OAKHURST, CA – The mountain community of Oakhurst has earned national recognition for its welcoming atmosphere, being named one of the Best Cities for Traveler Hospitality in the United States for 2026 by Booking.com, according to results released earlier this month.
The recognition comes as part of Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveler Review Awards, announced February 4, 2026. The awards are based on more than 370 million verified traveler reviews worldwide and highlight accommodation and transportation partners that consistently deliver high-quality guest experiences.
Oakhurst was included on the list of top U.S. cities alongside Fredericksburg, Texas, which ranked first overall, followed by Palm Desert, California; Cape May, New Jersey; Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Waikoloa, Hawaii; Bryson City, North Carolina; and Snowmass Village, Colorado. The cities recognized represent a wide range of travel experiences, from coastal destinations and desert retreats to mountain towns and tropical getaways.
According to Booking.com, the rankings are determined by the share of accommodation partners within each city who received a 2026 Traveler Review Award, relative to the total number of eligible properties. To qualify, accommodations were required to maintain an average review score of 8.0 or higher out of 10, based on at least three guest reviews as of November 30, 2025. Destinations also needed to meet minimum thresholds for award recipients and were curated to ensure geographic diversity.
“Our U.S. partners offer travelers a wide range of stays, transportation options, and experiences, with something special for every kind of trip,” said Ben Harrell, Managing Director for the United States at Booking.com. “Recognition for places like Fredericksburg, Palm Desert, and Cape May reflects the care and consistency our partners bring to every stay.”
For Oakhurst, the designation highlights the community’s long-standing role as a primary gateway to Yosemite National Park, as well as its reputation for locally owned lodging, vacation rentals, and visitor services that cater to travelers year-round. Located along Highway 41, Oakhurst serves as a base for visitors exploring Yosemite, the Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake, and surrounding foothill communities.
The recognition also reflects broader trends in traveler preferences. Booking.com reported that vacation homes were the most awarded accommodation type in the United States in 2026, followed closely by hotels and apartments. Globally, apartments remained the most recognized lodging type for the ninth consecutive year,
while camping sites, villas, and traditional Japanese ryokans experienced notable year-over-year growth in award recipients. These trends suggest travelers are increasingly drawn to distinctive stays that provide an authentic sense of place.
Transportation providers were also recognized as part of the Traveler Review Awards. In the U.S., rental car companies led the industry in the number of award-winning partners, followed by providers in the United Kingdom and Spain. Worldwide, the number of recognized rental car partners increased by 49 percent compared to 2025, while airport transfer providers saw an 11 percent year-over-year increase. Booking.com noted that these gains highlight the growing importance of seamless transportation as part of the overall travel experience.
In addition to the U.S. rankings, Fredericksburg, Texas, also appeared on Booking.com’s list of the Best Cities for Traveler Hospitality on Earth in 2026, placing the Texas city among international destinations in Italy, Taiwan, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Namibia, Japan, Australia, and Lithuania.
Only travelers who booked accommodations, rental cars, or taxi services through Booking.com are eligible to leave reviews, ensuring that all feedback is based on verified experiences. The company states that reviews are published without edits or adjustments, offering prospective travelers an authentic account of service quality at destinations around the world.
As tourism continues to play a vital role in the local economy, Oakhurst’s inclusion among the nation’s most hospitable cities underscores the collective efforts of area lodging providers and hospitality partners. The recognition places the Yosemite-area community on a national stage, alongside destinations known for consistently positive visitor experiences, and reinforces Oakhurst’s reputation as a welcoming entry point to one of the country’s most iconic national parks.
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