January 11, 2026

Charleston Named One of the South’s Hottest Travel Destinations

Charleston, South Carolina, January 11, 2026

Charleston, South Carolina has been predicted to be one of the South’s hottest travel destinations for 2026, thanks to its rich blend of heritage, culinary excellence, and coastal charm. Key developments such as the opening of The Cooper hotel and new art spaces aim to enhance visitor experiences. The city continues to attract tourists, with nonstop flights from major American airports making it a favored choice for family vacations and romantic getaways. This recognition highlights the sustained economic growth fueled by strategic investments and local entrepreneurial spirit.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Leads the South’s Hottest Travel Destinations for 2026

Lowcountry’s Enduring Charm and Innovative Growth Draw National Acclaim Alongside Southern Peers

Charleston, South Carolina – The Lowcountry continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination, with travel experts forecasting Charleston as one of the South’s hottest travel spots for 2026. This recognition underscores the vibrant economic energy pulsating through the region, driven by thoughtful development and the unwavering spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs. It’s a testament to how strategic private investments and a commitment to preserving local charm can foster significant Lowcountry economic growth, attracting visitors and opportunities alike.

The news comes as a nod to the careful balance Charleston strikes between honoring its rich history and embracing forward-thinking innovation. For local businesses and the broader Charleston County economy, this continued spotlight promises sustained tourism, encouraging further entrepreneurial endeavors and demonstrating the positive impact of a thriving community focused on delivering exceptional experiences. From boutique accommodations to a world-class culinary scene, Charleston’s appeal resonates deeply, proving that quality and character are powerful economic engines.

Charleston: A Quintessential Southern Gem

Charleston’s inclusion on the list of top Southern travel destinations for 2026 reaffirms its status as a quintessential Southern getaway. Travel advisors laud the city for its unique blend of heritage, exceptional gastronomy, and coastal elegance. This harmonious mix continues to enhance its appeal to travelers. The city’s ongoing growth further solidifies its position as a sought-after destination.

Anticipated developments in 2026 are set to further enrich the visitor experience. The debut of The Cooper hotel along the riverfront is expected, alongside the expansion of boutique properties such as The Pinch. Additionally, visitors can look forward to exploring new art spaces emerging along King Street, showcasing the vibrant cultural scene that characterizes Charleston SC business and community life. The convenience of non-stop flights to Charleston International Airport (CHS) from virtually every major American airport also contributes to its popularity for various types of trips, including family vacations, girls’ getaways, and romantic couple retreats.

Atlanta’s Global Stage and Experience-Centric Approach

Moving beyond the Lowcountry, Atlanta, Georgia, is also highlighted as a major draw for 2026, primarily due to a significant shift towards “experience-centric” travel. The city is poised to host eight FIFA World Cup matches, a global moment that is expected to attract a considerable influx of visitors. This focus on major events showcases how cities can leverage large-scale attractions to stimulate their local economies and create unique travel experiences.

Atlanta’s downtown area offers a variety of accommodation options conveniently located within walking distance of the stadium, catering to event-goers. For those seeking a more luxurious retreat amidst the excitement, The St. Regis Atlanta is noted for its exceptional offerings, including a luxury spa, an outdoor pool piazza and terrace, and Michelin dining experiences, providing a sophisticated option for travelers.

Asheville’s Mountain Allure

Asheville, North Carolina, another jewel of the South, also earned its place among the top travel destinations for 2026. While specific details outlining the particular attractions or new developments driving its recognition were not extensively detailed, its consistent appearance on such lists points to its established appeal. Asheville is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, craft breweries, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a compelling blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty that continues to attract a diverse range of visitors seeking unique experiences in the region.

Palm Beach: A Beacon of Luxury and Refinement

Palm Beach, Florida, continues to be a perennial favorite, cementing its status as a consistently desirable destination. This enduring appeal is further bolstered by upcoming luxury developments, showcasing the power of private investment in enhancing a city’s tourism profile. The anticipated January 2026 debut of The Vineta Hotel, a fully-renovated historic building featuring 41 rooms, is expected to be a significant draw.

Beyond its evolving hotel scene, Palm Beach is celebrated for its diverse shopping options, pristine beachfront, and distinctive aesthetic. These elements collectively contribute to a sophisticated travel experience, appealing to those who appreciate high-end amenities and a beautiful, well-maintained environment.

Bentonville’s Innovative Spirit and Cultural Landscape

Bentonville, Arkansas, stands out as a burgeoning destination, gaining recognition for its dynamic growth and unique offerings. This city has been on the rise for several years, particularly appealing to enthusiasts of mountain biking. The spirit of entrepreneurial innovation is evident in its expanding hospitality sector, with new establishments like The Compton hotel, featuring a Tuscan steakhouse named Sestina, a cocktail bar called The Eddy, and Field Notes, an all-day cafe.

The city’s culinary landscape has also garnered national attention, with two Bentonville chefs recognized as finalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards. Culturally, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a significant attraction, set to nearly double its size with expanded gallery space and additional miles of trails. This expansion is complemented by The Momentary, a contemporary art space housed in a former cheese factory, further enriching Bentonville’s artistic offerings and drawing visitors who appreciate both outdoor adventure and cultural immersion.

Sustaining Growth in the Palmetto State

Charleston’s position among the South’s hottest travel destinations for 2026 is a strong indicator of the region’s robust appeal and economic vitality. This recognition, alongside other thriving Southern cities, highlights a broader trend of sustained growth driven by entrepreneurial spirit, strategic investments, and a commitment to unique community experiences. For Charleston small business owners and the wider Charleston County economy, these trends offer promising opportunities for continued prosperity.

As we look to the future, supporting local businesses, fostering innovative ventures, and maintaining the unique character that defines Charleston will be paramount to sustaining this momentum. We encourage our readers to explore these exciting trends and continue to engage with and support the vibrant economic landscape that makes Charleston, and indeed the entire state, a beacon of progress and opportunity for South Carolina entrepreneurs and residents alike. The future of Lowcountry economic growth looks bright, powered by the collective efforts of a dynamic community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cities are predicted to be the South’s hottest travel destinations in 2026?

Experts predict that Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Asheville, North Carolina; Palm Beach, Florida; and Bentonville, Arkansas will be the South’s hottest travel destinations in 2026.

What makes Charleston, SC, an attractive travel destination for 2026?

Charleston is recognized for its blend of heritage, gastronomy, and coastal elegance. Anticipated developments in 2026 include the debut of The Cooper hotel along the riverfront, the expansion of boutique properties like The Pinch, and new art spaces along King Street. The city also offers non-stop flights from major American airports and is a popular choice for family travel, girls’ trips, and couple vacations.

Why is Atlanta, Georgia, highlighted as a hot travel spot for 2026?

Atlanta is set to host eight FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, contributing to a major shift toward ‘experience-centric’ travel. The city offers numerous accommodation options within walking distance of the stadium, and luxury resorts like The St. Regis Atlanta provide a high-end experience with a spa, outdoor pool piazza, terrace, and Michelin dining.

What new developments are attracting visitors to Palm Beach, Florida, in 2026?

Palm Beach’s appeal for 2026 is enhanced by the opening of The Vineta Hotel, a fully-renovated historic building with 41 rooms, set to debut in January 2026. Beyond its hotel scene, Palm Beach is also noted for its shopping options, pristine beachfront, and signature aesthetic.

What are the attractions driving travel to Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2026?

Bentonville, Arkansas, is a rising destination known for mountain biking, new hospitality offerings like The Compton hotel and its Tuscan steakhouse Sestina, cocktail bar The Eddy, and all-day cafe Field Notes. The city’s culinary scene has been recognized with two chefs being James Beard Awards finalists. Additionally, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is set to nearly double in size, offering more gallery space and additional miles of trails, complemented by The Momentary, a contemporary art space.

Key Features of the South’s Hottest Travel Destinations in 2026

City	Key Attractions / Developments for 2026	Noted Characteristics
Charleston, South Carolina	Debut of The Cooper hotel; expansion of The Pinch; new art spaces on King Street.	Blend of heritage, gastronomy, coastal elegance; non-stop flights from major US airports.
Atlanta, Georgia	Hosting eight FIFA World Cup matches; numerous downtown accommodation options.	Shift to ‘experience-centric’ travel; luxury accommodations like The St. Regis Atlanta with spa and Michelin dining.
Asheville, North Carolina	(No specific new developments detailed in source for 2026, noted as a top destination).	Known for vibrant arts, historic architecture, craft breweries, proximity to Blue Ridge Mountains.
Palm Beach, Florida	Opening of The Vineta Hotel (January 2026).	Luxury hotel scene, shopping options, pristine beachfront, signature aesthetic.
Bentonville, Arkansas	New hotels (The Compton); James Beard Awards finalists; Crystal Bridges Museum expansion; The Momentary art space.	Mountain biking destination; strong culinary scene; growing art and cultural institutions.