Travelers Head to 'Most Welcoming Cities' in America: See If Yours Made the List

When you’re planning your next domestic adventure, keep this in mind: kindness might just be the ultimate travel perk. Booking.com has unveiled its list of the "most welcoming" U.S. cities in its 2025 Traveler Review Awards, based on a whopping 360 million verified customer reviews. Talk about crowd-sourced credibility!

Ben Harrell, managing director of Booking.com, revealed that over 70,000 U.S. partners were recognized in this year’s awards. The most welcoming states and districts? Hawaii, Maine, Washington, D.C., Utah, and Idaho took the crown. Meanwhile, standout cities included Saint Augustine, Florida; Cape May, New Jersey; Newport, Rhode Island; Joshua Tree, California; and Sedona, Arizona.

Among these gems, St. Augustine, Florida, deserves a special shoutout—it’s not only celebrated stateside but also recognized globally as one of the "Most Welcoming Cities." America’s oldest city (continuously inhabited since 1565) rolls out the red carpet with its Spanish Colonial architecture, the historic Castillo de San Marcos fort, and the must-see St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Pro tip: the walking tours here are led by some of the friendliest guides you’ll meet.

Heading north to Newport, Rhode Island, you’ll find a town that practically hugs its visitors. From yoga at Mend Yoga (owned by two sisters who also run the Nitro Bar coffee shop) to admiring the grandeur of Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and Marble House, this coastal gem has plenty to offer. Be sure to stop by The Sailing Museum and the Touro Synagogue—an architectural symbol of religious freedom that even George Washington visited.

Over in Cape May, New Jersey, the Victorian charm is irresistible. From the Angel of the Sea Bed and Breakfast to the popular La Mer Beachfront Resort, accommodations are as warm as the locals. Stroll along Washington Street Mall or unwind with a wine tasting at Cape May Winery & Vineyard. Let’s just say this is a shore town that knows how to treat its guests.

Switching coasts to Joshua Tree, California, the desert vibes are as welcoming as they are unique. The soon-to-open Reset Hotel promises top-tier views and close proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. For a more local flavor, grab a bite at Pappy & Harriet's, a beloved BBQ house and live music venue, or try Kitchen in the Desert, where Caribbean and New American cuisine meet under the sun.

Finally, Sedona, Arizona, beckons travelers seeking spiritual awakenings—or just jaw-dropping red rock landscapes. Whether it’s hiking through sandstone cliffs or indulging in sound healing and Shamanic Reiki at L’Auberge de Sedona’s L’Apothecary Spa, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated. Trust me, this is the kind of place where even your chakras will thank you.

These destinations prove that a little warmth and hospitality go a long way—and maybe even inspire your next trip. So, what’s stopping you from packing your bags?