The South is something special, as those of us who were born here and/or live here can attest. The pace is slower, the people are genuinely friendly, and the natural beauty is sublime.
Oh yes, and the winters are much less harsh. No snow shovels required!
Voice of the South
For the past six decades, Southern Living has covered the region in all its glory. Home design, gardens, travel, food and recipes - they feature so many of the good things that make life worth living.
What started out as a classic print magazine landing in mailboxes or on newsstands, has grown into a major media voice with a massive online presence, and more than seven million readers each month. And they’re a very tasteful bunch.
Each year they poll their savvy readers on their faves, aka the South’s Best.
And, surprise, surprise… they love the Holy City.
The Top 20 Cities in the South…
Southern Living’s readers voted for their top twenty cities in the South. Here’s their ranking, is ascending order:
20) Tampa, Florida
19) San Antonio, Texas
18) Charlotte, North Carolina
17) Atlanta, Georgia
16) Pensacola, Florida
15) Louisville, Kentucky
14) Austin, Texas
13) Orlando, Florida
12) Franklin, Tennessee
11) Sarasota, Florida
10) St. Petersburg, Florida
9) Greenville, South Carolina
8) Chattanooga, Tennessee
7) Wilmington, North Carolina
6) Lexington, Kentucky
5) New Orleans, Louisiana
4) Nashville, Tennessee
3) Asheville, North Carolina
2) Savannah, Georgia
1) CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA.
Yay! Read more about the winners, and their methodology for selecting them, on their full list.
Best City in the South, 10 years running…
Yes, Charleston is once again their favorite Southern city, capping off a decade of winning the title.
Here’s what Southern Living has to say about Charleston:
"The Holy City brings home the hardware for the 10th year in a row, proving that what’s old can always be new again. Our readers will never tire of this Lowcountry gem’s sparkling harbor, charming historic architecture, and first-rate dining scene. With new hotels, restaurants, and attractions opening seemingly every month, there’s always something new to explore."
We humbly agree.
Here’s what one Charlestonian - namely, Dan Battista, who chairs the Board of Governors for Explore Charleston - has to say in response:
“We are honored and humbled to retain the South’s Best distinction for the tenth year in a row. Being recognized again in multiple South’s Best categories speaks to the enduring appeal of our destination in a highly competitive travel industry. From our vibrant historic district to our beautiful island communities, nearly 55,000 hospitality employees help shape our region’s unique sense of place while delivering unparalleled visitor experiences day in and day out.”
Isle of Palms – Top Ten best beach getaway.
“Best City” is not the only accolade for our area. Southern Living announced winners in several different categories, and we show up in a lot of them.
In fact, our own Isle of Palms made the top ten of Best Beach Getaways.
Here’s what they have to say: “Isle of Palms is a favorite weekend getaway for generations of Charlestonians, who are a mere 15 miles away by car. The quintessential vacation destination's ample public beaches are outfitted with amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards, and umbrella and chair rentals. Fresh seafood is abundant at waterfront restaurants with lively happy hours.”
Folly Beach, Kiawah Island and Sullivan’s Island also made the top 20. Read more on the list of Best Beach Getaways.
Other shout-outs
Readers singled out several other Lowcountry places in their voting of the South’s Best 2026.
Top Classic Restaurant winners include FIG, Fleet Landing, and Mount Pleasant’s Page’s Okra Grill.
The list of Top Legendary Restaurant winners includes Poogan’s Porch, Hyman’s Seafood, and 82 Queen.
The Top BBQ Joint in the state of South Carolina is Charleston’s own Lewis Barbecue.
Charleston was also tapped as a “Top College Town.”
Contact EP to have a best beach getaway here on the IOP
So follow Southern Living’s recommendations and stay near the best place in the South. All three dozen of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals are an easy drive to downtown Charleston while also giving you precious time at the beach.
Choose from among the19 of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals which are right on the ocean. They range in size from five to eleven bedrooms. All have private pools, and most have hot tubs and elevators. And all of these particular Charleston beach homes have fantastic vistas of the Atlantic ocean.
Just reach out to us at EP and we’ll find the perfect one for your needs.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger
photo credit: Southern Living