St. Augustine named to 'Best Small Cities in U.S.' list. What makes Florida spot special?

Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2025: How it works, What is St. Augustine known for? It's history as America's oldest city, What makes St. Augustine so special? 'Impressive history and charm', Is St. Augustine worth visiting? 'Award-winning experiences', Where to eat in St. Augustine? 'Global food scene', Where to stay in St. Augustine? 'First-class lodging', National recognition is nothing new, Where is St. Augustine?

If you're searching for a small city full of charm and character, your perfect getaway might be just around the corner. St. Augustine — the nation’s oldest city and just a short drive from Jacksonville — has been named one of the Top 10 Best Small Cities in the U.S. in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards released October 7.

“We’re thrilled to see St. Augustine receive this honor,” says Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “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.”

Here’s what travelers love about St. Augustine, and why this historic town continues to earn national (and international) attention time and time again.

Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2025: How it works

Condé Nast Traveler readers cast 757,109 votes in the magazine’s 38th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, voting on their favorite cities, hotels, islands, resorts, and cruises. This year, two Florida cities made the list.

The Best Small Cities in the United States: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards full list

  1. Charleston, South Carolina
  2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
  3. Alexandria, Virginia
  4. St. Augustine, Florida
  5. San Juan, Puerto Rico
  6. Savannah, Georgia
  7. Oakland, California
  8. Lexington, Kentucky
  9. Honolulu, Hawaii
  10. Pensacola, Florida

What is St. Augustine known for? It's history as America's oldest city

Readers recognized St. Augustine for having "history around every bend in the form of basilicas, schoolhouses, forts, and commemorative statues." Founded in 1565, St. Augustine remains the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the country.

The publication also nods to a well-known local legend: “Legend has it that the explorer Ponce de Leon searched for the fountain of youth around the city grounds, and while he may not have found it, St. Augustine’s variety of family-friendly fun brings out a second wind in everyone.”

Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2025: How it works, What is St. Augustine known for? It's history as America's oldest city, What makes St. Augustine so special? 'Impressive history and charm', Is St. Augustine worth visiting? 'Award-winning experiences', Where to eat in St. Augustine? 'Global food scene', Where to stay in St. Augustine? 'First-class lodging', National recognition is nothing new, Where is St. Augustine?

Climb the tower at the St. Augustine's Colonial Quarter for a view of the Castillo de San Marcos and the Matanzas Bay.

What makes St. Augustine so special? 'Impressive history and charm'

Condé Nast Traveler says St. Augustine offers experiences that cater to a diverse array of travelers, "from pristine beaches and miles of navigable waterways to colonial Spanish architecture, brick-lined streets, and museums featuring historic artifacts, fine arts, and unique antiquities."

Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2025: How it works, What is St. Augustine known for? It's history as America's oldest city, What makes St. Augustine so special? 'Impressive history and charm', Is St. Augustine worth visiting? 'Award-winning experiences', Where to eat in St. Augustine? 'Global food scene', Where to stay in St. Augustine? 'First-class lodging', National recognition is nothing new, Where is St. Augustine?

How do I spend a day in St. Augustine? Here are the top sights

As recommended by Reader’s Choice 2025, here are the most popular attractions:

  • Visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
  • Climb 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum and enjoy the 360-lighthouse view of St. Augustine from above
  • Enjoy a drink at the St. Augustine Distillery

Is St. Augustine worth visiting? 'Award-winning experiences'

Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2025: How it works, What is St. Augustine known for? It's history as America's oldest city, What makes St. Augustine so special? 'Impressive history and charm', Is St. Augustine worth visiting? 'Award-winning experiences', Where to eat in St. Augustine? 'Global food scene', Where to stay in St. Augustine? 'First-class lodging', National recognition is nothing new, Where is St. Augustine?

Yes. St. Augustine is definitely worth a visit. As recommended by Reader’s Choice 2025, here are some "award-winning experiences":

  •  Nights of Lights
  •  St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
  • Spanish Food & Wine Festival

Where to eat in St. Augustine? 'Global food scene'

As recommended by Reader’s Choice 2025, St. Augustine’s global food scene makes it a standout city and highlights the following dining experiences:

  •  La Nouvelle Bistro
  •  Caps on the Water
  •  Lotus Noodle Bar

Where to stay in St. Augustine? 'First-class lodging'

Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2025: How it works, What is St. Augustine known for? It's history as America's oldest city, What makes St. Augustine so special? 'Impressive history and charm', Is St. Augustine worth visiting? 'Award-winning experiences', Where to eat in St. Augustine? 'Global food scene', Where to stay in St. Augustine? 'First-class lodging', National recognition is nothing new, Where is St. Augustine?

Casa Monica Hotel & Resort

As recommended by Reader’s Choice 2025:

  • Casa Monica Resort & Spa
  • The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
  •  St. Francis Inn

National recognition is nothing new

This isn’t St. Augustine’s first time in the spotlight. In 2025 alone, it was also:

  • In January 2025: Listed as the only U.S. city on Booking.com’s World’s Most Welcoming Cities
  • July 2025: Named one of the 31 Most Beautiful Towns in America by Condé Nast Traveler
  • September 2025: Praised by Travel + Leisure as a 'charming Florida city' for its “quaint inns, pristine beaches, and year-round appeal, St. Augustine its architecture, museums and historical landmarks."
  • Previously recognized by Southern Living, USA Today 10Best, and others.

So, whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, St. Augustine offers a unique mix of old-world charm and modern experiences. With accolades stacking up and traveler love growing stronger each year, it’s easy to see why the oldest city ranked fourth for its impressive history and charm on this year's Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Where is St. Augustine?

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: St. Augustine named to 'Best Small Cities in U.S.' list. What makes Florida spot special?

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