Peel back Charleston’s urban patina—the expertly preserved antebellum architecture, nationally celebrated hotels and restaurants, and landmarks that commemorate three centuries of history—to discover the sophisticated southern city’s charming seaside personality. From the sound of crashing surf on a shell-strewn beach to the sudden exhale of a breeching dolphins, the symphony of the Charleston area is indelibly influenced by its coastal geography.

Charleston is ranked No.1 in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2014

For the 2nd consecutive year Charleston is the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada according to Travel + Leisure’s 2014 World’s Best Awards. Charleston also ranked No. 2 City in the World in the annual readers’ poll.