South Carolina city again ranks as No. 1 place to visit in US — and one of world’s best
A South Carolina city was named the nation’s No. 1 vacation spot — but the praise didn’t end there.
Charleston also ranks as one of travelers’ favorite places to visit across the globe, according to results Travel + Leisure magazine published Tuesday, July 9.
“Southern hospitality meets a burgeoning shopping scene in this South Carolina charmer, which has been named the best in the U.S. for an incredible 12 years running,” the magazine wrote in its report.
While Charleston received wide acclaim, nearby Kiawah Island ranked No. 9 in a category that considered the best islands in the continental United States. Other Palmetto State highlights in the rankings include:
- Wentworth Mansion ranks No. 1 for Charleston hotels
Hotel Hartness in Greenville ranks No. 1 for South Carolina resort hotels
To create the lists, Travel + Leisure and research company Proof Insights conducted a survey from Oct. 23 to Feb. 26. The survey, which asked readers to rate cities and tourist attractions around the world, drew more than 186,000 participants.
For cities, landmarks, food and costs were among the criteria considered. “Respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor” to determine the winners of the “World’s Best Awards,” according to Travel + Leisure.
What makes Charleston a favorite place to visit?
Charleston has topped the magazine’s nationwide list again and again.
“The Holy City earned the top spot yet again, thanks to its combination of historic architecture, walkability, and Southern hospitality — and, as many readers noted, its unbeatable culinary scene,” the magazine wrote, adding that the destination has become a go-to for trips ranging from romantic getaways to family vacations.
Charleston continues to make its mark after it ranked among the nation’s best food cities and “most beloved” vacation destinations earlier this year, McClatchy News reported.
This time around, Charleston also ranks No. 22 among the world’s best cities to visit. Overall, San Miguel de Allende in Mexico received the top honor globally.
Within the United States, the following cities rounded out the list of fan-favorite travel destinations:
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, at No. 2
- Savannah, Georgia, at No. 3
- Honolulu at No. 4
- New Orleans at No. 5
This story was originally published July 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM with the headline "South Carolina city again ranks as No. 1 place to visit in US — and one of world’s best."
