CNN Travel has published its third annual ranking of "America's Best Towns to Visit," timed to the United States' 250th birthday and built around the idea that local communities remain central to how Americans connect across differences, whether in cafés, bars, bookstores, or on hiking trails. The outlet frames these towns as the connective threads running through the country's social fabric.

For this year's edition, CNN Travel said its editors solicited nominations from readers and staff, then narrowed the field to 10 finalists by weighing each town's attractions, food and drink scene, cultural and nightlife offerings, sense of local identity, diversity, proximity to nearby points of interest, and overall "wow factor," alongside practical travel considerations such as lodging options and accessibility. 

The publication said this year's selections deliberately look past some of the country's most heavily visited tourist destinations in favor of lesser-known communities, spanning beach and mountain towns in the East to creative hubs in the Midwest and the Rockies, in a mix meant to reflect the range of American landscapes, architecture, culture, food, and people.

The 2026 ranking:

1. Sarasota, Florida — This Gulf Coast city embraces artistic excellence with a cultural compound that grew from the fortunes of a circus magnate, alongside other visual and performing arts attractions. Circus lore and a population of Amish snowbirds add to its intriguing history, with rare gardens and beautiful beaches rounding out a sophisticated cultural getaway.

2. New Haven, Connecticut— Home to Yale University, New Haven is a walkable haven for restaurants, music, art, and theater, with Yale's stately brick academic buildings and world-class museums helping define the city as Connecticut's cultural capital. New Haven-style pizza, grounded in a century of history, isn't the city's only culinary claim to fame—it also lays claim to a quintessential American sandwich.

3. Greenville, South Carolina — With a vibrant downtown and an urban waterfall in central Falls Park, Greenville has a lengthy pedestrian and bike trail linking neighborhoods, attractions, and a charming small town 10 miles north. The Southern city looked entirely unique a few decades ago, and CNN frames its transformation as a "50-year overnight success story."

4. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania — After some lean years, Bethlehem is thriving again, thanks to a picturesque Main Street, its appeal as a twinkly Christmastime destination, and the country's newest UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Fort Collins, Colorado—CNN's specific write-up wasn't available in the sources I could access; the town is broadly known for its craft-brewery scene, Colorado State University, and proximity to the Rockies.

6. Burlington, Vermont — CNN's specific write-up wasn't available in the sources I could access; the town is broadly known for its Lake Champlain waterfront and environmentally minded culture.

7. Juneau, Alaska—Juneau earns its spot thanks to its wilderness "wow" factor, wildlife, seafood, and unique culture. Located along the Inside Passage and inaccessible by road, the state capital is small in population but "massive in nature."

8. Iowa City, Iowa — Iowa City is described as America's "engine room of literature"—a lively college town built around a strong literary identity.

9. Lawrence, Kansas — Lawrence resembles Main Street perfection, a haven of craft breweries, indie bookstores, and historic hotels—but beneath the charming Midwestern façade lies a rebellious streak: twice burned down during the Civil War era, the town has always rebuilt itself, a spirit that survives today in its historic district.

10. Roanoke, Virginia — Flanked by the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke offers a trio of standout hikes, plus deep railroad history, and a walkable downtown adding new restaurants, residents, and businesses.

Source: CNN Travel