St. Augustine has been recognized as one of the top 10 small cities in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025. The city earned fourth place in the annual list, which was published on October 7, 2025.
Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, commented on the award: “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.”
This year marks the 38th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards from Condé Nast Traveler, with over 757,000 votes cast by readers who selected their favorite destinations across various categories including cities and hotels. Two Florida cities were featured among the top ten: St. Augustine at number four and Pensacola at number ten.
Condé Nast Traveler readers highlighted St. Augustine for its significant history and appeal as a destination. Established in 1565, it is recognized as the oldest continuously occupied settlement with European and African-American origins in the United States. The city offers a range of experiences such as beaches, waterways suitable for boating or kayaking, colonial Spanish architecture, museums displaying artifacts and art collections.
Notable attractions include Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum alongside local events like Nights of Lights or music festivals such as the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival.
Earlier this year, Condé Nast Traveler also named St. Augustine among America’s most beautiful towns while Booking.com listed it as the only U.S location on its World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2025.
Florida’s Historic Coast encompasses St. Augustine along with other areas such as Ponte Vedra known for golf resorts and coastal scenery.
For more information about travel or visitor resources related to Florida’s Historic Coast visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
