Gullah is a rich cultural tapestry that originates from South Carolina’s Lowcountry, especially the Sea Islands near Charleston. Visitors will quickly encounter the term, which encompasses a distinct language, culinary traditions, artistic crafts, and the community of people who preserve it. Historically, Gullah culture has been a living archive of African heritage in the United States. Brought to the Americas as enslaved Africans in the 1700s and 1800s, many Gullah speakers maintained strong t

Charleston’s coastal charm makes it a premier summer destination, and staying at a beachfront hotel elevates the experience. Here are the seven top hotels that combine luxury, convenience, and unforgettable sea views. The Beach Club – A stylish retreat on the Atlantic with private cabanas and a world‑class spa. The Cottages on Charleston Harbor – Intimate cottages offering panoramic harbor vistas and personalized service. Kiawah Island Golf Resort – An iconic resort featuring award‑winning golf

We are thrilled to announce that Charleston, South Carolina has once again been named the No. 1 city in the United States—and Canada—by Travel + Leisure’s 2017 World’s Best Awards. This marks Charleston’s fifth consecutive year at the top of the list. We are honored and humbled by the support of our community and all who voted. Charleston outperformed other destinations across six categories: Sights & Landmarks, Arts & Culture, Restaurants & Food, People & Friendliness, Shopping, and Value. “It’

Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or planning a special getaway, Charleston offers a range of welcoming stays to suit every traveler’s taste. Use our official Explore Charleston hotel quiz to uncover the best lodging that matches your preferences and style.

It is impossible to spend a day in Charleston without immersing yourself in its living history. The city boasts America’s first playhouse and museum, the oldest landscaped gardens, and the nation’s earliest municipal college. Truly deserving of the title “where history lives,” Charleston invites you to discover 14 of its pioneering achievements and enduring landmarks. Founded in 1670, Charleston is the oldest city between Virginia and Florida. America’s first golf course, Harleston Green, and t

Step into the John Rutledge House Inn and be transported back to colonial America. Built in 1763 by John Rutledge, the only residence of a U.S. Constitution signer that now operates as a living historic landmark and elegant bed & breakfast. John Rutledge constructed the home as a wedding gift for his bride, Elizabeth Grimke. Key sections of the Constitution were drafted in the inn’s Signers Ballroom. The wrought‑iron balcony and staircase were added in 1853, enhancing the period charm. Joh

We’re thrilled to announce that Charleston, South Carolina has been named the No. 1 city in the United States and the 10th best city in the world by Travel + Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards. This marks the sixth consecutive year Charleston tops the U.S. rankings. We’re grateful to every voter for making this possible. Travel + Leisure readers also made Charleston the sole U.S. destination in the world’s top 15 cities. Jacqui Gifford, Senior Editor of Travel + Leisure, revealed the news on the

Experiencing Charleston’s storied past is best done by staying in a historic inn that blends preservation with comfort. From antique furnishings and four‑poster beds to courtyards and wood‑burning fireplaces, these homes offer an immersive journey into the city’s heritage. One of the properties, the former residence of U.S. Constitution signer John Rutledge, now serves as a national historic landmark and inn. Below are seven historic accommodations that welcome guests for a truly memorable stay:

Kick off your Charleston getaway with the perfect summer playlist. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or unwinding on the beach, our hand‑picked Spotify mix sets the tone for an unforgettable trip. Browse below for curated playlists, top hotel deals, exciting itineraries, and insightful blogs that will help you make the most of your summer in Charleston. P.S. You’re in charge of road‑trip snacks! TOP 10 SUMMER DEALS Savor Summer at Belmond Charleston Place Summer Savings at The Mills House

Whether you’re looking for a rooftop oasis, a sunset swim by the ocean, or a family‑friendly splash zone, Charleston’s premier pools deliver breathtaking views and instant relaxation. From the city’s only rooftop cascading pool at the Pavilion Bar to a serene evening dip at Wild Dunes Resort and a lively family day at The Beach Club, our curated list showcases 12 standout venues: Belmond Charleston Place Hotel, The Cottages on Charleston Harbor, Tides Folly Beach, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The

Charleston’s skyline, intimate corners, and award‑winning cocktails make these hotel bars irresistible. Unlike typical stop‑overs, each of these venues is a destination in its own right. Explore our top picks: The Living Room & The Citrus Club at The Dewberry Élevé at Grand Bohemian Hotel Camellias & Fiat Lux at Hotel Bennett Thoroughbred Club at Belmond Charleston Place The Bar at The Spectator The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue Pavilion Bar at Market Pavilion Frannie & The Fox at Hotel

Charleston remains America’s top destination, celebrated for its Southern hospitality, award‑winning cuisine, and scenic beauty. While the city’s charm endures, safety protocols are in place: friendly waves replace handshakes, masks are mandatory until seated at restaurants, and the Lowcountry’s pristine beaches and marshes offer ample outdoor spaces for social distancing. We welcome travelers to Charleston and are committed to safeguarding the health of visitors and residents alike. By followin

ACCOLADES 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.TravelandLeisure.com 15 Best Places To Retire in the SouthSouthernLiving.com The 22 Best Couples Retreat LocationsCosmopolitan.com 15 Best Beach Resorts in the U.S.TravelandLeisure.com NEW RESTAURANTS Berkeley’s 624 1/2 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston | eatatberkeleys.com Berkeley’s brings classic American fare to North Central Charleston. Highlights include the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with grandma sauce and mozzarella, alongside a curated selection of l

My boyfriend and I found ourselves in a lucky predicament: We could both could take ten days off. But where to go? The easy options from L.A. — Mexico and Hawaii — felt uninspired. We wanted someplace new and easily accessible, which ruled out Europe. We wanted a cultural city without feeling pressured to rev into major tourist mode and we wanted lots of lazy beach time. And we hate chain hotels and golf courses.Well then, Colom

BUENOS AIRES – On a Sunday morning in March, we arrive at the Buenos Aires airport. I spot a sign with my name, and I know Im home.Literally: After a half hour cab ride, we arrive at Home Hotel on a narrow, tree-lined street in the Palermo Hollywood neighborhood. The small lobby is filled with Florence Knoll furniture, design books, hand-blown glass pieces, and a Mac computer. But I dont feel like Im in a Dwell magazine spread. Nothing

Dear Hotel St. Cecilia,Nice going. Youve spoiled me for life. That minibar. No, minibars, plural. More artisanal chocolate than a food snob could hope for (Mariebelle croquettes, dark chocolate peppermint squares from England, Askinose single origin white chocolate), Scottish shortbread, sea salt chips, bison jerky, Texas peanuts, and a fridge full of salumi and cheese. I didnt even get to the blackfish lump caviar — anything less fee

Whats the easiest way to face down a destination youve long avoided? Go in the off-season. Becca Bergman Bull makes serendipitous peace with the Hamptons.THE HAMPTONS – The night was a chilly one in mid-November, the place was The American Hotel in Sag Harbor, and the occasion was my husbands 30th birthday. Our big group lined a long table crowded with candles, martinis, oysters, Champagne, and terrine de canard. Outside, the temperature li

I am not a seafarer. I have heart palpitations if I get too close to the East River. But when my boyfriend Chris and I were on Paros, one of those pastoral Greek islands, I knew we would have to get out on the water (despite my morbid fear that Scylla would poke its head out of the deep and gobble me up). I asked Clea, the owner of Hotel Petres (our home base), if we could charter a boat.She suggested we link up with Captain Alexandros for

Dear El Cosmico,Severe wildfires couldnt keep me away. (Seriously, they tried.)After a detour, Lauren and I — players in a less bleak, less exciting Thelma & Louise — pulled into your gravel lot on the outskirts of tiny Marfa, Texas. We were so glad to be under your blue-as-far-as-the-eye-can-see skies that we gave ourselves hiccups gulping the fresh air.We instantly girl-crushed on the groovy concierge (bell-bottoms, pigtails,

I want people to feel like Greta Garbo, Robert Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, and Charles Boyer after they leave one of my hotels. Very glamorous!Thats what celebrated interior designer Carleton Varney told us when we asked him how he wanted guests at his hotels to feel.Hes not kidding about the glamour, as a quick spin through these photos will reveal. Theyre taken from the new book, Mr. Color: The Greenbrier and Other Decorating Adventures, an e