2 California towns crack new list of best cities in the US

California’s smaller cities just scored a major travel-world bragging right — with two Golden State destinations landing among the 10 best small cities in a new national ranking.

Santa Barbara grabbed the No. 5 spot, while Healdsburg came in at No. 8 in Conde Nast Traveler’s latest Readers’ Choice Awards, putting the two California towns ahead of a string of better-known destinations across the country.

And they offer very different versions of the California getaway.

Santa Barbara brings the seaside glamour. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Central Coast city is known for its Mediterranean-like climate, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and laid-back atmosphere, a combination that has earned it the nickname the “American Riviera.”

Its coastal setting is a major draw, but the city’s appeal goes beyond the beach. White stucco buildings, red-tile roofs, mountain scenery and more than 300 days of temperate, sunny weather give Santa Barbara a distinctly relaxed feel, while its location offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

The city has an estimated population of 86,422 and a median household income of $106,182, based on recent US Census Bureau figures.

Healdsburg, meanwhile, offers a distinctly wine-country experience.

The Sonoma County town has transformed from a sleepy community into a culinary and wine destination, yet it has retained a more relaxed character than neighboring Napa Valley.

Its historic downtown and plaza are packed into an easily walkable area filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and wine-tasting rooms.

The local food scene leans heavily on the surrounding region, with everything from Pacific Coast seafood to produce from nearby farms. Visitors can also hit the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Healdsburg has an estimated population of 11,172 and a median household income of $103,554.

The California pair joined Charleston, South Carolina, which took the No. 1 spot, along with Alexandria, Virginia; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Greenville, South Carolina; Lexington, Kentucky; Savannah, Georgia; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and St. Augustine, Florida.

The rankings came from 798,867 votes in Conde Nast Traveler’s annual survey, with readers rating destinations on factors including food, culture and architecture.

Final scores were based on the average percentage of excellent and very good ratings.

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