Charleston no longer Travel + Leisure's top destination. But an Upstate city joins top 10
For over a decade, the Holy City reigned as Travel + Leisure's No. 1 travel destination.
Recently, Charleston dropped down to spot No. 3 in the publication's annual roundup, while an Upstate city climbed the ranks.
Greenville has debuted on the list of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite vacation destinations at spot No. 7, the publication referring to the city as "one of the South's best kept secrets."
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_i72adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1272adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeHere's why.
No. 3: Charleston
WBA Hall of Fame honoree
Reader score: 87.01
Charleston has not lost its favor among readers, maintaining its place among the publication's top three vacation spots. This is due to its southern charm, historical downtown, and architecture, which continues to serve as eye candy for visitors traveling through.
"Charleston's laws of keeping every building under the height of its tallest church, keeps the city unique, quaint, and charming." said one Travel + Leisure reader.
The busy harbor in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston was the starting point for a one-week cruise through the Intracoastal Waterway in the Southeast U.S. on the American Liberty, part of the American Cruise Lines fleet.No. 7: Greenville
Reader score: 83.91
The secret is out about the Upstate's hidden gem. Over the years, Greenville has gained national attention with its "small town vibe" with "big city offerings," according to one Travel + Leisure reader. The city's walkable downtown offers much to tourists despite its small size, from its many local restaurants in close proximity to the outdoors to the Reedy River, which flows through the heart of the city.
Travel + Leisure's top 15 travel destinations of 2025 and overall reader scores
Santa Fe, New Mexico: 88.80
New Orleans, Louisiana: 87.06
Charleston: 87.01
Savannah, Georgia: 86.64
Alexandria, Virginia: 85.26
Honolulu, Hawaii: 84.87
Greenville: 83.91
New York, New York: 83.84
Asheville, North Carolina: 83.14
Chicago, Illinois:83.04
Taos, New Mexico: 82.80
San Antonio, Texas: 82.68
Nashville, Tennessee: 82.34
Boston, Massachusetts: 81.34
Aspen, Colorado: 81.26
Aerial view of Santa Fe Plaza area with Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background.Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Travel + Leisure top SC vacation destinations: Greenville, Charleston
