Planning a trip? California is home to three of the nation’s best big cities, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Condé Nast Traveler readers recently picked the top 10 best large cities in the United States in 2026, highlighting destinations with top-notch restaurant, bar and hotel scenes.
“Go beyond what you might expect, and you’ll find some surprising gems that are always a good idea for a reason.” the publication said.
Here’s where to go for the “best travel experiences” in 2026:
What was the best big city in California?
Condé Nast Traveler readers named San Francisco the second-best big city in the United States.
The Bay Area hotspot was the highest ranked California city on the list.
San Francisco “packs a punch” with attractions ranging from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Mission District to the nearby Muir Woods National Monument, Condé Nast Traveler said.
“Add in some of the best restaurants and bars in the world and a hotel scene that truly has something for everyone, and you’ll likely find that one visit to the city by the bay just isn’t enough,” the travel magazine said.
Condé Nast Traveler also highlighted local landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, a former fort, military prison and federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge, a 1.7-mile span connecting San Francisco to Marin County.
When the bridge opened in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world,
It’s “one of the most beloved bridges in the world,” according to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Which California cities made the 2026 list?
Condé Nast Traveler highlighted two other California cities on its 2026 list on the nation’s best large cities — including Oakland, which was No. 6.
“Oakland is still a Black city that embraces its history and community with open arms,” the travel publication said. “That theme is on display thanks to Black business owners who passed down storefronts to children and grandchildren, and a style of dance and music, TURFing, that can only be experienced in Oakland.”
West Oakland, nicknamed the “Harlem of the West,” once hosted musicians such as Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and Big Mama Thornton and served as the headquarters for the Black Panther Party, according to Visit Oakland.
You can take the Black Liberation Walking Tour, or explore the Continental Club and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland.
San Diego was No. 10 on Condé Nast Traveler’s top 10 list of the best large cities in the United States.
Due to its new hotels and food scene, “San Diego has officially stepped out from the shadow of its big sister to the north, earning world-class destination status that goes well beyond the waves,” Condé Nast Traveler said.
New and restored hotels in the Southern California city include the Double Tree by Hilton San Diego Bayside, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar and The Bower Coronado, according to The San Diego Tourism Authority.
Five San Diego restaurants have been awarded Michelin Guide stars.
It’s also “one of the top craft-brew destinations in the nation, and boasts a thriving local wine region,” the tourism authority said.
What are the top 10 large cities in the US?
Condé Nast Traveler ranked these large cities in the United States as the best in 2026:
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Boston
- New York City
- Milwaukee
- Oakland
- Portland
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- San Diego
How did Condé Nast Traveler rank major cities?
Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked the best cities in the United States and the world as part of the 39th Reader’s Choice Awards, casting a total of 798,867 votes
“All winners were independently selected by our readers,” the travel magazine said.
Condé Nast Traveler readers also picked the best spa resorts, cruise lines and hotels in the world.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen is a service journalism reporter for The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and design from The New School in New York City.
