July 16, 2025

Charleston Ranked No. 3 in Travel + Leisure’s Best U.S. Cities

News Summary

Charleston, South Carolina, has been ranked No. 3 in Travel + Leisure’s ‘Best U.S. Cities’ for 2025, ending its 12-year reign at the top. Santa Fe, New Mexico, claims the top spot, followed by New Orleans. Notably, Greenville, South Carolina, debuted at No. 7, showcasing a shift in travel preferences towards emerging destinations. The ranking results are based on an extensive survey of 180,000 readers and highlight Charleston’s continued appeal despite stiff competition.

Charleston, South Carolina, has been ranked as the No. 3 city in Travel + Leisure’s “Best U.S. Cities” for 2025, breaking its impressive 12-year streak at the top of the list. The new rankings were released on July 8, 2025, following an extensive online survey that garnered hundreds of thousands of responses.

In this year’s results, Santa Fe, New Mexico, takes the coveted No. 1 spot, recognized for its exceptional mix of art, history, and Southwestern culture. New Orleans follows closely in second place, celebrated for its vibrant jazz scene, festivals, and renowned dining options. Charleston’s place at No. 3 highlights its enduring appeal, though it now faces fierce competition from other notable cities.

Also noteworthy is that Greenville, South Carolina, made a striking debut at No. 7, characterized as one of the South’s “best kept secrets” thanks to its many locally owned restaurants and outdoor activities. Such rankings reflect a shift in travel preferences and highlight the emerging popularity of cities beyond traditional tourist destinations.

The rankings were determined from a comprehensive survey conducted from October 21, 2024, to February 24, 2025. Over 180,000 readers participated, casting more than 657,000 votes across >8,700 properties, factoring in various criteria including sights, culture, hospitality, dining, shopping, and overall value.

Despite its slip to No. 3, Charleston continues to enchant visitors with its historic charm and architectural beauty. The city has retained its rich character, complemented by a thriving economy that welcomed nearly 8 million tourists in the past year alone. This influx of visitors contributed $14 billion to Charleston’s economy and supported approximately 55,000 jobs.

Charleston’s place in the rankings still keeps it ahead of other notable cities like Savannah, which ranking fourth, and Alexandria, Virginia, in fifth. Travel + Leisure notes the quaint charm of Charleston, which is highly appreciated by its visitors. Its allure remains intact and continues to attract those looking for a rich historical experience.

The recent ascendancy of cities like Santa Fe in the rankings has been attributed to their unique culinary offerings and stunning natural surroundings. Other cities within the top ten include Savannah and Alexandria, further illustrating the strong representation of the Southeastern United States.

In addition to the main rankings, during the awards, Dallas and Kiawah Island received recognition in various categories, further showcasing the variety of travel experiences available within the region.

Visitor reactions to Greenville reflect a fondness for its peaceful and scenic outdoors, especially highlighted by the Reedy River flowing through downtown, which ensures a delightful atmosphere for tourists and residents alike. This reinforces Greenville’s aspiring reputation as a destination that balances urban living with nature.

With Charleston and Greenville’s notable positions in Travel + Leisure’s esteemed rankings, the landscape for travel in the Southeastern U.S. continues to evolve. As cities like Santa Fe capture the spotlight, Charleston’s enduring appeal is a testament to its historic significance and vibrant culture, while up-and-coming destinations like Greenville demonstrate the diverse offerings available to visitors.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.