Hand-out Dotdash Meredith
For the ninth consecutive year, the readers of Southern Living ranked the Charleston region No. 1 in its annual South’s Best awards.
Southern Living noted in today’s South Best’s Cities announcement, “Once again, the Holy City has captured our readers’ hearts and the top spot on this list. Its harbor, historic homes, and churches are beautiful to behold, but it’s more than just a scenic escape. Charleston’s blend of old and new means that there’s something for everyone here: architecture, restaurants galore, African American history, art galleries, shopping, and more.”
The awards recognize readers’ favorite destinations and experiences, covering everything from cities and beach towns to restaurants, resorts and hotels.
“It is an honor to be recognized by such a highly-regarded and longstanding publication. We are mindful and appreciative that readers determine prestigious accolades like the South’s Best,” said Dan Blumenstock, Board Chair of Explore Charleston. “The travel industry is more competitive than ever, as destinations vie to attract visitors’ discretionary spending. The valuable exposure from the awards reinforces to travelers the attributes that make us a premier metropolitan area, from our vibrant historic district to our beautiful island communities.”
Other Charleston area honorees in this year’s South’s Best awards:
- Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island secured spots in the 50 Best Beach Towns in the South category.
- Readers selected The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort as one of the top 10 Best Resorts.
- The Francis Marion was voted one of the 10 Best Classic Hotels.
- In the South’s Best Seafood Dives category, The Crab Shacks and Bowens Island earned places in the top 10.
- The Windjammer was recognized as one of the top 10 Best Beach Bars.
- Readers voted Lewis Barbecue as their South Carolina favorite in the Best Barbecue Joint in Every State category.
“Receiving these impressive accolades in consecutive years demonstrates our ability to remain relevant and to consistently provide high-quality, engaging and authentic visitor experiences,” said Blumenstock.
Tourism remains one of the region’s leading economic drivers, and its success facilitates quality of life investments. The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimates the industry generated a record-high impact of $13.1 billion for the Greater Charleston Area in 2023. Travel and hospitality accounts for almost 53,000 local jobs, more than ever before. The percentage of countywide sales attributable to tourism increased to 24.7%, which is also a new record.
The 2025 South’s Best survey results and methodology are featured online at: https://www.southernliving.
