This Florida city ranks among the most welcoming in the world. What makes it special?
A Florida city boasts a “vibrant coastal” setting — and is one of the world’s most welcoming places to visit, a new report finds.
St. Augustine ranks among the top 10 destinations for hospitality across the globe. The historic city also was named one of the most welcoming places in the United States, according to results from the travel website Booking.com.
“The US is such a diverse country that has so much to offer travelers, and we’re thrilled to see destinations like Saint Augustine recognized in the global list for their exceptional hospitality,” Ben Harrell, the website’s managing director for the U.S., wrote in a Jan. 27 news release.
To create the list, Booking.com said it first studied “over 360 million verified customer reviews” that vacationers left for hotels, activities, flights and other transportation services.
The winners in each of those categories earned Traveler Review Awards, which recognize top-notch hospitality. Then, the website chose the most welcoming cities based on several factors, such as “each destination’s volume” of 2025 award winners and their accommodations.
What makes St. Augustine special?
St. Augustine was the only place in the Sunshine State to earn spots on the global and nationwide lists. The city, a roughly 40-mile drive southeast from downtown Jacksonville, received nods for its shopping, architecture and nearby oceanfront attractions.
“St. Augustine, Florida, invites visitors to step back in time while enjoying the delights of a vibrant coastal city,” Booking.com wrote in its report. “Its historic downtown is lined with cobblestone streets and landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress offering sweeping views of Matanzas Bay.”
The Florida city, founded in 1565, calls itself the “oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States.” Centuries later, Booking.com said the city has both luxurious and charming places for travelers to stay.
“Beyond its rich history, St. Augustine is home to miles of pristine beaches, inviting sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts alike,” the website wrote. “Whether delving into centuries-old stories, savoring fresh coastal cuisine, or relaxing along the Atlantic shoreline, St. Augustine has the perfect combination of history, culture, and seaside relaxation.”
Booking.com didn’t list the most welcoming global and U.S. cities in ranking order, a spokesperson told McClatchy News via email. Here are the other places that rank among the nation’s best destinations for hospitality:
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Joshua Tree, California
- Sedona, Arizona
- Lahaina, Hawaii
- Oakhurst, California
- Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Prescott, Arizona
- Broken Bow, Oklahoma
This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM with the headline "This Florida city ranks among the most welcoming in the world. What makes it special?."
