Vote Charleston as 2016 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award Winner – Sixth Straight Year
Share your love for the Holy City and cast your vote in the Condé Nast Traveler 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards to keep Charleston as the No. 1 U.S. city for a sixth consecutive year. The categories—Arts & Culture, Friendliness, Hotels & Resorts, Restaurants, Shopping, Sights & Scenery, and Transportation—highlight why Charleston leads in every dimension.
Vote now, then start planning your summer escape to #ExploreCharleston.
Charleston’s artistic roots stretch back to 1736 with the opening of the Dock Street Theatre, the nation’s first purpose‑built theater. It also hosted the country’s first museum, underscoring its long‑standing role as a cultural hub. Today, the city’s galleries—many participating in the Charleston Gallery Association ArtWalk—and the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA, a 17‑day performing‑arts celebration, keep the creative spirit thriving.
In recent years, Charleston has topped the polls of readers from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Southern Living, and other respected media. While exceptional cuisine and hotels drive many votes, the genuine hospitality of Charleston’s residents is the decisive factor that keeps the city beloved worldwide.
As a guest at one of our award‑winning hotels and resorts, you might enjoy pre‑dinner cocktails on an open‑air piazza, sweeping ocean views from a grand seaside balcony, or a slice of our famed Ultimate Coconut Cake during a nightly turndown. It’s no wonder guests often request an extended checkout.
Charleston’s culinary scene is a magnet for food lovers: pristine seafood, passionate chefs, and classic Lowcountry recipes create an irresistible pull for anyone seeking Southern flavors at their best.
Leave space in your suitcase—Charleston also ranks among the “Best Shopping Cities in the World” per Condé Nast Traveler readers. The city’s shopping scene is distinguished by multi‑generation merchant families such as Croghan’s Jewel Box and M. Dumas & Sons, offering unique, locally rooted retail experiences.
The streets of Charleston, polished by more than 330 years of history, reflect an enchanting chronology. Earthquake bolts, ornate ironwork, copper lanterns, and hitching posts adorn antebellum homes, evoking a bygone era. The peninsula’s original grid layout promotes pedestrian friendliness, making it easy to stroll the entire area. For a quicker exploration, hop on the free DASH shuttle— a cable‑car‑style bus—or enjoy a horse‑drawn carriage tour to learn about the city’s colonial heritage.
