For the eleventh time in the last twelve years, Charleston has been named the best small city in the U.S., according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 2022 Readers' Choice Awards. After ten straight years of topping the list, the Holy City in 2021 fell to second place, but has now reclaimed it’s spot at the top.
“Charleston may be a small town, but this city punches well above its weight,” the magazine wrote. “When you consider everything it has to offer—history, culture, food, charm—it's no wonder the so-called Holy City has repeatedly topped our list of the best small cities in the U.S. While its robust F&B scene, which includes a steady annual circuit of nationally recognized food and culture festivals, continues to be a draw, visitors are rarely prepared for the city’s good looks. Stately homes, cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and an abundance of flowering window boxes only add to its welcoming vibe. Find a seat among its many outdoor terraces for a drink and some fresh oysters, and try to resist the urge to up and move here.”
The Best Small Cities list broke down as follows:
- Charleston
- Aspen, CO
- Santa Fe, NM
- Alexandria, VA
- Savannah
- Greenville, SC
- Key West
- Santa Rosa Beach, FL
- Palm Beach, FL
- Wilmington, NC
Chicago was voted as the country's Best Big City.
In addition to Charleston's No. 1 Small City in the U.S. win, Kiawah Island (2) was included in the Top Islands in the U.S. list. Nearby Hilton Head took home the top honors.
Wild Dunes (5), The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (7), and The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina (10) were all named among the top 20 resorts in the South.
Condé Nast also published a list of their readers' favorite hotels choices in Charleston, which was topped by The Restoration.
For the complete list of the 2022 Awards, visit www.cntraveler.com/RCA
In July, Charleston was named No. 1 City in the U.S. by Travel+Leisure readers. The 2019 award marked Charleston's seventh consecutive year atop that list.
