Add this to our ever-growing list of accolades: Sarasota was just ranked No. 1 in CNN's list of "America's Best Towns to Visit" in 2026.

Naturally, the story highlights our world-class beaches and plentiful marine life, but it also dives into Sarasota County's reputation as the "cultural coast" of Florida thanks to institutions like The Ringling, Sarasota Art Museum, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, Selby Gardens, Mote SEA and Asolo Rep. Urbanite Theatre and Sarasota Contemporary Dance were recognized, too.

CNN also highlighted Sarasota's circus history—the county was the longtime winter headquarters of The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—and echoes of the circus can be found all around town, from the Circus Museum at The Ringling to the Little People's Houses to Showfolks, the private club for active and retired circus performers, and St. Armands Circle, whose wagon-wheel shape—designed by John Ringling himself—is a nod to the circus, too.  

Pinecraft—Sarasota's Amish-Mennonite neighborhood, where you'll find oversized tricycles sharing busy Bahia Vista Street with SUVs—was praised for its traditional Amish restaurants and homey retail like Alma Sue's quilt shop, where shoppers can take home a hand-sewn treasure. 

Other call outs: the tony St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, the Bahi Hut and its killer Mai Tais, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, Indigenous restaurant in Towles Court, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key and more.

To read the full story, click here.