Colorado town makes top 10 list of most welcoming travel destinations in US
Feb 13, 2026, 4:06 PM | Updated: Feb 17, 2026, 10:44 am
If the people around Denver aren’t friendly enough for you, a trip to the high country might be needed!
When taking a chance on a new place, there’s a lot to consider, but nearly half of travelers (45 percent) want a place with friendly locals, according to new research from Booking.com. Their list of the “Most Welcoming Cities in the U.S.” has just come out.
It’s part of their 14th annual Traveler Review Awards, which recognize everything from accommodations to transportation. The travel site analyzes over 370 million reviews from travelers around the world to find destinations that “consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service.”
While big cities have their appeal, it’s the smaller destinations that dominate this list. Landing at number one is Fredericksburg, Texas, which gets high scores for its small town charm. According to Booking.com, it blends “history, adventure and Southern hospitality,” and is home to outdoor adventures, farm-to-table dining, a charming main street and the National Museum of the Pacific War.
The Most Welcoming Cities in the U.S.
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Palm Desert, California
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Broken Bow, Oklahoma
- Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Bryson City, North Carolina
- Key Largo, Florida
- Snowmass Village, Colorado
- Sedona, Arizona
- Oakhurst, California
