This SC city ranks 9th among US beach spots that look like Europe, national magazine says
One South Carolina city is included on a recently published list of 38 prettiest American beach towns that look like Europe.
It is the perennial favorite Charleston, which came in No. 9 on House Beautiful’s list. The magazine called the Holy city reminiscent of Spain and France.
“While this port city on Charleston Harbor gets its name from a British king (Charles II, to be exact), its cobblestone streets and stout, colorful buildings evoke mainland Europe—especially Spain and France,” the magazine said.
Unlike many lists compiled by national magazines, House Beautiful did not suggest any places to eat or things to do other than go to the beach, specifically mentioning Folly and Isle of Palms.
Charleston has been ranked at the top of many lists including Travel + Leisure’s 15 favorite cities in the United States (10 years in a row), Conde Nast Traveler’s best small city, Forbes’ best places to live in South Carolina, Southern Living’s best city in the South. All were within the past few months.
The other top cities on House Beautiful’s Europe list include:
Alys Beach, Florida, (northeast of Panama City) like Greece
Corona del Mar, California, like Portugal’s Algarve
Holland, Michigan, built to be reminiscent of Holland complete with windmills and tulips
Venice, California, like Venice with its canals but more like Amsterdam
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, whose Scottish heritage shows in the architecture but also in the restaurants — “and even the traditions upheld (like the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend).”
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California “While the coastline is reminiscent of Italy’s Cinque Terre, its downtown — complete with cobblestone streets lined with thatched-roof shops — looks like something out of a German fairy tale.”
Poulsbo, Washington, known as Little Norway
Avalon, California, located on Santa Catalina Island is like Greece
Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach, California, like Germany
