News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina, has dropped to third place in Travel + Leisure’s annual ranking of the best cities in America, after maintaining the top position for twelve years. Santa Fe and New Orleans now hold the first and second positions. Meanwhile, Greenville has debuted at seventh place, showcasing its appeal as a hidden gem. The rankings reflect evolving traveler preferences, highlighting cities that offer diverse experiences for all types of visitors.
Charleston, South Carolina has been ranked as the third-best city in America according to Travel + Leisure’s annual list, released on July 8, 2025. This marks a significant drop for Charleston, which had held the top position for twelve consecutive years before falling behind Santa Fe, New Mexico, which took the number one spot for 2025, and New Orleans, which secured second place.
Greenville, South Carolina, made a noteworthy entrance to the rankings, debuting at seventh place. The survey, which received hundreds of thousands of responses from readers, ran from October 21, 2024, to February 24, 2025, and assessed cities based on various criteria such as sights and landmarks, cultural offerings, food quality, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.
The ranking indicates a shift in traveler preferences, with an increasing number of visitors gravitating towards cities that offer a variety of experiences suitable for couples, friends, and families. Notably, the reader score for Charleston stood at 87.01, while Santa Fe achieved a score of 88.80, and New Orleans received 87.06.
Visitors have long appreciated Charleston for its distinctive architecture, charming downtown area, rich history, and renowned Southern hospitality. Last year, more than eight million tourists contributed over $14 billion to the city’s economy and supported roughly 55,000 jobs. The rich historical charm and culinary scene were highlighted as key factors in Charleston’s continued appeal among travelers.
Greenville, on the other hand, has rapidly gained recognition for its allure as a “hidden gem.” It is lauded for its locally owned restaurants and stunning natural surroundings, particularly the Reedy River that flows through the downtown area. The city’s pedestrian-friendly streets and vibrant cultural experiences were also significant factors prompting visitors to rate it highly in the survey. As one of the South’s “best kept secrets,” Greenville provides a serene oasis for residents and tourists alike.
South Carolina cities not only excelled in the best cities category but also shined in other categories of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. This includes various recognitions that celebrate the diverse offerings and experiences available throughout the state. Cities like Charleston and Greenville continue to attract attention as destinations that embody both charm and modernity, appealing to a wide range of travelers.
The Travel + Leisure survey amassed over 657,000 votes across more than 8,700 properties, including cities and hotels, reflecting a broad sampling of traveler preferences and experiences. As preferences among tourists continue to evolve, the findings from this survey illuminate key trends in travel that prioritize unique experiences, local culture, and community-centric offerings.
The latest rankings underscore the competitive nature among cities striving to cater to the diverse needs of visitors who seek both adventure and relaxation during their travels. While Charleston remains a top contender in the eyes of travelers, Greenville’s debut alongside it indicates a growing interest in cities that combine cultural richness with natural beauty.
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Additional Resources
- Travel + Leisure: 2025 World’s Best Awards
- Post and Courier: Charleston Dethroned
- The State: Charleston’s Ranking
- ABC News 4: Charleston No Longer #1
- Live 5 News: Charleston Dethroned
- Wikipedia: Travel and Leisure
- Google Search: Charleston South Carolina tourism
- Google Scholar: Charleston South Carolina travel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston South Carolina
- Google News: Charleston tourism
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.
