For the second consecutive year, Pensacola has earned a coveted spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 2025 as one of the top 10 best cities in the United States with populations of 350,000 or less.
- Visit Pensacola CEO Darien Schaefer announced the prestigious recognition during a recent podcast interview, noting that the city finds itself “in the company of Charleston and Savannah and St. Augustine” among other celebrated destinations. He stated, “It’s one of the most recognized and highly valued awards of those kinds.”
The Secret Sauce: People and Place
When asked about Pensacola’s appeal, Schaefer pointed to two critical factors. “You have to have the type of activities that are memorable or unforgettable, but I think a real key is the people that you meet when you’re here in the Pensacola area,” he said. “I hear that time and again, how welcoming our residents are to visitors, and that really sticks with people.”
- The beaches remain the primary draw, though Schaefer admits they’ve set a high bar for his own vacations. “When I go on vacation, I don’t typically go to beach destinations because I’m usually disappointed and I’m like, well, back home is better than this,” he shared.
Pensacola’s success stems partly from an innovative marketing strategy with Showcase Pensacola, which brings together multiple local agencies. “I haven’t been in another market where you’ve had multiple agencies working together to promote the destination,” Schaefer noted, adding that monthly marketing expenditures can reach up to a million dollars.
Strong Performance Despite Challenges
Looking ahead to the annual meeting, Schaefer reported encouraging news: “Our hotel performance, whether it’s vacation rentals or campgrounds or traditional hotels, is up over last year.” He credited the community’s resilience and welcoming spirit for maintaining strong visitation numbers despite geopolitical uncertainties.
- With its combination of natural beauty, vibrant events, an evolving dining scene, and genuine Southern hospitality, Pensacola continues proving it belongs among America’s premier small-city destinations.
