Sarasota named America's best town to visit in 2026 by CNN

Just in time for the July Fourth holiday weekend, Sarasota has been named the No. 1 "Best Town to Visit in 2026" by CNN.

As the United States marks its 250th birthday, CNN Travel released its annual list of America's Best Towns to Visit on Wednesday, July 1, spotlighting 10 destinations that it says often fly under the radar.

“What really pushed Sarasota to the top of the list was that it offers the best of both worlds," Marnie Hunter, a senior producer for CNN Travel, told the Herald-Tribune in an emailed statement. "You have these incredible beaches, but you also have a rich arts and cultural scene. Add in The Ringling's circus legacy, and it becomes a destination that's both beautiful and fascinating.”

Sarasota ranked above places such as New Haven, Connecticut (No. 2), Greenville, South Carolina (No. 3), and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (No. 4).

"Our third annual list looks beyond some of American tourism’s heaviest hitters to find less-discovered communities or places whose unexpected histories and curiosities have been obscured by splashier attractions," CNN Travel notes on its website.

The ranking highlighted Sarasota's mix of arts, history and coastal beauty, praising the city's cultural institutions, unique heritage and celebrated beaches.

"This Gulf Coast city goes all-in on artistic excellence with a cultural compound that grew from the fortunes of a circus magnate, and other visual and performing arts attractions," reads the blurb on CNN's website. "Circus lore and a population of Amish snowbirds add to this town’s intriguing history. Throw in rare gardens and beautiful beaches, and you have a sophisticated cultural getaway that delivers sun and surf, too."

The "Best Towns in America" article links to a full story by CNN about Sarasota titled "This coastal Florida town is world-class in more ways than one." The accompanying feature explores how Sarasota has evolved into one of the nation's premier arts destinations while retaining the beaches and waterfront lifestyle that attract visitors from around the world.

CNN noted Sarasota's identity as Florida's "Cultural Coast," pointing to institutions such as The Ringling museum and the outsized influence of circus magnate John Ringling on the city's artistic development.

The piece also praises Sarasota's theater, music, dance and visual arts offerings, which local leaders compare to those found in much larger metropolitan areas. Beyond culture, CNN spotlights Sarasota's walkable downtown, waterfront setting, botanical gardens, Gulf beaches and even the area's Amish snowbird community, portraying the city as a rare destination where world-class arts and a classic Florida beach vacation coexist.

CNN dubbed The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime an "essential" shopping destination in Sarasota and selected the circus-themed Cirque St. Armands Beachside hotel overlooking Lido Beach, home to the Ringside restaurant, as the city's top place to stay.

For restaurant and bar recommendations, CNN highlighted James Beard-nominated Indigenous downtown, St. Armands Circle Spanish cuisine landmark Columbia Restaurant, North Trail tiki icon Bahi Hut, The Green Orchid at Marie Selby Gardens, Amish favorite Der Dutchman and Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key.

"Any visit to Longboat Key should include raising something cold to drink — perhaps a Hugo Spritz or mojito — and sampling a grouper sandwich or blackened grouper tacos at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, where alfresco tables overlook Sarasota Bay (a playground for eco tours and dolphin cruises) and egrets stalk the breakwater," CNN notes.

CNN said it considered hundreds of destinations nationwide before selecting its 10 standout towns.

The list was "based on factors including attractions, food and drink, arts and culture, local identity, accessibility, proximity to other notable destinations, and overall visitor experience," CNN said in an email to the Herald-Tribune.

Wade Tatangelo is the executive editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida dining and entertainment editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.