News Summary
Santa Fe, New Mexico has claimed the title of the top U.S. travel destination in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 rankings, dethroning Charleston, South Carolina. After 12 years at number one, Charleston dropped to third place, while New Orleans secured the second position. The rankings were based on various factors, including culture and overall value. Despite its decline, Charleston remains popular among tourists, while Santa Fe’s unique blend of art and nature draws millions of visitors each year, reflecting changing travel preferences across the U.S.
Charleston Dethroned: Santa Fe Named the Top U.S. Travel Destination in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Rankings
Charleston, South Carolina, has fallen from its long-standing position as the number one U.S. travel destination, according to Travel + Leisure’s 2025 rankings. After 12 years at the top, Charleston has dropped to third place, while Santa Fe, New Mexico, has claimed the title of “Best U.S. City” for 2025. This marks the first time Santa Fe has achieved the number one spot in these prestigious rankings. New Orleans, Louisiana, secured the second position.
The rankings were compiled through an extensive online reader survey conducted from October 21, 2024, to February 24, gathering responses from hundreds of thousands of participants. Each city’s score was calculated based on several crucial factors, including sights and landmarks, culture, food options, friendliness, shopping experiences, and overall value.
In the final calculations, Santa Fe topped the list with a score of 88.80, closely followed by New Orleans at 87.06, while Charleston received a score of 87.01. Savannah, Georgia, ranked fourth, and Alexandria, Virginia, rounded out the top five. Notably, Greenville, South Carolina, made its debut on the list at seventh place.
Impact on Charleston’s Tourism
Despite its drop in rankings, Charleston remains a popular travel destination. Last year, the city attracted nearly 8 million tourists, generating a record $14 billion for its economy and providing around 55,000 jobs. Travel + Leisure editors acknowledged Charleston’s charm, rich history, culinary diversity, and Southern hospitality, which contributed to its long reign as a top destination.
The rise in local air service options, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, had previously expanded Charleston’s visitor demographic. The city’s waterfront and iconic attractions, such as the pineapple fountain at Waterfront Park, continue to be significant draws for travelers.
Santa Fe’s Unique Appeal
Santa Fe’s ascension to the top spot reflects its unique allure, characterized by a blend of art, history, Southwestern culture, inventive cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes, set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The city attracts around 3 million visitors each year, with approximately 2.2 million of those staying overnight. Its tourism is primarily regional, reminiscent of Charleston’s earlier focus on ‘drive-in’ visitors.
Both Santa Fe and Charleston share a reputation for authentic storytelling and a commitment to preserving their histories, though they present different geographical features. While Charleston boasts coastal views and a historic harbor, Santa Fe is renowned for its mountainous terrain and vibrant arts scene.
Future Considerations
Charleston’s recent ranking drop raises questions about what the city can do to reclaim its former glory. Travelers and residents alike are urged to explore the evolving landscapes of U.S. tourism, where cities are constantly adapting to meet the changing preferences and needs of visitors.
The fluctuations in rankings provide insight into the dynamic nature of travel destinations and reflect broader economic and social trends impacting tourism. As competition intensifies among cities aiming for top honors, the importance of maintaining both cultural authenticity and modern appeal will be crucial in attracting visitors in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Live 5 News
- ABC News 4
- Good Morning America
- People
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
- Google Search: Charleston travel destination
- Google Scholar: Charleston tourism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- Google News: Charleston tourism
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
