Charleston is the darling of top ten lists, often landing on the tippy top of those lists. Multiple times in a row, even.
We don’t want to brag, but Charleston is one fine place to be.
Condé Nast knows Travel.
Once again, Charleston has been named the Best City in America (“Small City”). This latest accolade is according to the très savvy readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
2026 marks the 39th year of Condé Nast’s esteemed Readers’ Choice Awards, the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious. They’re famous for shining the winner’s spotlight on “the best of the best in travel.”
This is the fifth year in a row that Charleston has been named the #1 city on the list. It’s been the top city for 15 out of the last 16 years.
#1 City in America
They divide the Best City Award into two categories, based on size. Charleston is the #1 Small City, while Chicago was voted #1 Large City.
The chairman of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors, Dan Battista, shared his reaction to the news:
"Being named the Best U.S. City again is an extraordinary honor that reflects the character, warmth and sense of place that have long defined the Charleston area as a premier destination. Competition for travelers has intensified and the economic benefits they bring to communities have become more important, which makes this achievement even more meaningful. The recognition from the readers of one of the travel industry’s most respected publications reinforces the Charleston area’s enduring appeal and our ability to evolve while delivering the hospitality and distinctive experiences that resonate with visitors."
The winners of Best Small U.S. City, in order, are:
1) Charleston, South Carolina
2) Alexandra, Virginia
3) Santa Fe, New Mexico
4) Greenville, South Carolina
5) Santa Barbara, California
6) Lexington, Kentucky
7) Savannah, Georgia
8) Healdsburg, California
9) San Juan, Puerto Rico
10) St. Augustine, Florida
You can access the list here, along with more info on each winner.
RCA winners in all categories will appear in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, or you can find them posted on their website.
2026: A Great Year for Loggerheads
The 2026 loggerhead nesting season is officially over, and the numbers are encouraging on several fronts.
Intrepid turtle expert and Isle of Palms expert Mary Pringle recently shared a recap of the season in the Island Eye News. She reported on our active barrier islands (the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island) and along the South Carolina coast in general.
A major jump in numbers
Get this. In 2025, there were 3,916 recorded loggerhead nests along the whole coast of South Carolina.
In 2026, there have been 8,066 nests!
That’s more than double the amount as last year. It’s a fantastic jump and great news for our beloved loggerheads.
The Isle of Palms has had a successful year, especially considering the beach nourishment project currently taking place. Thankfully precautions were put in place to ensure nests were not endangered by the work.
More than 200 volunteers took turns patrolling the beach at dawn to help in the effort of protecting and cataloging the nests. Luckily there was no sign of loss of eggs or turtles due to coyote predation. The only loss (and a small one at that) was due to ghost crabs.
The Isle of Palms had a total of 41 nests, and Sullivan’s had 17. Sullivan’s previous high had been 15 nests. Turtle Team members took maternal DNA samples for testing on all 58 nests, and paternal samples on 23 after they hatched. The University of Georgia’s Shamblin Lab will conduct the analysis of all the samples.
Here’s a breakdown:
Isle of Palms
- Total nests: 41
- False crawls: 47
- Average incubation: 53.4 days
- Mean clutch count: 108.9 eggs
- Total eggs laid: 4,495
- Average hatch success: 79.1%
Sullivan’s Island
- Total nests: 17
- False crawls: 31
- Average incubation: 53.2 days
- Mean clutch count: 113 eggs
- Total eggs laid: 1,945
- Average hatch success: 81.5%
The final tally of new babies entering the ocean…
A total of 4,824 baby hatchlings made it out to the Atlantic Ocean from the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island combined!
Swim and grow and thrive, little ones. Then come back again one day to lay your own nests.
Come stay at the beach by the #1 City in America
Charleston is truly worth every accolade it gets, and it’s worth visiting again and again. Just like the loggerheads do.
Our Isle of Palms vacation rentals turn a trip to the Holy City into a beach vacation, too. Just reach out to us at Exclusive Properties and we’ll get you in the perfect luxurious Charleston beach house.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger