2 California towns crack new list of best cities in the US
Santa Barbara and Healdsburg earned spots in the top ten small US cities on a national ranking. Santa Barbara secured a position in the top five, providing travelers with distinct options for a getaway in the state. Other municipalities also claimed top spots in the small cities ranking, including Alexandria climbing to second place, Charleston taking the top spot for the 15th time, and Lexington holding the sixth position for the third consecutive year.
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- ✓ Santa Barbara and Healdsburg made Condé Nast Traveler's top 10 small US cities.
- ✓ Santa Barbara cracked the top-five best small cities in the United States.
What changed
Santa Barbara and Healdsburg entered the top ten small US cities on Condé Nast Traveler's latest ranking.
Live updates
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Two California Towns Crack New Best Cities List
Santa Barbara and Healdsburg earned spots in the top ten small US cities on a national ranking. Santa Barbara secured a position in the top five, providing travelers with distinct options for a getaway in the state. Other municipalities also claimed top spots in the small cities ranking, including Alexandria climbing to second place, Charleston taking the top spot for the 15th time, and Lexington holding the sixth position for the third consecutive year.
Why it matters
National travel rankings evaluate destinations based on various criteria to highlight standout locations for tourism and leisure. Publications like Condé Nast Traveler frequently publish these rankings to direct attention toward top small cities across the country. These placements often influence regional tourism and draw increased attention to local economies.
What is confirmed
- Santa Barbara and Healdsburg made Condé Nast Traveler's top 10 small US cities.
- Santa Barbara cracked the top-five best small cities in the United States.
Still unconfirmed
- Charleston was named best small city in the US for the 15th time.
- Alexandria climbed to second place in Condé Nast Traveler's best small cities ranking.
- Lexington ranks number six among America's best small cities for the third straight year.
What to watch next
- Future updates on additional placements within the Condé Nast Traveler ranking
- Reactions from local tourism boards in Santa Barbara and Healdsburg
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
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- New York Post — 2 California towns crack new list of best cities in the US
- The Santa Barbara Independent — Santa Barbara Cracks Top-Five Best Small Cities in U.S.
- Alexandria Now — Alexandria climbs to 2nd in Condé Nast Traveler’s best small cities ranking
- WCBD News 2 — Charleston named ‘Best Small City in the U.S.’ for the 15th time
- The Lane Report — Lexington ranks No. 6 among America’s best small cities for third straight year on national list
- nypost.com — 2 California destinations named best small cities in the US
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- www.independent.com — The 'Santa Barbara Independent' Endorsements for the General Election, November 3, 2026 - The
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