This NC destination ranks among nation’s best places to visit. Why it’s special
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- Asheville ranks No. 13 on Travel + Leisure’s list of top U.S. places to visit.
- The city was the only place in North Carolina to land in the top 15.
- The vacation destination has been recognized for its beer and mountain scenery.
A North Carolina destination “delivers Southern hospitality in droves” — and visitors can’t get enough.
So much so, Asheville ranks No. 13 on a list of the top U.S. vacation spots. The mountain destination received the honor as Travel + Leisure magazine published its World’s Best Awards on Tuesday, July 7.
“With insights from more than 207,000 readers, the annual survey offers a snapshot of the places, brands, and experiences resonating with travelers today,” the magazine wrote in a news release.
Travel + Leisure said it created the list after readers cast over a half-million votes from Oct. 20 to Feb. 23. The online survey asked them to weigh in on several vacation-related topics, including the best hotels and airlines.
To determine the nation’s top cities, places were scored in the following categories: “sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, value.” And on the resulting list of winners, the magazine said “tried-and-true” destinations “reign supreme with phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, and electric dining scenes.”
Why visitors love Asheville
Asheville was the only place in North Carolina to earn a spot in the top 15. A spokesperson for Travel + Leisure didn’t share additional insight with The News & Observer regarding why the city ranked high.
But in the past, the magazine has highlighted what makes Asheville special. The destination — known for its art scene and sprawling Biltmore Estate — “perfectly blends a city feel with country roots,” according to an article last updated in June.
“The city, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, delivers Southern hospitality in droves,” the magazine wrote. “With stellar views, cultural attractions, a long summer season, plentiful accommodations, and multiple breweries to kick back a pint, it’s where every kind of traveler can find their slice of paradise.”
The results come after Asheville ranked No. 9 on last year’s Travel + Leisure list. At the time, the magazine said travelers showed “love for the city and hope for its revival, after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024.”
Western North Carolina is rebuilding, and many popular tourist spots have welcomed back visitors. As Asheville residents banded together after the storm, the city was named the No. 1 “nicest place in America.”
In the past two years, Asheville also has ranked as a fan-favorite Southern destination, a top city for beer lovers and one of the most interesting places to visit, CharlotteFive previously reported.
Other top travel destinations
On the latest Travel + Leisure list, North Carolina destinations made their marks in other categories. Highlights include:
- Half-Mile Farm in Highlands at No. 4 in best Southern resorts
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville at No. 5 in best Southern resorts
- Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands at No. 7 in best Southern resorts
- Skyline Lodge in Highlands at No. 9 in best Southern resorts
- Outer Banks at No. 10 in best continental U.S. islands
- The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone at No. 6 in best U.S. spas
Across the country, the most-loved U.S. vacation destination was Santa Fe, New Mexico. Here are the other cities that rounded out the top five:
- Charleston, South Carolina, at No. 2
- Savannah, Georgia, at No. 3
- New Orleans at No. 4
- Chicago at No. 5
This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 3:11 PM with the headline "This NC destination ranks among nation’s best places to visit. Why it’s special."
