CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston, S.C., has again been named the top city in the United States by readers of a national travel magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, marking a fifth straight win and the 15th time in the last 16 years.
Explore Charleston officials said the recognition reflects the area’s hospitality and sense of place as competition for travelers intensifies. Helen Hill, president and CEO of Explore Charleston, said the timing keeps the Charleston area top of mind as people plan holiday travel and look ahead to 2027.
Nearby destinations also scored high. Kiawah Island kept a spot among the top islands in the U.S., and Isle of Palms joined that list this year. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Dunlin and Wild Dunes Resort were among resorts ranked in the South, and several Charleston hotels made the city’s top-hotels list, including The Charleston Place, The Dewberry Charleston, Hotel Bennett and Wentworth Mansion.
The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimates tourism’s economic impact in the region now exceeds $14 billion a year, with nearly 25 cents of every dollar spent in the region tied to travel and hospitality. Explore Charleston represents 11 local governments across three counties as the region’s destination marketing organization.
Results of the 39th annual awards were announced this week and will be featured in the magazine’s November issue.
