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Pensacola named top U.S. small city by Conde Nast Traveler--again

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 14:30 GMT by Pensacola News Journal
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Pensacola Named the Nation’s Top Small City by Condé Nast Traveler 2025

On October 7, 2025, the Pensacola News Journal published a celebratory profile announcing that the Gulf‑coast city of Pensacola had been named “the top small city in the United States” by the renowned travel‑magazine Condé Nast Traveler (CN T). The honor, which the article describes as “a win for the entire Pensacola community,” is based on a rigorous selection process that weighs a city’s affordability, hospitality, attractions, food, and overall vibe.

How the Title Was Earned

The PNJ article links directly to the CN T editorial that explains the methodology. According to the travel magazine, the “small city” category includes any municipality with a population of fewer than 100 000 residents. CN T’s panel of editors and contributors, who visited dozens of towns across the country, evaluated each entry on the following six criteria:

1. Accessibility – how easy it is to get to and around the city.
2. Hospitality – the friendliness and helpfulness of locals.
3. Affordability – a mix of lodging, dining, and entertainment prices.
4. Attractions & Cultural Scene – historic sites, museums, parks, and events.
5. Food & Drink – the breadth and quality of culinary offerings.
6. Atmosphere & Experience – the overall “feel” of the city, from its skyline to its streets.

Pensacola scored the highest in four of the six categories, with particular praise for its pristine beaches, the historic downtown waterfront, and its dynamic culinary scene that ranges from classic Gulf‑coast seafood to trendy farm‑to‑table eateries. The city’s “vibrant, welcoming atmosphere” and the “exceptional sense of community” earned it the top spot overall.

City‑Wide Reactions

The article quotes Pensacola Mayor Lara Jones, who described the ranking as “a testament to the hard work of our local businesses, volunteers, and residents.” Mayor Jones added that the city’s partnership with the Pensacola Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) had been a key factor in cultivating a “well‑coordinated tourism strategy” that highlighted the city’s heritage and natural assets.

“The city’s waterfront revitalization projects, the expansion of the Naval Air Station’s community outreach, and the success of the annual Gulf Coast Food & Wine Festival all played a role in drawing attention to Pensacola as a destination,” Jones told the Journal. She noted that the ranking could help attract more visitors, thereby boosting the local economy.

A spokesman for the PCVB echoed the mayor’s enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled that our city has been recognized on a national level,” the spokesman said. “This award brings a spotlight to the people, the culture, and the places that make Pensacola special, and it will likely result in an uptick in tourism spending, job creation, and community pride.”

What Makes Pensacola Stand Out

The PNJ feature highlights several aspects that contributed to Pensacola’s selection:

• Beaches and Outdoor Recreation
  Pensacola’s 12 miles of white‑sand beaches and the nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore offer abundant opportunities for sun‑bathing, kayaking, dolphin watching, and bird‑watching. The city’s beachside boardwalk, with its neon‑lit stalls, “is a postcard‑ready slice of Americana” according to CN T.

• Historic Downtown and Maritime Heritage
  The city’s downtown is a walkable district that showcases Spanish Colonial and French‑American architecture, a thriving art gallery scene, and a maritime museum that chronicles the Gulf’s seafaring past. The CN T piece describes the “familiar scent of salt in the air and the hum of old‑timed boats bobbing in the harbor” as quintessentially Pensacola.

• Food and Drink
  From the legendary “Pecan Pecan” shrimp plates at local seafood joints to the burgeoning craft‑brewery scene, Pensacola’s food offerings have been cited as a highlight in the CN T article. The city’s culinary scene also emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, with farmers’ markets and farm‑to‑table restaurants featuring fresh Gulf‑produced seafood, citrus, and produce.

• Arts and Culture
  The city has an active performing‑arts calendar, with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, the National Performing Arts Center, and the annual “Pensacola Summer Music Series.” The PNJ profile also spotlights the “Pensacola International Film Festival” and a host of community art walks that showcase local talent.

• Affordability and Accessibility
  Pensacola is served by the Pensacola International Airport, offering flights to major hubs. In addition, the city’s average cost of living is 9% below the national average, a point that CN T emphasizes as a major advantage for travelers who want a high‑quality experience without breaking the bank.

Looking Forward: Economic Implications

The article speculates on the possible economic ripple effects of the accolade. Local real‑estate experts anticipate a modest uptick in short‑term rental listings and boutique hotel openings, spurred by increased demand. The PCVB has already begun planning a “Pensacola Travel Week” in early 2026 to capitalize on the newfound visibility. “We’ll be launching new marketing campaigns that target the same audience that CN T’s readership reaches—people who appreciate culture, affordability, and a friendly vibe,” the PCVB spokesperson added.

The city’s tourism board is also in talks with the regional Chamber of Commerce to explore partnership opportunities with local small businesses. “Our goal is to make sure the benefits of this recognition are felt across the entire Pensacola economy, from the boutique coffee shop on Main Street to the marina operators on the waterfront,” the spokesperson said.

A Broader Perspective

The CN T article lists a handful of other cities that made the top‑small‑city roster, including Asheville, NC; Austin, TX; and Nashville, TN. Pensacola was singled out for its unique blend of Gulf‑coast charm and downtown sophistication, which set it apart from the more conventional “big‑city‑in‑small‑size” examples on the list. The magazine noted that Pensacola’s “history‑laden streets and a forward‑looking business community” provide a “refreshingly balanced” experience for travelers.

The PNJ piece concludes that while the city’s population—just over 50,000 residents—may keep it under the radar of some national tourism campaigns, the new recognition is a powerful reminder that “size is not the only factor in creating a world‑class destination.” As Mayor Jones puts it, “Pensacola’s heart and its people are what make it truly special, and we’re proud to share that with the world.”

In Summary

The Pensacola News Journal’s October 7, 2025 profile offers a comprehensive look at how the city earned the prestigious “top small city” title from Condé Nast Traveler. Through a blend of scenic beaches, historic charm, a vibrant culinary and cultural scene, and a commitment to hospitality and affordability, Pensacola has positioned itself as a premier destination for travelers seeking a rich yet relaxed experience. The award is expected to serve as a catalyst for increased tourism, economic growth, and community pride—an outcome the city officials and local businesses are eager to capitalize on.