CNN Travel has named Sarasota, Florida, as the top destination in its annual list of America's Best Towns to Visit, released on July 1, 2026.
The network selected ten under-the-radar communities based on local identity, cultural institutions, and visitor experience.
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According to CNN Travel, the selection process evaluated hundreds of locations nationwide to find less-discovered communities.
Sarasota secured the highest rank by blending coastal attractions with an expansive performing arts sector.
"What really pushed Sarasota to the top of the list was that it offers the best of both worlds," said Marnie Hunter, Senior Producer for CNN Travel.
The coastal city features historical links to the circus industry alongside its beaches. "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," Hunter added.
The publication explained that its third annual list aims to look past traditional tourism heavy hitters to discover unique local history.
"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 noted.
The network highlighted the specific artistic history of the Gulf Coast destination on its website.
"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," read the blurb on CNN's website.
