The first time since, well, EVER, readers of Travel & Leisure ranked an American city the Number One City In The World. That’s right. Step aside Paris, Sydney, Vienna, and Florence. Charleston, South Carolina was the 2016 Number One City In The World and we’ve been shouting it from the rooftops ever since because we couldn’t be more proud of the Holy City. It truly is the best city to visit in South Carolina.
In recent decades Charleston has faced natural disasters (Hurricane Hugo), a devastating blow to the economy (the 1996 closure of the Navy Base in North Charleston), and personal inconsolable tragedies (among them, the 2015 shootings at Emanuel AME Church). With each and every hit, this city, its people and its government have not only prevailed but have conquered what seemed to be the impossible. But with Grace, anything is possible.
Here are some of the things we find most charming, alluring, delectable and well, amazing about the Number One City In The World.
Battery Row
Flickr/Alistair Nicol We love how most of these lovely homes are still single-family dwellings and that each and every one of them is so well-loved and well-maintained by their owner.
The brick-lined alleys…
Flickr/Paul Arps that pull you into the mystery of where they lead and what you may see along the way.
…and the cobblestone streets.
Flickr/Vincent Lamm Most accounts say these cobblestones were used as ballast to weigh down ships with little or no cargo. We love that tidbit of history for some reason.
We adore how much love is shown to departed members of the community.
Flickr/overWHAMmed You can see and feel it in the many historic cemeteries in the city.
Steeples, steeples…
Flickr/Paul Arps
…everywhere!
Paul Arps There’s a reason Charleston’s nickname is The Holy City.
We love seeing these medallions on the historic buildings.
Flickr/Paul Arps They’re given to properties that have been perfectly maintained or restored to adhere to the original architectural integrity. Translation: you’re looking at a labor of love. It’s difficult to get this award.
The Southern charm that oozes from the big old mansions in the historic district.
Flickr/Seth Werkheiser There are many of them. (Remember to pick your jaw up off the sidewalk as you stand there and gawk.)
A carriage ride through the historic district.
Flickr/David Fulmer Ok, maybe not in heat of the summer, but it’s still one of the best ways to see this historic city.
The U.S. Customs House
Flickr/Peter Miller We love how even the government buildings are all so perfectly preserved. The U.S. Customs House sits quietly, passively watching over East Bay Street.
The hustle and bustle of the City Market…
Flickr/jpellgen
Flickr/Via Tsuji and all the interesting things you’ll discover there.
The city’s dedication to the perfoming arts.
Flickr/Saif Alnuweiri The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston’s oldest theatre.
And the Gaillard Center is the newest performance hall.
Flickr/Jpellgen The Gaillard Center also hosts trade shows and a variety of events.
Charleston is home to several historic plantations.
Robbie/flickr Middleton Plantation on the Ashley River is one that is not only open for tours, but also has a B&B, a restaurant and regularly hosts events.
(The College of Charleston) We love how the Charleston penninsula is not only home to two historic colleges…
Flickr/Anthony
(The Citadel)
Flickr/Wally Gobetz but that the thousands of young students who attend them bring their great energy to the city and are tomorrow’s leaders.
We love all the city parks in historic Charleston, especially Waterfront Park.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality. This is one of two gorgeous fountains at this one park.
And the food, OH THE FOOD. It may be last on this list, but it’s certainly not the least important!
Flickr/Via Tsuji
Circa 1886 - 149 Wentworth Street, Charleston The masterpieces dished up by the culinary art geniuses in Charleston are beyond words.
With all her charm and decadence, Charleston makes it look easy to be perfect and wonderful. Just like a long lost love, she has a way of captivating your soul and leaving you to want more. And so, we raise our glass to Charleston, South Carolina. You’ve managed to capture the hearts of the entire world. It really is the best city to visit in South Carolina. Cheers!
Flickr/Alistair Nicol
We love how most of these lovely homes are still single-family dwellings and that each and every one of them is so well-loved and well-maintained by their owner.
Flickr/Paul Arps
that pull you into the mystery of where they lead and what you may see along the way.
Flickr/Vincent Lamm
Most accounts say these cobblestones were used as ballast to weigh down ships with little or no cargo. We love that tidbit of history for some reason.
Flickr/overWHAMmed
You can see and feel it in the many historic cemeteries in the city.
Paul Arps
There’s a reason Charleston’s nickname is The Holy City.
They’re given to properties that have been perfectly maintained or restored to adhere to the original architectural integrity. Translation: you’re looking at a labor of love. It’s difficult to get this award.
Flickr/Seth Werkheiser
There are many of them. (Remember to pick your jaw up off the sidewalk as you stand there and gawk.)
Flickr/David Fulmer
Ok, maybe not in heat of the summer, but it’s still one of the best ways to see this historic city.
Flickr/Peter Miller
We love how even the government buildings are all so perfectly preserved. The U.S. Customs House sits quietly, passively watching over East Bay Street.
Flickr/jpellgen
Flickr/Via Tsuji
and all the interesting things you’ll discover there.
Flickr/Saif Alnuweiri
The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston’s oldest theatre.
Flickr/Jpellgen
The Gaillard Center also hosts trade shows and a variety of events.
Robbie/flickr
Middleton Plantation on the Ashley River is one that is not only open for tours, but also has a B&B, a restaurant and regularly hosts events.
Flickr/Anthony
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
but that the thousands of young students who attend them bring their great energy to the city and are tomorrow’s leaders.
The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality. This is one of two gorgeous fountains at this one park.
Circa 1886 - 149 Wentworth Street, Charleston
The masterpieces dished up by the culinary art geniuses in Charleston are beyond words.
If you’re looking for some lesser-known and underrated towns in South Carolina to visit, follow the link!
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Address: Charleston, SC, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best City To Visit In South Carolina June 04, 2020 Leah What are the most beautiful places in South Carolina? With so many beautiful things to do in Charleston alone, it’s hard to imagine there are even more gorgeous spots in South Carolina, yet there definitely is. Spots like the Yellow Branch Falls, located near Walhalla, are magnificent to behold. The cascading falls look like something out of a movie, and you can see them for yourself by taking a picturesque hike. Then you can explore one of the most scenic gardens in SC by visiting the Cypress Gardens. Not only are the grounds and butterfly garden stunning, but you can even take a swamp tour through the cypress trees. Which hidden gems in South Carolina should I visit? If you’re trying to find places to travel in South Carolina, consider some of the state’s lesser-known hidden gems. Spots like the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge will give you a glimpse into one of the most beautiful natural areas of the state. The marsh lowlands there are easily worthy of being on a postcard, yet not as many people know about it. Another unique spot is the site of the oldest bridge in the state. It was built in 1820 and there is a 120-acre park around it to preserve the site’s history and gorgeous scenery. It’s located in Greenville County, near Landrum. What are the oldest towns in South Carolina? It’s no question that Charleston is a well-loved historic city in South Carolina, but it’s not the only place in the Palmetto State that’s rich with history. Charleston is in fact the oldest, but places like Mount Pleasant aren’t too far behind. Mount Pleasant had settlers there as early as 1680 and is actually one of the fastest-growing places in South Carolina today. Beaufort is the second oldest town in the state since it was incorporated in 1711. The historic district is a treat to visit, especially with some of the enchanting historic homes within it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best City To Visit In South Carolina
June 04, 2020
Leah
What are the most beautiful places in South Carolina? With so many beautiful things to do in Charleston alone, it’s hard to imagine there are even more gorgeous spots in South Carolina, yet there definitely is. Spots like the Yellow Branch Falls, located near Walhalla, are magnificent to behold. The cascading falls look like something out of a movie, and you can see them for yourself by taking a picturesque hike. Then you can explore one of the most scenic gardens in SC by visiting the Cypress Gardens. Not only are the grounds and butterfly garden stunning, but you can even take a swamp tour through the cypress trees. Which hidden gems in South Carolina should I visit? If you’re trying to find places to travel in South Carolina, consider some of the state’s lesser-known hidden gems. Spots like the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge will give you a glimpse into one of the most beautiful natural areas of the state. The marsh lowlands there are easily worthy of being on a postcard, yet not as many people know about it. Another unique spot is the site of the oldest bridge in the state. It was built in 1820 and there is a 120-acre park around it to preserve the site’s history and gorgeous scenery. It’s located in Greenville County, near Landrum. What are the oldest towns in South Carolina? It’s no question that Charleston is a well-loved historic city in South Carolina, but it’s not the only place in the Palmetto State that’s rich with history. Charleston is in fact the oldest, but places like Mount Pleasant aren’t too far behind. Mount Pleasant had settlers there as early as 1680 and is actually one of the fastest-growing places in South Carolina today. Beaufort is the second oldest town in the state since it was incorporated in 1711. The historic district is a treat to visit, especially with some of the enchanting historic homes within it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With so many beautiful things to do in Charleston alone, it’s hard to imagine there are even more gorgeous spots in South Carolina, yet there definitely is. Spots like the Yellow Branch Falls, located near Walhalla, are magnificent to behold. The cascading falls look like something out of a movie, and you can see them for yourself by taking a picturesque hike. Then you can explore one of the most scenic gardens in SC by visiting the Cypress Gardens. Not only are the grounds and butterfly garden stunning, but you can even take a swamp tour through the cypress trees.
Which hidden gems in South Carolina should I visit?
If you’re trying to find places to travel in South Carolina, consider some of the state’s lesser-known hidden gems. Spots like the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge will give you a glimpse into one of the most beautiful natural areas of the state. The marsh lowlands there are easily worthy of being on a postcard, yet not as many people know about it. Another unique spot is the site of the oldest bridge in the state. It was built in 1820 and there is a 120-acre park around it to preserve the site’s history and gorgeous scenery. It’s located in Greenville County, near Landrum.
What are the oldest towns in South Carolina?
It’s no question that Charleston is a well-loved historic city in South Carolina, but it’s not the only place in the Palmetto State that’s rich with history. Charleston is in fact the oldest, but places like Mount Pleasant aren’t too far behind. Mount Pleasant had settlers there as early as 1680 and is actually one of the fastest-growing places in South Carolina today. Beaufort is the second oldest town in the state since it was incorporated in 1711. The historic district is a treat to visit, especially with some of the enchanting historic homes within it.
