Friday, Jul 3, 2026
Was Sarasota ranked as the best town to visit in America?
Sarasota was deemed the best town to visit in the country in CNN’s third annual list published on July 1.
The list examines under-the-radar locations in the U.S. and ranks them based on categories including attractions, food and beverage scene, diversity, “wow factor” and cultural and nightlife offerings.
“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,” CNN describes Sarasota.
CNN also highlights Sarasota’s circus lore and population of Amish snowbirds as part of its “intriguing history.”
Other towns on the list include New Haven, Connecticut in second, Fort Collins, Colorado in fifth and Roanoke, Virginia in 10th.
The top towns were determined by CNN staffers and readers, meaning each ranking is subjective.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
About fact briefs
Fact briefs are bite-sized, well-sourced explanations that offer clear "yes" or "no" answers to questions, confusions, and unsupported claims circulating online. They rely on publicly available data and documents, often from the original source. Fact briefs are written and published by newsrooms in the Gigafact network.
See all fact briefsLatest Fact Briefs
Are fireworks banned in Sarasota County over Fourth of July weekend?
Friday, Jul 3, 2026
Is it legal for the public to kill iguanas in Florida?
Friday, Jun 26, 2026
Did Democrats outnumber Republicans in Florida when DeSantis took office?
Friday, Jun 26, 2026