Summary
Charleston, SC named best destination 12th year in a row by Travel and Leisure readers based on historical sites, food, and value.
Iconic local dishes draw visitors to Charleston, from oyster stew to homemade treats like carrot cake fritters with ice cream.
Best time to visit Charleston varies, with spring showcasing flowers, summer offering beach season, and fall providing mild temperatures.
South Carolina is renowned for its colonial attractions, mild temperatures, family beaches, culinary and cultural events, and warm hospitality. Its oldest and largest city, Charleston, has made headlines once again as the quintessential and most charming American city. Based on factors such as historical sites, food quality, conviviality, shopping, parks, accommodation, and overall value, Travel and Leisure readers have picked, for the 12th consecutive year, Charleston as the best destination in the US.
Santa Fe, where history meets art, nabbed the second spot, while Savannah, one of the most affordable travel destinations for families, came third. But is Charleston really worth the hype? Here’s an overview of its most and least appealing features.
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What Makes Charleston The Best Southern City?
What makes this historic port city so appealing
Founded in 1670 and named after King Charles II, Charleston is where culture and coastal charm collide. Its most significant points of interest include the Old Slave Mart Museum, the first of its kind; top beaches like Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach; the French Quarter and its slew of historic churches and parks; and King Street, a shopping and culinary heaven.
Per PayScale, housing expenses in Charleston are 3% lower than the national average, and transportation expenses are 5% lower than the national average.
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Visitors keep raving about the gastronomy in Charleston, whether they’ve been treated to a homemade feast or have sampled the delicacies offered at its 374 restaurants. Iconic local and regional dishes and treats include oyster stew, deviled crab, buttery biscuits, carrot cake fritters with cream cheese ice cream, and boiled peanuts.
What Locals And Visitors Think Of Charleston
The good and the bad, based on online reviews
About 7.79 million people visited the Charleston area in 2023, resulting in an average hotel occupancy of 70.7% and an increase in sales of 24.7%. Here is what permanent residents and tourists actually think of the overall vibe exuded by this lovely city.
Site
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
Tripadvisor (Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best)
“Charleston is the personification of Southern gentility.” “Went riding around the historic area and city market area, went shopping in the outdoor marketplace, great fun.” “Restaurants are just too expensive.” “The traffic is terrible.” “Horse cruelty! People still go on these rides.”
Best Places
“Charleston is a great place to live. The food and the history are amazing, and the people are friendly.” “There’s a great work-life balance here, and the social scene is lively.” “It is physically beautiful, has extraordinary cuisine, a gorgeous coastline, and really nice people.” “The beaches and greenery are beautiful.” “It’s crowded, and there’s not much to do besides the touristy areas.” “Infrastructure is poorly planned, making commutes to work, and sometimes just getting somewhere on a Saturday afternoon, long and slow-going.”
Niche
“I enjoyed seeing the old buildings, cobblestone streets, and lovely gardens. The local food was amazing, especially the mix of Southern flavors and fresh seafood. The friendly and welcoming people made my visit even better.” “The people here feel like family.” “There are plenty of fun opportunities all around town for any age.” “Oh, the sunsets! They paint the sky in hues of coral and gold, casting a spell over the historic waterfront.” “Downtown is very expensive with buying, renting, and any outings.” “Even with a decent salary, the traffic, flooding, and cost-of-living weighed heavily on my quality of life.”
The Best Time To Visit
Pick your most convenient time period
Shutterstock: Cvandyke
Magnolia Plantation, South Carolina
With its mild winters and busy cultural, artistic, and culinary calendar, Charleston is beautiful and appealing all year long, but here are some factors to consider before your travels. The period from March through May offers pleasant temperatures, vibrant wisteria, azaleas, and dogwoods, and annual events like the Charleston Festival, formerly known as the Festival of Houses and Gardens.
June to August is the designated beach season, and there is a slew of exciting concerts, plays, and events like the Charleston Food and Wine Festival to attend. However, visitors should keep in mind that summer is the region’s wettest season, and that the average daily temperatures range from 78° F to 82° F.
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In October, temperatures fall between 59° F and 79° F, while in December, the average low is 44° F, and there is a chance of snow toward the end of the month. No matter what season you visit, there is plenty you can see during a weekend in Charleston — or longer!
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Publish date : 2024-07-15 05:30:00
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