readers and industry professionals reference the awards when selecting destinations.