For the fourth consecutive year, and the 14th time in the past 15 years, Charleston has been named the best small city in the U.S. in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Meanwhile, Chicago topped the list of the country's best big cities.
Widely regarded as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence, the magazine's awards are often described as “the best of the best of travel.”
“Retaining the distinction of Best U.S. City is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the nearly 55,000 people working in our local travel and hospitality industry each day, as well as the welcoming community that makes Charleston a sought-after destination,” said Dan Battista, chairman of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors.
“We’ve said many times, especially in the post-COVID era, that competition in the travel industry grows more intense each year. This recognition from the readers of one of travel’s most respected publications strengthens the region’s legacy and shows our ability to remain relevant while providing a unique and highly valued visitor experience,” Battista added.
According to the College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis, tourism’s economic impact in the region now exceeds $14 billion annually, with nearly a quarter of every dollar spent attributable to travel and hospitality.
Other Charleston Area Honorees in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards:
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort ranked among the Best Resorts in the World.
- Kiawah Island was voted No. 2 in the Top Islands in the U.S. category.
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, and Wild Dunes Resort were recognized among the Top Resorts in the South.
- The Dunlin, Auberge Collection was voted among the top 10 of the Best 25 Hotels in the South.
Top Hotels in Charleston for 2025 (alphabetical order): The Charleston Place, The Dewberry, Elliott House Inn, Hotel Bennett, The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel Collection, The Loutrel, The Mills House, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Ryder Hotel, Wentworth Mansion, and Zero George.
The results of the 38th annual awards were announced today and will be celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler. The complete results of the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards can be found here.