Charleston — Travelrags

AfarJul 8, 2026

The Cooper Redefines Charleston’s Waterfront Stay

The city’s first luxury waterfront hotel pairs sweeping harbor views, maritime-inspired design, and on-the-water adventures.

13 things in this story

The CooperHotelCharleston's first true luxury waterfront hotel
Cooper RiverSightTerrace suites overlook the Cooper River
Fort SumterParkRooftop pool offers panoramic views to Fort Sumter
The CrossingRestaurantSignature restaurant with harbor atmosphere and menu
SorelleRestaurantSorelle bring a modern spin on classic southern Italian cuisine made with Lowcountry ingredients to the heart of…
Charleston HarborSightThe inlet is formed by the junction of Ashley and Cooper rivers at 32°49′7.10″N 79°55′40.41″W.
Waterfront ParkParkFlows seamlessly from neighboring Waterfront Park
Ashley RiverSightLowcountry adventures along the Ashley River
Tia ClarkPlaceGuide for crabbing on the Ashley River
Hinckley yachtPlaceBoard for a harbor cruise
Lowcountry Oyster Co.Place
King Tide FarmsPlace
Spoleto FestivalFestival

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AfarJul 7

Charleston’s Best Waterfront Dining Is at This Hotel

Charleston’s newest waterfront hotel serves seafood towers, sunset cocktails, and some of the city’s most striking views.

8 things in this story

The CooperHotelNew hotel featuring dining experiences
The CrossingRestaurantSignature restaurant with harbor views
SorelleRestaurantSorelle bring a modern spin on classic southern Italian cuisine made with Lowcountry ingredients to the heart of…
Bar MartiRestaurantRooftop bar with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails
Charleston HarborSightThe inlet is formed by the junction of Ashley and Cooper rivers at 32°49′7.10″N 79°55′40.41″W.
Spoleto FestivalFestivalCharleston's famed arts festival
Hinckley yachtPlaceProperty's yacht for pleasure cruises
private charter fishing excursionPlaceArranged through concierge with boxed lunches

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Condé Nast TravelerFeb 3

11 Boutique Hotels in Charleston for Southern Charm on the Coast

These properties lend luxury and authenticity to South Carolina's historic peninsula.

20 things in this story

Zero GeorgeHotelluxury inn with manicured gardens
Wentworth MansionHotelhistoric mansion with Tiffany windows
The PinchHotelboutique hotel on King Street
The RestorationHotelunites five buildings into one maze
The Ryder HotelHotelModern look, laid-back vibes.
The Nickel HotelHotelThe Nickel Hotel blends calm, elevated style and a rooftop bar with skyline views—your new choice among boutique hotels…
20 South BatteryHotelbed-and-breakfast for afternoon tea
The Caviar BarRestauranthighly sought-after reservation at Zero George
Lequeux-Williams HouseSighthistoric house above Lowland restaurant
The RyderHotelchannels beatnik ideal of finding oneself
The NickelHotelhotel in Upper King entertainment district
The Spectator HotelHotelboutique hotel near historic market
The LoutrelHotelboutique hotel with rooftop terrace
Philadelphia AlleyNeighborhoodhistoric alley lined with camellias
White Point GardensSightpublic park facing the harbor
High BatteryTrailpromenade overlooking forts and harbor
86 Cannon CharlestonHotelboutique hotel in historic house
The Palmetto HotelHotelhotel with tall, sunny lobby
AnsonboroughNeighborhoodlovely neighborhood to explore
French QuarterQuarterarea fronted by The Palmetto Hotel

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Atlas ObscuraJan 27

Gateway Walk in Charleston, South Carolina

If you are looking for something to do in Charleston that you are unlikely to have done before, explore this quiet path developed in 1930 by The Garden Club of Charleston. Start by exploring gardens, architecture, and cemeteries at the St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Unitarian Church. Walk from the back right corner of the Unitarian garden and across King Street to the Charleston Library Soc…

12 things in this story

St. John’s Lutheran ChurchSightSt.
Unitarian ChurchSightLearn about our mission and values.
Charleston Library SocietySightExplore their grounds
American GardenSightOrnate fountains
Circular Congressional ChurchSightExperience architecture and gardens
Circular Congregational ChurchSightIts parish house, the Parish House of the Circular Congregational Church, is a highly significant Greek Revival…
Gateway WalkTrailQuiet path developed in 1930
Saint Philips graveyardSightPath officially ends here
The Gibbes Museum of ArtMuseum
Saint Philips graveyard and churchSight
Governor Aiken gatesSight
Saint Philips churchSight

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 19, 2025

The Best Places to Go in the US in 2026

For retro road trips, outdoorsy getaways, and citywide revivals.

25 things in this story

The Nickel HotelHotelfull kitchens and luxe details
The Charleston PlaceHotelretooling of lounge, suites, rooftop pool
MerciRestaurantnew kid on the block oozes charm
Bintü AtelierRestaurantBintu Atelier is a West African restaurant with a splash of nomadic flavors.
KulturaRestaurantThe dining room's main feature is the bar, which the restaurant treats like a community table.
Hotel RichemontHotelsuites with full kitchens
The Dunlin, Auberge CollectionHotelset on the Kiawah River
Elsewhere
OZ Trails Bike ParkTrailBella Vista, United Statesfirst chairlift-served downhill park
Hot Springs National ParkSightHot Springs, United Statesbubbling thermal waters
The Trails at MenaTrailMena, United Stateslargest lift-served mountain bike park
Delta Heritage TrailTrailArkansas, United States84.5 miles of hiking and biking trails
Crystal Bridges Museum of American ArtMuseumBentonville, United Statestwo new galleries, 114,000 sq ft
The ComptonHotelBentonville, United Statesnewly opened boutique property
Buffalo WaterfrontSightBuffalo, United Statesrestoration plan with trails
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. ParkSightBuffalo, United Statespedestrian bridge links west side
Highmark StadiumSightBuffalo, United Statesworld's largest heated roof
Hispanic Heritage Cultural InstituteMuseumBuffalo, United Statesopening on Buffalo's west side
GraycliffSightBuffalo, United Statesnew visitor center at Frank Lloyd Wright's home
Lipsey Architecture CenterMuseumBuffalo, United Statesnew home on Richardson Olmsted Campus
Catalina CasinoSightAvalon, United StatesArt Deco gem built in 1929
Trans-Catalina TrailTrailAvalon, United States38.5-mile hike
Lover's Cove Marine ReserveSightAvalon, United Statessnorkel turquoise waters
Mt AdaHotelAvalon, United StatesWilliam Wrigley Jr.'s former mansion
Ozark National ForestSightOzark, United States
Ouachita MountainsSightOuachita, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 7, 2025

Expect to See These Hotels All Over Your Feed in 2026

From Venice to Kyoto and Costa Rica, it's going to be an unforgettable year for newcomers and familiar faces alike.

21 hotels in this story

The CooperHotelWaterfront location overlooking Charleston Harbor
Elsewhere
The Knox Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts CollectionHotelDallas, United StatesAnchors the magnetic Knox Street neighborhood
White ElephantHotelAspen, United StatesThird outpost with 54 rooms and mountain views
The Selvedge, a SingleThread InnHotelHealdsburg, United StatesRestored 1895 River Belle Inn on Russian River banks
The Huntington HotelHotelSan Francisco, United StatesGrande dame of Nob Hill, renovated by Ken Fulk
The Vineta, Oetker HotelsHotelPalm Beach, United StatesHistoric building on Cocoanut Row, recently renovated
1 Hotel AustinHotelAustin, United StatesNature-driven approach on banks of Waller Creek
AmanvariHotelCosta Palmas, MexicoUltra-luxe serenity within Costa Palmas community
Siari, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveHotelNayarit, MexicoEstate on 920 acres along Mexico's Pacific coast
JW Marriott Costa ElenaHotelGuanacaste, Costa RicaChic new all-inclusive property with 415 rooms
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences CartagenaHotelCartagena, ColombiaSpans heritage buildings in vibrant Getsemaní
Explora El CalafateHotelEl Calafate, ArgentinaLuxury lodge near Lake Argentino with glacier views
Inkaterra Cabo BlancoHotelPiura, PeruEco-tourism destination on Peru's northern coastline
Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty ArchHotelLondon, United KingdomOccupies a Grade-I listed monument near Trafalgar Square
Cambridge House, Auberge CollectionHotelLondon, United KingdomGeorgian mansion on Piccadilly, balancing heritage and polish
The NewmanHotelLondon, United KingdomBoutique hotel in Fitzrovia with Art Deco design
HopeHotelScottish Highlands, United KingdomRetreat on vast Sutherland estate, part of rewilding project
Mercer MadridHotelMadrid, SpainLandmarked building, former HQ of Sociedad General Azucarera
Vestige Can JordiHotelFormentera, SpainLocated on Cala Saona, one of the island's best beaches
Zannier BendorHotelÎle de Bendor, FranceReimagined Provençal village on a private island
Airelles Palladio VeneziaHotelVenice, ItalyOccupies three historic buildings on Giudecca

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 4, 2025

The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the US

“America the Beautiful,” indeed.

5 things in this story

Angel OakSightOne of the most beautiful places in America.
Elsewhere
Grand Prismatic SpringSightYellowstone National Park, United StatesLargest hot spring in the US, a rainbow ring of colors.
Highway 1HotelBig Sur, United StatesIconic American road trip route along the coast.
Cades CoveSightGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesVerdant valley with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Clay Head PreserveSightBlock Island, United States190-acre nature conservancy with walking paths.

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Smithsonian MagazineNov 21, 2025

From Historic Houses to Scenic Salt Marshes, These 15 Photographs Capture the Charm of Charleston, South Carolina

Enjoy this collection of images of the coastal city from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

2 things in this story

SmithsonianPlaceFounded on August 10, 1846, it operates as a trust instrumentality and is not formally a part of any of the three…
WaterfrontPark

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 20, 2025

The Friendliest Cities in the US, According to Our Readers

Places that embody Midwest nice, Southern hospitality, and more.

12 things in this story

Fort SumterParkBuilt on an artificial island in 1829 in response to the War of 1812, which had exposed the inadequacy of American…
The CitadelSight
Kiawah IslandSight
Isle of PalmsSight
Elsewhere
Cardiff State BeachSightSan Diego, United StatesBeach where you can catch waves.
Crescent ParkSightNew Orleans, United StatesPark for a stroll.
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMASightNew Orleans, United States11-acre sculpture garden.
The Thurman CafeRestaurantColumbus, United StatesKnown for overloaded burgers.
Torpedo Factory Art CenterMuseumAlexandria, United StatesArt center.
Kentucky Horse ParkSightLexington, United StatesPark dedicated to horses.
Keeneland Race CourseSightLexington, United StatesRace course.
Belmont ParkSightSan Diego, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 12, 2025

11 Best Bachelorette Airbnbs in Charleston for Every Group’s Vibe

These chic rentals offer easy access to Upper King Street, local beaches, and popular restaurants.

28 things in this story

Upper King StreetNeighborhoodbars and restaurants nearby
Wild Dunes Resort and Golf CourseHotellocated behind resort gates on Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms BeachSightminutes away from shopping and dining
Mount PleasantNeighborhoodnearby shopping and dining
Folly BeachSightsurf spot beloved by wave riders
Center StreetNeighborhoodfills with revelry most weekend nights
Marion SquareParkThe ten-acre square (4.0 ha) was established as a parade ground for the state arsenal under construction on the…
Charleston MuseumMuseumEstablished in 1773, it is the oldest museum in the United States.
King StreetNeighborhoodpedestrian mecca
Tiny Tennis MuseumMuseumIn the historic city of Charleston, SC, there is a small gallery dedicated to the Driftway Collection, and the early…
Arthur Ravenel Jr. BridgeSightvisible from rooftop terrace
The DomePlace
Virginia Museum of Contemporary ArtMuseum
Three Ships Coffee RoastersRestaurant
Hearth Wood Fired Cuisine & Craft BeerRestaurant
Milk & Honey Southern Inspired KitchenRestaurant
Redux Art CenterSight
Ohana HouseHotel
Paradise at the WashoutHotel
The SoireeHotel
The CavallaHotel
Red SunsetHotel
Emerson Square CharlestonHotel
The Congaree HouseHotel
Charleston EscapeHotel
Boho RosaHotel
Charleston Cozy HouseHotel
The DelphineHotel

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 23, 2025

A Charleston Place-Inspired Packing List for Touring the Lowcountry in Style

This perennial Readers' Choice Awards favorite embodies effortless Southern charm.

9 things in this story

The Charleston PlaceHotelundergoing $150 million renovation by Atelier Kim
Thoroughbred ClubBarlounge with mahogany-laden vibe
Louis VuittonPlace
Gerald CharlesPlace
Watches of SwitzerlandPlace
Brunello CucinelliPlace
PradaPlace
Manolo BlahnikPlace
Paul SmithPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 9, 2025

40 Best Restaurants in Charleston, From Raw Bars to Barbecue Joints

Some of the highest quality eats in the Lowcountry

27 restaurants in this story

MerciRestaurantCoveted tables in a 19th-century building
Tutti PizzaRestaurantPizzas pair perfectly with wine from next door Graft
Marbled & FinRestaurantSteakhouse classics with prime beef tartare
Sullivan's Fish CampRestaurantSouthern fish camp tradition with fried seafood
Cane PazzoRestaurantWood-fired oven dominates space, serving pasta and pizza
XO BrasserieRestaurantCantonese and Sichuan classics, dim sum and dumplings
IndacoRestaurantBustling dining room with strong cocktails and Italian wines
HuskRestaurantMenu delivers seafood, steaks, and vegetables from garden
King BBQRestaurantBarbecue by the pound, poultry combo with five-spice chicken
Bintü AtelierRestaurantBintu Atelier is a West African restaurant with a splash of nomadic flavors.
LowlandRestaurantModern tavern with biscuit, Tavern burger, and celery salad
Babas on CannonCaféAll-day cafe serving overnight oats to caviar sandwiches
MaisonRestaurantThe best new French bistro restaurant in downtown Charleston, SC serving delicious seafood and french cuisine by Vandy…
TuttiRestaurantThis feels like a neighborhood joint, and that's because it is, with patrons mingling by the pick-up window even before…
Wild OliveRestaurantSeasonal tweaks with tender agnolotti and charred octopus
Vern'sRestaurantNeighborhood restaurant with advanced cooking techniques
The Obstinate DaughterRestaurantSister restaurant to Wild Olive with Italian inflection
Lewis BarbecueRestaurantTexas-style brisket and barbecue
Chez NousRestaurantCharming, charming, charming.
Slightly North of BroadRestaurantLowcountry cuisine with refined dishes
CostaRestaurantCosta* encompasses coastal Italian fare from Liguria to Amalfi and down to Sicily, standing as a vibrant testament to…
Palmira BarbecueRestaurantLocated in Pierpoint Shopping Center in Charleston 's West Ashley, you'll know you've arrived by the large mural on the…
Xiao Bao BiscuitRestaurantAsian soul food with steamed buns
The GroceryRestaurantA neighborhood gathering place featuring ingredients from our favorite farmers, fishermen, foragers and artisans.
KulturaRestaurantThe dining room's main feature is the bar, which the restaurant treats like a community table.
GraftRestaurant
Leon's Oyster ShopRestaurant

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Atlas ObscuraOct 1, 2025

The Surprising History of South Carolina’s Frogmore Stew

“There’s no frogs in this stew,” says Lavern Meggett, laughing. A daughter of the Gullah Geechee matriarch and best-selling author Emily Meggett , Lavern and her siblings now continue their mother’s culinary legacy, often while hosting events on the remote island where they grew up, off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. “Here’s what my mom would say: Everybody would come over after a lon…

23 things in this story

Emily MeggettPlaceEmily Meggett spent decades caring for her community with her delicious, traditional Gullah Geechee food from South…
St. Helena IslandSightorigin of Frogmore stew
Gay Fish CompanyPlacesells shrimp and crabs
Folly BeachSightnear Bowens Island Restaurant
Roger WoodPlaceUse our handy zip-code finder to locate our products near you.
Edisto IslandNeighborhoodMeggett family home
Bowens Island RestaurantRestaurantoffers stew with dock view
ACE BasinNature reservetidal waterways
Pawleys IslandNeighborhoodlocation of Harrelson's Seafood
Harrelson’s SeafoodRestaurantoffers ready-to-go boil-in-a-bag
CudaCo Seafood HouseRestaurantsells briny brown shrimp
McClellanvilleNeighborhoodfishing village
FrogmoreNeighborhoodfishing community on St. Helena Island
Casual CrabbingPlaceexpeditions to learn crabbing
Port Royal SoundSightlocation of Frogmore community
Frogmore StewRestaurant
Lavern MeggettPlace
Joseph E. DabneyPlace
Beaufort ArmorySight
Gullah Geechee peopleNeighborhood
Tia ClarkPlace
BeaufortNeighborhood
Meggett’s houseRestaurant

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