News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina has dropped to third in Travel + Leisure’s Annual Ranking, overtaken by Santa Fe and New Orleans. Despite this, the city’s unique charm continues to attract millions of visitors annually, generating significant economic impact and job support. Greenville, SC makes a debut at seventh, showcasing its emerging appeal as a tourist destination. The rankings reflect a notable rise in popularity for cities in the Southeastern United States.
Charleston, South Carolina has fallen from its long-held position as the top travel destination in Travel + Leisure‘s Annual Ranking, now ranking third in the 2025 survey. The magazine has recognized Santa Fe, New Mexico as the new number one city, with New Orleans, Louisiana following closely in second place.
For over a decade, Charleston enjoyed the distinction of being recognized as the best U.S. city for travelers, revered for its southern charm, rich history, and well-preserved architecture. The city’s unique building regulations, which restrict structures to a height below that of the tallest church, contribute to its distinctive character.
Tourism continues to be a vital component of Charleston’s economy, with nearly 8 million visitors arriving in the area last year, generating a remarkable $14 billion in local economic activity. This substantial influx from tourism supports just under 55,000 jobs in the region, underlining the sector’s importance.
Jacqui Gifford, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure, noted that the magazine’s readers still appreciate Charleston’s warmth and authenticity, which have helped sustain its popularity over the years. Despite its recent drop in rankings, Charleston significantly outperformed other noted destinations, such as Savannah, Georgia and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Greenville, South Carolina has debuted in the ranking for the first time at the seventh position, a mark of increasing recognition for the city. Described as “one of the South’s best-kept secrets,” Greenville offers a small-town atmosphere with the offerings of a larger urban center. Its walkable downtown is complemented by local dining options and green spaces, notably the Reedy River that flows through the city.
The annual survey of Travel + Leisure involved over 180,000 responses from readers who rated cities based on criteria that included sights, landmarks, culture, and overall value as a destination. Greenville’s inclusion signifies a growing national recognition of its potential as a vacation locale.
Moreover, Travel + Leisure’s survey highlighted a strong showing for cities situated in the Southeastern United States, showcasing their rising appeal among travelers. As a counterpoint, Santa Fe attracts about 3 million visitors annually, celebrated for its vibrant cultural and culinary scene.
The tourism sector’s importance to Charleston is underscored by the fact that nearly 25 cents of every dollar spent in the Charleston region can be traced back to visitors. The city continues to draw travelers, ensuring its place among the most cherished destinations in the U.S.
In conclusion, while Charleston may have slid to third place in the latest ranking, its enduring charm and attractions maintain its status as a favored destination among travelers. Meanwhile, the rise of Greenville marks a new chapter for this region, highlighting its unique offerings and appealing small-town vibe, contributing to the overall narrative of South Carolina’s burgeoning tourism industry.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville News
- The State
- Post and Courier
- Travel + Leisure
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: travel destinations in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Charleston tourism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Google News: Greenville South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
