Why Charleston and Asheville Are Among the Most Beautiful Places in America
Charleston. Asheville. Two storied Southern cities. If you’ve ever wondered why Charleston and Asheville are among the most beautiful places in America, a visit will reveal an exceptional hospitality vision.
Nestled in distinct cultural landscapes yet united by natural beauty, Charleston, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina are more than travel destinations — they are emotional anchor points of heritage, aesthetics, and memorable experiences. It’s precisely why The Restoration Hotel chose these cities as cornerstone locations in our boutique hospitality family. Each city captures elements of what Condé Nast Traveler recently described in “The 50 Most Beautiful Places in America” — from enchanting woodlands and scenic drives to vibrant architecture and rich cultural settings.
In this article, we’ll explore how Charleston and Asheville embody beauty, culture, and timeless appeal, and why The Restoration Hotel is thrilled to call these places home.
America’s Natural Beauty Through the Lens of Condé Nast Traveler
In addition, these destinations offer more than visual appeal. For example, their culture, history, and sense of place deepen the travel experience. As a result, visitors often return not just for scenery, but for connection.
Condé Nast Traveler’s gallery of “The 50 Most Beautiful Places in America” is a sweep across this nation’s most breathtaking natural and cultural landscapes. From Alaska’s dramatic glaciers to Florida’s serene beaches and Montana’s mountain lakes, the list showcases why the United States is a tapestry of spectacular scenery and traveler appeal.
Central to that list — and close to our properties’ roots — are places like:
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Angel Oak (South Carolina) — a majestic live oak tree near Charleston, emblematic of the region’s timeless charm.
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Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina) — running through the Appalachians, this scenic byway is often described as one long overlook, framed by rolling mountains that transform with each season.
These aren’t just pretty postcards. They’re experiences that shape the emotional landscape of travelers visiting the Southeast.
Why Charleston Resonates with Travelers and With Us
Charleston’s allure is layered — much like the city’s pastel-hued historic homes and winding cobblestone streets.
1. Immersive Historic and Cultural Beauty
Historic Charleston is more than architecture — it’s a living chronicle of American history. From antebellum homes to maritime stories etched in every waterfront, this city exudes warmth and narrative. Condé Nast Traveler’s list specifically highlights Angel Oak, a monumental natural landmark a short drive from downtown Charleston, as one of America’s most beautiful places.
Whether travelers wander through the French Quarter or kayak Charleston Harbor at sunrise, Charleston’s charm is unmissable.
It’s no coincidence that travelers and publications alike continue to ask why Charleston and Asheville are among the most beautiful places in America, as both cities balance natural beauty with deeply rooted cultural identity.
Travel + Leisure and reader polls frequently recognize Charleston as the Best City in the U.S. for 12 Straight Years, beloved for its culture, cuisine, and enchanting historic districts — affirming its place on travelers’ “must-see” maps.
2. A Design and Experience Ethos We Share
The Restoration Hotel set out to craft environments rooted in context, character, and place. Charleston’s immersive beauty aligns with our philosophy of thoughtful, grounded hospitality.
Staying here isn’t about being near beauty — it’s about being within it.
Asheville: A Mountain Canvas of Nature and Culture
If Charleston whispers history, Asheville sings it through forests, arts districts, and mountain vistas.
1. A Gateway to Wilderness and Scenic Journeys
Right at Asheville’s doorstep is the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most scenic roadways — and a destination in its own right, featured on the Condé Nast Traveler list.
Imagine winding through a palette of fall colors or dawn’s blue hour, with overlooks that stretch farther than the eye can see. That’s Asheville’s calling card: nature at its most dramatic yet accessible.
2. Asheville’s Culture of Authenticity
Asheville blends natural beauty with a bold creative spirit. The city’s historic arts districts, indie breweries, and storybook mountain views make it feel like a deeply personal travel story waiting to be written.
Recently, Asheville was recognized by Reader’s Digest as the “Nicest Place in America” — a testament not just to its landscape but to the genuine warmth of its community.
3. Proximity to Historic Character
Nearby stands the Biltmore Estate, one of the country’s grandest historic homes — itself a landscape treasure and cultural touchpoint that frames Asheville’s narrative of refined heritage.
Asheville isn’t just scenic. It’s storied.
Beauty as a Branding Compass for The Restoration Hotel
You might be asking: Why place a hotel where beauty already exists?
Because beauty isn’t static. It evolves through experiences, memory, community, and design — all of which The Restoration Hotel infuses into every stay.
Here’s how our properties embody the essence of their locations:
1. Contextual Design and Local Perspective
We don’t just build beautiful spaces. We marry design with cultural intelligence — from local artisans to architectural cues that thread into the city’s fabric. A Restoration guest in Charleston might encounter handpicked local textiles, coastal tones, and tailored experiences evocative of Lowcountry charm.
In Asheville, the mountain spirit guides material choices, art collaborations, and even outdoor amenity design — lighting up stays with a sense of place that’s unmistakably Appalachian.
2. Curated Experiences Rooted in the Extraordinary
Where others offer stays, we aim to create journeys. From sunrise excursions along the Blue Ridge Parkway to curated walking tours through Charleston’s historic districts — our guest experiences reflect not just where you are, but why it matters.
Where Beauty Becomes a Place to Stay
Being named among the most beautiful places in America is more than a distinction — it’s a responsibility. It means preserving what makes a place meaningful, honoring its rhythm, and inviting travelers to experience it with intention.
Charleston and Asheville are cities shaped by time, nature, and creativity. From centuries-old live oaks and coastal streets to winding mountain roads and artistic enclaves, their beauty is layered, lived-in, and deeply human. That is exactly the kind of beauty The Restoration Hotel seeks to surround our guests with.
When you stay with us, you’re not simply visiting a destination — you’re stepping into its story. Mornings unfold slowly. Afternoons invite exploration. Evenings feel earned. Whether you’re wandering historic neighborhoods in Charleston or tracing the curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, the experience stays with you long after the journey ends.
Understanding why Charleston and Asheville are among the most beautiful places in America means looking beyond scenery and into the stories, communities, and experiences that define them.
These are places worth returning to. Places worth restoring yourself in. And places we’re proud to call home.
