St. Augustine has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Small Cities in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The city was ranked fourth on the list, which was released on October 7, 2025.
Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, commented on the recognition: “We’re thrilled to see St. Augustine receive this honor. To be named one of the best by travelers who have experienced our destination, that’s a testament to our wonderful community of tourism and hospitality professionals. They strive to make St. Augustine a memorable place to explore, connect, and relax. To be included in this list for multiple years speaks volumes.”
Condé Nast Traveler reported that more than 757,000 readers participated in voting for their favorite cities, hotels, islands, resorts, and cruises as part of its 38th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. St. Augustine was joined by Pensacola as Florida’s representatives on the small cities list; Pensacola ranked tenth.
Readers highlighted St. Augustine’s historical significance and charm as key reasons for its ranking. Established in 1565, it is considered the oldest continuously occupied settlement founded by Europeans and African Americans in the United States. The city offers attractions such as beaches, waterways, colonial Spanish architecture, museums with historic artifacts and fine arts collections.
Notable sites include Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and St. Augustine Distillery. The city also hosts events like Nights of Lights and various cultural festivals while offering a diverse food scene with restaurants such as La Nouvelle Bistro and Caps on the Water.
Earlier in 2025, Condé Nast Traveler listed St. Augustine among America’s most beautiful towns; Booking.com named it as the only U.S. location among its World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2025.
Florida’s Historic Coast comprises not only historic St. Augustine but also Ponte Vedra Beach—known for golf—and other communities along 42 miles of Atlantic shoreline between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville.
Visitor information is available at several centers throughout the region or through www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
