July 9, 2025

Charleston Drops to Third in World’s Best Awards

News Summary

Charleston, South Carolina, has fallen from its position as the top U.S. destination in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards to third place after a 12-year reign. The survey, which included nearly 180,000 voters, ranked Santa Fe, NM first and New Orleans, LA second. Charleston’s enduring charm and historic appeal still commend its popularity, while the Wentworth Mansion was recognized as the top hotel in the city for the third consecutive year.

Charleston, South Carolina, has fallen from its long-held title as the top U.S. destination in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious 2025 World’s Best Awards, now ranking third after a remarkable 12-year reign. The annual readers’ survey, which saw participation from nearly 180,000 voters casting over 657,000 votes, assessed more than 8,700 properties, including hotels, cities, and cruise lines.

In the latest rankings, Santa Fe, New Mexico, topped the list of U.S. travel destinations with an impressive reader score of 88.80. Following closely behind is New Orleans, Louisiana, securing a second-place finish with a score of 87.06, renowned for its vibrant jazz clubs, lively festivals, and exceptional culinary scene. Charleston’s score of 87.01 reflects its enduring appeal, celebrated for its historic charm and Southern hospitality.

The top five rankings of the 2025 World’s Best Awards also include Savannah, Georgia, taking fourth place, and Alexandria, Virginia, rounding out the top five. A notable mention goes to Greenville, South Carolina, which made its debut in the rankings at seventh place. This shift highlights the changing preferences of travelers who are increasingly gravitating towards destinations that offer a rich blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.

Charleston remained a popular choice due to its unique character, featuring picturesque cobblestone streets, vibrant seafood restaurants, and a reputation for exceptional hospitality. The city’s architectural laws that preserve its historic charm received specific praise from readers, complimenting the efforts to maintain the integrity of its iconic buildings and neighborhoods.

In addition to the city rankings, the survey revealed that the Wentworth Mansion was recognized as the No. 1 hotel in Charleston by Travel + Leisure readers for the third consecutive year. This luxurious hotel embodies the charm and elegance associated with Charleston, contributing to the city’s vibrant tourism scene.

As the travel landscape evolves, these results reflect a growing inclination among travelers toward destinations that seamlessly blend heritage with modern culinary experiences. Santa Fe, for example, is celebrated for its inventive New Mexican cuisine and stunning scenery, encapsulating the qualities travelers now seek. The city’s appeal is further heightened by connections with renowned personalities like Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, who have helped to establish its cultural significance.

The rankings are determined by analyzing various criteria such as sights and landmarks, cultural offerings, food options, hospitality, shopping experiences, and overall value. Reader scores result from ratings that range from excellent to poor, offering a comprehensive snapshot of each destination’s strengths and weaknesses.

The changing tide in this year’s awards indicates a competitive travel landscape where long-standing favorites are challenged by emerging contenders. While Charleston continues to draw visitors with its rich history and Southern flair, cities like Santa Fe and New Orleans are carving out unique identities that resonate with today’s travelers.

In conclusion, Charleston’s third-place ranking in the 2025 World’s Best Awards marks a significant shift after over a decade at the top. With increasing competition from other cities that offer diverse cultural, culinary, and historical experiences, Charleston will need to continue evolving to maintain its status as a premier travel destination. The results from this year’s survey not only highlight the enduring qualities of Charleston but also showcase the vibrant and dynamic nature of travel preferences in the United States.

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Additional Resources

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.