Charleston voted No. 1 in Southern Living’s 2026 South’s Best Awards
March 12, 2026
photo credit : Getty images
For the tenth consecutive year, the readers of Southern Living ranked the Charleston region No. 1 in its annual South’s Best awards.
The awards recognize readers’ favorite destinations and experiences, covering everything from cities and beach towns to restaurants, resorts and hotels.
Southern Living noted in today’s South Best’s announcement, “The Holy City brings home the hardware for the 10th year in a row, proving that what’s old can always be new again. Our readers will never tire of this Lowcountry gem’s sparkling harbor, charming historic architecture, and first-rate dining scene.”
“We are honored and humbled to retain the South’s Best distinction for the tenth year in a row,” said Dan Battista, Executive Vice President of Lowe and Chair of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors. “Being recognized again in multiple South’s Best categories speaks to the enduring appeal of our destination in a highly competitive travel industry. From our vibrant historic district to our beautiful island communities, nearly 55,000 hospitality employees help shape our region’s unique sense of place while delivering unparalleled visitor experiences day in and day out.
Other Charleston area honorees in this year’s South’s Best awards:
Top Beach Getaways
- Isle of Palms
- Folly Beach
- Kiawah Island
- Sullivan’s Island
Top New Hotels
- Hotel Richemont
- The Nickel
Top Classic Hotels
- The Charleston Place
Top Inns
- John Rutledge House
- 20 South Battery
Top Resorts
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Top Classic Restaurants
- FIG
- Fleet Landing
- Page’s Okra Grill
Top Legendary Restaurants
- Poogan’s Porch
- Hyman’s Seafood
- 82 Queen
Top Barbecue Joint in S.C.
- Lewis Barbecue
Top Golf Destinations
- Kiawah Island
Top College Towns
- Charleston, S.C.
Tourism remains one of the region’s main economic drivers, supporting vital revenue and quality-of-life investments across the community. The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimates the industry generated a record $14.03 billion in economic impact for the Greater Charleston Area in 2024. Travel and hospitality support almost 55,000 local jobs, more than ever before. Almost 24% of all countywide sales are attributable to tourism.
The 2026 South’s Best survey results and methodology are featured online at: https://www.southernliving.com/best-cities-2026-11886554
As the region’s destination marketing and management organization, Explore Charleston represents 12 municipalities across three counties. It seeks to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area, create overnight visitation, and support responsible development through travel and tourism strategies.
