Great Wolf Lodge is ready to amaze Texans with an indoor water slide wonderland

According to the Alamo City, the city has established itself as a shining star in the travel world. Travel + Leisure Best World Prizes Awards 2024. San Antonio ranked No. 6 on the list of best American cities, according to the publication’s readers.

The annual World’s Best Awards ask Travel + Leisure readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, including the best hotels, resorts, cities and more. The 2024 survey had more than 186,000 responses from T+L readers with more than 700,000 votes for 8,700 destinations and accommodations.

San Antonio was one of two Texas cities to make the list of the top 10 best cities in the US with a score of 83.20, just ahead of Fort Worth (No. 7). The list of best cities in the US are all bucket-list destinations that feature “tangible history, walkable downtowns, regional cuisine, and robust cultural and artistic institutions,” according to Travel + Leisure.

In the report, T+L said San Antonio’s vibrant historic district, public art exhibits and beautiful parks are the main attractions that keep visitors coming back again and again.

“Historic sites like the Alamo and the Mission are two notable entry points to this South Texas city,” the report said. “But contemporary attractions also abound — Museum Reach, a three-mile walking park along the San Antonio River, features many public art installations.”

A reader praised the popular San Antonio River Walk, describing it as “exceptionally well maintained.”

“(The River Walk is) probably one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited in the United States,” the reader said.

Tourists can’t get enough of the River Walk.Photo by Shelly Collins on Unsplash

Elsewhere in Texas
Fort Worth trailed San Antonio by just 0.01 points in the rankings, but still earned a coveted spot in the top 10. One reader described the city as a place where “cosmopolitan meets ranch.” But it’s Cowtown’s thriving arts scene — including a large number of theater, ballet, opera and symphony orchestra performances — that stands out above the rest.

“While Fort Worth retains its cowboy image with one of the nation’s top rodeos and a daily cattle drive through the streets of the (Stockyards) district, it’s not all about ten-gallon hats — its cultural institutions, such as the Kimbell Art Museum, are world-class,” the report said.

Notably, both Texas cities scored better in the report than major US destinations such as New York City and Chicago.

“For nearly three decades, our World’s Best Awards have set the standard for excellence in travel, as voted for by our dedicated and discerning readers,” said Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisurein a press release. “The 2024 results highlight a mix of time-tested favorites and emerging destinations, reflecting the diverse interests of today’s travelers. We’re excited to honor these exceptional places and experiences that inspire our audiences to explore the world.”

The Top 10 Best US Cities in 2024, as Voted by Travel + Leisure readers, are:

• No. 1 – Charleston, South Carolina
• No. 2 – Santa Fe, New Mexico
• No. 3 – Savannah, Georgia
• No. 4 – Honolulu, Hawaii
• No. 5 – New Orleans, Louisiana
• No. 6 – San Antonio, Texas
• No. 7 – Fort Worth, Texas
• No. 8 – New York, New York
• No. 9 – Chicago, Illinois
• No. 10 – Taos, New Mexico

The full list of winners of Travel + Leisure The World’s Best Awards 2024 can be found at travelandleisure.com.