Southern Living speaks to a city’s enduring allure as the publication again ranks Charleston the #1 city in the South. Each year, Southern Living sponsors a competition naming the best of the best throughout the Southern region. It covers several categories, including Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Best Cities, Cities on the Rise, and Small Towns. Voting is done by readers of the magazine, with over 20,000 participants. March 2024 marks the eighth year of the magazine’s South’s Best Awards, and for the eighth consecutive year, Charleston takes home top honors.

Rank of best cities in the South, according to Southern Living:

1. Charleston, SC
2. Savannah, GA
3. Nashville, TN
4. New Orleans, LA
5. Asheville, NC
6. Greenville, SC
7. Atlanta, GA
8. Austin, TX
9. Raleigh, NC
10. Orlando, FL

Paying further tribute to the Lowcountry, Charleston was also recently recognized by Condé Nast as it weighed in with its October 2023 rankings of Charleston as the #1 Small City in the US and Kiawah Island as the #2 Island in the US. The connection between Charleston and Kiawah moves beyond elite award-winning accolades to architectural achievement and time-honored hospitality. In addition to the graciousness of a city and island linked by natural beauty and proximity, arts & crafts, distinguished dining, and signature shopping are found in abundance. The Holy City’s historic architecture, church steeples, and cobblestone streets serve to reignite recognition year after year. From carriage rides to the radiant residential hues of Rainbow Row, Charleston is a comprehensive example of a city rich in historical significance and sparkling connective waterways.

“Best City” isn’t the only accolade for Charleston and the surrounding area. With its downtown peninsula opening in the summer of 2023, The International African American Museum was named “Best New Museum in the South.”

GoKiawah offers Kiawah Island Club Members transportation to and from Charleston for special events and private gatherings. This spring, GoKiawah provided transportation to the Credit One Open championship round. Adding to this coveted and connected bond, the Island’s highly-anticipated Two Meeting Street Inn opens soon in downtown Charleston. Exclusive to Kiawah Island Club Members, reservations are available beginning Memorial Day weekend.

In 2023, Kiawah was also recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the best islands in the continental US (ranking #3 in the continental US and #3 in South Carolina) for favorite resorts.

Adventure and excitement reign supreme when an illustrious award-winning city and island unite in excellence.