Charleston tops new Travel + Leisure list of best US cities to visit

Wanderlust was real in 2020, and as adventurers begin to think and plan for new trips on the horizon, it's a great time to map out which cities to check out first.

After an incredibly tough year due to the pandemic, the travel and hospitality industry is ready for its comeback as travelers set their sights on visiting new cities around the country with top-notch experiences.

Travel + Leisure magazine released its annual World's Best Awards that surveyed readers for five months as destinations began to ease COVID-19 restrictions. The full list rounded up and ranked everything from hotels, tours, national parks, restaurants and more.

The top 15 cities in the U.S. list is filled with spots that offer a "mix of warm hospitality, approachable size, excellent food and striking architecture," Tanvi Chheda, the list author wrote.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

The charming city with cobblestone streets, rainbow row, stunning architecture and a bustling culinary scene helped Charleston keep its top spot on the list for the ninth year running.

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico

3. Savannah, Georgia

4. New Orleans

5. New York City

6. San Antonio, Texas

7. Chicago

8. Bend, Oregon

9. Williamsburg, Virginia

10. Honolulu

11. Nashville

12. Fort Worth, Texas

13. Austin, Texas

14. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

15. Asheville, North Carolina