CHARLESTON, S.C. — One of South Carolina's most well-known cities is also one of its most awarded - so much so that readers may have already guessed which one just made the top spot on Travel + Leisure's Best Cities in America list for the 10th time.
The one and only Charleston has once again taken first place in the annual ranking rounding out a full decade leading the illusive list. Travel + Leisure describes the Holy City as expressing "the perfect balance of Southern charm, knockout food and drinks, and walkability." History is also a draw while exploring is yet another.
The World's Best Award gave Charleston a rating of 88.70, edging out number two on the list, New Orleans (87.21) by more than a point. Charleston was the only city in South Carolina on the 2022 list but neighboring states were also represented with Savannah, Georgia (fourth) and Asheville, North Carolina (thirteenth).
So how does a city take the top spot 10 years in a row? According to Travel + Leisure, the list is based on an annual reader survey. Responders can only vote for one city in this category, though the World's Best Awards also include several other categories for travel-related amenities such as airlines, airports, hotels, and U.S. National Parks.
Visit Travel + Leisure for the full list.
