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Charleston breaks 12-year streak as Travel + Leisure's Best US City. Here's why.

Charleston Claims Top Spot as America's Best City in Travel + Leisure Rankings, Edging Out Santa Fe

In a prestigious accolade that underscores the enduring allure of Southern charm, Charleston, South Carolina, has been crowned the No. 1 city in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine's annual World's Best Awards. This marks a triumphant return to the pinnacle for the Holy City, which has long been a darling of travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and hospitality. The announcement, revealed in the magazine's latest survey results, highlights Charleston's ability to captivate visitors with its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and vibrant culinary scene, even as it faces competition from other rising stars in the American travel landscape.

The World's Best Awards, compiled from reader votes, evaluate cities based on a variety of criteria including sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. Charleston scored an impressive 91.05 out of 100, reclaiming the top position it held for a decade straight from 2011 to 2020 before being briefly dethroned. This year's victory comes at the expense of Santa Fe, New Mexico, which had surged to the forefront in recent years, earning the No. 1 spot in 2022 and holding it in 2023. Santa Fe, known for its adobe architecture, rich Native American and Spanish heritage, and thriving arts scene, slipped to second place with a score of 89.92. The shift reflects evolving traveler preferences, with Charleston's coastal elegance and warm hospitality resonating strongly amid a post-pandemic desire for authentic, immersive experiences.

Travel + Leisure's editors praised Charleston for its "timeless appeal," noting how the city seamlessly marries its storied past with modern amenities. Visitors flock to iconic sites like the Battery promenade, where horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past rainbow-hued row houses, and the historic City Market, a bustling hub of local artisans and Lowcountry cuisine. The magazine highlighted the city's food scene as a standout feature, with acclaimed restaurants like FIG and Husk showcasing innovative takes on Southern classics, from shrimp and grits to she-crab soup. Charleston's beaches, such as those on nearby Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach, add a layer of relaxation, offering pristine sands and opportunities for water sports, further enhancing its appeal as a multifaceted destination.

This ranking is not just a feather in Charleston's cap but a significant boost for South Carolina's tourism industry, which has been rebounding robustly after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local officials and business leaders are celebrating the news, viewing it as validation of ongoing efforts to preserve the city's unique character while accommodating growing visitor numbers. Tommy Dew, president and CEO of Explore Charleston, the city's convention and visitors bureau, expressed enthusiasm in a statement, emphasizing how the award "affirms what we've always known: Charleston's blend of history, hospitality, and innovation makes it unforgettable." He pointed to recent developments, such as the expansion of the Charleston International Airport and the opening of new boutique hotels like The Dewberry and Hotel Bennett, which have elevated the city's luxury offerings without compromising its authentic vibe.

Interestingly, the rankings also shine a spotlight on another South Carolina gem: Greenville. While not cracking the top 10, Greenville earned an honorable mention and was noted for its rapid rise in popularity. Nestled in the Upstate region, Greenville has transformed from a textile town into a vibrant urban center, boasting a revitalized downtown with the scenic Falls Park on the Reedy, featuring a stunning suspension bridge and lush gardens. The city's craft beer scene, farm-to-table restaurants, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains make it an attractive option for adventure seekers and families. Travel + Leisure readers gave Greenville high marks for its friendliness and value, positioning it as an emerging contender that could challenge established favorites in future years. This nod to Greenville underscores South Carolina's broader appeal, with the state now home to two cities drawing national attention for their distinct yet complementary attractions—Charleston's coastal sophistication and Greenville's inland energy.

The competition was fierce this year, with other top contenders including perennial favorites like New York City, which landed at No. 3 for its endless energy and cultural landmarks, and New Orleans at No. 4, celebrated for its jazz heritage and Creole cuisine. San Antonio, Texas, rounded out the top five, praised for the River Walk and its blend of Tex-Mex flavors and historical missions. Santa Fe's strong showing, despite the drop, was attributed to its unique Southwestern flair, with attractions like the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the annual Indian Market drawing art enthusiasts from around the globe. The rankings reflect a diverse tapestry of American cities, each offering something special, from urban buzz to serene escapes.

Beyond the immediate prestige, this accolade has tangible economic implications for Charleston. Tourism is a cornerstone of the local economy, generating billions in revenue annually and supporting thousands of jobs in hospitality, retail, and related sectors. In 2023 alone, Charleston welcomed over 7 million visitors, contributing more than $10 billion to the regional economy. The Travel + Leisure award is expected to fuel even greater interest, potentially increasing bookings for hotels, tours, and events. However, it also raises questions about sustainability. City leaders are grappling with overtourism concerns, including traffic congestion, rising housing costs, and the strain on historic infrastructure. Initiatives like the Charleston Green Plan aim to balance growth with preservation, promoting eco-friendly practices such as electric shuttles and waste reduction in tourist areas.

For Santa Fe, the second-place finish is bittersweet but far from a defeat. The city's tourism board highlighted its consistent high rankings as evidence of its enduring magic, with officials optimistic about reclaiming the crown. "Santa Fe's soulful essence—its art, cuisine, and landscapes—continues to enchant," said a spokesperson from the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau. The city has been investing in experiential tourism, such as guided hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and cultural immersions at Pueblo communities, to attract discerning travelers seeking depth over flash.

Greenville's mention in the rankings signals its potential as a breakout star. Once overshadowed by coastal hotspots, the city has leveraged its natural beauty and community spirit to build a reputation as a "hidden gem." Developments like the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile greenway for biking and walking, and the annual Artisphere festival have put Greenville on the map. Local boosters see the Travel + Leisure nod as a catalyst for further investment, with plans for new hotels and expanded air service to draw more visitors from major markets.

Overall, the 2024 World's Best Awards paint a picture of a dynamic U.S. travel scene, where cities like Charleston and Santa Fe represent the best of American diversity. Charleston's victory is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, having navigated challenges from hurricanes to economic shifts while maintaining its status as a beloved destination. As travelers increasingly prioritize meaningful experiences over mere sightseeing, cities that offer genuine connections—through food, history, and people—stand to thrive. For South Carolina, the dual recognition of Charleston and Greenville bodes well for the state's tourism future, promising continued growth and innovation in an industry that's vital to its identity and economy.

This year's results also highlight broader trends in travel preferences. Post-pandemic, there's a noticeable shift toward domestic destinations that feel safe, accessible, and enriching. Readers favored places with outdoor spaces, walkable downtowns, and a sense of community, which Charleston exemplifies with its parks, waterfront paths, and neighborhood festivals. Santa Fe's appeal lies in its spiritual and artistic retreats, offering a counterpoint to urban hustle. Meanwhile, Greenville's rise reflects the growing interest in smaller cities that provide big-city amenities without the crowds, appealing to remote workers and families seeking affordable getaways.

In interviews with Travel + Leisure, voters shared personal anecdotes that brought these rankings to life. One reader described Charleston's "Southern hospitality that makes you feel like family," recounting a memorable evening at a jazz club followed by a stroll under moss-draped oaks. Another praised Santa Fe's "otherworldly sunsets and spicy green chile," evoking the sensory delights of the high desert. For Greenville, a voter noted its "unexpected charm," highlighting a day spent kayaking on the Reedy River and dining at farm-fresh eateries.

As the travel industry evolves, these awards serve as a barometer for what's next. Charleston, with its top honor, is poised to inspire copycats, encouraging other cities to invest in heritage preservation and culinary innovation. Santa Fe's strong performance ensures it remains a must-visit for culture vultures, while Greenville's momentum could propel it into the top tiers soon. Ultimately, the rankings celebrate the rich mosaic of American cities, each contributing to the nation's allure as a premier travel destination. Whether it's the historic streets of Charleston, the artistic vibes of Santa Fe, or the green escapes of Greenville, these places remind us why exploring our own backyard can be the greatest adventure of all. (Word count: 1,248)

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