You'll be embraced like a local when you visit this destination!
New Report: This Is the Most Welcoming City in the U.S.
Published on Feb. 13, 2025
One of the biggest factors that can make or break a trip to a new destination is how welcoming the place is—or isn’t. When you’re on vacation, you want to feel like part of the community, whether you’re sampling the local cuisine, soaking in the sights or just strolling through the city streets.
Some cities embrace tourists with open arms, while others side-eye sightseers strolling at a leisurely pace. But there’s one city, in particular, that goes the extra mile, according to new data compiled by Booking.com. If you want to feel like a local on your next trip, read on to find out what travelers rated as the most welcoming city in the United States.
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How was the most welcoming U.S. city determined?
To determine the most welcoming city in the United States, the travel experts at Booking.com analyzed its 360 million–plus verified customer reviews. This data is part of the site’s 13th annual Traveller Review Awards, which honor a variety of businesses, including hotels, car services and resorts, that consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service.
From there, they ranked the cities based on the number of Traveller Review Award recipients compared with the number of properties in the city eligible for the award. To qualify for this list, locations needed at least 200 award winners—even more for cities.
What is the most welcoming U.S. city?
And the winner is … St. Augustine, Florida!
You may not have heard of this Southern locale, but it’s a hidden gem worth considering for your next trip. Not only did St. Augustine win the title of the most welcoming city in America, but it also earned a place on the list of the top 10 most welcoming cities in the world.
St. Augustine is actually the nation’s oldest city—established by the Spanish in 1565—and its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and warm climate make it extra inviting. “While it may be unexpected to some, St. Augustine’s recognition as one of the most welcoming cities aligns well with its historic charm, coastal beauty and robust hospitality sector,” a Booking.com spokesperson told Reader’s Digest.
Why did St. Augustine earn the top spot?
There are many reasons why St. Augustine earned the accolade of most welcoming U.S. city, including its general sense of hospitality and the friendliness of its locals. According to travel advisor Matt Appleby, St. Augustine’s new title comes as no surprise.
“I’ve been a native of Northeast Florida for my entire life,” he says. “St. Augustine has not only been a great weekend escape for people in the local area but also a truly unique destination for anyone visiting Florida.”
Read on for a couple features that make tourists feel at home.
Southern hospitality
Appleby says that St. Augustine exemplifies Southern hospitality at its finest, with friendly people continually welcoming you to their city.
When you go out to eat in St. Augustine, you’re likely to be chatted up by a local, says travel advisor Melanie Frady. “Every time I’ve visited St. Augustine, I have always been greeted by the nicest people,” she says. “There is a local barbecue restaurant called Woodpeckers, and it’s one of those places where everyone knows you when you walk in the door. It is a highlight of my week when we get to go there and catch up with the locals.”
Not for nothing, she adds, the barbecue is fantastic.
Historic charm
Beyond the friendliness of the locals and the general sense of hospitality, you’ll notice the city itself has a welcoming atmosphere, says Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert with RVshare.
“When I first visited St. Augustine on an RV road trip, I was taken by the town’s undeniable appeal,” she says. “St. Augustine offers a unique combination of historic charm, natural beauty and exceptional hospitality.” She adds that its rich cultural experience—with attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos, cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture—make the city inviting to all who visit.
This combo of unique attractions and historic charm really set St. Augustine apart from other destinations in Florida. “Because of its rich historical heritage, St. Augustine presents a different option for families looking to have a fun experience in Florida that doesn’t involve a theme park,” Appleby says.
What other U.S. cities rounded out the top 10?
St. Augustine isn’t the only U.S. city that rolls out the proverbial red carpet for tourists. All of the American cities below, representing eight different states, were cited by Booking.com for being overwhelmingly welcoming:
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Joshua Tree, California
- Sedona, Arizona
- Lahaina, Hawaii
- Oakhurst, California
- Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Prescott, Arizona
- Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Which cities were named the most welcoming in the world?
In addition to analyzing reviews for the most welcoming cities in the U.S., Booking.com used its millions of reviews to determine which international cities provided exceptional hospitality and service to tourists worldwide. They found that the most welcoming cities in the world are:
- Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
- Cazorla, Spain
- Urubici, Brazil
- Taupo, New Zealand
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Orvieto, Italy
- Manizales, Colombia
- Quedlinburg, Germany
- Ko Lanta, Thailand
- Chester, United Kingdom
About the experts
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Booking.com: “Booking.com Reveals the Most Welcoming Cities in the World for 2025”
- Booking.com: “Booking.com’s Travel Review Awards 2025”
- Matt Appleby, travel advisor with Travelmation travel agency and Northeast Florida native; interviewed, February 2025
- Maddi Bourgerie, director of communications for RVshare; interviewed, February 2025
- Melanie Frady, travel advisor with Travelmation; interviewed, February 2025
