Alexandria climbs to fifth place on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Cities in the U.S.” list
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Alexandria climbs to fifth place on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Cities in the U.S.” list
Alexandria has reached its highest position ever on Travel + Leisure’s annual “Best Cities in the U.S.” list, claiming the fifth spot in the 2025 “World’S Best Awards” survey results announced Tuesday. This marks the fourth consecutive year Alexandria has earned recognition on the prestigious list, but it represents the city’s best showing to date. In 2024, Alexandria was ranked #15 on the list.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Alexandria has earned recognition on the prestigious list, but it represents the city’s best showing to date. In 2024, Alexandria was ranked #15 on the list.
The 2025 ranking places Alexandria alongside other top-tier destinations, including Savannah (#4), Charleston (#3), New Orleans (#2), and Santa Fe (#1)
According to Travel + Leisure, readers praised Alexandria for its unique positioning that offers “proximity to Washington D.C., giving the coastal city its big-city polish, yet it still feels far enough removed from the fray.” The magazine specifically highlighted Old Town’s colonial architecture, the Potomac River waterfront, King Street shopping district, and the city’s emerging food scene as standout features.
5. Alexandria, Virginia Travelers love Alexandria’s proximity to Washington D.C., giving the coastal city its big-city polish, yet it still feels far enough removed from the fray. Also of note is the colonial architecture in Old Town, the Potomac River waterfront, shopping on King Street, and an emerging food scene. Reader Score: 85.26
Visit Alexandria led an extensive voter mobilization campaign to secure the nomination and encourage community participation in the survey. The tourism organization views the ranking as a validation of its year-round marketing and public relations strategy, which targets consistent recognition in top-tier publications.
“Research demonstrates that these rankings make a real difference in influencing travel decisions,” according to Visit Alexandria’s announcement of the achievement.
The “World’s Best Awards” survey relies on votes from Travel + Leisure readers to determine the annual rankings. Visit Alexandria credited community members and supporters who participated in the voting process for helping achieve this milestone.
See the whole story and ranking here –This Southwestern City Was Just Named the No. 1 U.S. Travel Destination for Its Natural Beauty and Food Scene.