San Francisco received the highest score of any city in the United States in Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers` Choice Awards. This is the 17th time San Francisco has topped the poll’s Top Cities – United States category since it debuted in 1990. It is the 16th consecutive year that San Francisco has scored the highest (Santa Fe won in 1992).

Tabulated from more than 28,000 responses by Conde Nast Traveler`s readers, the results are derived from the largest independent poll of consumers’ preferences, the Readers’ Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. Census.

This is an exceptional honor that speaks volumes to the genuine hospitality visitors and tourists alike experience while visiting our City, noted San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. San Francisco is proud of its diversity that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

It`s a great honor to receive this award from Conde Nast Traveler readers, who continue to recognize cities offering lively arts and culture, unique scenery and a vibrant atmosphere. We `re proud that San Francisco is a city that visitors return to again and again, said Joe D`Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.

San Francisco was followed by New York City and Charleston, South Carolina in the Top Cities – United States category. Each city was judged according to specific criteria such as ambiance, friendliness, culture/sites, restaurants, lodging and shopping.