Charleston Voted Travel + Leisure's #1

Each year, readers of Travel + Leisure vote for their favorite city in the United States based on that city’s friendliness, culture, cuisine, sights and landmarks, shopping, and overall value

This year’s #1 for the 5th year in a row: Charleston, SC.

“Charleston is that rare destination that, on paper, seems to have it all — and then totally lives up to the hype. History lovers can stroll the historic cobblestoned center, a maze of immaculate 18th- and 19th-century homes, while foodies can schedule their whole day around meals: char-grilled oysters at Leon’s, cocktails at speakeasy the Gin Joint, and a decadent cheeseburger at Husk. At family-owned boutiques like Croghan’s Jewel Box, you can browse for estate silver, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and leather wine totes. Said one T+L reader: ‘All the elements are there to make it a city that will remain in your heart long after you’ve left.’”

To be recognized alongside Chicago, Boston, New York and other landmark US cities is truly an honor. We’d like to thank Travel + Leisure and, of course, all those who voted. It warms us to know that Charleston is as special to all of you as it is to us.

To see what other US cities made the top 15, click here.

To explore all of Travel + Leisure’s 2017 World's Best lists, click here.