This City Was Recently Voted The Best Destination In The U.S.

This City Was Recently Voted The Best Destination In The U.S.

Summary

  • Charleston, South Carolina was voted the best destination in the U.S. due to its history, atmosphere, and charm.
  • The best time to visit Charleston is in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant.
  • Charleston is known for its beautiful architecture, scenic plantations, and colonial heritage, making it a must-visit destination in the South.

It might be challenging to know where to begin when it comes to organizing a trip to the United States because there is so much to see in this enormous country.

The United States is home to unique and fantastic vacation spots for all kinds of tourists. So what is the number one destination in the U.S.? Charleston was recently voted the best destination in the U.S. by travelers themselves.

UPDATE: 2023/12/28 17:33 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Charleston Boasts A Rich Colonial History & Atmosphere

Charleston preserves many heritage colonial buildings and is loved for its charm and heritage. Explore the old buildings and forts while walking the old cobblestone streets of Charleston. This article was updated and expanded with more information about the colonial history of Charleston which helps make it a top destination in the USA.

Charleston, South Carolina Was Voted The Best Destination In The U.S.

History, atmosphere, and much more make Charleston the best destination


The historic downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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The historic downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Cities were chosen based on a number of factors, such as their attractions, historical sites, food, friendliness, shopping, hotels, spas, airports, cruise ships, U.S. national parks, and overall value. Travel and Leisure readers chose Charleston, South Carolina, as the finest destination in America for 11 consecutive years.

For frequent tourists and long-term inhabitants, Charleston is the only city that truly deserves to hold the title. Those who are unfamiliar with this modest East Coast city may be astonished to discover it at the top of the list, topping places like New York, Chicago, or Honolulu.

What Makes Charleston So Special?

Charleston’s history makes it a unique travel destination


Rainbow Row, Charleston, South Carolina
Photo by Leonel Heisenberg on Unsplash

A horse-drawn carriage along Rainbow Row – a colorful street in Charleston, South Carolina, America

Charleston, South Carolina, was a significant port for the slave trade and had a huge yet troubled impact on American history from the American Revolution through the Civil War.

The best destination in the U.S. is a well-known tourist area today, drawing people from across the globe to enjoy its distinctive combination of Southern charm, historical sites, beaches, and food.

Its popularity and attraction are additionally enhanced by the city’s well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant arts and cultural scene.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Charleston?

Each season has its benefits, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant


Skyline of Charleston, South Carolina
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Skyline of Charleston, South Carolina over the Ashley River

Charleston, South Carolina, experiences its most pleasant weather from March to May as well as from September to November. Tourists can take advantage of the pleasant walking weather in the spring and fall by strolling through the city’s parks and along the seaside. They can also enjoy the different gardens and plantations’ spring blossoms and fall hues, depending on the season.

The best destination in the U.S. has a subtropical climate, which results in mild winters with average temperatures of about 62°F (16.6°C). Summer temperatures are perfect for the beach, with highs around 86°F (30°C).

  • Best time to visit Charleston: Mid-March through May; September through November

Is Charleston SC Worth Visiting?

Charleston is considered one of the best destinations worth visiting in the South


Giant Oak Tree in Charleston, South Carolina
Photo by Andrew Shelley on Unsplash

Giant Oak Tree in Charleston, South Carolina

For a quick break, Charleston is the ideal city. Three days in the city would be plenty to see most of the highlights, indulge in some of the delectable cuisine, and perhaps visit some of the nearby sights.

Visit At Least One Civil War Battle Site


Canon inside Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston, South Carolina

Canon inside Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston, South Carolina

A number of historical landmarks that honor the difficulties and sacrifices made during that period may be found in Charleston, South Carolina, which served as a significant battleground during the American Civil War.

The Fort Sumter National Monument is the place where, on April 12, 1861, the Civil War’s first salvos were fired. In order to force the Union soldiers to surrender, the Confederate army pounded the fort for 34 hours.

Today, guests and history buffs may take a boat excursion to the iconic fort and peruse the on-site antiquities and museum exhibits. It’s among the top things to do in Charleston.

  • Other historical attractions: Battery Wagner, Magnolia Cemetry, The Hunley

See The Scenic Plantations Of Charleston


Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina
Shutterstock

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina

Due in part to their troubled history, the plantations of Charleston remain significant sites today. The beautiful grounds are welcoming, while those interested in learning the history of the area may enjoy a more somber excursion.

One of the first plantations in the South was Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which was established in 1676, and is also the oldest garden in the country.

Enjoy The Beautiful Architecture Of Charleston

Charleston, voted the best destination in the U.S., is renowned for its stunning and varied architecture, which is a reflection of the city’s lengthy and diversified past. Tourists will have the chance to enjoy historic buildings: The downtown region of Charleston is home to a large number of historic houses.

These buildings frequently have distinctive features like ironwork balconies, vibrantly painted shutters, and roomy gardens. Tourists may get an insight into the city’s past in many of these residences since they have been kept or renovated.


Charleston street lined with colorful homes and palm trees
Photo by Leonel Heisenberg on Unsplash

Street in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Additionally, they can see religious structures: The lovely churches and synagogues of Charleston, which range in architectural style from Gothic to Georgian, are well-known.

The public is welcome to visit several of these structures and attend religious sessions. Due to its numerous religious institutions and the significant influence that religion has played throughout the history and culture of the city, Charleston is sometimes referred to as the Holy City or the City of Churches.

Feel The Colonial Heritage Of Charleston And Its Heritage Sites

Charleston boasts one of the South’s most striking colonial heritages

Charleston was founded in 1670 and named in honor of King Charles II of England and Scotland. King Charles II was placed on the throne following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Charleston is one of the older larger cities in the United States, and it is particularly noted for its many colonial buildings and cobbled streets.

Examples Of Historic Buildings In Charleston:

  • American Theatre
  • Charleston City Hall
  • Charleston Library
  • Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
  • Old Jail
  • Fort Sumter
  • Drayton Hall
  • Boone Hall Plantation
  • Morris Island Lighthouse

The first successful permanent English settlement in the United States was Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. The first settlers in Charleston came from Bermuda and Barbados and the settlement grew to be the first comprehensively planned town in the English colonies that would go on to form the Thirteen Colonies.

The town was fortified in the early 1700s due to British rivalries in the area with the Spanish and French.

The second-oldest residence in South Carolina is the Pink House (the oldest is the Colonel William Rhett House). It was built between 1694 and 1712 by John Breton in the French Quarter of the city.

  • Address: 17 Chalmers Street, Charleston

A street with vehicles in Charleston, South Carolina
Photo by Jake Warren on Unsplash

A street with vehicles in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the largest cities in the deep South that many visitors consider as having the iconic charm of the South. While exploring Charleston, visit the city’s historic French Quarter. Charleston is a Southern gem that can be explored on a weekend and should be on anyone’s bucket list!