From Staff Reports

NEW YORK, N.Y —  Asheville, N.C., was rated No. 13 — a drop from No. 9 in 2025 — on the Travel + Leisure list of the best U.S. Travel Destinations for 2026, which was released on July 7.

While Asheville did not land in T+L’s  top 10 this year, it continues to rank highly among the country’s best destinations for its Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, craft breweries, and resilient local culture.

Locals and travel experts find Asheville to be an idyllic mountain getaway and praise its vibrant atmosphere, T&L noted.

The magazine’s reader-voted awards highlighted the mountain city for its stellar views, booming culinary scene, and vibrant culture.

Locals and returning visitors alike often reflect on what makes Asheville a standout destination — whether it is the resilience of the community, the independent spirit, or the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, T&L stated.

Further, the magazine said the following of Asheville:

“With stellar views, cultural attractions, a long summer season, plentiful accommodations, and multiple breweries to kick back a pint, it’s where every kind of traveler can find their slice of paradise...

Regarding Asheville’s No. 13 ranking, T+L asserted, “The honor reflects more than stunning mountain views. It speaks to a year of rebuilding and renewal after Hurricane Helene...highlighting what locals already know: Asheville’s spirit runs deep.”