This SC city is one of the few in US folks should visit ASAP, national magazine says. Here’s why

Charleston has added yet another best of to its ever growing mentions in national publications.

This time, it’s House Beautiful’s 35 most beautiful places in the United States. They also added these are places “you need to visit ASAP.”

Charleston has benefited from all the publicity, registering a record tourism impact of $13.1 billion in 2023, according to The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis.

That is a 2.2 % increase over 2022 and a dramatic increase since the COVID pandemic decimated the industry. In the spring of the pandemic, tourism declined by 50%.

At the time, Micheal Tall, chairman of Explore Charleston’s Board of Governors, called the losses staggering.

But in 2023, 7.79 million people visited the Charleston area and area hotels experienced a 70.7% occupancy rate, according to the College of Charleston’s report.

Charleston has repeatedly been named No. 1 city by Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure, in the top 100 cities by Livability, 41 in best places to retire by IRAInvesting.com.

The list goes on. The word repeatedly written is charming and comments typically revolve around how hospitable the people are.

House Beautiful selected downtown Charleston as 19th.

“Charleston is a charming town and hands-down one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S,” the magazine said.

The magazine noted cobblestone streets, historic sites, seaside resorts and colorful buildings.

“This South Carolina area will leave you wondering if you should pack up and move after just one visit,” House Beautiful said.

No other South Carolina city was on the list.

Deemed No. 1 best was New York City.

“You could say we’re biased since House Beautiful’s headquarters is in NYC, but it’s no secret that the city is a hub of culture, architecture, and design,” the magazine said.

They said the city teems with beautiful parks, historic buildings, and curated design shops around every corner.

And offered a pro tip:

“Get the perfect mix of natural and man made on the High Line along the Hudson River.”