Santa Barbara and Healdsburg Rank Among Top 10 US Small Cities in Condé Nast Traveler Awards
Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Santa Barbara fifth and Healdsburg eighth among the best small US cities, based on nearly 800,000 reader votes. Charleston, South Carolina, took first place, while Alexandria, Virginia, climbed to second. The rankings highlight diverse regional appeals, from Santa Barbara’s coastal Mediterranean vibe to Healdsburg’s wine-country charm and Lexington’s bourbon and horse culture.