Awards

For the 12th Time in 13 years, Charleston Voted the Best Small City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler Readers

Published

12 months ago

October 3, 2023

For the second consecutive year, and the twelfth time in the last thirteen years, Charleston has been named the best small city in the U.S., according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“Retaining this title is a testament to the incredible people in the Charleston area, especially the over 51,000 dedicated employees in the local travel and hospitality industry,” said said Dan Blumenstock, Board Chair of Explore Charleston and Director of Operations for Lowcountry Hotels. “We never forget that readers determine these awards. Travelers today desire authentic experiences – genuine connections with communities, locals and their stories. Our region continues to deliver in a way that resonates with visitors.”

The Best Small Cities list broke down as follows

Charleston
Santa Fe, NM
Alexandria, VA
Greenville, SC
Savannah
Aspen, CO
St. Augustine, FL
Pensacola, FL
Annapolis, MD
Sedona, AZ

In addition to the No. 1 Small U.S. City award, Kiawah Island remains a top destination for Condé Nast Traveler readers. The island community was voted No. 2 in the Top Islands in the U.S. category.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina secured a spot among the 50 Best Resorts in the World.

The Beach Club, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and Wild Dunes Resort were named three of the Top 20 Resorts in the South.

The following hotels were voted the 10 Best Hotels in Charleston for 2023 (listed alphabetically): The Charleston Place, The Dewberry, French Quarter Inn, Hotel Bennett, The Palmetto Hotel, The Pinch, The Restoration, The Spectator Hotel, The Vendue, and Zero George.

Results of the 36th annual awards were announced today and will be celebrated in the November issue.

For the complete list of the 2023 Awards, visit www.cntraveler.com/RCA

In July, Charleston was named No. 1 City in the U.S. by Travel+Leisure readers. The 2023 award marked Charleston’s eleventh consecutive year atop that list.