This Texas City is the Most Welcoming in the Country

When Americans say they want friendly locals on vacation, it’s becoming more obvious that they mean Texas.

Fredericksburg has officially been named the Most Welcoming City in the United States, according to Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveler Review Awards landing in at no. 1!

The rankings are based on more than 370 million verified traveler reviews worldwide, recognizing destinations that consistently deliver standout hospitality and service. And this year, a small Texas town beat them all.

Why Fredericksburg Came Out on Top

Fredericksburg is known for its small-town charm, historic German roots, and a Main Street that feels like stepping into a postcard.

According to Booking.com, the Hill Country destination blends history, adventure and Southern hospitality. Visitors flock there for:

• Award-winning wineries
• Outdoor adventures in the Texas Hill Country
• Farm-to-table dining
• The renowned National Museum of the Pacific War

It’s the kind of place where shop owners greet you by name and strangers still hold doors open.

Texas Beat Out the Competition

Coming in second was Palm Desert, California, followed by Cape May, New Jersey and Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

Other destinations in the top 10 include places in Hawaii, Colorado, Arizona and Florida.

But the top spot? That belongs to Texas.

While big cities often dominate travel conversations, this list proves smaller destinations are winning travelers over, especially when hospitality matters most.

According to Booking.com research, nearly half of travelers say friendly locals are a major factor when choosing where to vacation. And if there’s one thing Texas has never struggled with, it’s making visitors feel welcome. Fredericksburg may be a small Hill Country town, but it just earned the biggest title of them all.