Top Southern Cities, Beach Getaways, Barbecue Joints, Golf Destinations Revealed As Southern Living Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Southern Living announced winners of its 10th annual South's Best Awards.

In its 60th anniversary year, Southern Living once again turned to its readers to name the South's very best destinations, accommodations, and culinary experiences.

Full coverage of the South's Best Award winners will appear in the April issue of Southern Living, on sale March 20 and online now.

This year's survey reveals the South's Best Cities, Top Beach Getaways, Top Classic Restaurants, Top New Hotels, Top Inns, Top Legendary Restaurants, Top Barbecue Joints in Each State, and more.

 For the first time, the awards also recognize Top Golf Destinations, expanding to highlight cities and towns with bucket list-worthy courses.

Golden Isles, Georgia takes the winning spot in the Top Beach Getaway category, while Charleston, South Carolina remains the South's Best City, marking a decade at the top of the South's Best rankings thanks to its culture, culinary scene, and historic charm.

Highlights of Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards survey results:

South's Best Cities – Top 10

1. Charleston, SC

2. Savannah, GA

3. Asheville, NC

4. Nashville, TN

5. New Orleans, LA

6. Lexington, KY

7. Wilmington, NC

8. Chattanooga, TN

9. Greenville, SC

10. St. Petersburg, FL

Top Golf Destinations

1. Pinehurst, NC

2. Hilton Head Island, SC

3. Sea Island, GA

4. Kiawah Island, SC

5. Myrtle Beach, SC

Top New Hotels

1. The Flat Iron Hotel – Asheville, NC

2. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort – Longboat Key, FL

3. The Gilmore – Nashville, TN

4. Embers Hotel – Blowing Rock, NC

5. Hotel Richemont – Charleston, SC

South's Best Barbecue Joints – Winner in Each State

South Carolina: Lewis Barbecue (Charleston)

For the full results and methodology from Southern Living's 2026 South's Best survey, including the lists of winners in every category, go to SouthernLiving.com.